On weekends and evenings, there are always things to do in Reykjavik that we've enjoyed:
1) The geothermal pool on the beach, Nauthólsvík, was fun and relaxing - especially watching the locals polar swim in the icy Atlantic then warm up in the hot pool. It's a way of life, most wear black swimming socks & mittens and only a bathing suit. One Icelandic woman shared that it is a social activity that helps to prevent depression and cultivate happiness. I think she's right. The strength to overcome the mind and jump into the icy water and swim, just accomplishing it and feeling the rush of blood and energy thru the body brings anyone to exhileration and life!
2) One other Sat afternoon, Niall rode his scooter and I jogged along the beach, then by surprise saw a group of young men (and one woman) dressed in traditional Viking attire, dualing and playing Viking games with their swords, shields, helmets & one man wore chain mesh. The two teams had to get the rounded ball into a cup on the other team's side, dualing each other to get there. Niall said it is a game in the Harry Potter film. These kids were playing it like a regular Sat. activity.
3) Yet another Sat., it was University Day. There were chemistry shows, blowing up all kinds of things with many colors. Some things just disappeared and reappeared again - very fun to watch. One band was playing Icelandic music with a young man in a suit playing a beautiful cream-colored cello while others played accordian, guitar & drums. Haskalatorg (the main bldg) had dental, medical faculty stations where we could test our blood (hypo or hyper glycemic) and see how they learn on fake bodies. The Askja (natural sciences & engineering) building had all of its labs open, so Niall could look under microscopes and see a living egg develop, other microbial living things move, and old fossils from whales, butterflies, etc. He had lots of questions :) A robotic team showcased various robots under development. Free hotdogs topped it off.
1) The geothermal pool on the beach, Nauthólsvík, was fun and relaxing - especially watching the locals polar swim in the icy Atlantic then warm up in the hot pool. It's a way of life, most wear black swimming socks & mittens and only a bathing suit. One Icelandic woman shared that it is a social activity that helps to prevent depression and cultivate happiness. I think she's right. The strength to overcome the mind and jump into the icy water and swim, just accomplishing it and feeling the rush of blood and energy thru the body brings anyone to exhileration and life!
2) One other Sat afternoon, Niall rode his scooter and I jogged along the beach, then by surprise saw a group of young men (and one woman) dressed in traditional Viking attire, dualing and playing Viking games with their swords, shields, helmets & one man wore chain mesh. The two teams had to get the rounded ball into a cup on the other team's side, dualing each other to get there. Niall said it is a game in the Harry Potter film. These kids were playing it like a regular Sat. activity.
3) Yet another Sat., it was University Day. There were chemistry shows, blowing up all kinds of things with many colors. Some things just disappeared and reappeared again - very fun to watch. One band was playing Icelandic music with a young man in a suit playing a beautiful cream-colored cello while others played accordian, guitar & drums. Haskalatorg (the main bldg) had dental, medical faculty stations where we could test our blood (hypo or hyper glycemic) and see how they learn on fake bodies. The Askja (natural sciences & engineering) building had all of its labs open, so Niall could look under microscopes and see a living egg develop, other microbial living things move, and old fossils from whales, butterflies, etc. He had lots of questions :) A robotic team showcased various robots under development. Free hotdogs topped it off.