tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86168179822652866312024-03-13T03:06:45.160+00:00How do you like Iceland?Rants, observations and comment from the country just outside the Arctic circle.howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-89555643293201598542008-05-06T06:17:00.002+00:002008-05-06T07:56:53.449+00:00Moving onWell. It looks like i'll have to stop this blog now. Having left Iceland, and moved to Dubai i've now setup another blog called <a href="http://howdoyoulikedubai.blogspot.com">How do you like Dubai?</a> Enjoy!howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-14162628886711165752008-02-15T13:17:00.004+00:002008-02-15T14:41:47.685+00:00The Daily Show and IcelandThe Daily Show attempts to get Iceland back into the war in Iraq. Not sure they go down too well with the press... Worth watching though.<br /><br />Jason Jones was in Reykjavik last October and held a press meeting at the Hilton dressed as Uncle Sam with a stars-and-stripes hat on his head. According to Morgunblaðið he told journalists that Osama bin Laden hated Björk...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/R6JP27BlEHA&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/R6JP27BlEHA&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7LlBC57p64U&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7LlBC57p64U&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-22808008094240123552007-12-30T14:27:00.000+00:002008-01-02T13:43:26.482+00:00Reykjavik ParkingRules for parking in Reykjavik:<br /><br />1. Always drive into parking spaces forwards.<br />2. Reverse gear should be used in emergencies only.<br />3. Pavements may be used as part of the parking space if necessary.<br />4. Parallel parking is over-rated and is fround upon!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03_Mg5faGm2ruQTEjlAAR1xBqW1lW05_xgvnkojne-pjgenowMZoJakrkXKpkX-dSAzdT1uJpNCzsZxsemnhi4EYgMHxU5BI_QBiouticll6vesG7VcrOK6HvY4Mng6hpmbk112SmCoI/s1600-h/IMG_1575sm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03_Mg5faGm2ruQTEjlAAR1xBqW1lW05_xgvnkojne-pjgenowMZoJakrkXKpkX-dSAzdT1uJpNCzsZxsemnhi4EYgMHxU5BI_QBiouticll6vesG7VcrOK6HvY4Mng6hpmbk112SmCoI/s320/IMG_1575sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149779157829374146" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLd4Gkp2myQa6Vgd6iFeyIVLlJxzAhLFIq0pqWsyh2SrQqz4WSyapItV4s_mWWhDxMZ-Uv-YgxfmOZx4G-v5gK1FW6Zyn43EFHHPlnRYgzjAOeaVh3KBppQDfhyoKtuzJZNwGiAUaqcU/s1600-h/IMG_1592sm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLd4Gkp2myQa6Vgd6iFeyIVLlJxzAhLFIq0pqWsyh2SrQqz4WSyapItV4s_mWWhDxMZ-Uv-YgxfmOZx4G-v5gK1FW6Zyn43EFHHPlnRYgzjAOeaVh3KBppQDfhyoKtuzJZNwGiAUaqcU/s320/IMG_1592sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149779269498523858" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6V1QNmZnErdM8SIiuqgviKvOV_1BvJCNjbkbA4qYw4hGmSiUhyphenhyphen19-QI8ME54fy4A28xs9jZxUQIWzmt8muIWsS8R59OU0ybHegN4XOvQyDwwGb-VH-ocRShxVY6w-6VBT1KXBtXxdSNA/s1600-h/IMG_1643sm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6V1QNmZnErdM8SIiuqgviKvOV_1BvJCNjbkbA4qYw4hGmSiUhyphenhyphen19-QI8ME54fy4A28xs9jZxUQIWzmt8muIWsS8R59OU0ybHegN4XOvQyDwwGb-VH-ocRShxVY6w-6VBT1KXBtXxdSNA/s320/IMG_1643sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149779402642510050" border="0" /></a>howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-5209840904140673722007-12-30T13:28:00.001+00:002007-12-30T14:27:30.955+00:00Christmas in Reykjavik<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy85z_vKiRE6kqYLMJrDAGPOp_YPSEwTDZ7I8K7nVN0a5rg8s-05RwJ8ilxLIMWEIL6BpaKayb2pGoUDqOO0me3ZaOpIQszle82X9JLcnxhVmLdE19q1xY0AhMTEcXrKUV1kLy9kIR8a8/s1600-h/IMG_1646sm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy85z_vKiRE6kqYLMJrDAGPOp_YPSEwTDZ7I8K7nVN0a5rg8s-05RwJ8ilxLIMWEIL6BpaKayb2pGoUDqOO0me3ZaOpIQszle82X9JLcnxhVmLdE19q1xY0AhMTEcXrKUV1kLy9kIR8a8/s320/IMG_1646sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149757511194202258" border="0" /></a>The 23rd December is a special day in Iceland. Aside from eating plenty of traditional Skate in the evening, Reykjavik transforms for one night only. For a start there are many more people on the streets, with people buying their last few Christmas presents, and meeting friends in the downtown area. Shops fill with mini recitals, and a candlelit carol procession travels down the hill. Worth being around for next year!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJccom0XFL98f_6c7r9QK1PKvHEOraT_XSWax4L1GPvQ5DzFHxv8oMIg9L_og5Ymvih8zRdtMsh-Qqw4ZikKKWsOYkTz5R9nz_4Oc5a5QHdpl6UKymxLY5haNonJYY2rdrKRhwDyEnR8/s1600-h/IMG_1754sm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJccom0XFL98f_6c7r9QK1PKvHEOraT_XSWax4L1GPvQ5DzFHxv8oMIg9L_og5Ymvih8zRdtMsh-Qqw4ZikKKWsOYkTz5R9nz_4Oc5a5QHdpl6UKymxLY5haNonJYY2rdrKRhwDyEnR8/s320/IMG_1754sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149757631453286562" border="0" /></a>howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-9802554445408328412007-12-17T21:54:00.000+00:002007-12-17T22:05:57.876+00:00Most watched radio station?