Iceland
They have a saying in Reykjavik: “If you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes.” Oddly enough, we had that same saying where I grew up in New York, and they have it here in Sussex, as well. And I would bet a few thousand Icelandic Kronas (about two pound fifty) that you have that same saying where you live.
However, nowhere is it more accurate than in Iceland. The days we were there were predicted to be cloudy with rain, but we ran the gamut from sunshine to thunderstorm, idyllic calm to gale force winds, and gloomy night to an unexpected display of the Northern Lights. (Unfortunately, they were so unexpected we weren’t watching for them and we missed it.)
Icelandic Observations:
For the most part, the climate was mild and agreeable, and aside from sneaking the Northern Lights in behind our backs, the weather only caught us out once and, being British, we coped well enough. For a land with “Ice” in its name, that’s not too bad.
Iceland is a pretty country, filled with dramatic scenery, active volcanoes and very few people. Only 300,000 in the entire country. That’s hardly as populous as a large town. They elect a president, but he’s more like a mayor.
Icelanders are justifiably proud of their country, but on occasion stray into “proud parent” territory, where they just cannot resist gushing about their precious, precautious offspring.
They openly talk about “the crisis” here. A lot. They were hit very hard and life has changed dramatically for them. But at least they fired their bankers; we gave ours bonuses.
Their money also took a hit (See above). While we were there, Icelandic Kronas were 200 to the pound (or 128 to the dollar). It’s sort of like currency, only worthless.
Their water comes directly from natural springs. It is the best tasting water I have ever had. They are very proud of it and hand it out free in restaurants. If you visit, drink it; it really is good and it is the only thing you will get for free in Iceland.
The hot water also comes directly from the ground. It is rich in minerals, velvety soft and smells of rotten eggs. They are very proud of this, too. (The minerals and velvet soft part, not so much the rotten egg part.) It really is fine water, but after you take a shower you smell like rotten eggs for a while, which is handy if you need to sneak a fart.
Icelandic Photos:
4 Comments
Midlife Roadtripper
I would like to visit Iceland. Have thought so for a long time. I'm aware of their recent financial crisis and hope good things for the country. That first photo is most beautiful.And, yes, every place I've ever lived has talked about \”if you don't like the weather, wait a minute.\”
MikeH
Midlife: I recommend a visit. It's a friendly ans beautiful place. And since the crash, not any more expensive than Britain–though I'm not sure if that's because our prices have gone up or their have gone down 😉
Anonymous
Great Post. Thanks for sharing. Generally Postcards are for sharing our memories and thoughts with our dear ones in a very expressing way with the help of designs and Pictures in it.
MikeH
Alitza: thanks for sneaking an ad into my comments. Nija Postcards, indeed 😉 Have at it.