Sometimes, the best days have no plan. Our second day in Iceland was such a day. No plan, just a lot of meandering. We started the day by finding the most local coffee shop near us – Reykjavik Roasters. Set in a funky old building, with a fabulous little menu and a staff as eclectic as their vinyl collection. I was so happy to find a coffee shop serving vegan milks so I was able to enjoy a latte. Dave had a homemade cinnamon scone with his chai and even though he was trying not to make me jealous by enjoying it too much, I could tell it was delicious. Nice try though, Love.
From there we had a few brief hours of sun and just decided to walk around. We found the Hallgrímskirkja Church and paid the $9 to go up to the top and catch some pretty Reykjavik views. Worth the $$. But bundle up, it’s chilly up there.
Next up was the Handknitting Association of Iceland. Seriously loved this place. There are Icelandic wool sweaters, hats, gloves and scarves (HAND KNIT, People!) from floor to ceiling in every color, pattern and style imaginable. I had my heart set on a red sweater – somewhat of a rarity. One of the only red sweaters in the place happened to be in my size, and I was just sure it was the one. But as seems to be the theme this trip, nothing is as planned. A nice oversized black sweater with a zipper was laying out and Dave, the clerk and myself all sort of gravitated to it at the same time. So cross that off the to-do list.
We stumbled upon a delightful ice cream joint called Joylato. What an amazing find! You order your gelato and they make it for you while you wait (takes about 5 minutes). Here’s the best part – this stuff is free from refined sugar (maple syrup ONLY) and can be made completely vegan with coconut milk. Try the salted caramel flavor and you won’t be disappointed. Dave and I shared a small scoop and it was gone far too soon.
We also discovered Reykjavik Chips and were in French fry heaven! They hand make these thick-cut fries and you choose from any number of homemade sauces like sweet mustard and chive sauce (SO good!). Cozy little place with a lot of locals sitting around drinking a Jule holiday beer and munching on the salty, potato snack. When we go back this will for sure be one of the snacks we nosh on… repeatedly, no doubt.
We eventually found our way to an Icelandic grocery, Hagkaup, store which was similar to a small version of Target in the USA. They had a huge wool yarn selection so I was able to score some of that at a good price to take home and crochet a souvenir for us later. Great place for a little of anything and everything you might need.
It would be remiss of me not to mention the attitude and general feeling in Iceland. The people are truly lovely and kind. Something we find ourselves missing a bit as we visit other parts of the world. Icelandic people are a true joy to visit with and we had more than one lively conversation with a friendly local. We even have some new Icelandic Facebook friends. Love these people and this place.
Please, do visit Iceland. And try to leave a day (or two) for leisurely walks around town and lazy conversations with lovely locals.
Cheers!
Stac
P.S. My friends at IcelandAir have some really great rates, all the time. Check them out here.
