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Erinyes Nazgul
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Posted - 2009.09.26 14:39:00 -
[1]
Edited by: Erinyes Nazgul on 26/09/2009 14:44:21 So I've landed in Iceland a few days ahead of FanFest to run around the country and take in the sights. I've compiled a few notes for the people that haven't been here before (like myself) and have not arrived yet. I won't bore you with the general stuff you'll find on the inter-tubes or the touristy stuff...
In no particular order:
1. Reykjavik is a damn fun city (the term 'large town' is perhaps more suited than 'city.') Lots of interesting restaurants, shops and things to see. Make sure you allocate some time to walk around the place. Good fun.
2. Alcohol is OMGWTF expensive. It's even more expensive in the bars. Buy liquor at the duty free shops at the airport before you exit customs. You'll be glad you did. (Note: check amounts. 1L of hard stuff is allowed per person. I don't remember the beer/wine volumes)
3. "Customs" was a teen-aged dude that just grunted at me. It may have been the fact I arrived at 6:00am, but besides a sleepy passport control guy, no one even looked at me. It was the easiest transit of customs I've ever had. That being said, don't bring anything illegal into the country as you'll be the one they will bust. :-)
4. Dress warmly. Winter is approaching, and we had a bit of snow/sleet today (Saturday the 26th) mixed with occasional rain. Of course, just as you get your rain gear on, the sun comes out and it's beautiful. Come prepared if you're going to walk around.
5. Bring something to swim in! There are a ton of pools/spas/hot tubs all of the country. You'll want to soak in them. They are awesome.
6. Customer service is a bit..."limited." As there isn't tipping here, don't expect anyone to roll out the red carpet for you. Just be patient, smile and have a good time. Every 'service' person I've encountered has been extremely friendly and will provide you with whatever you need (although it may take some time).
7. Dive into the occasional small, family run business. They seem to be everywhere. For example, there is a great "restaurant" (read: shack that serves food and has benches you can sit at) on the harbor called the 'Sea Barron' (or something like that). I'm pretty sure it's near CCP's building (but I didn't see it). Regardless, this place makes great soup and has seafood ready to be grilled up. If you're looking for a taste of shrimp, scallops or even mink whale (?), this is the place for a quick bite. Cheap and good.
8. Taxis are easy to get. There are a few taxi stands around, but I've found the easiest way to grab one at night is to head into a hotel (behave like you're staying there) and ask the desk person to call you one. They are prompt and take credit cards.
9. Don't bother exchanging currency. Just use plastic.
10. If your hotel is on the main drag in Reykjavik (Laugavegur), you'll want to bring some ear plugs. You'll figure out why pretty quickly.
11. Any of the hotels will have information on various tours you can go on while you're here. While I haven't tried any yet, get out and see the country. The place is beautiful.
12. The Icelandic people are some of the nicest people I've encountered. Get out and meet them.
13. Read #2 again. Really.
See you at FanFest!
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Nigel Sheldon
Caldari Skaro Mining Reborn
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Posted - 2009.09.26 14:58:00 -
[2]
the booze isn't as expensive as it used to be since the crash. when i first came out to iceland it was about 6-7 pounds for a pint, now it's about ú3 which isn't so much more than back home these days. I suppose it depends on where you come from and what the exchange rate is like. I don't fly out till the day before fanfest but am staying for 2 weeks once out there.
Hvw you checked out the blue lagood yet, it's just outside of keflavik airport and easy to get to, and you wait till you try getting a taxi on a fri/sat night, it's a nightmare, you WILL end up queuing for about an hour sometimes...
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Jago Kain
Amarr Ramm's RDI Tactical Narcotics Team
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Posted - 2009.09.26 16:47:00 -
[3]
All your cod is belong to us.
___________________________________________________ The game will never be over, because we're keeping the meme alive. |
Velvet69
eXceed Inc.
