Iceland: It’s What It Says On The Tin; Part Three #iceland #holidays

Posted on Nov 1, 2020 by TanGental

My third entry in the Iceland Diaries..

Iceland had lived up to its own stereotype: the geology is otherworldly, converting your bill into sterling is like rubbing soap in your eyes, and the weather swings from chilly to downright parky and back again.

The capital, Reykjavík, is a rather resplendent little town. I don’t mean to disparage the place but it’s far from extensive. It is low(ish) rise – maybe for obvious seismic reasons – quaint, modern, curious.

There’s nowhere that feels unsafe; the people are friendly in a slightly dour way and they speak ridiculously perfect English. The local street food ranges from their own version of the hotdog (yuck) to a fish stew with mash and a creamy-cheese sauce (delicious).

They do coffee with quality and panache and they have bakeries that give off a come-hither scent that is like wandering into a cloud of culinary pheromones.

It is not at all self aware, it doesn’t try too hard, it’s a little cheeky, stays the right side of antiseptic – there is some litter, some of the building sites are a mess – the pavements have a habit of disappearing, but the drivers are polite and give way to pedestrians

the place is well covered with cycle lanes though there are few bikes about (given the weather that’s hardly a surprise), and there’s a fair bit of street art and sculpture, museums and galleries to satisfy a cultured palate.

No cricket, mind, so not perfect….

I will fly home happy, happy to have experienced a unique country, happy to have learnt a little of a different culture, though as with all holidays, happy to be home.

I’m coming pooch, hold that lead….

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
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27 Responses to Iceland: It’s What It Says On The Tin; Part Three #iceland #holidays

  2. willowdot21 says:
    Nov 1, 2020 at 2:41 pm

    Absolutely fabulous artworks and buildings. Interesting people💜

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Darlene says:
    Nov 1, 2020 at 2:50 pm

    Looks great. Would be worth a visit.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Mary Smith says:
    Nov 1, 2020 at 3:09 pm

    Would love to visit Iceland. Fabulous photo of Dog 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Suzanne says:
    Nov 1, 2020 at 5:47 pm

    Enjoyed viewing another slice of Iceland a country I have yet too see. Wonderful photos.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Jacquie Biggar says:
    Nov 1, 2020 at 6:12 pm

    Iceland is on my bucket list. The city looks so colorful and yet neat and tidy 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Sam "Goldie" Kirk says:
    Nov 1, 2020 at 10:12 pm

    The artwork looks awesome.
    How were you able to travel during the lockdowns? How is Iceland different during a pandemic?

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Eileen says:
    Nov 2, 2020 at 3:00 am

    A wonderful glimpse of a unique culture. Thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. derrickjknight says:
    Nov 2, 2020 at 11:45 am

    Really really good photography of a range of subjects

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Widdershins says:
    Nov 3, 2020 at 2:08 am

    Heavens to Murgatriod! That artwork is stunning. : )

    Liked by 1 person

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