The Reykjavick Experiene

Hallgrimskirkja, parish church, designed by
Gudjon Samulsson

The day arrived I had to run 13.1 miles in a city that I just started to explore. I was still jet-lag from the 5 hour flight and 4 hour time difference. The morning temperature was mild in Reykjavik, Iceland. I regretted wearing long pants and long sleeves... so I ditched it in a tree and hoped it would be there later. 



While I walked through town, it was quiet for a race that had over 15,000 people running in it. Large compared to 214 it had in its inaugural year of 1984. I was alone in most populous area of Iceland. But soon I turned to corner and saw a river of runners.


On the route families came out to bang on pots and pans. 
The event slogan "come on in", an old fashion custom to hospitality, really came out when I saw a gentleman serenading us runners with his saxophone. Well done sir. 



After 18KM, I was ready to reel this body in as fast as I could. Time for me to stop staring at the seaside views and kick butt to the finish.


Once I completed the race, the largest cultural festival of the city began. Stages were set-up across the city. You followed the sound of music and enjoyed a different part of the town you had not see yet. The crowds were cordial. The Viking Bread for 20 Krona and the heavy metal band were my favorites. 

On the other side of town, an area called Old Harbor, we enjoyed a fish dinner. The fish was extra special for my pops and I since we are both vegetarians. However we like to treat ourselves when near the coast. Some of the restaurants serve whale but we politely declined to try it after enjoying a whale-watching tour. 
We saw a Humpback and Minke whale along with a porpoise.

The cold breeze was picking up and my leg muscles were not so happy. On the trek back to our Airbnb, we stopped to get Americanos at a Jamaican coffee joint and see if we could muster up any energy for the firework show at 11pm. It didn't happen but I loved what I experienced of Culture Night. Reykjavik has the charm of a novel setting while maintaining the trendy vibe like the idea of a young senator.