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Posted - 2009.09.26 20:21:00 -
[4]
Originally by: Erinyes Nazgul 2. Alcohol is OMGWTF expensive. It's even more expensive in the bars. Buy liquor at the duty free shops at the airport before you exit customs. You'll be glad you did. (Note: check amounts. 1L of hard stuff is allowed per person. I don't remember the beer/wine volumes)
Would you mind explaining this a bit more. Just what is 'OMGWTF expensive' to you?
I'm from London , so can easily spend ú3 on a pint.
Proud Member of 'The House of Prawn' If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions |
Xen Gin
Silurian Operations
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Posted - 2009.09.26 21:41:00 -
[5]
Originally by: Velvet69
Originally by: Erinyes Nazgul 2. Alcohol is OMGWTF expensive. It's even more expensive in the bars. Buy liquor at the duty free shops at the airport before you exit customs. You'll be glad you did. (Note: check amounts. 1L of hard stuff is allowed per person. I don't remember the beer/wine volumes)
Would you mind explaining this a bit more. Just what is 'OMGWTF expensive' to you?
I'm from London , so can easily spend ú3 on a pint.
ú3! *Chokes on his ú2.20 Cardiff bought Stella!*
## You got that? Right I'll be back in approximately 300 seconds to retort! ## |
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GM Horse
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Posted - 2009.09.27 03:13:00 -
[6]
Originally by: Velvet69
Originally by: Erinyes Nazgul 2. Alcohol is OMGWTF expensive. It's even more expensive in the bars. Buy liquor at the duty free shops at the airport before you exit customs. You'll be glad you did. (Note: check amounts. 1L of hard stuff is allowed per person. I don't remember the beer/wine volumes)
Would you mind explaining this a bit more. Just what is 'OMGWTF expensive' to you?
I'm from London , so can easily spend ú3 on a pint.
A pint will run you about 3.5 pounds in your average Icelandic bar these days.
Two years ago, it would have cost you about 5. Thanks, economic meltdown!
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F'nog
Amarr Celestial Horizon Corp. United Corporate Ventures
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Posted - 2009.09.27 05:03:00 -
[7]
I'm not going, but who's planning on eating the local "delicacies"? I hope CCP has a selection of putrid shark and that holiday meal with weird goat/sheep parts available at Fanfest. Maybe some puffin? I mean, that much alcohol and all that testosterone and you know it'll be good.
"Sure, you helped destroy my alliance in game and have killed way more combat pilots than me, but I bet you I can eat more of whatever the hell this is than you! (alternate: I bet you're too much of a wuss to eat this rotten shark, *****!)"
Originally by: Kazuma Saruwatari
F'nog for Amarr Emperor. Nuff said
Originally by: Chribba Go F'nog! You're a hero! Not a Zero! /me bows
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Nigel Sheldon
Caldari Skaro Mining Reborn
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Posted - 2009.09.27 07:19:00 -
[8]
Originally by: F'nog Edited by: F''nog on 27/09/2009 05:09:30 I'm not going, but who's planning on eating the local "delicacies"? I hope CCP has a selection of putrid shark and that holiday meal with weird goat/sheep parts available at Fanfest. Maybe some puffin? I mean, that much alcohol and all that testosterone and you know it'll be good.
"Sure, you helped destroy my alliance in game and have killed way more combat pilots than me, but I bet you I can eat more of whatever the hell this is than you! (alternate: I bet you're too much of a wuss to eat this rotten shark, *****!)"
I don't know what either are called, I'm sure a helpful CCP employee or Icelander will chime in shortly, but here's a bit about the shark: The F-Word: May owns Ramsey. The important part starts at 2:00 in.
I plan on chowing on as much puffin as I can get my hands on, it's bloody lovely!
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Manu Hermanus
FaDoyToy
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Posted - 2009.09.27 10:15:00 -
[9]
Originally by: Nigel Sheldon
Originally by: F'nog Edited by: F''nog on 27/09/2009 05:09:30 I'm not going, but who's planning on eating the local "delicacies"? I hope CCP has a selection of putrid shark and that holiday meal with weird goat/sheep parts available at Fanfest. Maybe some puffin? I mean, that much alcohol and all that testosterone and you know it'll be good.