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKNT1FncPj0p-WETqwMf0t0RtF2__AgjrqaE6r-F2QCmQwHuZUobtrt7VKzQr7eFUm7Xrjr0U8zXuU36imYdi13xIpybW8iCNrYgX1qO6MlAc1WfCR0ZGv1y_bH_7KT5IAAW1ZZjqakA/s1600-h/RUVsm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKNT1FncPj0p-WETqwMf0t0RtF2__AgjrqaE6r-F2QCmQwHuZUobtrt7VKzQr7eFUm7Xrjr0U8zXuU36imYdi13xIpybW8iCNrYgX1qO6MlAc1WfCR0ZGv1y_bH_7KT5IAAW1ZZjqakA/s320/RUVsm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145064662422868098" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">The RÚV testcard must be one of the most watched images in Iceland. Forget about Geysir, Gullfoss, Snæfell, Byörk, </span><span style="font-size:-1;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Hallgrimskirkja, and the rest of them. Every day thousands of people across Iceland watch this screenshot, whilst listening to RÚV radio.<br /><br />It's broadcast from the station close to lunchtime so there's plenty of time to catch it :)<br /></span></span>howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-65000424459387913252007-12-08T14:06:00.000+00:002007-12-08T14:27:41.230+00:00Winding up Dubya<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbp7FDpMTIfSUjeetcb8WhxZHBOgHTu1pBw2sw-g5_FjvBajRUBKlANgaqK7eVRmElT1Sjl2YW7C5caYMv9Xw5ClNwz7bTNzP_UsV0D4oBovYwG4KDIf6QiP-Zm1INzcLUQL_Rabco65w/s1600-h/flag.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbp7FDpMTIfSUjeetcb8WhxZHBOgHTu1pBw2sw-g5_FjvBajRUBKlANgaqK7eVRmElT1Sjl2YW7C5caYMv9Xw5ClNwz7bTNzP_UsV0D4oBovYwG4KDIf6QiP-Zm1INzcLUQL_Rabco65w/s320/flag.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141608648233491202" border="0" /></a><br />Iceland jumped into the international limelight again this week when an Icelandic teenager managed to get through to President Bush's personal telephone number, and left a message pretending to be the President of Iceland, and asked the president to call back on Monday. However instead of a phone call he received a house call from the local police following a tipoff from the secret service demanding how he got hold of the personal number.<br /><br />Blog post <a href="http://bigheaddc.com/2007/12/07/teen-calls-bushs-secret-number-creates-security-scare/">here </a><br /><a href="http://www.mbl.is/mm/frettir/frett.html?nid=1307455">mbl.is article</a> (in Icelandic unfortunately)howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-7205062760403378382007-12-07T08:43:00.000+00:002007-12-07T09:32:15.440+00:00Iceland: Banana Republic<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TFt0SvEuzpgPsk6nuGSCmjNGtjT0ry1as7q_77QijwFPws0JE860AVMEAiJmt47iyjjtZY2HqIMjctexJ4mdF98BYx04ZbRYuU84y6eJQ_3qS2wieogjbedRU-U57KuEC2LkkOaok9k/s1600-h/banana.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TFt0SvEuzpgPsk6nuGSCmjNGtjT0ry1as7q_77QijwFPws0JE860AVMEAiJmt47iyjjtZY2HqIMjctexJ4mdF98BYx04ZbRYuU84y6eJQ_3qS2wieogjbedRU-U57KuEC2LkkOaok9k/s320/banana.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141161005267065586" border="0" /></a><br />Todays interesting fact: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Iceland is Europe's biggest banana producer.</span> (Before you start getting pedantic, it's probably not the case now, but was maybe 5 years ago).<br /><br />Technically doesn't that make the country a Banana Republic?!?<br /><br />Before you start wondering how on earth this could be the case, here's the reason: The Icelandic government imposed severe trade restrictions on the importation of bananas into the country, therefore making home grown banana production in geothermal greenhouses viable. That's what happens when you start playing with the economy.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Thanks to the <a href="http://icelandeyes.blogspot.com/">Iceland Eyes </a>blog for the heads up.</span>howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-12679779332658517142007-12-03T19:54:00.000+00:002007-12-04T17:04:55.912+00:00Ísland best í heimi!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/500605598_32562da443_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/500605598_32562da443_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It's a phrase that gets rolled out almost as regularly as "How do you like iceland?". Sometimes with tongue in cheek, and other times very seriously. "Ísland best í heimi" translates to "Iceland is the best country in the world" or there abouts. Now recently there was a survey that gave some sort of credit to this.