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| Reykjavik (Reykjavík, Höfuðborgarsvæðið) |
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Reykjavik Skyline:
Reykjavik, the northernmost national capital in the world, has a breathtaking skyline which is dominated by the omnipresent snow-capped mountains in the background. The city was easy to get around on foot and can be thoroughly explored in one day. |
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Colorful Buildings:
Being a nordic city, Iceland's architecture is reminiscent of modern Scandinavian art. Most of the buildings were boxy, colorful, and vibrant. These buildings were found along the main shopping street, Laugavegur, which is much like a smaller version of the shopping areas in Copenhagen (Strøget) or Boston (Newbury Street). |
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Bæjarins Betzu:
You may be wondering why I have a photograph of the Bæjarins Betzu hot dog stand here, but the Icelanders are crazy about these treats. The hot dogs are made with famous Icelandic lamb and are topped with all sorts of interesting sauces. Tasty!
Visit here for more on Icelandic hot dogs. |
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Hallgrim's Church
(Left) Iceland's most famous church (locally known as Hallgrimur) is relatively new, completed in 1986.
Hallgrim's Church:
(Right) The poured concrete construction of this church makes it unique when compared to the brick and wood construction techniques normally used. (It is a pretty church, but rather sterile in my opinion) |
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Reykjavik Skyline:
(Left) If you squint very hard, you can make out the different architectural styles used in this city.
Outdoor Spa:
(Right) Icelanders are fortunate to have many geothermal swimming pools in the city. Combined with the cold air and the right lighting, these outdoor pools take on a mystical quality. |
| The Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) |
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The Road To Riches:
I have never been to a country that had more rainbows. It seemed every time we turned a corner, there was another rainbow. Perhaps this is a reason why everyone seemed so happy when I was there. You can't be grumpy around rainbows... |
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Thingvellir:
Thingvellir was the site of the first Icelandic parliament back in 930. It was called the Allthing and is the world's oldest existing national assembly. |
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Thingvellir:
When you peruse the many gift shops in Iceland, it seems each and every one of them had a poster or postcard with this very same picture on it. So, I tried to replicate it and think it came out pretty well. This is such a beautiful scene, and the peaceful and tranquil nature of it reminds me of New England here in the United States. |
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Bessastaðir:
This is the church located on the president's residence next to the sea. The lack of noticeable security was refreshing, especially since I visited in October of 2001. We were able to walk up and enter the presidential church without even a security guard in site. It must be wonderful living in a country with that amount of dual respect between the government and its citizens. |
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Stained Glass:
(Left) I came across this beautiful stained glass work of art in the President's church. The church had many panels, each telling a story about Iceland. (Notice the volcano in the background)
Geometric Patterns:
(Right) I found this stained glass in another church and wanted to see how well I could photograph it. Here is the end result... |
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Countryside Scenery:
(Left) The countryside is quite diverse in Iceland, ranging from the striking red soil in the scene above to volcanic rock fields which are reminiscent of a lunar landscape.
Gullfoss:
(Right) Gullfoss is one of Iceland's national treasures. Measuring 105 feet, it is one of Europe's largest waterfalls and the Icelanders are quite proud of it. |
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Barren Greenery:
(Left) Iceland was heavily deforested by the early settlers and the government has recently begun a tree planting campaign. As you can see from this picture, they have a long way to go.
Green Face:
(Right) Much of Iceland's vegetable production (as well as stupid plant sculptures) come from within geothermally-heated greenhouses. |
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Continental Divide:
(Left) Thingvellir is located at the juncture of the North American and Eurasian plates. This geographically significant area is quite impressive in person.
Divide Falls:
(Right) I guess a continental divide is a good enough place for a manmade waterfall. |
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Faxi Waterfall:
I found this monstrous waterfall right above Gullfoss, which actually is a large waterfall. Nonetheless, it isn't size that matters, just beauty, so here you go. |
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Geysir:
I'm always interested in word origins, and I was surprised that there was an actual Geysir, which became the namesake for all hot springs eruptions. The Geysir complex reminded me of Hakone, Japan, with the hot springs, foul stench of sulphur, and bumbling tourists. |
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Family Portrait:
(Left) My dad and I had a great time on this trip and I'm very glad we went. Iceland was a fantastic destination. (Not sponsored by the Icelandic Tourist Board, but it should be)
Geysir:
(Right) The geyser eruptions are well worth hanging around in the putrid, sulfur-rich air. |
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Geysir:
(Left) I was lucky enough to capture this scene of the geyser, along with the small craters that surround it. This is one of my favorite photographs of Iceland and should be enough to compel anyone who is thinking of visiting this country into making that idea a reality. |
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| Do you have any questions or comments about this page? Please let me know!
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Time Visited: October 2001
Main Cities Visited: Reykjavik, Geysir, Gullfoss, Bessastadir, Thingvellir National Park
Modes of Transportation: Bus, van
How I Ended Up There: 2001 vacation with father
Memorable Foods: Pickled herring (sild), lamb hot dogs, Egils Beer
What I Liked: Spectacular countryside, relaxing lack of security, amazingly happy people
What I Disliked: Outrageously high prices, influx of American pop culture
Where I Stayed: Hotel Reykjavik
Iceland in Five Words: barren, lunar, spectacular, unexpected, quaint
My Thoughts: As long as I have been cognizant of the
world around me, I have been intrigued by the idea of visiting
Iceland. (Lýðveldið Ísland) When I was
young I heard stories about the naturally heated baths, beautiful
countryside, and magnificent population and I decided that I
had to visit. Thus, when my father and I were deciding where
to go for our 2001 annual trip, the decision was very easy to
make.
I was surprised about how little I knew about Iceland. First, it is
very close to the US (closer than New York is to California!) and it is
actually warmer than where I live in Syracuse. Also, I wasn't expecting
the country to be so sparsely populated (275,000 people in the entire
country!) and the countryside to be so beautiful. I highly recommend everyone
to expand their horizons and explore this beautiful little country!
© David Metraux 1996-2006 |
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