Iceland: The Land of Volcanoes, Elves, and Fermented Shark (Day 1)

Iceland is where it starts. My once-in-a-lifetime big adventure and what a place it is.

Even though I have a yearning to travel everywhere in this world, Iceland was never at the top of my list. The random little European island near the Arctic Circle founded by Vikings, yet doesn't have a standing army, navy, or air force. It has the location of where the oldest known parliaments was held which still is active today and has the northern most capital. Even through all that, there were others that held precedence in my book. Places like Japan, Australia, or Egypt. Now, after visiting this beautiful country, I don't know why.
After I landed, this day was just to explore a little bit of the city of Reykjavik. Hallgrimskirkja Church was my first stop. It is the tallest building in Iceland and made out of concrete. I think I was told most houses in Iceland are also made out of concrete as they have to withstand earthquakes. You can see the whole of Reykjavik from the top.

Next stop Sun Voyager Sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall. The day I arrived it was overcast so I didn't get to see Sun Voyager in all its glory, but it was still interesting none the less. Harpa is a fascinating building, especially at night, where concerts, music festivals, and conferences are held.

 

Now, for the more interesting close to my first day in Iceland: the food. I went to Cafe Loki as they have a widespread of Icelandic dishes. I choose Icelandic Plate #2 because the dreaded Hakarl (fermented shark) was on the list of items. The other items included fish mash, salmon with skyr, and smoked lamb all on rye bread. Also, dried fish, basically fish jerky. The Icelandic beer Viking was also on the menu.

 

 

  

After devouring the fish mash, salmon and lamb, all of them were delicious, it was time for dried fish and fermented shark. First the dried fish, unlike jerky it is extremely dry and fishy as the name entails. You have to chew on it a bit to soften it up a little. And now time for Harkal and in good tradition I ordered a shot of Brennivin (Icelandic schnapps) otherwise known as Black Death. You're supposed to shoot this after trying Hakarl to get the taste out of your mouth. So there I was the moment of truth...

 

 

 

The waitress watched as I took my first bite, I was thinking it wasn't so bad until the aftertaste of ammonia spread over my taste buds. Took half the shot of Brennivin and sharp, black licorice took over instead. After I ate it the waitress said she didn't like it either and only ate it once a year. I did it though, I ate fermented shark (about the size of a sugar cube). I also ate a second piece, but I was not able to eat the third.

 

Day 2 - To be posted soon