Overnight I heard the gentle tapping of rain and a large rain system had settled over the island for my full day outdoor trip. I had booked the Golden Circle Tour which takes you to the local natural features near the city.

A minibus picked me up from the hotel and took me to the bus terminal. From there I boarded a larger coach. The tour was to be bilingual in English/French today making it seem like an Air Canada flight.

The guide explained Reykjavic is called smokey bay after the first settlers saw the geyser mists. Most of the population lives in this south west corner. Originally there were trees when settlers arrived but they cut them and the climate changed so fewer trees now.

There is little farmland on the island. Most is covered in ash with overgrown moss which gives the mistaken impression of being fertile but is really just a layer of rock.

We were taken to a local greenhouse and explained the agriculture process. Due to thermal springs over the last few decades greenhouse growing has grown into a productive industry. They are able to grow all fruits/vegs fresh and supermarket goods are so fresh they are harvested same day.

Local producers put their names on photos on all produce as reputation is the best advertising in a small community if any spoilt produce. There are no insects natural to the island so no pesticides are needed. Artificially they do use some honey bees for pollenation.

Everything can be digitally controlled such as opening windows, indoor lighting, spraying etc.
They were selling fresh tomato soup for 900K ($9) as well as other bottled products.

Overall it was interesting learning about their innovative agricultural process which I initially didn't think would be that interesting. Since it was now pelting rain it was good to be indoors for a bit.