When our office closed on Friday and the sun was out and shining I knew it was going to be a good weekend. Reykjavik sure is beautiful when the sun shines!
via Unlocking Kiki on Instagram
Saturday morning H and I woke up before our very early 6 am wake up call to get ready for our half marathon race. This was H’s first half marathon and we were both to pumped to sleep. After rushing around the house searching for my good luck socks we headed off for the start line in the city center of Reykjavik.
Around 10,000 runners participate in races on this morning ranging from a 10k, half marathon and a full marathon. This was the first time I had someone running a race with me and I was so excited to share the experience with H.
People were outside of their homes banging pots and pans, playing instruments, full bands playing on the sides of the streets, the crowd support was awesome! The best part of the race though was crossing the finish line 3 minutes faster than my ultimate goal time and with H right along with me.
The marathon on Saturday was just the first item on the agenda for Menningarnótt (Culture Day) here in Reykjavik. All over the city was live bands, performances and of course food booths. After soaking in our favorite pool we were refreshed and ready to head off to check out what events where happening downtown for Menningarnótt.
We spent the afternoon walking the extremely crowded streets with the rest of the Icelandic population checking out the different events for Menningarnótt. The mass crowds made taking any pictures a difficult task so I didn’t bring out the camera until later that night when we headed off to check out one of the several concerts happening around town.
My favorite band of the night was Hjálmar, they played a great show and had everyone on their feet dancing. Check out this song, it is one of my favorite Icelandic songs!
Around 11 all the concerts around the city finish and everyone hustles off to find a spot to view the firework show. H and I lucked out and had the best seats in town.
H’s Uncle was on night duty on this massive Coast Guard ship and invited us on-board for the firework show. First off just seeing the inside of the ship was amazing, add in the firework show that was basically right in front of us and it was one unforgettable night!
Reykjavik gone dark, preparing for the firework show. I love how the city lights reflect off the water.
With every firework that went off the boat seemed to shake, by far the best firework show I have ever seen!
By the end of the firework show H and I were completely beat after running the race in the morning, walking all day, and staying up way past my bedtime. But we didn’t have long to rest up for Sunday afternoon we were off again to see Justin Timberlake!
Yes, JT came to Iceland and all of Iceland went to see him. I am not kidding the area was completely packed but the concert was awesome! What a way to end the weekend.
And now it is Monday morning and I am completely exhausted. All in the name of fun.
Question of the Day?
What is the best concert you have been to? Are you a fan of firework shows?
This little berries were about all that we found that were ripe enough to be picked. Looks like another trip to Heiðmörk will need to be happening in a few weeks.
I'm Kaelene, a girl from Oregon figuring out life in Iceland. I have a passion for travel and a weakness for a good glass of wine. I believe in faking it tell you make it and am far from figuring out the expat life. 