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN2642096720071127">http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN2642096720071127</a><br /><a href="http://hdr.undp.org/en/statistics/">http://hdr.undp.org/en/statistics/</a><br /><br />Actually the research covers the Human Development index. This "measures a country's average achievements in three basic aspects of human development: health, knowledge, and a decent standard of living".<br /><br />What do you think? You can't argue that there is a generally high standard of living here, and there are plenty of people driving nice cars.howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-39959202805503139692007-11-06T09:06:00.000+00:002007-11-06T09:12:49.730+00:00Iceland reaches a new low...Here's the winning song for Iceland's entry into Eurovision. I'm lost for words!<br /><br /><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-05373836013184365 visible" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/tILLMzMyGu4"></a><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tILLMzMyGu4"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tILLMzMyGu4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />Ok... so they haven't actually got through yet, but the Iceland mafia has decided, so it'll happen. Mark my words! :)howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-35957511734113086642007-09-05T12:42:00.000+00:002007-09-05T13:01:16.100+00:00Icelandair antics<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdf8g5MVjxQb8W0bTYq6PuhI2KPu2fIS4L6BYfyq5g51oP9rgXaWf8rkgCnMw0l67LDxzT_cfG_PwrPj55gjwAmxxR_hzK3hIF2AcMGFLC-LsO1HoiOyvniklyPM_4dCG5aZzDEm69f7s/s1600-h/DSC00244.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdf8g5MVjxQb8W0bTYq6PuhI2KPu2fIS4L6BYfyq5g51oP9rgXaWf8rkgCnMw0l67LDxzT_cfG_PwrPj55gjwAmxxR_hzK3hIF2AcMGFLC-LsO1HoiOyvniklyPM_4dCG5aZzDEm69f7s/s320/DSC00244.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106703735124989810" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFklalrxnNmwf1zLN4xrkEloPEs9VQMOYv85Vci2zWkuLB1BGMIHS-r_5GxLUj-xHhekyvna2mDaSSWoyDfGND08glnd4KWu8pLtGY0IsKnZ1EEewi6RWabjAd9SM4uOUrwMRuuk3wkAQ/s1600-h/1149839863_icelandair2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFklalrxnNmwf1zLN4xrkEloPEs9VQMOYv85Vci2zWkuLB1BGMIHS-r_5GxLUj-xHhekyvna2mDaSSWoyDfGND08glnd4KWu8pLtGY0IsKnZ1EEewi6RWabjAd9SM4uOUrwMRuuk3wkAQ/s320/1149839863_icelandair2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106700303446120290" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It's about time i published a post about Iceland's national carrier, Icelandair. I've used them several times in the past and are much like other airlines around the world. The one comment i'd like to make is regarding their in flight advertising to upgrade to business class. When you've taken off, the entertainment system does a little announcement telling you the following:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"Our Business class passengers have already enjoyed our hospitality of our business class lounge and a pre-flight drink. In a short while our business class passengers will be served an aperitif, followed later on by a full meal and complementary drinks. In a few minutes we'll be offering bar service in economy class, followed by a light meal. All beverages will be offered at a reasonable price, apart from coffee, tea, and soft drinks which are complementary. "</span><br /><br /><br />The message could have continued: "Our business class customers are currently sitting in comfort with much more legroom than you. Hope you're suffering. Good luck for the next three hours!"<br /><br />Do any other airlines use such tactics of persuasion to get you to upgrade for the next flight?howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-13155561346625344172007-07-15T22:07:00.001+00:002007-07-15T22:44:46.901+00:00hvernig gengur?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdO4ytgkHmnqrxcygHj30eJr_NrUgZD_xD1tv6lRF8KKh6x3RyXNCOxBQmSZ1FUZEYIitq43ewnkuMNR2P9yEAlgkgCN0-K2o4ZY_Q8CBn9sqNkIdTnRR0EzzI2wn1HZp6sdOQc6NqUtg/s1600-h/IMG_4186sm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdO4ytgkHmnqrxcygHj30eJr_NrUgZD_xD1tv6lRF8KKh6x3RyXNCOxBQmSZ1FUZEYIitq43ewnkuMNR2P9yEAlgkgCN0-K2o4ZY_Q8CBn9sqNkIdTnRR0EzzI2wn1HZp6sdOQc6NqUtg/s320/IMG_4186sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087549366076290386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqGRHcr0wfhWSMtO3P1qZKtmz9oBMpZPuonQB1bXML1iA-NJKRiDSV49zBrHIG5K1YajBLO81lqJpUadubQGjLFb5OYe6b1zUYDt9AnGXnAanq6pRCxmwtdEHlMkQ3DFpe-6bARpXjmI/s1600-h/IMG_4183sm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqGRHcr0wfhWSMtO3P1qZKtmz9oBMpZPuonQB1bXML1iA-NJKRiDSV49zBrHIG5K1YajBLO81lqJpUadubQGjLFb5OYe6b1zUYDt9AnGXnAanq6pRCxmwtdEHlMkQ3DFpe-6bARpXjmI/s320/IMG_4183sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087549589414589810" border="0" /></a>Strange text seen in Seyðisfjörður in the base of a fake telephone box. Something for the tourists? A little joke perhaps? Why the morse code? Hmm any ideas?howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-34626708859285220782007-06-27T22:06:00.000+00:002007-06-28T14:14:42.134+00:00Inward speaking<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECow-bT4rcNWUaSY1H0AG8CxGT5xtEe22fxk_PozIgMiwuZzm4f2-aliDREthUYe6wym3PctLq4f5ilb_B9a2kZ5lL4YmFxJbtGeuK6NBAo1aIcLeaflJARqa0BFoT4IoHtwWOZz2c30/s1600-h/ja.