Atlantica - 01.12.2004, Qupperneq 49

AT L A N T I C A 47
Húfur Sem Hlaeja
Spend about five minutes in Iceland this winter,
and you’ll notice the kids bounding about in weird-
looking hats with elfish designs. If you’d like to
bring one back for the kids in your life, these
fanciful hats are created by Húfur sem hlaeja
(Laughing Hats).
Húfur sem hlaeja, Laugavegur 70, 101 Reykjavik
(+354) 552 6466.
The Shoe Studio
Pied a Terre, the celebrated London shoe compa-
ny, finally opens an outlet in Reykjavík. Check out
all those f1950’s style round-toed heels of the sea-
son or infinite variations of sexy boots. For slightly
more moderate pricing check out this store’s other
two labels, Bertie and Nine West.
The Shoe Studio, 2nd floor, Kringlan Shopping
Mall, 105 Reykjavík (+354) 568 2320.Laugardalslauag
Yes, it’s winter. It’s cold. But the pools are still
open. If you want to be particularly Nordic, brave
Laugardalslaug for the longest laps in the city.
Laugardalslaug, Laugardal, 104 Reykjavik,
(+354) 553 4039.
Icelandic Knitting Society
There are a lot of rainbows in Iceland, and this
store contains a sizable number of them. If you
ever thought knitting was boring, spend five min-
utes in this shop. Using the most durable and soft
wool in the world, the craftspeople affiliated with
this shop put out sweaters, hats, scarves, you
name it, that don’t just make souvenirs, but that
constitute functional art.
Icelandic Knitting Society, Skólavordustígur, and
Klappastígur 101 Reykjavík (+354) 552-1890.
Ostabúdin Deli
This used to be a well-kept secret of
downtowners, but now Atlantica’s spilling
the beans. For a heart-warming scrump-
tious lunch, hit this cute deli/ cheeseshop
on Skólavördustígur. Come midday, they
serve all kinds of baguettes with fillings
such as country ham and cheese, French
sausage, smoked salmon and grilled veg-
etables. They also have a number of light
courses and a fish of the day for a very
reasonable price. On top of that, you can
do all your gourmet shopping here with
everything from goat’s cheese and pro-
sciutto to truffles and snails.
Ostabúdin Delicatessen, Skólavördustígur 8,
101 Reykjavík.
Laugar Gym
Thankfully, Laugar is not at all like Globo Gym, the
fictional workout mecca portrayed in the tacky
film Dodgeball. While Laugar is massive, it has
class, not to mention a spa, message facilities,
steam rooms, and a restaurant. Come December,
Laugar, owned by World Class, will open an
Olympic-sized indoor pool that will be the envy of
all Iceland.
Laugar Gym,www.laugar.com
signpost
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