We landed at Keflavik Airport a little after 11pm local time (7pm EDT) - about 30 minutes earlier than our scheduled arrival. This was actually a good thing, since it took a while to get through security (just like when you check in at the airport - same deal, only you're trying to leave). We picked up our luggage and found our shuttle (which was easier than I thought, since the guy was standing at the exit with a paper with my name on it... never thought I would ever be one of "those people" with a driver waiting for them at the airport - it was kind of cool).
Our driver (heehee, "Our Driver")was named Arri, and he was totally cool, friendly and funny. The ride into Reykjavik was really enjoyable because of him - Fun Fact (he said that a lot): Arri apparently learned how to speak English watching a lot of TV and movies... which he proved to us by doing all sorts of really funny accents ("GET TO THE CHOPPA" a la AR-nold). It was also kind of surprising to hear the word "lardass" uttered with an Icelandic accent.
Well, lots and lots of chatting we got to talking about how hungry we were (it was dinnertime according to my tummy), and mentioning that we wanted to get a hot dog.
Now, I have to pause for a moment to explain. Apparently, Icelanders LOVE hot dogs. And there is a place near the harbor in Reykjavik that apparently sells the best hot dogs in Iceland. It also happens to be open until 3am for the late night revelers. So when we said that we wanted a hot dog, it was not only because we wanted to try these apparently amazing meat in casings, but because it was the only place that we knew would be open when we arrived. Okay, back to the story.
So we tell Arri that we want to get a hot dog, and his eyes just light up - "Oh, Baejarins Bestu!" Why, yes, that's exactly where we want to go. Well, he offers to take us on a slight detour... instead of dropping us directly at the hotel, he would take us through the city center, show us some places and bring us to the hot dog place (told you this guy was cool). Needless to say, we were thrilled, because that meant we would not be wandering around a strange city at 1am looking for a hot dog shack in a parking lot. As a thank you, we told his we would buy him a hot dog (there's no tipping in Iceland). He took us up on that without thought or hesitation.
So, he drove us through downtown, pointing out good places to eat, fun bars, his favorite clothing store, and some "sleazy" places to eat while we're out drinking (his misuse of the word "sleazy" was both adorable and confusing, until we figured out he meant "greasy," then it made sense) - good places for a "sleazy" pizza or burger while drunk. And it so happens that several of the places that we had heard we should try by the guide books and Travel Channel were also some of Arri's favorite place, so we knew that we were in for some good stuff.
Anyway, we finally got to the hot dog place. And I am so happy Arri offered to drive us there, because there would be NO WAY we would have been able to find it. It is, quite literally, a shack in a nondescript parking lot. But the hot dogs (with everything) were truly awesome - skin with a nice snap, great flavor (there's lamb in the dogs), soft bun and great toppings (the fried onions gave it some great crunch). So good that both Joseph and I went back for seconds... and will definitely be coming back for more during our stay.
Baejarins Bestu - see? Shack in a parking lot.
Half eaten second dog
Turg and Arri
A perfect end to a long day of travel... now where's that Thermal Pool?
1 comment:
Nice to see you guys landed safe! Has Turg busted out the camera and monster lens yet?
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