Reykjavik is the capital and largest city of Iceland. I spent five nights in Reykjavik and fell in love. The city was buzzing with vibrant night life with cafe book shops, bars and restaurants. There is amazing street art and colourful houses everywhere you look. The city heavily supports refugees, gender equality and the LGBT community which is shown through bar/cafe signs such as 'If you are sexist racist or homophobic do not come in' and 'refugees welcome'. One of the main streets of Reykjavik is even painted in rainbow in support of the LGBT community.
I stayed in the coolest hostel ever called KEX in downtown Reykjavik. It used to be an old biscuit factory and has been revamped with old and new funky materials. The bar and food is incredible- I spent most mornings eating the best breakfast buffet and the nights spent drinking Icelandic beer and trying the 'Best burgers in Reykjavik'. If you ever visit KEX try the Freedom burger- amazing. The views out the window were incredible and so dreamy. I would often see rainbows shining over the mountains and at night I saw the Northern lights from my hostel window. The staff were super helpful and lovely also.
Whenever I had I free time I spent it wandering around the city. Most people mistook me for an Icelandic person and would address me in Icelandic. They got a big surprise when I replied with my bogan aussie accent. Iceland would have to be the only country I have visited where I wished I was not an Australian. The Icelandic people are so peaceful and reserved and I felt like just by speaking they would assume I was a loud, alcoholic, kangaroo riding Aussie.
Food wise before arriving in Iceland people had told me that I would not be able to find any globalised chains throughout Iceland. I was preparing myself for a diet full of fish,whale and all sorts of sea creatures. But as soon as I arrived in Reykjavik I saw KFC, Domino's, Dunkin Donuts and a subway on every corner. Tourism had completely taken over the city with food chains from all over the world. As much as I wanted to try the local food I was craving subway and donuts so bad and spent most lunch and dinners eating my heart out with strawberry donuts and burgers (I literally bought four donuts one day). I did try an Icelandic soup one day which was amazing (still not as good as my granny's though!).
Normally cities do not interest me but there is something so special about Reykjavik. The majority of the time when I am in Adelaide I am always wishing I was somewere else (serious case of fomo). When I am here in iceland I feel like I am exactly where I need/want to be (same feeling as when I was in Africa). So my heart has decided that when I finish my degree I am 100% moving here for 6 months + to work and travel around.
Bye for now Reykjavik, I miss you already.
