Iceland, episode 3. In which we tumble dry.

Mari and I arrived in Iceland this past June full of expectant excitement, anxious anticipation, and a pair of American-sized suitcases loaded with worn (and re-worn) favorite clothing.

It was the 10th day of our twenty day adventure, so if you recall my travel laundry algebra equation, you realize that my five shirts, having each been worn twice, were due for a launder (as were a few other items of which we need not speak).

Fortunately, there was a plan and that plan included a short walk from our B&B (more on the relaxing Reykjavik Residence Suites next time) to The Laundromat Cafe, a fun and colorful pub with a basement lounge and laundry room.

Mari and I enjoyed a leisurely first evening in Iceland getting our laundry done while sampling some local food (and beverage), lively music, and friendly atmosphere.

Should you find yourself in need of sustenance (and clean underwear) while in Reykjavik, check out The Laundromat Cafe.

Visit the equally fun and colorful site to browse the menu before your visit.

thelaundromatcafe.com/en/home

At top is one of the first photos we snapped the following morning during a refreshing walk along the bay of the Greenland Sea. The Sun Voyager sculpture is a popular local landmark erected in 1990 to celebrate Reykjavik's 200th birthday. Even on a cloudy morning, the stainless steel sculpture managed to reflect the northern clime's natural light along with the promise of a new day and a new adventure. I highly recommend a walk along the bay to start your day or to enjoy the setting sun.

Before I get a little too far along in my reminiscences, I thought I might interrupt for a quick word of warning about something I don't usually mention in these romanticized posts except to occasionally hint at with cleverly concealed $ymbology.

Don't say I didn't warn you... Reykjavik has been the most expensive location we've ever encountered in our travels, especially for dining out. Even casual dining and snacks were surprisingly expensive despite the consistent warnings I had read during my trip planning. An example? Mari and I treated ourselves to a Nutella donut at Dunkin' Donuts during one of our outings because, well...

Did I mention Nutella?!

Nutella icing!

Nutella filling!

Four dollars later and we weren't disappointed. That's four dollars per donut, coffee not included.

A standard entree at The Laundromat Cafe (cheeseburger special with fries for Mari, meatballs with mash for me) averaged thirty dollars per person (beverage not included).

You need to eat, of course, just be prepared for króna sticker shock.

Mari and I have learned during our travels to enjoy locally-sourced fresh and prepared foods available at local markets, too. Sainsbury's in London and Føtex in Copenhagen are familiar foodie favorites. One of the many reasons we enjoy staying at B&Bs is to take advantage of kitchen access when possible.

Enjoying local cuisine, shopping with the locals, and finding creative ways to stay on our trip budget are all essentially enjoyable elements of the adventure!

After that refreshing morning walk along the bay, Mari and I spent our first full day wandering the very walkable, very colorful, very tourist-friendly Skólavörðustígur Avenue leading up to the previously pictured Hallgrimskirkja Church.

Here we are posing with a couple of friendly locals.

Local artisans have a wide variety of crafts on display in the colorful shops and restored houses along Skólavörðustígur. There is a correspondingly wide variety of prices as well, but something for everyone's budget and taste. Several souvenir items and gifts found their way into Mari's market tote including a colorful map of Iceland emblazoned on a linen tea towel.

Have I mentioned my

tea towel collection?

Prior to our visit, I had wondered what souvenir items I would find in our exotic new travel locale, but you will find just about anything you can possibly collect in the touristy shops in downtown Reykjavik.

Local items that we especially enjoyed browsing included pottery, jewelry, and wool sweaters. Living in the tropics of deep South Texas keeps us from savoring souvenir sweaters when traveling, so Mari and I kept our souvenir shopping to a minimum browse on that first day. Besides, we were eagerly anticipating Sunday's fleamarket.

Above is a sampling of the many photos I enjoyed snapping during our Sunday morning visit to the indoor fleamarket. We found a wide range of new and used items as well as a colorful assortment of local delicacies and a talented trove of artisans and friendly vendors.

New additions to my rooster collection next time, including a Barcelos rooster fleamarketed from a lovely Portuguese émigré.