"Sure, you helped destroy my alliance in game and have killed way more combat pilots than me, but I bet you I can eat more of whatever the hell this is than you! (alternate: I bet you're too much of a wuss to eat this rotten shark, *****!)"
I don't know what either are called, I'm sure a helpful CCP employee or Icelander will chime in shortly, but here's a bit about the shark: The F-Word: May owns Ramsey. The important part starts at 2:00 in.
I plan on chowing on as much puffin as I can get my hands on, it's bloody lovely!
seeing the Iceland episode of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, makes me want to go to Iceland just to eat a bit of everything.
and the puffin did look amazing, and he hyped it up a good bit, want in my mouth now!
mmm Hßkarl, grilled puffin, slßtur (a type of blood pudding) skyr, lamb hot dog, geothermal cooking: langoustine, minke whale You're posting again!? Has it really been 5 mins?
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Erinyes Nazgul
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Posted - 2009.09.27 10:34:00 -
[10]
Originally by: Velvet69
Originally by: Erinyes Nazgul
Would you mind explaining this a bit more. Just what is 'OMGWTF expensive' to you?
Good point. This comparison is based on US prices, so you Londoners won't be quite as shocked.
Regardless, how often are we in Iceland? Might as well go out and have a good time. Fun city.
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Denny Haze
Amarr Ministry of War
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Posted - 2009.09.27 18:40:00 -
[11]
Originally by: GM Horse
Originally by: Velvet69
Originally by: Erinyes Nazgul 2. Alcohol is OMGWTF expensive. It's even more expensive in the bars. Buy liquor at the duty free shops at the airport before you exit customs. You'll be glad you did. (Note: check amounts. 1L of hard stuff is allowed per person. I don't remember the beer/wine volumes)
Would you mind explaining this a bit more. Just what is 'OMGWTF expensive' to you?
I'm from London , so can easily spend ú3 on a pint.
A pint will run you about 3.5 pounds in your average Icelandic bar these days.
Two years ago, it would have cost you about 5. Thanks, economic meltdown!
If you go by 1 Imperial pint = 568 ml, or let's just use the metric pint, which is 0.5 liters 1 GBP = 17.426500 Estonian Kroons 0.5L of beer = appr 13.- in Estonia That's appr 0.75 GBP per metric pint (for bottled/canned beer in shops)
Tap beer in bars/Pubs is appr 35.- which equals to appr. 2 GBP.
60D GTC |
Phenglei Kai
Caldari The Army Cult of War
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Posted - 2009.09.27 20:06:00 -
[12]
When in Iceland,try the lifrarpylsa ,its delicious...It's one of the many things i miss about Iceland(lived there 6 years).Also,if you stay for awhile rent a jeep and explore the country.
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Nigel Sheldon
Caldari Skaro Mining Reborn
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Posted - 2009.09.27 20:44:00 -
[13]
Originally by: Denny Haze
Originally by: GM Horse
Originally by: Velvet69
Originally by: Erinyes Nazgul 2. Alcohol is OMGWTF expensive. It's even more expensive in the bars. Buy liquor at the duty free shops at the airport before you exit customs. You'll be glad you did. (Note: check amounts. 1L of hard stuff is allowed per person. I don't remember the beer/wine volumes)
Would you mind explaining this a bit more. Just what is 'OMGWTF expensive' to you?
I'm from London , so can easily spend ú3 on a pint.
A pint will run you about 3.5 pounds in your average Icelandic bar these days.
Two years ago, it would have cost you about 5. Thanks, economic meltdown!
If you go by 1 Imperial pint = 568 ml, or let's just use the metric pint, which is 0.5 liters 1 GBP = 17.426500 Estonian Kroons 0.5L of beer = appr 13.- in Estonia That's appr 0.75 GBP per metric pint (for bottled/canned beer in shops)
Tap beer in bars/Pubs is appr 35.- which equals to appr. 2 GBP.
am i missing something? What has estonia got to do with the price of a beer in iceland?
