The Haul: Yes, MPs Buy Stuff Too

Welcome to The Haul, where we give you a peek into our shopping bag (or the shopping bag of someone far more interesting than us) and an idea of what’s worth browsing and buying in Reykjavík these days. This time, just in time for Alþingi’s new session, we’re peeking into the shopping bag of Liberal Reform Party MP Pawel Bartoszek.

​​1. Runkeeper subscription — I like running. I’ve run six marathons and a dozen half marathons throughout the years. Trying to keep in shape along with parliamentary work and frequent travel is definitely a challenge, but recently I have been able to squeeze in three runs a week, and it feels good. I have been using Runkeeper Pro audio guides for 5k and 10k. They are sometimes a bit overenthusiastic and corny, but, if you learn to embrace that, they are in fact quite good — 39.99 USD / year, available from Play Store

​​2. Hollow Knight: Silksong on Steam — I really love playing indie-computer games in the evening following a long day at the parliament. It helps to take your mind off the adult life and enjoy beautiful graphics and moody music. The new and highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong is a sequel to critically acclaimed game Hollow Knight from 2017. A 2D platformer where you navigate your way through a huge map collecting objects and fighting bosses. Very challenging — 19.99 USD

3. Eldum rétt — Now, where would a politician’s family life be without Eldum rétt? Ready-to-prepare meals give answer to the world’s hardest question: What should I eat tonight? — about 1.300 ISK per serving, available via subscription

4. Hlemmur IPA by RVK Brewing — Buying beer directly from the brewer has been legal for a couple of years. And what better way to support local industry than to drop by in Skipholt and buy a couple of locally brewed beers to take home. The brewery is located in an old cinema, later a famous bingo place, and is open five days a week — 900 ISK, available at Skipholt 33, 105 Reykjavík

5. Menningarkort Reykjavíkur — This card gives you access to museums and art galleries run by the City of Reykjavík. There are regularly new exhibitions both in Reykjavík Art Museum and Kjarvalsstaðir so you can use it to see many new things multiple times a year. There are frequent 2-for-1 deals that allow cardholders to bring guests — 8.400 ISK, available from Reykjavík museums

6. Basketball match ticket — The future of Icelandic basketball is bright and the national team just came back from the Eurobasket tournament in Katowice, Poland. You can experience an amazing atmosphere by going to some local Reykjavík teams such as Valur, KR, Ármann or ÍR. Learn to pronounce “Villa” which means “foul” — 2.000 ISK, available via Stubbur app

7. Pepperoni Sub from Hlöllabátar — When I’m tired of Alþingi cafeteria, nothing beats one of Iceland’s oldest fast food, Hlöllabátar on Ingólfstorg Square. Quick and dirty but delicious. New York and Pepperoni subs are my favourite ones. Also open late on weekends —  2.595 ISK, available from Hlöllabátar, multiple locations

8. Icelandic flag lapel pin — What better way to show a love and dedication for your country other than to carry her flag closest to your heart? A must-have for any elected official — 595 ISK, all major tourist shops.

For all your non-essentials, visit the Grapevine store here.