Photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/zaYgySJDATFD4FaV8
Sunday 31st MaySailed in the morning and Rob (nextdoor) didn't want to chat, so it was rather a long afternoon as I waited. The busses don't work on a Sunday night, there is a late 304 but it is too late, luckily there are plenty of trains, so it was £3.00 to get into Cardiff. First McD was closed, so on to Queen St and used the voucher to get a Big Mac - and the guy took £1 off due to the hassle. Bus stop had moved and was relatively comfortable. seat at back of bus was OK
Monday June 1st
Arrived Heathrow at 04.30 finished grapes, realised I had forgotten the bread pudding, but I had remembered the wraps and put them in the bag ready for tea. Flight was pleasant, had a window seat d we were in 15 mins early. It didn't help passport control almost cost me the train, I had to jump lines and made it by about five minutes, Had I not jumped lines it would have been over an hour, not the 45mins it took.
Train was actually OK - I had to move once as I did not have a seat reservation and the train was surprisingly busy. Changed train in Aarhus -next train was supposedly cancelled but just as I had decided to visit McD they announced that it was leaving from a different platform. Got me to Aarborg Airport Hotel as planned. Reception was friendly and I am having a relaxing evening having booked a breakfast and had an ice cream.
Tuesday 2nd June
All seemed to go well. Up at 06.00 Breakfast at 06.30 and it was a good breakfast, no toast or sausages but there were beans and bacon (crispy american style) so the usual 4 courses and Hot Chocolate to finish. Back to room, a bit of You Tube TV and out about 08.15 to the train which was waiting in the station. It was the one I was supposed to catch. 08.43 to Lindholm, didn't even need to change platforms and the next train was on time. I should have given Googlre maps more credit and got off at the previous station. Carried on to Hitishal and had to walk all the way back around the dock to get to the terminal and ship. I might have waited for the bus but there was no indication and it might have cost - I suppose I could have asked, but the place was pretty deserted. So much for roaming and using the phone!
Anyway arrived at the ship hot and sweaty, so had a second shower and changed before going out and exploring the ship. Nice upstairs bar with views, but having left port I am back in the cabin considering a siesta. Which was OK. Short period upstairs, saw the Norwegan Coast, but visibility was pretty limited. Most of time spent watching the Geographic Channel.
Wednesday 3rd June
Breakfast was strangely unsatisfying. It could have been having to wait half an hour for it to open, it would seem that when I checked opening times yesterday the screens had not been updated, opened 7am not 6am. It may hve been the crowds, it may have been the small cups, it may have been the fact that only black coffee was available or perhaps the lack of toast. At least there were baked beans, and I did manage many courses, so I should be set for the day but . . . strangely unsatisfying.
Visibility remains low - have seen a couple of gannets fly past but will stay in cabin for most of the day. Until we were approaching the Faroes, when I went upstairs. Nice scenery, but we were not allowed off the boat, despite unloading and loading taking well over an hour. outside again for departure, scenery wonderful but I am reminded that distances are huge - with me thinking hiking or kayaking would be fun - it's too far! Must explore by bus or maybe a commercial tour, this coming week will tell. Due to arrive 09.30 ship time 08.30 local they said.
Thursday 4th June
Arrived as predicted and heard that Saturday tour has been cancelled. Had time while waiting for the bus to do emails, port had wifi. Bus took us over the hill. Google had said it could be hiked in 7hrs, I'm glad I didn't. Planned a walk through Eglisstadir to the airport using Komoot only to discover that their maps included a ford which would have been unpassable, so had to backtrack. However, I got to airport, only to be confused by timezones and had an extra hour of waiting instead of walking. Commuter aircraft Bombadier - just after watching crash scene investigations on them! Arrived safely in Reykjavik and walked to the appartment, which is very nice. Light drizzle.
Friday 5th June
Relaxed awakening and arranged another tour for tomorrow. Out and located pick up for Sunday then on to Perlan Natural History Museum (over £40). Spent all day inside. Volcano ride was pretty effective at persuading you you were moving but implied vast caverns and open spaces below ground. Ice cave was pretty artificial but safe. Planetarium had nice explanation of Arora on other planets and then said they were UV and therefore invisible - typical! All of Icelands attractions in a totally antiseptic environment. Back around 4pm with visit to Netto and stuffed crust pizza purchase.