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captain kikaz
Debitum Naturae THE KLINGONS
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Posted - 2009.09.27 22:44:00 -
[14]
Quote: Taxis are easy to get. There are a few taxi stands around, but I've found the easiest way to grab one at night is to head into a hotel (behave like you're staying there) and ask the desk person to call you one. They are prompt and take credit cards.
taxis are a nice thing to use late at night to get right back to your hotel etc but they can start to get very expensive. For general day to day travel we have just started using the bus service.
the number 2 runs along the Laugavegur and costs 280isk better then 1800isk for a taxi.remember to have the right money though as they don't give change
as for food last year we found the hereford steak house this is on the Laugavegur and this was our first stop off for food this year not the cheapest but def worth the money.
we are here till next monday we're off on the golden circle tour tomorrow (this would explain why i'm sitting on my laptop in my hotel room early start tomorrow
f
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Denny Haze
Amarr Ministry of War
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Posted - 2009.09.28 02:11:00 -
[15]
Originally by: Nigel Sheldon
Originally by: Denny Haze
Originally by: Velvet69
Would you mind explaining this a bit more. Just what is 'OMGWTF expensive' to you?
I'm from London , so can easily spend ú3 on a pint.
If you go by 1 Imperial pint = 568 ml, or let's just use the metric pint, which is 0.5 liters 1 GBP = 17.426500 Estonian Kroons 0.5L of beer = appr 13.- in Estonia That's appr 0.75 GBP per metric pint (for bottled/canned beer in shops)
Tap beer in bars/Pubs is appr 35.- which equals to appr. 2 GBP.
am i missing something? What has estonia got to do with the price of a beer in iceland?
Yes, you are missing something. I'll point it out for you. Now go think about what you've got to do with this topic (hint: nothing)
60D GTC |
Herzog Wolfhammer
Gallente Aliastra
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Posted - 2009.09.28 07:59:00 -
[16]
How could the people there be nice? I thought they were all descendants of Vikings and rode about in longboats, raping and pillaging.
Or was that so bad for international relations, they had to find another way?
Maybe they could make an MMO about that.... wait a minute.... oh no.
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Nigel Sheldon
Caldari Skaro Mining Reborn
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Posted - 2009.09.28 08:47:00 -
[17]
Originally by: Denny Haze
Originally by: Nigel Sheldon
Originally by: Denny Haze
Originally by: Velvet69
Would you mind explaining this a bit more. Just what is 'OMGWTF expensive' to you?
I'm from London , so can easily spend ú3 on a pint.
If you go by 1 Imperial pint = 568 ml, or let's just use the metric pint, which is 0.5 liters 1 GBP = 17.426500 Estonian Kroons 0.5L of beer = appr 13.- in Estonia That's appr 0.75 GBP per metric pint (for bottled/canned beer in shops)
Tap beer in bars/Pubs is appr 35.- which equals to appr. 2 GBP.
am i missing something? What has estonia got to do with the price of a beer in iceland?
Yes, you are missing something. I'll point it out for you. Now go think about what you've got to do with this topic (hint: nothing)
is your name really ambassador kosh? cause i still don't get it...I still fail to see the connection between how much a stupid estonian pint costs to that of an icelandic one.....prehaps you should explain better
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Erinyes Nazgul
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Posted - 2009.09.28 09:09:00 -
[18]
Post-Weekend Update: Reykjavik is, by far, on of the most fun towns I've toured through. Even though the weather wasn't all that great, people were out and about and the bars and clubs were buzzing. I woke this morning to perfectly blue skies, no wind and a holy-unbelievable beautiful day. Even if FanFast wasn't happening, this is one country you must visit!
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Velvet69
eXceed Inc.
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Posted - 2009.09.29 03:39:00 -
[19]
ú3.50 a pint? Bargain
GM Horse and the OP, I'll get you both a pint should our paths cross over the weekend.
