September 11th, 2015

Destination? Reykjavik, Iceland, Where to Stay? Alda Hotel, How to Get There? WOW Air

If you had told me at the beginning of the summer that I would be going to Iceland on Labor Day, I would have thought you were crazy.  It really was not on my bucket list, even though for many it is.  Going to Iceland has gotten more popular than ever.  It is a destination, whether you are just staying there to enjoy what this beautiful island has to offer or if you decide that on your way to Europe you might want to make a stop-over.

Trying to fly the most direct route was easy.  From Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, our choices for airports are BWI or Philadelphia.  I decided to go on WOW from BWI, a direct flight of about 6 hours, to Keflavik which is the main airport in Iceland.  From there I booked my transfer to the hotel through the Gray Line, http://www.grayline.is, to the capital city of Reykjavik.

I had no idea what WOW Air was.  This is an Icelandic low-cost airline that flies to Iceland from a number of European cities and started to fly from the U.S. this year.  They fly from Baltimore, BWI, and from Boston.  They told me that they are adding more cities.  It has become very popular because of the low fares.  You can buy extra room so you are more comfortable.  The airplanes are new, the staff is beautifully attired and very friendly.  You can either bring food onboard or you may also buy prepared sandwiches and other treats.  Everything you have to buy, including a bottle of water.  They have iPads for rent, as well.

This particular plane was the one I was about to board.  Its name was Freiya…Nordic Godess of Love.  A good start, I think.

We were suddenly awaken so that we could see the Northern Lights from the plane.  Sorry, not able to get photos.

I arrived at 5:30 a.m. their time. To exchange US dollars to the Icelandic Krona you can do so by using the ATM, when you arrive, while waiting for the luggage.  Also, there are more ATM machines right before you exit the building.  There is a bank with no commission taken which might be easier if you do not want to use the ATM.

Rainy, cloudy, windy…..that was the weather the whole week there.  But we managed to do the most important things.  Iceland is one of those places that you need to do all the outdoor activities.  You will also have plenty of time for shopping, dining, and dancing.

Alda Hotel has a large lobby, it is very colorful and modern.  A retro look.  It is located in Downtown Reykjavik.

Alda Hotel is located at Laugavegur 66-68 in Reykjavik.  It is only one year old.  Owned by a local tax lawyer who also has other businesses in town.  Alda Hotel is vey modern.  It only has 4 floors and 65 rooms.  Website?  http://www.aldahotel.is.

There is the Barber Bar. And the Chocolate Bar.

Laugavegur street is a main street in Reykjavik.  Shops, restaurants and bars are located on this street.  Alda Hotel is located in the quietest part of the street.  Very convenient because all you have to do is walk out of the hotel and you are just ready to explore Reykjavik which by the way, it is very walkable.  You will not get lost.

Alda Hotel has a Barber.  It is unisex and very busy.

I was totally surprised when after checking in they gave me a Smart Phone for my personal use while in town.

My room was on the 4th floor.  The rooms on this floor have balconies with a panoramic view.  Between clouds and rain, here is one photo of the view from my balcony.

Here are some of the photos of my room.  Very comfortable with a large modern bath.

Alda Hotel offers breakfast.  I like to get out and about and try all the local restaurants but on my last day I did try it….the music was playing from the old fashioned record player.

The dining room was comfortable with plenty of light and breakfast for everyone.

Weather in Iceland is unpredictable.  Make sure you take a raincoat because it does rain a lot. Some of the locals mentioned that at times you can get different weather events in one single day.  While visiting during the first week in September it rained almost every day.  I suggest you book your tours as soon as you can.  I used the Gray Line above mentioned and they were great.

More posts from Iceland coming up….Have a good one…start planning your trip.  Iceland is the hottest place to visit now.  The staff at Alda Hotel was very helpful and friendly.

The Northern Lights are back at this time of the year.  The Reykjavik International Film Festival is at the end of September through the beginning of October.

September 4th, 2015

Destination? Iceland, Reykjavik, Mystical, Happy Labor Day Week-End!!

Looking forward to cooler temperatures this Labor Day Week-End as I embark on this very exciting trip to Iceland.  Reykjavik is the capital city.  It is a mystical destination to a far away land.  This capital city is a combination of metropolis zeal and village innocence.

It has a buzzing music scene and enthusiastic nightlife.  Some even say that it can give Europe’s party capital, Ibiza, a run for its money.

Reykjavik is small compared to other European cities.  It has umpredictable weather, as well.

I will talk to you when I come back….Have a great week-end at the Delaware Beaches!!

September 2nd, 2015

Fenwick Island Eats!! One Coastal, Restaurant, Bar, Fenwick Island, Delaware, A Southern Delaware Eatery, Delaware Beaches

One Castal has just celebrated one year!!  For my friend, Shelley, and I it was a new find.  The restaurant is located at 101 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in Fenwick Island, DE  19944.  Tel. 302-537-4790.  Website?  http://www.onecoastal.com

We had heard a few people talking about it and everything they said was good.  So, on Monday evening we decided to try it.  One Coastal accepts reservations.  It is good to make them because the restaurants has about 10 tables, plus you can also have dinner at the bar.  It is casual, come as you are.  Also, there is parking available.

The staff was so friendly we were immediately feeling very good about the place.  It has an open kitchen so you can see the comings and goings of a busy eatery.

Make sure to visit the website above mentioned to learn more about what One Coastal is all about.  Hours of operation will be changing as of Monday September 7th.  The second season begins in earnest at this time of the year at the Delaware beaches.  They will close Monday and Wednesday.  Thursday 5-9 p.m., Friday 5-9 p.m.  Saturday 8-Noon and then 5-9p.m.  Sunday 8-Noon.

The menu is divided into Eat Your Greens, Little Snacks, and the Main Event.

I started with a cold cucumber, lemon basil soup.  So light and so delicious.  You could defintely taste the 3 main ingredients.

A Kale & Brussels Salad for Shelley…sunflower seeds, diced apples, avocado, and pomegranate seeds tossed lightly in a homemade white balsamic dressing.

A  Main Event entree for Shelley of halibut which was seared with toasted coconut rice, fresh pineapple salsa and homemade lemon basil aioli.  For her side she chose green beans.

I decided on 2 Little Snacks.  Well, the portions were very generous to say the least.  Look at my plates.

The Scallop App…blackened with mango cucumber salad and a mint apple cider reduction.  Perfectly cooked and seasoned.

Fried Green Tomatoes topped with lump crab, hollandaise and a sprinkle of Old Bay.  Loved them!

No dessert was necessary, we were perfectly satisfied.

One Coastal has had a geat season and are looking forward to meeting you soon.  Let me know how you like it.

Talk to you later….have a good one!!