Finally Going to Iceland!

First a few catch-up moments!   First, about the economic situation in Iceland.   We learned early on that 1,000 Icelandic kroner (ISK) is about ten dollars, so it’s pretty easy to figure our what you’re spending.   And since it’s really a little less, you get a pleasant surprise when you check your credit-card bill!   And about credit cards - everyone uses cards for everything.   You have to have a card with a chip and you usually need to know your pin as well.   All that said, there is quite a bit of sticker shock when you buy anything, from food to souvenirs to anything else.   What we didn’t know is that it is as difficult for the Icelanders as it is for tourists.   Our guide last night said his mom bought a tiny little place twenty-six years ago and not only is she still paying on it;   but she owes more now than at the start!   Most people work two jobs just to break even. Other fun facts - there are 350,000 Icelanders and last year there were three million tourists!   A

The countdown is beginning.   From here we go to Reykjavik for about twenty-four hours, then to Keyflavik and home.   Sigh.   We have a lovely breakfast with several different freshly-baked breads and waffles and the other traditional Icelandic breakfast treats.   And we have a great conversation with our hostess, who explains to us about the Icelandic government, and who shares our views of our president.   (Seems like everyone we meet outside of the US feels the same way!) Winner of three Trip Advisor awards! Some fall color in her front yard! Very easy to drink, Viking arctic berry ale! We trek everything out to the car and take a few minutes to figure out our next move.   We’re still planning on going to the Viking Village, since one should never ignore a recommendation from a local resident!   We get really close;   but the turn doesn’t say Viking Village and it takes some comparing of our various maps to decide where we think we’re going.   Ah!   There it is