Today we had a day in Reykjavik with no agenda. Footloose and fancy free!

We had breakfast (museli and skyr) in our hotel – then we decided to head to the local pools. These were a highlight for us last time. Cheaper than all the “famous” hot springs but still really great. We saw a cat on the way.

We stayed at the pools for an hour or so, it was quite quiet there – which was great. They have a steam room, sauna, as well as rooftop hot tubs and more. So good!

By now we needed lunch and we went to a place that serves Pierogi. We ordered the sauerkraut and shiitake and the cottage cheese and something else (can’t remember) They took a while to arrive as there was only one person making/serving the food but they were quite delicious.

Then we went looking for more cats. First on the agenda was Ofelia. A ragdoll that hangs out in Icemart. But there are several Icemarts in Reykjavik. Where will she be?

She is so soft and fluffy and sleepy. We were patting her and a lady reached over to touch her and then flinched and jumped back whilst exclaiming “it’s a real cat! I’m allergic to cats!!” We just laughed and laughed but hopefully she didn’t go in to anaphylaxis. I told her ragdolls were low allergenic.

Then we looked at the church. I went on a swing. We looked at some shops. I tried to find a puffin to buy.

We found another cat

We found Icelandic Bluey books

Some more cats

Then we went to our favourite place in the world – record store and bar – 12 Tonar. They were only open until 6pm today so we had to get in early. Luckily we made it for happy hour. Half price drinks in Reykjavik is really helpful economic.

We bought some vinyl records too. So many good things there. Lots of Perth and Australian bands.

They kicked us out at 6pm so we went and had dinner. A lamb roll from the food truck. So good. Really shouldn’t be this good.

Then we found this beauty who we had been looking for all day (we saw her as we drove in yesterday but couldn’t stop) She was waiting at the fish and chip shop for a treat.

Also her friend

Then time for ice cream. Salted liquorice 5 stars.

And then, because we could, as previously mentioned , it never gets dark here, we drove out to Thingvilier National Park – the birthplace of democracy and also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are splitting apart. We went there last time – it was busy. This time, perhaps because it was about 10pm we pretty much had the park to ourselves. Super cool.

As we were walking along, this bird was making a slightly weird loud noise. There was an American guy and he was freaking out trying to figure out what was making the sound. He was calling out to his friends who were behind us. We were like it’s that bird right there. But none of them could see it. We kept pointing – it was just right there! The guy was saying “I thought somebody was in distress” Eventually they saw the bird. It was all quite amusing. Maybe you had to be there.

We drove back to Reykjavik and got back close to midnight. We saw another cat and wandered the streets a bit, because we could. This late sunlight is pretty cool.

Must go to bed now.