Today was our last day in Reykjavik; it was rainy, but we decided to take a walk anyway. We had no particular destination in mind, so we took the path of least resistance and walked along the shopping streets, looking for interesting sights, like The Heart of Reykjavik — I’m confident its merchandise is safe from intruders!
We walked nearly the length of Laugavegur (Laundry Street) before turning around. 2Guys, which won a “best burger in Reykjavik” award, found an interesting way to show their customers where the toilets are.
We had to go back to the hotel to identify our luggage so it’d be loaded on the right bus going to the airport; along the way, we found the first fire hydrant in Reykjavik.
Once more, we skipped the Penis Museum; the local “free walking tour” company wanted to make sure visitors knew that there were alternative options.
We still had nearly an hour after taking care of the luggage and checking out, so we walked over to Hresso to try Tuborg’s Christmas Beer (it was pretty good, with a little licorice added to the mix).
There had been two buses throughout the trip (Green for National Trust, Orange for Lehigh and USC), and that continued today. Our tour director Rudy made sure we were on the right bus and sent us on our way to the airport.
I think this road sign is a bit misleading – the International Terminal is more than 40km away from the Domestic Terminal!
When we got to Keflavik International Airport, we discovered that our bus was carrying the orange group’s luggage – their bus arrived about 10 minutes later, and we were finally able to check in for our flight.
I stood in line for nearly 30 minutes to get my VAT refund for purchases we’d made – I think I earned minimum wage, but I’m not sure. Getting through security took a while, too, as did the mandatory stroll through the Duty Free store (we left empty-handed); we finally got to the Saga Lounge with about 15 minutes before we had to leave for the gate. I wouldn’t have minded having more time in the lounge – the food and drink were good, and there was plenty of comfortable seating (unlike the lounge in Milan).
We had to take a bus from the gate to the plane (no jetway); I was happy that the stairs leading to the plane were covered, since the rain had resumed in earnest.
And we’re on our way!