Ísland best í heimi!!

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.

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN2642096720071127
http://hdr.undp.org/en/statistics/

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".

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.

Iceland reaches a new low...

Here's the winning song for Iceland's entry into Eurovision. I'm lost for words!



Ok... so they haven't actually got through yet, but the Iceland mafia has decided, so it'll happen. Mark my words! :)

Icelandair antics

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:

"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. "


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!"

Do any other airlines use such tactics of persuasion to get you to upgrade for the next flight?

hvernig gengur?

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?

Inward speaking

What's the only word you're allowed to say whilst breathing in in Icelandic?

No idea? (ok small hint on the left)

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!

Edit: For those not in Iceland Já is pronounced "Yeow", and definitely not as "Yar"

Lupins and Forests

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.

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.

Hopefully this will help prevent future embarrassment such as this incident when the Queen of England opened a forest in Iceland:

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."

Icelandic Swimming

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:

- Geothermally heated pool.
- Slides (Up to 3 - see the photo from Eskifjordur)
- '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.

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!).

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...

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!