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECow-bT4rcNWUaSY1H0AG8CxGT5xtEe22fxk_PozIgMiwuZzm4f2-aliDREthUYe6wym3PctLq4f5ilb_B9a2kZ5lL4YmFxJbtGeuK6NBAo1aIcLeaflJARqa0BFoT4IoHtwWOZz2c30/s320/ja.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080869510976764434" border="0" /></a><br />What's the only word you're allowed to say whilst breathing in in Icelandic?<br /><br />No idea? (ok small hint on the left)<br /><br />It's a fantastic word, can be used repeatedly, and in so many situations. Oh and it's addictive, but by far it's best feature is it's ability to say já when breathing in. Don't believe me? Listen out and you'll hear it all the time!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Edit:</span> For those not in Iceland Já is pronounced "Yeow", and definitely not as "Yar"howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-3070567833332893262007-06-23T18:58:00.000+00:002007-06-23T19:12:05.731+00:00Lupins and Forests<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJRBB6hjBLkQaAR24d0PJ7rPQ13IbGiUidRUW-gq0gHnwnnDI75vuQi7nrf4Dll-wkg2BrTYe1GR7jW-FybExFJwS-RqLLClaDtEWujjHcgKJTMOL7kJ39Pbr7yKZqKQCxoSPJ-4hZhk/s1600-h/IMG_3182.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJRBB6hjBLkQaAR24d0PJ7rPQ13IbGiUidRUW-gq0gHnwnnDI75vuQi7nrf4Dll-wkg2BrTYe1GR7jW-FybExFJwS-RqLLClaDtEWujjHcgKJTMOL7kJ39Pbr7yKZqKQCxoSPJ-4hZhk/s320/IMG_3182.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079336515489384530" border="0" /></a><br />If you travel around Iceland with one eye slightly open in June you will see thousands and thousands of Lupins covering the country. It's all part of the push to vegetate the country and in due course re-introduce forests back to the landscape.<br /><br />Apparently Lupins are a great at fertilising the soil by fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil allowing for other plants to grow in the future. I've been led to believe that they were introduced into the country only about 10 years ago from Canada, but seem to be thriving over here.<br /><br />Hopefully this will help prevent future embarrassment such as this incident when the Queen of England opened a forest in Iceland:<br /><br />The Queen turned to Vigdis Finnbogadottir proclaiming "Yes, but where is the forest?". The former president had to reply, "Well, your Majesty, with care and optimism some day it will be here."howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-21557954915520917422007-06-22T18:17:00.001+00:002007-06-22T18:18:12.661+00:00Icelandic Swimming<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsep4MGpwAJpEHyrKUWLdIYBO2mOWqYB87OS3pusC6g17HDVCyDtcBkJS0vRuPodRVrSVLJoURBrfzGWjsxUxa6zIWN53cbrbfDg2bLo77uRXbaB4mNn9Y5lldd4B8Lf01MGa0KE-BRTo/s1600-h/DSC02912.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsep4MGpwAJpEHyrKUWLdIYBO2mOWqYB87OS3pusC6g17HDVCyDtcBkJS0vRuPodRVrSVLJoURBrfzGWjsxUxa6zIWN53cbrbfDg2bLo77uRXbaB4mNn9Y5lldd4B8Lf01MGa0KE-BRTo/s320/DSC02912.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072284539214357234" border="0" /></a>Swimming in Iceland is not like any other country. Yes it's often cold outside, but that doesn't stop the majority of the swimming pools being outdoor! Almost every town and village across the country has one, and as a general rule they all have the following:<br /><br />- Geothermally heated pool.<br />- Slides (Up to 3 - see the photo from Eskifjordur)<br />- 'Hot Pots' often with varying temperatures (38°-40°, and 40°-42°). If you're lucky they also have the option of turning it into a jacuzzi.<br /><br />It really makes the experience much more interesting and enjoyable than an indoor swimming pool that's full of chlorine (oh did I mention that they're filled with natural mineral water with no chemicals insight!).<br /><br />To get a better idea of the swimming pool culture, put it this way. Every town has a swimming pool, but not necessarily a bar...