Our Iceland Saga: Current Times

So far, I've been mostly showing you pictures that reflect the natural beauty of Iceland. While it is not heavily populated (about as many people live in all of Iceland as live in Pittsburgh, PA), there are houses and roads and towns and other signs of human habitation - and here are some shots to prove it. ;)

For example, a church steeple in the capital, Reykjavik.

Here is a shot of the "major" road that goes all the way around the island. It is a 2 lane road - except for the bridges, which were generally only 1 lane. And it is mostly paved - but some sections are gravel!

Look at all that traffic! ;)

Next is the house in the Skalanes Nature Reserve, which includes a major puffin nesting site. Sadly, the puffins had already left to winter in the ocean by the time we got there...

Fishing is a major industry in Iceland.

You see harbors and boats of all shapes and sizes everywhere.

According to our guide book, Icelanders are very big into the arts. Here is one of my favorite statues - it reminds me a bit of Native American totem poles.

And I thought that this day care center, decorated with depictions of children's stories such as The Princess and the Pea...

and Little Red Riding Hood...

was adorable! :)

Tomorrow I'll have shots from our second favorite experience of the trip - back to nature, but something you'll never see in the continental U.S.!