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The most interesting place I have visited - who would have thought - is the island of Iceland and its capital Reykjavik.

Why? Hm. First of all, because I found it interesting that from the moment I touched ground on - to me - foreign land I felt very much "at home".
However, what I find interesting and cool about Reykjavik is that basically you really can do anything there. All you need is a little network of people and it all goes pretty much on its own. I love the cultural spirit of the city - oftentimes, unfortunately, not taken seriously by many (arrogant) people working in the big "European old-style cultural sector" - that is characterized by the courage of the artists and their belief in their art. I absolutely admire their way of thinking "I can do anything and I WILL do whatever I want no matter what people say". I have never experienced that so strongly anywhere else. Though there are many, many painters, writers and musicians in Reykjavik (and Iceland) my favourite area of arts there is the performing art of theater and films. The film industry has grown fastly and vastly in the last few years and more and more wonderful films are made up north. Some recommendable director's names would be Ragnar Bragason, Ágúst Guðmundsson and - of course - the most busy and wonderul Baltasar Kormákur.

However, Reykjavík (especially downtown) has a great flair also. The city of multi-coloured roofs. I love the tiny houses painted in blue and red and yellow. I have various favourite buildings that I didn't take pictures of for they're private houses. But if you ever go to Rvk and - by accident - stay at that tiny pension in Sólvallagata 49, take a look at the house in 48. LOOOOOOOOOVE it!
The best thing about Reykjavik, though, is that it is basically a village with all the advantages (well, and some disadvantages) of a big-city-capital and you can be in complete solitude within a 30 minutes drive. It is by the sea AND mountains, in summer the sun never sets (ok, in winter it doesn't really appear in exchange) and it is the only place I have ever seen a full rainbow on the water (atlantic).

PICTURES of Reykjavik in winter can be seen here.

And here is a little slideshow I made (I hope this link works) with random pictures I took in 2002 and 2004.

thank you, you're welcome.


believe it or not, neither have I.


sarah, that looks like an interesting place. beautiful!

i think that you would totally love the following three places over here in europe:
1. the little town of Sintra in Portugal that has a cool colourful palace on one hill and an old ruin of an arab castle on the other
2. the tower of london
3. the city of Tallinn, capital of Estonia

you will LOVE prague! it is one of my favourites also.

Hi Kate,
welcome on board! Great to have someone new around!
And I cannot believe you have seen "The Girl in the Café"! I have been wanting to see it for quite a while and never come across it!
And wow, your place sounds interesting. As a matter of fact, I have never been to Spain. I should go there someday.
Steffi

I think, therefore I am is the statement of an interlectual who underrates toothache. (Milan Kundera)

Hi Ladies,

Thank you all for sharing your favorite places. Each one interesting and unique. Welcome to Kate too!!! And thank you Steffie for the photos.

I should mention that my favorite place that I have visited so far is also in Spain: The Alhambra in Granada - a beautiful Moorish palace. We went on a 3 hour tour of this magnificent 14th century building and grounds. It was absolutely breathtaking.





Kate, I managed to visit the Mezquita during my trip to Spain and thought it was beautiful. As we entered the building, the organ was playing, and soft orange light filled the mosque. It took me a moment to realize that I was listening to an organ playing in the "mosque" part of the Cathedral! That was a new experience!!