I succeeded in making my way to the Center Hotel Arnarhvoll overlooking the Harpa convention center and concert hall in Reykjavik. My last trip to the world's northernmost capital city was seven years ago, which coincidentally was the last time EVE Fanfest was held in Harpa. I thought I'd record some of the differences this year compared to my seven previous visits. And perhaps a few people might find something useful to take away.
The first thing I noticed was the ease in which I could obtain electronics designed for European electrical outlets. Going back to my travels to Bulgaria back in 2010 I always found finding adapters a pain. This year all I had to do is do a quick search on Amazon and I received everything in a day. I was even a little surprised because one piece arrived the same day I placed the order. Absolutely amazing compared to my previous travel experiences.
The second is inflation has really hit. The biggest piece of sticker shock was the trip to and from O'Hare Airport. The price has increased 50% since my last trip to EVE Vegas. Now, I have to admit some things have changed. The tip is probably included now because I didn't even have to pull out my credit card. All the charges were pre-handled. In return I received some piece of mind because I was receiving text messages letting me know they were setting up the trip. The driver arrived as I was putting the lock on my checked luggage. Really nice service.
Did I mention I flew Saga Class on Icelandair? Okay, the entertainment system was out for the trip. But I credit the seating for my ability to sleep on the flight. Sure, I didn't sleep well but I did sleep which made a difference for running around in the afternoon. I missed the meal but can testify the chocolate chip muffin was first rate. But the biggest improvement was probably access to the lounge. Icelandair doesn't have a lounge of its own in Chicago but I was able to access the one run by the Polish airline LOT. I had gotten through security and customs a lot faster than I thought I would and had three hours to kill. I really appreciated the lounge LOT runs and can't wait to see Icelandair's lounge on my way back.
My first roadbump occurred in the LOT lounge when I realize I forgot my charging cable for my phone. I have an old phone that uses a Type B micro cable. I was hoping to find one when I got to Keflavik airport as I sometimes think Keflavik is more shopping mall than airport.
As I hoped, Keflavik delivered. The airport has an electronics store, Elko, that has a wide range of cables, outlets, headphones, etc. Not only did the shop have the old cable but is located right by the luggage carousals so getting my replacement was really convenient. Plus, I didn't have to worry about recharging my phone's battery meaning I didn't need to buy a watch.
At this point I should make an observation. The reports of EVE's demise will only hold water once the customs officials don't recognize the mention of EVE Fanfest. Once again, telling the person checking my passport I was in the country to attend the convention was all the explanation required.
Speaking of Keflavik, the luggage unloading really impressed me. By the time I walked around the airport and did my impromptu shopping almost everyone had picked up their luggage. I'm used to O'Hare, one of the world's busiest airports. Flying into a much smaller airport brought some benefits.
Now, I did some trip preparation which paid off when arranging for my bus trips to and from Reykjavik. I'm carrying a notebook and on the first page is my travel information. Things like flight times and hotel details. Well, I'm not very good speaking Icelandic so I resorted to pointing to the notebook when explaining where I was going.
I was blown away when I reached the hotel. My 7 previous trips had prepared me to wait until check-in time unless I took advantage of a "early check-in" offer. My plan was to avoid the wait by taking a 10:15 pm flight out of Chicago, arrive at the hotel around 11-11:30 am, drop off my luggage and eat at The Laundromat Cafe. I walked into the lobby with an EVE playing couple a little after 11:30 am and we went up to the counter. Imagine my surprise when the nice young lady told me my room was already prepared and I could check in. I quickly took advantage, got up to my room, unpacked and took a shower, and was out the door walking around Reykjavik by 12:30 pm.
Needless to say, I accomplished the mission and found The Laundromat Cafe. And yes, the cheeseburger was just as good as I remembered although I now regret ordering a milkshake as well. I didn't know the exchange rate and my cheesburger, fries, and Fanta only cost around $30. I could have had a milkshake for only $4 more.
I picked up some ibruprofen on the way back from the hotel at a pharmacy. Unlike the United States where just about everywhere sells the drug, Europeans require going to a pharmacy where the drug is sold over-the-counter.
Armed with a full belly, some pain reliever, and a big bottle of water, I returned back to the hotel, took a nap, and wrote this first post from Reykjavik. Technically I still have 2 hours to go before my first 24 hours is complete, but I want to check out the hotel bar tonight. Tomorrow, I imagine the attendees will begin trickling in and I'll want to find some EVE players out and about drinking and eating as attendees of EVE Fanfest are wont to do.