<br /><br />A word of warning... Don't forget to leave your towel in the rack by the communal showers as drying off in the changing area may result in a fellow swimmer getting a bit irate!howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-73651660552230330872007-06-07T22:21:00.001+00:002007-06-07T22:21:57.460+00:00The Greatest Vending Machine in the World!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigfez/530574564/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1106/530574564_41337f7380_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br />Possibly the greatest (and most remote) vending machine in Iceland, and maybe even the world. It's on route 94 north of Eiðar and Egilsstaðir, and is sitting on it's own. Look out for a small white sign saying "Candy Gos Coke Sælgæti". Inside the hut is a vending machine and a guestbook to leave comments about this hidden tourist attraction. Don't forget to stop if you're passing through. Yes i know everything is expensive there, but that's not the point. Anyway enjoy!howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-27991284759420828182007-06-02T10:32:00.000+00:002007-06-02T11:30:27.997+00:00Icelandic misconceptions from abroad.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49lD942Iq46MzWY9kLPBxVLq22TjZeA_ofFw4EDFxtRzJVWV2tnsW5sosRQ4HGMxZQQ8jU4kAEdHEaNM1wWpH04tcUOo5fpMBCvhuip3ARmpcodehUZcYZA_zEVNTk3SGcHKTp412fWE/s1600-h/IMG_1106.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49lD942Iq46MzWY9kLPBxVLq22TjZeA_ofFw4EDFxtRzJVWV2tnsW5sosRQ4HGMxZQQ8jU4kAEdHEaNM1wWpH04tcUOo5fpMBCvhuip3ARmpcodehUZcYZA_zEVNTk3SGcHKTp412fWE/s320/IMG_1106.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071415186294039266" border="0" /></a><br />The classic line goes along the lines of this:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Did you know? Iceland is actually green, and Greenland is actually covered in snow! Funny eh?!"</span><br /><br />Although this does have a certain amount of merit, I can assure you that Iceland does have it's fair share of snow and ice. One things for certain. There is a great deal of misconception surrounding Iceland from people living outside the country. Don't get me wrong. People don't leave the country disappointed when they visit, but they often don't see what they are expecting to see.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Snow and Ice.</span> As you probably know, the area around Reykjavik is almost always free from snow. This leads to the situation where there is tangible disappointment from tourists on the flybus from Keflavik. "Where's the snow?!", "I thought it was called 'Iceland'" etc. etc..<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. The Ice Bar/Hotel.</span> Sorry folks, wrong country! Too warm i'm afraid. You'll need to visit Sweden for that one. Ok, before someone picks me up on this one. There <span style="font-style: italic;">is </span>an 'Ice Bar' in town, but it's not the icy palace you're looking for - sorry.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Huskies and sledges</span>. Again wrong country. Ok, minor correction, you <span style="font-style: italic;">can </span>get a sledge ride here, but it seems to be more of a supply and demand thing from tourists. Try Icelandic Horse tours (or preferably 4x4 tours - far more sensible!)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Volcanoes.</span> Sorry to disappoint you, but volcanoes don't go off as regularly as Strokkur in the Golden Circle. The last major event took place in November 2004 (Ok, I may be wrong here, but my point stands) There is plenty of evidence of really interesting volcanic activity around the country, but seeing a mountain belching out lava is a long shot (and probably pretty dangerous to watch anyway!).<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)</span>. Iceland <span style="font-style: italic;">is </span>a great place to see the northern lights due to it's latitude, and fantastic clear skies. Unfortunately, many tourists know this, and come to the country in the summer looking forward to seeing them.... and leave disappointed. It just doesn't get dark enough in the summer months.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. The Arctic.</span> Contrary to popular belief, Iceland is <span style="font-style: italic;">not </span>in the Arctic circle (apart from half an island off the north coast, the size of a postage stamp).<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Midnight sun.</span> Now it is close, but for those who studied geography you know that to have a true midnight sun in the middle of the summer, you need to be inside the Arctic circle. Iceland and Reykjavik sells this to tourists though, by using GMT so midnight arrives a little sooner, and hence midnight arrives in daylight. Slight cheat, but there you go.