By this point we're just about broke! We originally booked this trip as a cheap vacation to see the Northern Lights. And, since arriving 9 days ago.....we have been having so much fun that we kinda forgot that our teaching salaries can only afford so many $10 beers, $95 dinners, and $250 tours. Iceland is definitely expensive once you get here!
- Tip #1 - If you're coming to Iceland....save your money!
- Tip #2 - See Tip #1.
We confirmed our flight home for tomorrow....so this would definitely (fingers crossed!) be our last day to spend here in Iceland. Jenesa did some research last night to find us something to do to keep us busy today....and the tour she found just happens to be free! Kinda. The "Free" Classic CityWalk has no fixed price, and instead runs on the great Free Walking Tour model found all over the world where each participant sets the price of the tour afterwards instead of in advance. As a result, the guide relies solely on your contribution and works hard for his share of tips!
So we followed our guide Marteinn Briem around the city on this free two hour walking tour.....and it was worth every penny! Marteinn is a history grad that runs these tours every day and explains the ins and outs of Icelandic history and culture around the city. We wish we would have known about this tour when we first got here last weekend. The tour was very interesting and our guide was entertaining the whole time!
We started the tour in front of the Parliament Building. Continued to Austurvöllur Square (aka "The Square"), an important outdoor gathering place and potent national symbol to every Icelander. Up the hill we marched to Aðalstræti which is the oldest street in Reykjavík, and the point from which all street numbers begin. It is here that we see an elf stone. These stones are often identified when they refuse to be budged. If a stone cannot be moved by a bulldozer, if jackhammers break when trying to crack it, then most likely that stone is protected by an elf. In these cases it is almost always simply left in place, with the rest of the construction amended to accommodate it. Check out the marks in this stone from the many attempts to move it in the past.
It is my understanding during this tour that almost everything seems to be "free" in Iceland except food, beer, and the roof over your head. The government has literally turned this country into a Nordic welfare state which emphasizes a "fair" society that is based on equitable distribution - big government controls the entire economy. Entitlements galore! Basically, it's OK to be lazy and unemployed....the government will take care of you! This would be the perfect place for Bernie Sanders!
Thus, after completing our city walk....we naturally end up at City Hall. The modern gray structure that seems to be floating on Reykjavik’s Tjornin Pond houses the Mayor’s office and those of executive officials. The space is also used for events and receptions as well as a steady stream of exhibitions of local artists. Time to warm up!
Lots of information about Iceland can be found in the following links. If you are curious about Iceland after reading this blog....be sure to check out Marteinn's recommendations and suggestions for visiting Iceland. We have loved our time here!
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