JZ

Tamiya Fw190A-3, 1/72. Really good kit, went together very well, didn't need any filler, as you would expect from Tamiya.

Must have played havoc with air travel.

Last week's trip was just a taster. I intend to go back when the weather is a little warmer and, more critically, the days are longer. This is something I quite fancy doing.

Last Wednesday, our tour guide said that they were expecting another eruption in the Reykjanes peninsula in the next 36 hours. So far that hasn't happened. Also, last Monday, 13 Jan, the Bárðarbunga volcanic system has had a swarm of earthquakes, up to 5.3 Richter. This means it could be reawakening and has the potential to be bigger than the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruptions.

Didn't she, in an interview, say she didn't like children having geographical names, then had it pointed out that her daughter was called India. Then claimed that it wasn't after the country.

I used to use WS Scenic Glue, but a couple of years ago was recommended this stuff, I first used it to secure the sand in this sand bin.

I took spikes for my boots and a walking pole. Didn't need the spikes in the end and between the baggage handlers at Heathrow and Keflavik, they managed to extend the pole and bend it, so it ended up in the bin.

Iceland's Christmas Cat. Then a few moments later I saw the real thing.

Funny how they lose the ability to use the cat flap if someone is nearby.

Got home at 11 last night. Weather wasn't brilliant, but did go to Gullfoss, where the flow was between 4 and 5 times normal. Quite spectacular. Visited the rift between continents and the geyser fields. @Tony_S, I did get a picture of Litli Geysir. Spent Thursday in Reykjavik. Cold and wet in the morning, but cleared up in the afternoon, but with the wind, it still felt bitterly cold. Didn't think eating out was to expensive. Visited the best rated fish and chip shop, Reykjavik Chips, were it was about £16, I've seen them for more than that in some pubs here. As for beer, the Hotel had a happy hour where Gull was £5.20 for 500ml. Elsewhere I was paying about £8 for 400ml, pricey, but some very good and interesting beers. Needless to say, I didn't have many. Food highlight was a visit to the Old Iceland restaurant. Shellfish soup for starters, pan fried Arctic char for main. With a beer it came to £61. Sometimes it's nice to really treat yourself and despite the price, I would highly recommend this place, the food was just stunning and not that much more than I paid at Little Fish Café in Douglas, IoM. Only downside was breaking a front tooth when biting on an ice cube on the return flight, so that probably puts paid to an upgrade to business class on my next Australia trip. Might put up a few pictures later.

Like most Scandinavian countries, I imagine alcohol is sold in government shops, there is one near the docks. But I will be visiting a bar or two, but already budgeted for it. Doing the Golden Circle tomorrow. Not too worried about the Northern Lights, as I have seen some spectacular displays in Arctic Norway, but if they appear, a bonus. I will get a t-shirt, I always do, but limit myself to ones without slogans, probably just one of Reykjavik or Iceland. Shortly off to get the train to Paddington, then the Hex to Heathrow. Next report when I get back.

Best not to mention Hákon Bjarnason then. Yes, I had to Google it.

Probably give that a miss. I worked with a few c*cks on the railway, no need to reacquaint myself. Done a bit more research into eating places. Reykjavik Chips has some very good reviews and for F&C, it is similarly priced to having it in a pub around here. Found a café doing banh mi, about 5 minutes from Hotel. Had some great banh mi in Sydney* last month and interested to see what this is like. Quite fancy the pan fried char in Old Iceland. Works out at about £35. For a similar dish, I love Arctic char, I paid almost £40 in Bergen last year. Baka Baka was also recommended and also Café Loki, near the Cathedral. If I do these, I should be OK for food. *Banh mi is a Vietnamese roll. Best I had was Sydney Pork Rolls, just up from Chinatown Light rail stop. Be prepared to queue.

Really not happy with the Hurricane canopy. It is stuck on with Glue n glaze, so fairly easy to remove. Just had a look at Hannants to see about a better replacement. Ron Taurus do a vacform one that will allow me to have it open. Also ordered one for the Airfix Spit' Mk.1, as it has a one piece job with the kit.