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. Reykjavik.</span> This is an interesting one. Generally when foreigners arrive in Reykjavik, they are shocked that it's not the futuristic party city the rumours would lead you to believe, rather a medium sized town that admittedly punches above it's weight on the party scene.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9. Others.</span> No, Santa doesn't live here, everyone isn't like Björk, there aren't any "Iceland" stores here, no penguins, no Inuits, and no igloos i'm afraid!<br /><br />I should make it clear that the rumour about Iceland having a high proportion of attractive girls is true. Although some may say I've just said that to escape an attack from the Icelandic Mafia ;)howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-62304223010253790282007-05-28T17:59:00.000+00:002007-05-28T18:27:46.838+00:00Torfæra Rocks!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPc99qwwa9Oely6fHlIwy2jAK-TpJqJotY_cyIwZRAmXtg6zDHiKD05mSshIU7KElkcxiRXYcXKWx7tw-SxSjTb2FEkV7QAahSnSOhzamDBHxnVwtjyP9Er4aYCQiYV0r1B-eHlUb_vBA/s1600-h/IMG_0480vsm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPc99qwwa9Oely6fHlIwy2jAK-TpJqJotY_cyIwZRAmXtg6zDHiKD05mSshIU7KElkcxiRXYcXKWx7tw-SxSjTb2FEkV7QAahSnSOhzamDBHxnVwtjyP9Er4aYCQiYV0r1B-eHlUb_vBA/s320/IMG_0480vsm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069673680134726354" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWTfKqcqBmpJldR1qosLEitQ2N3tbOj2ygt3k6twCvGLDsaqzz5X3Jm4yoVpAngGAbvf1FE74Ct9XwA9MDjdZhbvI7ud0NoaSQYD0yH5vVNFBY7tHMOmlhVT8J8arBHPbOU3UnbOazs0/s1600-h/IMG_0264vsm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWTfKqcqBmpJldR1qosLEitQ2N3tbOj2ygt3k6twCvGLDsaqzz5X3Jm4yoVpAngGAbvf1FE74Ct9XwA9MDjdZhbvI7ud0NoaSQYD0yH5vVNFBY7tHMOmlhVT8J8arBHPbOU3UnbOazs0/s320/IMG_0264vsm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069673589940413122" border="0" /></a>Another reason why Iceland is great... Torfæra (or Formula Offroad outside Iceland). The rules are simple. Get a car, fit a big engine and special tyres, add a lunatic driver, then sent him up the steep part of a hill. Great fun to watch, and it's no co-incidence that the biggest cheers happen when a car fails to climb to the top and rolls to the bottom...howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-62009653163101697182007-05-24T23:35:00.000+00:002007-05-25T09:56:10.910+00:00On the Rúntur!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy42rG4XtPhVBxjLdoyI-BgnEd6Qu8hj8aNTSOge2NOQiqOD2fXHafXP8CKa1290tyYxTP0Tr4dpPC6qwsqGRgvr22H_iT01MM-r73oKUm2R7kIGGQqFCbWoZfkhe55377wtu_ZMOsp4/s1600-h/runtur.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy42rG4XtPhVBxjLdoyI-BgnEd6Qu8hj8aNTSOge2NOQiqOD2fXHafXP8CKa1290tyYxTP0Tr4dpPC6qwsqGRgvr22H_iT01MM-r73oKUm2R7kIGGQqFCbWoZfkhe55377wtu_ZMOsp4/s320/runtur.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068434912782312114" border="0" /></a><br />Ever wonder why you keep seeing the same car drive past your window slowly 10, 20, maybe 50 times in one evening? Well maybe you've discovered a Rúntur!<br /><br />For those not in the know (So that's everyone outside Iceland, along with the inhabitants of Reykjavik then), the Rúntur is a pasttime found in pretty much every town around Iceland. It literally translates as "Round Tour" and is just that. It's a chance to go out for a drive with (or without) your mates, around town. BUT there are many rules that need to be followed. (And as a foreigner I know I have no chance picking them all up so please correct me if i'm wrong). By the way in my opinion the best Rúntur is in Stykkishólmur, but i'm only a beginner so am willing to accept if there is a better one.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Rúntur Rules:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span>1. You must drive the correct Rúntur route (although you will never find these in the Lonely Planet)<br />2. You must drive the Rúntur route in the correct direction (obviously! duh!)<br />3. Any car is acceptable on the Rúntur, although non 4x4 and older "used" cars are more appropriate.<br />4. You must drive around town at just a few km/hr below the speed limit. Afterall where are you actually going? And have you seen the price of fuel here??!<br />5. Speeding/skidding/handbrake turns have no place on the Rúntur. You're confusing the pastime with "Cruising" which is very different.<br />6. The Rúntur route will pass through (not past) a nominated petrol station, and you are expected to drop in regularly to buy diet coke (and petrol as you'll need plenty of that for a long "Rúnt")<br />7. It is customary to have a good look at all other Rúnter's as they drive past, particularly non-regulars. This is actually a sign of acceptance on the Rúntur and should be followed up by a stare back. Note: driver and all passengers must join in with this.