How much is that latte in the window????

As you can imagine, we've had a hoot of a time the last few days. The Icelanders we've met are friendly and accommodating, although somewhat reserved. Maybe it has something to do with their Scandinavian origins......or maybe it has something to do with the fact that their economy isn't doing so well and there isn't a whole lot to be excited about these days.

We been surprised (maybe we shouldn't have been) at the overall quality of food we've encountered at restaurants. We did go to an Italian restaurant around the corner from the hotel which was really delicious! We will likely not be trying some of the classic Icelandic dishes, among which is.....well, how do I put it......rotted shark. It is literally buried in the ground (so the guide book says) until it begins to rot and then it's ready. I find myself wondering who on earth would ever come up with such a delicacy......I guess if you live in a place that has periods of 24 hour sunlight and periods of 24 hour darkness, you might be willing to do anything!

I've given up trying to convert the currency in my head to determine exactly how much we're spending in dollars. Suffice it to say, this is not a bargain destination but then again, it's certainly not Paris either. Everything is priced in hundreds or thousands of kroners and the money is really pretty!! I will say that waitstaff and clerks have all been very helpful in demonstrating how to pay for things. Interestingly, there is no tipping in Iceland, which might explain the lack thus far of effusive waitstaff trying to ensure that everything is to our liking. Don't get me wrong - they are all nice but I think to them it's just a job and they are providing you with a service. Also, the alcohol is served in either 1 or 2 oz shots and they are very specific in how much they give you. Maybe this is an attempt to curb the high incidence - so I hear - of alcoholism in the country. Geez......I'd want to drink too if it was dark 24 hours a day in the winter........

Well, tomorrow we're off to the Blue Lagoon which, despite it's cheesy name, is apparently quite an experience. It's a very large outdoor geothermal pool that is purported to be quite restorative. We shall see.......if you're interested in reading up about it, the website is below:

http://www.bluelagoon.com/Bath/

Well, our best to everyone.......more to follow!

P.S.: Note the website on the sign for the adult bookstore.....all websites here end in "is" for Iceland......too much!!