Amsterdam Picture Post #2: Exploring the city, the Flower Market, and the Jordaan

Peeking out the window of our B&B near Utrechtsestraat; bicyclists bustle past as part of the morning commute, clattering over cobblestones.

Iceland Day 2, Part 2: Reykjavik exploration and dinner

We backtrack a ways and duck into the Kolaportið flea market.  Christmas lights dangle from the ceiling, and bright, feathered dreamcatchers sway in the breeze of passersby.  

Iceland Day 2, Part 1: Arrival at Keflavik airport, Rekyjavik exploration

6:45 am.  It’s pitch black outside as we touch down in Iceland.  The plane flight took us up and around in a northeasterly curve, flying first into deep twilight, and then full-on night.

Customs is a fast and groggy affair.  We fight our way outside, leaning against icy rain droplets and blistering wind to the bus pickup area.  It’s a 40 minute drive and still dark outside, so we close our eyes and rest.

Between a bus transfer point for other riders, and stops at different hotels, it’s almost 9 am by the time we’re at the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica.  The sky has gradually grown lighter, giving way to spartan, businesslike buildings and a flat landscape.  The combination evokes thoughts of the American Midwest, were it to be combined with Scandinavian-inspired architecture and a generous helping of umlauts and other diacritics.