Reykjavik & The Chill That Settled In My Bones (and My Camera Bag)

okay, so reykjavik. it’s…a lot. i’m a freelance photographer, and honestly, i went expecting instagram perfection - you know, the blue lagoon, northern lights, all that jazz. it’s pretty, don’t get me wrong, but it’s also kinda…grey. like, permanently.

i just checked and it’s…actively drizzling, with a side of wind that feels personally offended by my existence. the weather data said 5.08 celsius, feels like 0.93. which, let me tell you, is a lie. it feels colder. much colder. the min was 4.62 and the max barely hit 5.08. pressure’s at 1009, humidity’s a swampy 70%, and the sea level is…well, sea level. the ground level is a bit lower, 968, probably because everyone’s sinking into the moss.

i spent a good chunk of yesterday wandering around the *harpa concert hall. it’s stunning, all glass and angles, but honestly, i was more fascinated by the people outside trying to sell tours. one guy tried to convince me i needed a glacier hike, even though i specifically told him i’m terrified of ice.

“Don’t listen to those tour operators,” a woman with bright pink hair told me while we waited for a bus. “They’ll charge you a fortune for something you can easily do yourself. Just rent a car and go. But watch out for the sheep.”

apparently, the sheep are a menace. i also overheard someone complaining about the price of coffee - which, as a photographer, is a vital lifeblood. i found a decent spot, Kaffitár, though. https://www.kaffitar.is/ It’s not amazing, but it’s warm and they didn’t judge me for ordering a triple espresso.

the hallgrímskirkja church is…well, it’s a church. a big, concrete church. it’s impressive, i guess, but i’ve seen a lot of churches. the view from the top is good, though, if you can brave the wind. someone told me that the line gets insane around midday, so go early. i also heard a rumor that there’s a secret cafe hidden somewhere inside, but i couldn’t find it. maybe it’s just a myth.

i’ve been trying to find some good vintage shops, but it’s proving difficult. most of the stuff is either super expensive or…well, let’s just say it’s not my style. i did find a cool little bookstore, Mál og menning, though. https://www.malogmenning.is/ They have a surprisingly good selection of english books.

if you get bored, the golden circle is just a short drive away. i haven’t done it yet, mostly because i’m still recovering from the coffee price shock. i’m thinking of checking out the blue lagoon tomorrow, but honestly, i’m worried it’ll be overcrowded. https://www.bluelagoon.com/ i’ve seen some mixed reviews on TripAdvisor, mostly about the cost and the crowds.

i’m staying in an airbnb in the grandavegur* area. the neighbors are…quiet. mostly. i think they’re all writers or artists or something. i haven’t really interacted with anyone yet, mostly because i’m too tired. i did see a guy walking a puffin on a leash, which was…surreal. you can find more info about Reykjavik on the official tourism website: https://visitreykjavik.is/.

honestly, reykjavik is growing on me. it’s not the postcard-perfect paradise i expected, but it’s real. it’s messy. it’s cold. and it’s definitely photogenic. i’m off to find more coffee and maybe, just maybe, a sheep-free zone. you can also check out some local events on this board: https://www.grapevine.is/.

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