Sailing out to sea!

 This morning we were up bright and early.  We packed our bags, ate breakfast, and checked out of the hotel..  After loading our bags on the bus, we walked to a nearby museum and heard a lecture on Iceland’s past and present.  Interesting to hear about this relatively new country that had no indigenous people and was mostly covered in woods in 800 AD.  After an hour, we boarded the bus and rode to the National Museum of Iceland. The docent guided us around the museum and continued the history.  Especially liked  her explanation of Lutheranism as the state religion. Back on the bus.  We visited the National Concert Hall - Harpa where the symphony plays and other musical events.  It is a striking building that was under construction when the economy crashed in 2008 and sent all three banks in Iceland into failure. Eventually the money was found and construction finished. The exterior appears to be constructed of glass prisms - looks like a glass honeycombs. After more sightseeing, we were dropped off downtown.  It was an absolutely gorgeous, sunny day with many people outside.  We ate a little lunch at an American Pub. Walked around a bit and then caught the bus which took us to the Ocean Diamond—our home for the next week.  \

The Ocean Diamond just repositioned to Iceland a couple days ago so things are a little rough around the edges.There are 140 passengers.   Lifeboat drill was an hour late.  We have also had Zodiac orientation and received our Zodiac vests. They kept saying that WiFI was available in the cabin, but no one knew the price.  So here we are in the lounge listening to piano (needs tuning) music, drinking wine and sailing out of the harbor.  We are unpacked so it is time to call it a day.