New Year’s Eve in Iceland is a unique celebration of traditions, fireworks and a bonfire. Fire and Icelandia! That’s one of the perks about going there in the winter rather than going during the summer (which I imagine is also breathtaking). Our excursion was to go to a bonfire, have champagne, hot cocoa, Icelandic donuts and then watch fireworks. I was expecting a little bonfire….and one fireworks show…..
But it turned out to be the hugest bonfire I’ve ever seen….and about approximately 2,000 locals gathered. The reportedly 200,000 locals of Reykjavik set off 500 tons of fireworks from their own homes. The sky was filled with fireworks the quality of our city’s Riverparks fireworks show. It was unforgettable, non-stop, and other-worldly. And people still lit them until 5 a.m. (right outside our hotel room!) This is their tradition for closure of the outgoing year and wishing prosperity and good luck and hope for the new year. Monies raised from the purchase of fireworks go to the Search and Rescue Fund.
“And the beautifullest fireworks
Are burning in the sky just for you
I can feel it!” (Bjork)
“…An aeroplane will curve gracefully
Around the volcano with the eruption
That never lets you down
I can feel it!”
One day : one day” (Bjork,songwriter, One Day
Chic Reykjavik is the northernmost capital of the world. “It’s oh so quiet, It’s oh so still….” Mornings were spent slowly caffeinating in the hotel breakfast bar over coffee and danishes, yogurt and proteins. As I said in another blog, devoid of music in some places, (until nighttime in the taverns) the stillness of this remote city, (Reykjavik) felt as if Mother Earth hit the pause button—the day was delayed. Silent, still, dark, veiled and benighted.
As the sun rose, the options were to take photos of the coast which was right outside of our Hotel CenterKlopp or stroll through the main square for shopping and sightseeing.
Then, a stroll up the whimsical and pristine square as the shops opened gave us a glimpse into chic Reykjavik life. “I’m celebrating on a vibrancy…..you’re blissing me…..”(another Bjork lyric)
Similar to Danish design and white architecture reflecting the icy landscape, the town square reminded me of a movie soundstage. Rather than cobblestone, the streets had a crisscrossed brick design and swags of lights strung across the streets and buildings. Each window had a illuminated winter tree and candelabra (much like a menorah). Reaching Skólavörðustígur Street where the towering and illuminated Hallgrímskirkja Church “summits” with a Leif Erikson statue in the courtyard was our internal compass in our jet-lagged, powering-through spirit.
Sandholdt Bakery (and restaurant) was on our list and we ate there twice. Kaffibrennslan was another perfect coffeehouse. 
We visited a few vintage clothing stores and souvenir shops. The taverns were a nightly stop for us and walking through the midnight glowy, lit square felt like we had it all to ourselves. It made the day last longer. The Irishman, Bastard Bar, Geiri Smart restaurant and Salka Valka Fish and More were the restaurants and taverns we went to in Reykjavik while Lava was the restaurant where we dined at the Blue Lagoon.
However, my favorite store moment was discovering the used bookstore right across from my hotel. 8 steps away! It was a hot mess of stacks, creative decor and the exactly perfect coffee table photography book I was searching for of Iceland. A cappuccino AND this ambience!? My day was complete. The vintage shop was another special moment.
The Reykjavik rooftops were a highlight. I liked their juxtaposition. I appreciated the occasional neon retro sign and at other times, the Danish design and lettering. 
Whimsical, inspirational and extremely relaxing…..Reykjavik was an ideal city and obvious home base to all of the geographical and adventurous excursions.
all photos by GIna Kingsley
for more blogs on Iceland:
go to http://www.gypsyfamilytravel.com/?s=The+intimacy+of+iceland to read about the geological excursions of the Golden Circle.