<br />8. If you want to stop for a chat with fellow Rúnters, there will be a nominated carpark on route in addition to the petrol station, although some towns merge the two together. Here you can park up, BUT it is important to park ACROSS the parking spaces diagonally. There will be lots and lots of spaces available so it's not a problem, and then everyone knows you're up for a chat.<br />9. Loud music is frowned upon. So long as it stays within the car it's ok, but any bass pollution around the town will get the crime starved police on your back, so it's not recommended.<br />10. Rúntur driving may take place at any time, but is generally frequented from mid to late evening as a way to kill time before the bars get active. It's also a useful tactic to stay away from the bar as long as possible to avoid the Kr600+ drinks. Some prefer not to enter the bars at all to get the full Rúntur experience.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Note:</span> DON'T try to start up a Rúntur in Reykjavik. They'll just think you're from the countryside.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-26067785281669204052007-05-24T23:17:00.000+00:002007-05-25T09:42:38.830+00:00Iceland's secret?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHE3WMwHX4zXI3EdwBs76AlQMJgegQHmx1wXt-cp68MZT8FSHA3tCwTccTr7ui15flEeLNDt6G6mAsQqEhE9qZXWRsUinxyQ2XAzQWgfyLsQiHewDw0THGW7dGo4bX02T03OOIXHXXUXQ/s1600-h/IMG_0781.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHE3WMwHX4zXI3EdwBs76AlQMJgegQHmx1wXt-cp68MZT8FSHA3tCwTccTr7ui15flEeLNDt6G6mAsQqEhE9qZXWRsUinxyQ2XAzQWgfyLsQiHewDw0THGW7dGo4bX02T03OOIXHXXUXQ/s320/IMG_0781.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068270540088926882" border="0" /></a><br />Good old OPAL! Iceland's secret. The photo on the left is the green "lightweight" version so you should try the red label version :) <span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >They're made of gum Arabic, menthol, liquorice and eucalyptus oil, and as far as i can tell are designed to get children drunk!*<br /><br />Maybe I should explain?<br /><br />Ok! As a local sweet, children are encouraged to eat them over imported sweets from the likes of Cadbury's and Nestle. They're a bit of an acquired taste, but soon you'll like them. Now here's the best part. There's an alcoholic drink called......OPAL! (With the same branding) And lucky for the company that makes them, all the children grow up and have already acquired the taste for the drink. Clever eh?!<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br />*Ok children when they grow up, but that's not so interesting to say :)</span><br /><br /></span>howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-28615569737345735172007-04-11T13:56:00.000+00:002007-04-11T14:48:22.178+00:00Time to Invade?<div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.invadeiceland.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaDhWgZbVVRBkqcsVK60YVdKgVXrsqdGm9CZQYeQGJfiaFbL0eFIkgxdXbTnHdyUh96AJM_-Su5rlwvz4GLcpTqHGmlQz4uh0XMbUNMNUGq8W9xEgnpqh4qygL9qNJLRxDmJAKSu-RT4/s320/Clipboard01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052169492169450578" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I've been wondering about this for a while. Iceland now has next to no defence force. Now on the positive side there isn't any oil or diamonds to be found here, so most regimes wouldn't bother. (And if you do find any make sure you don't tell anyone!) I love the reasons to invade on the <a href="http://www.invadeiceland.com/">website</a> though:<br /><br />- No armed forces<br />- <span class="style11">There’s no malaria<br />- They kill whales<br />- It's Convenient<br />- They deny they have WMDs (Always a good excuse!)<br /><br />More links to the story <a href="http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/archives/2007/04/09/opinion/17995.shtml">here</a> and <a href="http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/archives/2007/04/10/news/18015.shtml">here</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.invadeiceland.com/join.htm">Sign up now</a> :-)<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2E_a5fYpRMWH9E2vfTFLw0uXoHs-YPRHZdaYI07epO0IAmZ1m5myCpI8e3NRXEIx-7XqwQZhW-Bwc6DmCKf2dSYfoALpz3r2pQOZoKnmUf0-VGwiWh_6Th6M7CcWWeziJ6GH2d4QtKY/s1600-h/bumpersticker.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2E_a5fYpRMWH9E2vfTFLw0uXoHs-YPRHZdaYI07epO0IAmZ1m5myCpI8e3NRXEIx-7XqwQZhW-Bwc6DmCKf2dSYfoALpz3r2pQOZoKnmUf0-VGwiWh_6Th6M7CcWWeziJ6GH2d4QtKY/s320/bumpersticker.