Iceland:Impressions, Insights, Incredible. Reyjkavik-Part 2

One of the highlights of visiting Reyjkavik was being able to sit outside in a common area and enjoy a goody from a local bakery prior to going to the famed Hallgrimskirkja. Besides that, it gave us a break from walking uphill toward what was surely one of the most imposing sights we've ever seen.

To me, the building looked a lot like a space shuttle, ready for takeoff. After entering the church, we purchased an admission ticket to go to the top of the observation tower. It cost only a few dollars and was well worth the price.

Statue of Leif Erikson, discoverer of America
in front of church.

The bottom line..not right when money is
 paid for tower admission

From this high vantage point, we could see the surrounding neighbourhood including this interesting grass roofed restaurant, and good view of the city in general.

 As we searched for the downtown city hall area, we walked past many magnificent houses, art installations, a sculpture garden, shops, and restaurants. Everything was different, but not totally unfamiliar. I developed a renewed fascination for Vikings, trolls, and folklore.

Many sculptures appeared burdened...as if carrying heavy weights

Lovely gardens and sculptures all around.

Children in Iceland play. They spend  much time outdoors and
use their imaginations. This is what impressed me most.

Centrally located and a good landmark - Hallgrimskirkja

Hand knitted woollen products abound.

I have been one and I loved it.

Meeting Vikings...dream vacation

In the evening, we attended a show at the famed Harpa, a conference hall and conference centre which opened in 2011. It was a one man comedy performance entitled "How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes." We enjoyed the surroundings of this beautiful building, then laughed heartily at the show presented by Bjarni Haukur Thorsson. We had already had some of the experiences which were described so it became even more amusing. Besides explaining that all Icelandic names end in "son" or "dottir" eg. his name....Thorsson, meaning son of Thor, he gave us many tips. Here are just a few that I remember. To be an Icelander, it's essential to be rude (explains the airline experience). Embrace the smells (sulphur and other things...lots of wind). Know that the Icelandic horses are special and have five walks while Icelandic people have two. Argue - think big-you know you're right (they have 7 political parties and a huge national debt). Give vague directions (had this experience many times). Learn to say the name of the volcano Eyjafjallajokull (he showed a video clip of varied newscasters stumbling over the name).

Here's a similar cute clip I found on youtube.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uCKSYTH-4o

Lovely  modern architecture

Street view

We graduated

Back of the Harpa

Oh Canada...An Amazing Race

When I was younger, I had no interest in travel that didn’t involve Caribbean beaches, heat and sun. Touring around Canada, was out of the question. In my opinion, it would not have been a vacation. As I matured, I developed a greater appreciation of our fabulous country and am making an effort to see more of it.

I did not plan to watch "The Amazing Race Canada". After all, the teams would be racing around Canada. How interesting could that be? There'd be no consumption of weird animal innards or bug larva. There'd be no transporting horse manure through the streets for use in the construction of straw huts. There'd be no terrifying death leaps off giant buildings. Well, perhaps there would be. It remains to be seen. So, I missed the first episode.

When I discovered that teams would be in Vancouver for the second show, I thought I might want to watch to see familiar landmarks. Then I looked for repeats of the first episode. After all, it's kind of important to know the cast of characters isn't it? In true Canuk t.v. fashion, episode one, has been available over and over and over ad infinitum.

Then there's the website http://www.ctv.ca/theamazingracecanada.
 
After viewing the second programme, I was hooked. The format closely followed the American version complete with music and a cast that included gay cowboys, cutesy sisters, an "older" celebrity couple, someone with an illness, newlyweds and young man with prosthetic limbs who had served in the military. Nonetheless, the show had a true north strong and free feel to it.

As I thought about potential future content, I became excited, not for the programme or the participants, but rather to see more of Canada. We live in a huge country with diversity in landscape, language and people. What other country can boast such a variety of terrain...mountains, lakes, forests, rivers and prairies and beauty within their borders? What other country has such diversity of cultures, festivals and celebrations? How different are the Maritimes from the Prairies, the Rockies and the Territories...night and day.

I was excited for this week's programme. Racers were in the Canadian NWT and the Yukon. It did not disappoint. I'm not a fan of the cold, however, I found it to be spectacularly scenic and different. It makes me want to travel there for a visit. I think I'll add it to my bucket list.

*Note...I have been to the Yukon by train from Alaska...another world. I loved it.

Next week teams travel to Regina. I haven't been there and look forward to seeing more of it in the Amazing Race Canada.

 As much as I admire the strength, courage and stamina of all the teams, I'm cheering for the "older couple" Joanne and Hal. After all, how many of us grew up watching their lifestyle tips? The Body Break commercials have become part of Canada's history.