Visit to HARPA Concert Hall and Brilliant recital - Reykjavik.
Having enjoyed the afternoon riding the Hop on Hop off Bus through the city, Ken alighted the bus at Stop 1 and then visited the unique HARPA and Stunning Concert Hall and Recital Centre. A stunning and unusual building emphasising the unusual Architecture and dramatic lines used against the background of the Harbour and Bay.
He initially walked though the Centre, but was then advised of a Recital performance and welcome home celebration for one of Icelands young international musicians. It proved to be an inspiring hour’s performance of several classical pieces using several instruments with an outstanding violinist and hello player, an excellent classical pianist and a soprano.
It was played to an audience of almost 500 people, who thoroughly enjoyed the outstanding recital within this stunning building.
Following this vibrant musical interlude, Ken walked through the amazing building then returned to our hotel after an invigorating, enjoyable and fascinating process of riding and walking and seeing this well planned yet small and intimate city.
He was surprised that there were 3 cruise ships at berth, the Viking, Silver Seas and a Costa ship. Each was scheduled to depart the port this evening and it explained how we kept hearing American and Canadian voices throughout our walking.
Dinner tonight was in a small traditional Iceland Restaurant.. It was named Ristorante Caruso, serving mostly traditional Italian food. We enjoyed but very expensive and our Australian dollar goes no where in Iceland with 2 main courses (including steak) together with one wine and one coke cost 13,670Kr (A$145). But we are on holidays.
This has been an enjoyable Day and the weather after the terrible first 24hours seems to be improving. We have a big day tomorrow with a long day’s tour from pick up at 10.30am through to 8.30pm.
We returned to our hotel and took some photos of the front lounge area. It is 10.35pm. See how light it is at this time. Unbelievable.
It is almost time for bed at 11.15pm, but couldn’t go to bed at this time without some photos of the night, still light with clearing bright blue skies.
That ends our first day in Reykjavik, at 11.25PM. An enjoyable and successful day!!