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052182054948791394" border="0" /></a>howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-56060533139020583142007-02-19T15:19:00.000+00:002007-02-19T15:27:20.482+00:00Bolludagur<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MjSS7Tk14Y-Dnz6ctcQ5x7jp1LycC6c1Ijr0TRsRggf0jNYZl8fr6KpNPXanTp2Q660tG2dXAPU47ZNshKUBv5885fYXcqVekX3GDwj4EdZLYj0v245DNxlxSFuTa9Nz02J_syihxzA/s1600-h/bun.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MjSS7Tk14Y-Dnz6ctcQ5x7jp1LycC6c1Ijr0TRsRggf0jNYZl8fr6KpNPXanTp2Q660tG2dXAPU47ZNshKUBv5885fYXcqVekX3GDwj4EdZLYj0v245DNxlxSFuTa9Nz02J_syihxzA/s320/bun.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5033266780579266306" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Today is "<strong style="font-weight: normal;">Bolludagur" or Bun day in Iceland.<br /><br />I have been led to believe that traditionally children must get up before their parents, and then attack them with sticks, whilst shouting "Bolla, Bolla". For every hit, the child gets one cream bun. Sounds like a great plan :)<br /></strong>howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-35096143842366430092007-02-15T08:49:00.000+00:002007-02-15T08:59:20.379+00:00Waterfalls<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigfez/360942831/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/156/360942831_1aaf6563c6_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Rainbow Waterfall" /></a><br /><br />If you are a fan of waterfalls, Iceland is an ideal place to go travelling. Unfortunately with such a large number of waterfalls over the country, how do you know which one to go to? Already on the case, pretty much every waterfall has been given a tag to make sure you should visit. See below:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dettifoss:</span> The most powerful waterfall in Iceland.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Goðafoss:</span> The most spectacular waterfall in Iceland.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gullfoss:</span> The largest volume waterfall in Iceland.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Háifoss:</span> The second highest waterfall of the island. (This needs work!)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Skógafoss:</span> The most beautiful waterfall in Iceland.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Seljalandsfoss:</span> The most famous waterfall in Iceland. (Try again guys!)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Glymur:</span> The highest waterfall in Iceland.<br /><br />Still, can't fault the tourist board, and local residents from wanting to get the tourists to visit "their" waterfall. I would say that they're all worth a visit, just loved the classifications given above.<br /><br />Have i missed any other major waterfalls with a "most..." comment?howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-74001682351479467012007-02-12T17:52:00.001+00:002007-02-15T16:19:09.646+00:00Icelandic Horses.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigfez/388132892/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/151/388132892_8a9551e7af_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigfez/388132892/"></a></span><br />Just to clear this up. Icelandic horses are horses. They may look like ponies, may be the same size as ponies, and be called ponies by everyone outside Iceland, but they are horses! :-)<br /><p>Hope that clears things up!</p><p>*runs away in a hurry*</p><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">UPDATE:</span> Thanks for all the comments below.howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-52750659564289006562007-02-09T14:56:00.000+00:002007-02-09T15:07:05.852+00:00Iceland and IceWord of warning. When walking on ice, don't forget to wear your mannbroddar or "anti a**e over tit devices". I realise they fit into "dork fashion", but during winter it's too dark to notice :) Just don't wear them inside, or out in town as you'll quickly get kicked out of whichever bar you're visiting!howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8616817982265286631.post-4033826588798792362007-02-01T13:06:00.000+00:002007-02-01T13:14:16.777+00:0041-42Sorry couldn't resist ;-P<br /><br />For those not in the know, this was the score of the (very close) handball match between old rivals Denmark and Iceland on Tuesday. Iceland equalised with 2 seconds to spare in normal time, and almost held on during extra time, but let the motherland pull ahead in the final seconds. Cracking game!<br /><br />But handball! you all cry out. Well it's the national sport here, and it's taken very seriously despite the World Cup being covered by Eurosport!howdoyoulikeicelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18059952146283607250noreply@blogger.com2