Home sweet home for the next couple of months is a what amounts to a delightful Viking hunting lodge, right at the harbour.
Hafnarfjördur is famous for having one of Iceland’s largest settlements of elves, dwarves and other mystical beings, which (translating from the Icelandic) are collectively called ‘Hidden Folk.’ Folklore going back centuries has it that whole clans reside in the rocks that make up part of the town’s centre.
…but first off to collect Harry the Hyundai – my rental car who I think was born a good ten years ago, and his rusted dents providing extra gravitas one does not normally look for in a vehicle… but my requirements for this trip were economical and inexpensive – and Harry fits the bill!
…although the $120 taxi fare to travel the 32 minutes to collect him was yet another ‘welcome to the prices in Iceland’ jolt…
…but I will find ways to save and splurge in good measure soon enough…
The lava landscape near the airport is extraordinary – I will explore in more detail on another day…
Hafnarfjördur itself is lovely, although with an eclectic mix of buildings…
This guesthouse (gestahús in Icelandic) has a brilliant way of letting people know the parking space belongs to them…
…complete with a guard cat! (köttur)
…and back home to rest up and then head back downstairs for dinner…
Julita is typical of the people I have met here – lovely inside and out. I really do find Iceland such a joy – and I have basically seen nothing thus far!
Everyone here has been so very good to me and taken such good care of me – I feel ever so blessed…
There is so much I want to see and do while I am here – every one of these markers represents a new adventure – some I will be able to do, some not, but I am certain to make the very best of the time I have here…
Well, goodnight – or, góða nótt as the locals say…
~ Bella
