Pandas in Scotland, Iceland & Ireland

Day 4: Edinburgh Scotland to Reykjavik Iceland

We had a rather early start, up at 4:30. We caught the bus shuttle to Edinburgh airport. Omg, we were clearly not the only ones traveling at this ungodly hour. It took two hours to check in, pass through security and board the 7am flight.

We were collected from Keflavik Airport and enjoyed our first views of an icy Iceland during the 50minute drive to our Hotel in Reykjavík. Reykjavík is larger than expected. Around 60% of the 388 000 population of Iceland live in an area twice the size of Paris.

We stayed in the ‘old’ sector; the shops and sights clearly geared for tourists. We left our bags at the hotel as it was too early to check in and wondered off for breakfast and to explore the town.

There is a lot to do in the city centre, with shops, galleries restaurants and museums, including a Penis Museum, no we didn’t visit it.

I had read somewhere that they had a great chocolate shop called Omnom in Reykjavík. Robs Googled it, said it was cute and they sold ice creams, that was Gray done, he loves ice cream. Me thinking it was around the corner followed Robs …. and followed Robs for another hour through the old harbour and Grandi district.

Only the Morrisons can trek through Arctic winds in minus zero degree temperatures to buy a flipping ice cream (they were delicious). Then an hour back to town. No Ubers here, can’t understand the bus system and not sure if there are taxis.

Back in the main centre we wondered around taking in the sights and visited the landmark Hallgrimskirkja Church. This rocket shaped church is the largest in Iceland and apparently was inspired by the basalt larva columns along the coast. The centrepiece of the courtyard in front is a large statue of Leif Eriksson, the Icelandic explorer, who is believed to be the first European to land in North America.