Cool, but Hot!…Iceland
Iceland? Iceland is closer than you think and far
different than you ever imagined. It is a surprising,
astonishing land. Where else can you witness such
marvels of Mother Nature as a tremendous icecap
and several glaciers, spouting geysers, rumbling
volcanoes, bubbling mud holes, raging rivers and
waterfalls, black sand beaches, a multitude of birds
and whales cavorting just offshore and where the
sun never sets for six splendid weeks?
Summers are surprisingly warm and winters not as
cold as you might expect. This mid-Atlantic island
is the USA’s closest European neighbor. With a flight
time from New York only 4-1/2 hours long, jet lag
doesn’t occur, and you’re ready for action as soon
as you arrive. No matter what season there is always
more than enough waiting for you to do.
Iceland is an island of almost 40,000 square miles,
equal to that of Ohio or Kentucky. The highest peak,
Hvannadalshnukur, is 6,500 feet above sea level.
It has the largest glaciers in Europe and in fact,
11% of the country is covered by glaciers. The coastline
is dotted with more than 100 fjords, and green,
fertile valleys extend from them. But did you know
that Iceland has more than 10,000 waterfalls and
countless hot springs?
Situated in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is
a hot spot of geothermal activity. Thirty post-glacial
volcanoes have erupted in the past two centuries,
and natural hot water supplies much of the population
with cheap, pollution-free heating. Rivers, too,
are harnessed to provide inexpensive hydroelectric
power.
The first permanent settler of Iceland was Ingolfur
Arnarson, a Norwegian Viking who in 874 A.D. made
his home where Reykjavik now stands. In 930 A.D.,
the Viking settlers of Iceland founded one of the
world’s first republican governments. They established
a constitution based on individual freedom, land
ownership and sophisticated inheritance laws.
The economy is heavily dependent upon fisheries,
which are the nation’s greatest resource. Yet only
a small proportion of the workforce is active in
this sector, the majority being employed in services.
Icelanders enjoy one of the highest standards of
living in the world.
The chilliest thing about Iceland is its name!
In January, the average temperature in Reykjavik,
the capital of Iceland, is higher than in New York.
Much of Iceland’s cultural life bursts into bloom
from autumn to spring, before the long bright nights
and the main travel season begin. Iceland’s welcome
for tourists is always warm. The Icelanders still
speak the language of the Vikings (Old Norse), although
almost everyone speaks fluent English as well. When
new words are needed, they simply coin words that
are combinations or modifications of old words.
Icelanders aren’t really given to formalities, upholding
the Norse tradition of using patronyms rather than
surnames. If you are looking for someone in the
phone directory, you look them up by their first
name.
Dining in Reykjavik is a culinary celebration.
Top Icelandic chefs have the advantage of cooking
with pure and natural ingredients. Fruits and vegetables
are grown organically and meat and dairy products
are free of additives and hormones. Seafood is caught
fresh daily and is prepared with delectable sauces.
Reykjavik is a city where you’ll feel safe to walk
the streets. Friendly people, cozy, charming, a
"village feel" all describe it. Even so,
it is still only a 15-minute cab ride between downtown
and wild nature, where you’ll feel you’re the only
person on Earth. On the cultural front you’ll have
the choice of symphony orchestra, opera, theater
and a rich variety of other musical events, many
art museums and galleries. Iceland is the ideal
place for taking a break and setting foot on an
outpost of Europe with an exciting, lively and ancient
but living culture all of its own.
Test your Geo intelligence
1. What U.S. national park is closer to Australia
than California?
2. The ruined temples and structures of Angkor are
relics of what technically advanced civilization?
3. Which of the these countries is not considered
to be "elongated" Vietnam, Chile, Philippines,
Panama?
4. What country is the smallest in the Western Hemisphere?
5. What is the largest landlocked country outside
of Asia?
6. What country is called "Shqipëria"
by its natives?
7. Where is the only "drive in" volcano
located and what is its name?
8. What country in Europe has more mountains than
any other?
Answers:
1) National Park of American Samoa, 2) Khmer 3)
The Philippines is considered an archipelago 4)
St. Kitts and Nevis 5) Chad, 6) Albania, 7) La Soufriere
is located on St. Lucia, 8) Sweden
