Recommendations
As you may have guessed from the poetry, I highly recommend a visit to Iceland. Below are some specific recommendations should you choose to journey there.
• Radisson SAS Island Hotel – The service and food are excellent. The rooms are large and roomy with an Icelandic styling. While all the personnel treated me courteously, two deserve special mention, Katrin who worked the check-in desk and Margaret who was my server several evenings. Both always had a welcoming smile and provided efficient service. The hotel is a distance from downtown Reykjavik. Use of a car or public bus will be necessary.
• Reykjavik Excursions dominate the tour business. They sponsor trips throughout Iceland and also to Greenland. While many of the buses are large, the well educated guides provide fascinating facts about their homeland. Of the tours I took, the one I most enjoyed was the Snaefellsnes Breidafjordur Cruise. It lasts about 13 hours with frequent stops and takes you on a spectacular journey including an unforgettable cruise. We were in a small bus where the passengers were able to get to know each other. Australia, Sweden, Denmark, Canada and the U.S. were represented on ours. Special recognition goes to Magnus, our driver and guide. He obviously enjoys his work and his dry sense of humor was greatly appreciated. If you have a chance to schedule him, you will not regret it. Incidentally, if you know the lay of the land or are a bit adventurous, rent a car. (For me, it was not as financially feasible as I was traveling alone.)
• Viking Beer – Icelandic in nature – a great glass of refreshment.
• Blue Lagoon – Yes, a bit touristy but well worth a dip in the mineral filled healing waters. You will see many Icelander there. Swimming (relaxing) in public pools is a national passion. By the way, the restaurant serves topnotch food. The trout almondine (covered with shrimp) was the best I have ever had. |
