Iceland, episode 7. In which we fish and chip.

I wanted to wrap up our visit to Iceland by tying up a few loose ends and linking you to a few recommendations.

First, I want to highly recommend our wonderful inn, the Reykjavik Residence Suites and the amazing Port 9 restaurant that provided our nourishing foodie breakfast every morning.

My only warning is to remind you (unlike the website) that there is no elevator, so you are on your own with whatever-sized luggage you have chosen for your adventure.

Yes, that was the preamble

to a cautionary tale.

I took that first luggage-laden step with a little too much gusto and not enough spring and you could hear my knee pop down to the harbor. My ambulatory expeditions were unfortunately characterized by a sophisticated (some might say "sexy") little limp throughout our entire stay.

rrsuites.is

The second image I call "View from (near) the Top."

It occurred to me that I hadn't shared any of our views from the observation decks atop Hallgrímskirkja Church. Mari climbed the extra two flights to the exterior observation deck for this colorful view of Reykjavik while I remained on the 12th floor videotaping from the observation area open to those of us with clumsily popping knees.

And now for a drumroll...

the best fish & chips ever...

Icelandic Fish & Chips!

My previous favorite was at Brighton's Bankers Fish Restaurant (London, episode 12) which is now a very close second. (If you recall, however, the cod and haddock at Bankers is sourced in Iceland.)

Located near the harbor, the bright, colorful, and very clean bistro was most welcoming and most welcome after our full final day. Maybe it was the organic spelt batter that put this one over the top, but the jalapeño dipping sauce didn't hurt, either.

While doing my due diligence online I let out a little whoop-whoop when I discovered that there is now a location in midtown Manhattan. It's now on my list!

Check out the site for the temptalicious full menu.
fishandchips.is

Mari and I were treated to several beautifully bright days during our Icelandic stay and our final full (fleamarket Sunday) day was one of the best.

We enjoyed a visit to the Reykjavik City Museum's Settlement Exhibition following a quick lunch of fleamarketed lamb hot dogs. The engaging and thoughtful exhibit lays out Iceland's history on the very site of its earliest settlement.


Visit the museum site to learn more and to plan your visit.
borgarsogusafn.is/en/the-settlement-exhibition

After enjoying the educational tour (exiting through the gift shop, of course, where a colorfully tempting cookbook of local cuisine and a volume of Icelandic poetry joined my souvenir satchel), Mari and I joined a very spirited fray on Bankastræti Street in full celebration of the summer weather, street water slide included. It was, after all, at least 60 degrees!

These last two marvels are bright and beautiful Sunday afternoon harbor views. We couldn't have asked for a better natural summer spectacle to conclude our visit.

Finally, where would I be without this parting shot? Thanks, again, to my traveling companion for riding shotgun so spectacularly.

I'll be back to begin a new adventure with you in 2018.
I think I'll begin with the fleamarket that has topped our list for many years.

Whether you are traveling near or far, by plane or by car,

enjoy the many gifts (and regifts) the holidays have to offer.