Reykjavik

NATO Base Closing?

Here's an interesting article from the Reykjavik Grapevine.

Culture Night

As Audi reports in her blog it's Reykjavik Cultural Night. The number of things to do in Reykjavik today is staggering. Check out the link in her blog for the full listing.

Your Swanky Reykjavik Blog

And you thought you were reading a run-of-the-mill Reykjavik blog?

I'll have you know that, right on their website, the swanky Hotel Holt links to our illustrious blog. And I think that's great!

In fact, dear proprietors of the Hotel Holt, if you'd invite me for a few free nights in your hotel, I'd be more than happy to tell all of my friends about you and sing your praises across the Internet.

I can be reached at [email protected]

The Hotel Holt can be found at Bergstaðastræti37 in beautiful downtown 101 Reykjavík.

Schedule

Well, just yesterday I promised that I'd post a list of upcoming events. And, in fact, I spent a bit of time pulling a few things together.

Of course, I managed to lose that posting through my own damned fault.

For now, I will just say that Gay Pride weekend is coming up soon (starting August 4th).

According to their website this is what's happening:

This year it starts Thursday the 4th with Diva's Night at Club NASA. The famous Opening Ceremony is at Loftkastalinn Theater, Friday August 5th. The Parade starts at Hlemmur Bus station at 3 PM on Saturday 6th and goes down the main shopping street, Laugavegur, to an outdoor concert in the city center at Lækjargata. August is the busiest tourist month in Reykjavik and usually it is hard to find a hotel room in the city weeks before the Pride. Those who are planning a visit are urged to make a hotel reservation sooner than later. See Visit Reykjavik for guesthouses and hotels. Also: A Room with a View and Tower Guesthouse.

Another Random Photo

I have a lot of pictures of Iceland sitting on my computer unused. You're likely to more than a few of them in the coming weeks.

Later today, though, I will bring you a list of upcoming events in Reykjavik. Be sure to check back in.

I'm Still Here

After a month of not posting anything, I'm back again to say that I'm sorry that I haven't been updating consistently...or at all.

At any rate, here's a cool blog from Iceland.

Independence Day Events

This website gives a listing of a number of events going on in Reykjavik on "Independence Day" this Friday. Whether you're interested in listening to music, watching a truck pull and strongest man competition or just roaming the streets looking for random fun it's all there waiting for you.

And as always, I'm looking forward to what Audi has to say about the day.

Summer Fun

As I'm sure you know, Iceland's Independence Day is coming up on Friday, June 17th. So, in honor of that, here is a link to some random events in Icelandic history. And here is a list of upcoming summer events from the Icelandic tourist board. As always, lots of unique events to take part in.

You'll notice that, with the longest day of the year coming up, there are not one but two midnight golf tournaments starting on June 23rd. That's crazy fun.

If you know of any other events coming up in Iceland, email me about it and I'll be sure to post it here.

Holyoke's Halldor Hildigunnarsson

I was reading through my local weekly newspaper this evening and, in the Obituary section, came across a listing that both surprised and saddened me.

According to the paper, Halldor Hildigunnarsson, 70, of Holyoke passed away on June 2nd. I was surprised because I never imagined that someone from Iceland lived here in Holyoke, Massachusetts. And I was saddened to hear of his passing.

I would respectfully like to pay my condolences to his family.

Halldor, who was born in Grindavik, Iceland, is credited with introducing cars to his hometown and opening the first gas station there. He had a gravel business, worked as a mechanic, and was involved in the fishing industry.

In 1965 he moved to Holyoke and set up an Auto Parts business in the town of West Springfield. He also worked as an auto mechanic.

Again, to his family and friends I offer my respects. Memorial contributions for Halldor may be made to Hospice Lifecare, 28 Appleton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040, USA.

Grettisgata

I like this picture because it's not scenic or glamorous or stunning. It's simply a picture taken of Grettisgata from our Guesthouse balcony.

Grettisgata, which runs parallel to the main shopping street, is fairly typical as streets go. Some nice buildings, a couple interesting businesses, a fantastic guesthouse, and a number of average-looking buildings dominating the view.

Oh, and another thing I like about this photo is the sculpture off to the right of the picture (a bit above and to the right of the grill as you look at it). What does that look like to you?