Many of you may remember this building from our Architecture unit. It is the Hallgrimskirkja in the center of Reykjavic Iceland. We both agree that it is more beautiful in person. We have seen many other interesting site on our exploration of the capitol city of Iceland.

This church is located in the
center of Reyjkavik and from
the top there is a great view.

Perlan

A funny thing happened in the shower this morning.  A distinct odor and a strange chemical reaction left us with more questions than answers.  Being the good detectives we are, we set out to find out what was happening. Our inquiry led us to an odd looking building that looked more like a science fiction movie set than anything else which was set on one of the highest elevations in the city.  We found out this is the Perlan building in the center of Reykjavik city. Originally heated geothermal water was stored for use in the city on this site.  In 1991, a newer more attractive building was built that would not only serve as a water storage facility but a museum, restaurant and venue for other functions.  There are 6 aluminum sided tanks that can each hold 4 million liters of water averaging 185 degrees farenheit.  The hot water is pumped through the metal framework in the winter and cold water during the summer. 

Mrs. Edge listens as she observes, This one even moved

One of the tanks has been converted to a museum dedicated to the history of the Icelandic people called the Saga Museum.  We had the opportunity to take a self-guided tour to learn more about the history of this area and its people.  It recreates key moments in Icelandic history with some very life like models.  In fact, one was so life-like, Mrs. Hess thought he was real.  

If you look closely you can see the sweat on his face

World's Best Ice Cream at Perlan

While we were exploring we got hungry and decided to stop for a snack. What we ended up with was the best ice cream ever!  Who knew that we would find our favorite cold snack in one of the coldest corners of the world. While we were enjoying the delicious ice cream we met Kristjan and his lovely wife. They told us about the way many Icelanders use energy. They explained that we were sitting on top of the main holding tanks for the hot water that generated a third of the electricity that was used in the city. Kristjan told us that energy was very cheap. He estimated that the average cost of electricty per day per house hold was maybe $1.00-$2.00. If you do the math, you will be as surprised as we were!

Lupines were everywhere and looked like bluebonnets

One of the things we noticed on our walk to Perlan from the church were the beautiful flowers we found everywhere that reminded us of our own bluebonnets.  We found out on a tour later that these lupines are really not native to Iceland but were brought here and planted.  Many of the people here do not like them because they have spread and are taking over some of the native plants.  Another thing we learned about Iceland is that things that grow here are small and low to the ground.  When you see the landscape in many places, particularly near the airport it reminds you of the surface of the moon. There is black volcanic rock everywhere.