Reyjkavik: The Althing Sits Still

Iceland made news this week, as mass protests forced the resignation of its Prime Minister. Sigmundur Gunnlaughson becomes the first victim of the Panama Papers leak, his hand forced after thousands (in a country of 330,000) flooded Austurvöllur Square to protest.

Here’s the Althing in a more peaceful time. On this day in December 2014, the only unpleasantness was a biting cold and heavy winds coming in off the ocean. It left the streets quiet, but for the most hearty, and the hearty by necessity — tourists like myself who had only that day to explore the city. This modest brick building (I had to double check my map to make sure it was in fact the parliament) stood out in the stillness of winter.