No Reservations Season 1 Episode 2 Iceland: Hello Darkness My Old Friend

In the second episode of No Reservations' first season, host Anthony Bourdain travels to Iceland, a nation of stark contrasts, where the summer daylight lasts for almost 24 hours and the winter brings about never-ending darkness. The episode is titled Iceland: Hello Darkness My Old Friend, a nod to the country's long, harsh winters.

The episode begins with Bourdain landing in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, where he meets with musician and artist Páll Ragnar Pálsson. Pálsson takes Bourdain on a walking tour of Reykjavik, showing him the street art and murals that adorn the city's buildings and walls. The two eventually end up at Mikkeller & Friends, a craft beer bar where Bourdain tries a variety of unique Icelandic brews.

Bourdain then heads out of the city to the countryside, where he visits the famous waterfalls of Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss. The breathtaking beauty of the waterfalls leaves Bourdain in awe, and he reflects on the power of nature and the importance of preserving it.

Next, Bourdain meets up with chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason at Dill Restaurant in Reykjavik. Dill is known for its focus on traditional Icelandic cuisine, and Bourdain and Gíslason discuss the challenges of sourcing local ingredients in such a harsh environment. Bourdain is impressed with Gíslason's dedication to preserving traditional Icelandic dishes, and the two sit down to enjoy a feast of fermented shark, reindeer heart, and other Icelandic delicacies.

In one of the episode's most poignant moments, Bourdain visits a small fishing village where he meets with a group of fishermen who are struggling to make a living in a changing world. The fishermen share stories of their experiences on the sea and their worries for the future, and Bourdain is struck by their resilience and determination.

The episode ends with Bourdain traveling to the remote Westfjords region of Iceland, where he meets up with musician Guðmundur Óli Pálmason, also known as Megas. The two take a boat out to a remote island where Megas shows Bourdain the ruins of an abandoned fishing village and plays a hauntingly beautiful song on his guitar. Bourdain reflects on the beauty and isolation of the region, and how it has inspired artists like Megas to create.

Throughout Iceland: Hello Darkness My Old Friend, Bourdain is struck by the unique beauty and resilience of the Icelandic people and their culture. The episode is a poignant exploration of the power of nature and the importance of preserving tradition in a rapidly changing world.