-velve-
Proud Member of 'The House of Prawn' If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions |
F'nog
Amarr Celestial Horizon Corp. United Corporate Ventures
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Posted - 2009.09.29 06:30:00 -
[20]
Originally by: Erinyes Nazgul Post-Weekend Update: Reykjavik is, by far, on of the most fun towns I've toured through. Even though the weather wasn't all that great, people were out and about and the bars and clubs were buzzing. I woke this morning to perfectly blue skies, no wind and a holy-unbelievable beautiful day. Even if FanFast wasn't happening, this is one country you must visit!
From what I know of Iceland's weather, your definition of "wasn't all that great" probably differs quite a bit from the local population's. You know, the sort of thing where you're wearing everything you brought and are trying to figure out how to get warmer, and they're in a shirt and shorts saying, "It's a bit brisk. Maybe I should consider a jacket?"
Originally by: Kazuma Saruwatari
F'nog for Amarr Emperor. Nuff said
Originally by: Chribba Go F'nog! You're a hero! Not a Zero! /me bows
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N Ano
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Posted - 2009.09.29 08:30:00 -
[21]
The weather has been quite bitter the past week so if you are leaving today/tomorrow, be smart and bring some warm clothes
Originally by: Blane Xero SoonÖ. Shortly AfterÖ Iceland Conquers the WorldÖ
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GM Horse
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Posted - 2009.09.29 15:46:00 -
[22]
Edited by: GM Horse on 29/09/2009 15:46:39
Originally by: Velvet69 ú3.50 a pint? Bargain
GM Horse and the OP, I'll get you both a pint should our paths cross over the weekend.
-velve-
I am running a pub at 8:30, though I am listed as CCP Horse not GM Horse for some reason.
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Irida Mershkov
Gallente War is Bliss
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Posted - 2009.09.29 16:16:00 -
[23]
Originally by: GM Horse Edited by: GM Horse on 29/09/2009 15:46:39
Originally by: Velvet69 ú3.50 a pint? Bargain
GM Horse and the OP, I'll get you both a pint should our paths cross over the weekend.
-velve-
I am running a pub at 8:30, though I am listed as CCP Horse not GM Horse for some reason.
Promotions! signature should be related to Eve Online. Edo |
Velvet69
eXceed Inc.
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Posted - 2009.09.29 16:57:00 -
[24]
Originally by: GM Horse Edited by: GM Horse on 29/09/2009 15:46:39
Originally by: Velvet69 ú3.50 a pint? Bargain
GM Horse and the OP, I'll get you both a pint should our paths cross over the weekend.
-velve-
I am running a pub at 8:30, though I am listed as CCP Horse not GM Horse for some reason.
Gonna need a few more details than just 'I am running a pub at 8.30' m8.
Proud Member of 'The House of Prawn' If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions |
Manu Hermanus
FaDoyToy
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Posted - 2009.09.29 17:46:00 -
[25]
Originally by: F'nog
Originally by: Erinyes Nazgul Post-Weekend Update: Reykjavik is, by far, on of the most fun towns I've toured through. Even though the weather wasn't all that great, people were out and about and the bars and clubs were buzzing. I woke this morning to perfectly blue skies, no wind and a holy-unbelievable beautiful day. Even if FanFast wasn't happening, this is one country you must visit!
From what I know of Iceland's weather, your definition of "wasn't all that great" probably differs quite a bit from the local population's. You know, the sort of thing where you're wearing everything you brought and are trying to figure out how to get warmer, and they're in a shirt and shorts saying, "It's a bit brisk. Maybe I should consider a jacket?"
sounds nice, always go outside and wonder why everyone is overdressed. you are wearing pants and a sweatshirt it is not cold, I'm wearing a teeshirt and shorts! You're posting again!? Has it really been 5 mins?
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foxxytiger
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Posted - 2009.09.29 18:49:00 -
[26]
Quote: sounds nice, always go outside and wonder why everyone is overdressed. you are wearing pants and a sweatshirt it is not cold, I'm wearing a teeshirt and shorts!
your not the nut case that walked past me and the missus on sunday morning when it was freezing cold and even the locals had broken the thermals out are you?
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