Wednesday, we started the day by visiting Hatioartonleikar Lutheran Church. We were able to go to the top and see the city–that’s the beautiful picture of Reykjavik rooftops that Amaya took and posted on the blog. It really is very different than the area we are staying in where there are so many 1970’s-style apartments. The old part of the city is just stunning.

There are a couple of eating places in Reykjavik famous for “American” food. They were both on the list of cheapest places to eat so we all tried the Baejarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog food truck. And then the next day, Louis and Ken tried Bulan “burger joint.” Both were good, carefully prepared…and clearly a step above fast food. We did find the affordable market chain, “Bonus,” and got lots of groceries. So, mostly, we’ve been cooking ourselves.

Louis wanted to see the Chelsea soccer game so we found a bar during the day that was showing sports on the screen and asked if we could come later to watch the soccer game. The owner said, “Of course.” When we got there at 19:45, the owner wasn’t there, so we asked the woman behind the bar, and she said, “They’re here!” And they turned the game on for us. The place was packed and we loved the game…but we were the only ones watching it really. We talked with two people and both surprised us. I tried to tell the waitress that my family roots go back to Iceland, but she didn’t listen. She just wanted to talk about Seattle because that’s where her fiancee comes from. And a guy came to talk to us about the game, but after a short conversation, he just wanted to talk about National Parks. They are his passion. He was so impressed that Louis was born right next to Yellowstone. Mary, Ellie and Amaya spent the time at a karaoke bar next door. They said that a famous music video would play on the screen and everyone would get up on the stage and imitate the dance steps of the singer.

Ken found a book store, and the cheapest book (used) was $34 (3.499 Kroners). Not sure what to make of that. Everyone speaks English. We’ve stopped asking if they speak English–Icelanders all speak very good English.

We went to the local hot pools as well. This was the second time for Mary, Ellie and Amaya. It was a unique experience for me (Ken) the first time…but I’m looking forward to going again when we get back to Reykjavik. Next time, I’ll shower the right way, go to the best hot pools, including the “hot” one and the seawater one. Mary and Ellie did the ice bath–Amaya says she did, but they didn’t seem to believe her.