This is the 8 January 2002 edition of this page
On my way back to Reykjavik, over the hills in the coach, there was a hissing noise - indicating a problem. The driver stopped - but could find NO problems with any of the tyres!! Using his 'radio', he could not raise assistance due to radio-shadowing in these hills. We ALL got out, but passing motorists - who are thin in these parts - were of no use!! I climbed the nearby hill to witness what was going to be a 'long-job', with the driver himself doing a DIY repair job!The Capital - REYKJAVIK --- Chapter Seven --- ICELAND - 1994
Then, steadily down off the mountain, I get an indication that the problem is in the HYDRAULICS system. The drivers, here, are certainly clued-up and self-sufficient. Later, it seemed as if the whole of Iceland was 'leaving work on this FRIDAY evening' transforming an isolated desolate spot into a (once each weekend?) rush-hour scene. Before that, in the isolation on 'no-mans-land' in these hills, our lady guide (Sigrun) had said that a relative that she hadn't seen for years had stopped (out of the blue!) for a chat with her! As there are NO surnames in Iceland - I've been puzzling ever since as to how she knew he was a relative!!
Back in Reykjavik, we delivered people to various hotels, ESJA (mine) being the last. We have now completed the tour of the island and are back on our own for the duration of our stays. I thanked Sigrun for her wonderful function as a guide and we kissed goodbye. That evening, I did a 3.3kilometre walk around Reykjavik and got a feel of the place ready for my explorations tomorrow.
On the morning of 2nd July '94, I did a solo walk around Reykjavik from the Hotel ESJA to the 'Volcano Show' and, there, saw the great collection of Videos made by Villi (pronounced Willie, if you like) Knudsen and his father - and bought one before I left. [I would return here several times in future years and visits!]
Later that morning, and afternoon until 3pm, I walked from Villi's to the Perlan Observation Gallery (including snacks and ices!) and then, from there, to the Kringlan Shopping Mall. From there, I navigated my way back to the ESJA Hotel! Later in the afternoon, I toured on foot in Reykjavik again, covering the Hofti House (famous for its meetings of Regan and Gorbachev' summit -and the building that was flashed all around the World with this 'thawing' of the World's tension!), plus their Bus Station and shopping streets before returning to the Esja.
Doing a final walking tour in that evening, I wandered up to the spectacular PERLAN Building again, viewing everything on the way there, and whilst there, concentrating on the viewing-points more this time than I had done previously. After the walks (many, many miles today!!) I witnessed the Cousteau Interview on TV.
After a pleasant night at the Esja (in Reyjavik), I watched some TV before going out again. Seeing the practice sessions for FRENCH GRAND PRIX (at Magny Cours) provided a good start! There were several interviews with interesting and relevant people. Then there followed some Motor-Cycle racing from the Hungaroring (HUNGARY).
It was then time for me to do some more 'local exploration' - and I covered some Parks, then Botanical Gardens and miscellaneous flora and fauna! Back at the TV in my hotel room, I was in time to watch the ITALIAN GP (250cc motorcycling) 'live' before the previous weeks 500cc DUTCH GRAND PRIX. Then it was 'back to Mugello' for the current week's 500cc ITALIAN GP!!
Back into the real 'open air' in Iceland, I then made walks in the Sports Area, around the "architecturally different" church, then their CampSite and swimming Pool before returning to the Esja. Whilst waiting for my coach I completed some more of my writings. The three-quarter hour journey to KEFLAVIK got me there - giving me time for some meaningful chats with a DUTCH singer (he was into the 'Barber-Shop' style). Chatting was in English.
Your alternatives (options) now are:- Go to trip back to UK!
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