For my final day in the capital I had it planned out completely, it didn't end up perfect but I got almost everything done I was hoping to!!
I have been told that I have not completed my "Iclandic experience" unless I went for a ride on one of the Iclandic small, long haired horses, so this morning I booked a half-day horse riding tour, with the bonus of included lunch, thats what I like to hear! :D
The company picked me up at about 9:15, it was then I learnt that the other people that were booked on that tour cancelled, so lucky me got a private tour!! They saddled up the horse for me, I was still pretty nervous at this point, I'm not great around horses. I did get more confident along the way. The ride went for about an hour and a half, with the combination of perfect weather, beautiful scenery and a lazy horse that didn't go too fast, I ended up having a great time!
I have been told that I have not completed my "Iclandic experience" unless I went for a ride on one of the Iclandic small, long haired horses, so this morning I booked a half-day horse riding tour, with the bonus of included lunch, thats what I like to hear! :D
The company picked me up at about 9:15, it was then I learnt that the other people that were booked on that tour cancelled, so lucky me got a private tour!! They saddled up the horse for me, I was still pretty nervous at this point, I'm not great around horses. I did get more confident along the way. The ride went for about an hour and a half, with the combination of perfect weather, beautiful scenery and a lazy horse that didn't go too fast, I ended up having a great time!
After my mornings adventure, i decided to head off on one final "proper" road trip. I headed north and drove along route 36 for about 40mins, this was the road i missed out on driving the day i arrived in Reykjavik! Well i am glad i went back and partially drove this road, it was a great road to drive and the views were yet again sensational!
My next destination was one I had been looking forward to from day dot, I was almost thinking I may not have time to get out here, but made sure I did, at least for a look around. This magical place is called
My final sto on the loop, I was saving best for last, is the the rock formations called Þingvellir. This is where the Vikings held their parliaments back in 930, and they continued to use this until 1798. I think all parliaments should be held at places like this, with the spectacular scenery things would be resolved faster and better decisions would be made by "cool-headed" politicians. This place is a hikers heaven and I would love to come back during the warmer months to get out and see more! Yet again, I cannot say anything more and must let the pictures speak for themselves, even though they don't do it justice!
Þingvellir National park, from the start of my loop to the end I stopped about 50 times for photos and just to get out and take it all in! This place was amazing. My final sto on the loop, I was saving best for last, is the the rock formations called Þingvellir. This is where the Vikings held their parliaments back in 930, and they continued to use this until 1798. I think all parliaments should be held at places like this, with the spectacular scenery things would be resolved faster and better decisions would be made by "cool-headed" politicians. This place is a hikers heaven and I would love to come back during the warmer months to get out and see more! Yet again, I cannot say anything more and must let the pictures speak for themselves, even though they don't do it justice!
As the weather (rain) came in, I decided it was time to head back into town and straight to the ice hockey. Because I wanted to spend extra time at the national park I missed the first period of Australia Vs. Serbia but scores were tied so I was happy with that! Through the next 2 periods both teams went goal for goal and no goals were scored in the 5 minute over-time so it came down to a good old penalty shootout! Australia got their first goal but missed their second and Serbia did the same but in reverse. It came down to the wire but the boys were able to score on the third, and stop the Serbians final attempt! FINALLY the first win of the Championship!! It was a pretty big celebration, making me a lot more excited for the Iceland vs. Australia game tomorrow night!!
For the final part of my blog tonight, I suggest greenies and peacekeepers skip it. The Ice Hockey is a great way to finish off the day for you all....
My stomach (and trip advisor) led me to "The Icelandic Bar" for a sample of some classic Icelandic dishes. I decided to go all out and have a full 3 coarse meal with Icelandic beer to wash it all down, which is a very nice beer considering the company isn't very old!
So if everyone else is ready.. My entree was puffin (icelandic bird) with blueberry onion (yum), lemon skyr dressing and blueberries. I wasnt sure whether I actually wanted to try this or not, but in the end I just said YOIO (you only Iceland once) and bit the bullet. Surprisingly it was very good, it was red meat, cooked medium rare and was quite tender with great flavour!
My main was peppered Minke Whale steak with a blueberry and béarnaise duo of sauce, with a side of fries. The whale was cooked rare, i can imagine if it was overcooked it would go tough and disgusting, well id love to lie and say that it was disgusting and il never eat it again but it was very much the opposite. Once again being a really tender red meat that almost melted in your mouth (I personally liked this because I like to be able chew on my steak), I very much enjoyed every bit of this meal, and could of licked the plate clean afterwards!!
For dessert, this is a fairly normal one, I once again had Skyr, but in the form of a thick yoghurt. This was accompanied by white chocolate, lemon rind, blueberries and whipped cream. Avoiding the fake whipped cream out of a can, I really enjoyed this very summery and fruity dessert, would definitely have it again!!
Even though the Icelandic people eat strange and questionable things, they make amazing meals out of these ingredients and really show off the local produce, all round it was a great experience to try these things whilst being here!
The photo below is the whale steak, I forgot to take photos of both the other dishes before I destroyed how nicely presented they were!
My stomach (and trip advisor) led me to "The Icelandic Bar" for a sample of some classic Icelandic dishes. I decided to go all out and have a full 3 coarse meal with Icelandic beer to wash it all down, which is a very nice beer considering the company isn't very old!
So if everyone else is ready.. My entree was puffin (icelandic bird) with blueberry onion (yum), lemon skyr dressing and blueberries. I wasnt sure whether I actually wanted to try this or not, but in the end I just said YOIO (you only Iceland once) and bit the bullet. Surprisingly it was very good, it was red meat, cooked medium rare and was quite tender with great flavour!
My main was peppered Minke Whale steak with a blueberry and béarnaise duo of sauce, with a side of fries. The whale was cooked rare, i can imagine if it was overcooked it would go tough and disgusting, well id love to lie and say that it was disgusting and il never eat it again but it was very much the opposite. Once again being a really tender red meat that almost melted in your mouth (I personally liked this because I like to be able chew on my steak), I very much enjoyed every bit of this meal, and could of licked the plate clean afterwards!!
For dessert, this is a fairly normal one, I once again had Skyr, but in the form of a thick yoghurt. This was accompanied by white chocolate, lemon rind, blueberries and whipped cream. Avoiding the fake whipped cream out of a can, I really enjoyed this very summery and fruity dessert, would definitely have it again!!
Even though the Icelandic people eat strange and questionable things, they make amazing meals out of these ingredients and really show off the local produce, all round it was a great experience to try these things whilst being here!
The photo below is the whale steak, I forgot to take photos of both the other dishes before I destroyed how nicely presented they were!
So here I am, 19 days into my holiday with only 1 to go in this amazing country. My day is planned so now I just need to get some sleep so I'm able to fit everything in!!
Till tomorro w, Góða nótt xxxxx
Till tomorro w, Góða nótt xxxxx