Humera & Meagan Go to Iceland: Day 1 - Downtown Reykjavik

What became an adventure of a lifetime in Iceland all started with a impulse buy by my best friend Meagan. Frantic to find an adventure buddy, originally planned as a solo mission for her, she sent a text expressing she had done something bad. Laughing to myself, I knew this had to be good. She explained the impulse buy and that she didn't know if going by herself was something she could do. Totally understanding, I text my Mom and said, "Meagan and I are going to Iceland," while I simultaneously text Meagan saying I wanted to go. What started as a boring Thursday in March, ended with me dreaming of the things I would see in Iceland. 

Exit to Iceland sign in Keflavik International Airport

We flew out of Chicago April 10, 2018 at 7:30 PM with IcelandAir. We slept the flight away, since we were landing in Iceland at 6:30 AM April 11. After exiting the airport, we were greeted with a very windy and cold morning storm. At the rental car office we were warned to be careful when opening the car door because the wind can blow it off. Feeling like fish out of water, Meagan and I headed to our hotel. We checked in, took quick naps and then decided to explore Reykjavik. 

Hallgrimskirja

Our first stop in Downtown Reykjavik was Hallgrimskirja, the church of Hallgrimur, is a national monument located in the center of the capital. Built in 1986 in honor of Icelandic poet Hallgrímur Pétursson; the church's seventy-three meter high tower provides a breathtaking view of the capital. The concert organ takes up most of the back wall and was added in 1992.

The inside of Hallgrimskirja, the concert organ's pipes.

Downtown Reykjavik is comprised of houses and small multi-story buildings converted into shops and restaurants. Sadly, it's very touristy, full of souvenir shops, bars, and classy restaurants, however it also has many Icelandic specialty stores that carry Icelandic toys, clothing, knickknacks, and traditional snacks and treats. 

Outside of  Lækjarbrekka

The weather did not make exploring by walking easy. After walking up and down the hilly streets we decided to head back to the hotel to rest up for day 2. 

Steep walk up the street of  Bankastræti