10 Reasons to LOVE Iceland

My trip to Iceland was even more fascinating and wonderful than expected. With so much to love about Iceland, it was a challenge to pick my top 10:

1. Icelandic People: These folks are gracious, welcoming and helpful. The chill of the winter climate is overcome by the warmth of the people.
2. University of Iceland: The oldest university in Iceland, this campus is filled with exciting programs, challenging degree options and skilled faculty. I was honored to teach there for the week in NordMag Program.
3. Students:  The University of Iceland easily reflects the high literacy level of this island nation. Stopping in the Student Center for breaks, I talked with students from various countries who chose this university for excellence.
4. Care for elders: Each municipality is responsible for support services and care needs of its older adult population. The US can learn much about elder care from Iceland.
5. Kafftir - This was my Starbucks North, located in the National Museum of Iceland on the University of Iceland campus. The soy latte was perfection plus the award winning baristas make designs in the cream. 
6. Blue Lagoon: If I lived in Reykjavik, I would have an annual pass (like the Disneyworld pass) to this glorious natural hot spring. Too often tourist attractions disappoint, but Blue Lagoon is a thousand times more fabulous than the promos.
7. Salmon and Cheese: These Icelandic staples are fresh, free of additives or preservatives and have a rich taste beyond anything I have experienced. 
8. Skyr: This is similar to yogurt and unique to Iceland. As I previously said, to compare Skyr to yogurt is like suggesting that silk and burlap are alike because both are fabrics. Skyr has no equal for taste, natural protein and fat free deliciousness.
9. Downtown Reykjavik: So much to see and do here that I needed another week to truly explore the charming buildings and shops. The ducks and swans at the lake in downtown were a joy.
10. Natural beauty: Icelanders respect their island, natural resources and wildlife. The result is a clean environment for all to enjoy.

Would I return to Iceland? ABSOLUTELY! I look forward to my next trip.

Iceland Air - Flying at its FINEST

Time to leave the snow behind for sunny Florida! I could not contemplate lugging a large suitcase down the road to Radisson Saga in the snow, so I called a taxi for an expensive, yet necessary ride.
The Reykjavik Excursion "FlyBus" that transports to Keflavik Airport is unexpectedly comfortable with free wifi and reasonable price.
I decided to spend the remaining krona at the airport duty free shops. Then I enjoyed a few quiet, relaxing hours in the Iceland Air Saga Lounge. It was worth draining my frequent flyer miles to fly home in Saga (first class).

Iceland Air rules the sky  - - - this is flying old school in the best possible way. The flight attendants dress with pride in stylish uniforms. These ladies worked the 7 hour flight in heels while walking in turbulence with the grace of runway models. This gracious attendant agreed to pose with Mr. Good, my travel companion.

Most US planes have attendants who look more like waitresses at the cheap diner, taking casual to the border of tacky. Although I flew Economy Comfort for the flight to Iceland, I still received a delicious hot dinner and attentive service. Returning to the wretched "flying lawn chairs" of AirTran will feel like a slum (which by comparison it is).

Here's a great travel tip: You can fly Iceland Air to many of the European capitals and choose to stay over in Iceland for up to 7 days at no extra cost! This is smart marketing and a wonderful opportunity, don't miss it. The snow/sleet/rain is only in winter. In summer, Iceland is lush green hills and pleasant weather.

Surviving Iceland Winter with Florida Clothes

As a Floridian, my idea of winter clothing is nothing like what is necessary for Reykjavik, Iceland. I could not even find wool clothes to buy in Florida so here is how I survived:

Boots: My $20 H&M boots were a last minute addition that became the only shoes I wore in the snow. These were more fashion than function, but still kept my feet dry. I recommend bringing boots with serious tread to walk on the ice. Carry the fashion shoes in a bag and change at the door if necessary.

Tights: Target had grey ribbed tights that were not thick but very warm. I brought two pair and wore these daily.

Silk ski underwear: Years ago I purchased two piece silk ski underwear that I have worn when traveling north in the winter for conferences. The silk is paper thin, yet warm and easy to wear under dress clothes.

Jeans: The jeans were my warmest pants which, with tights, worked well. Dark blue or black jeans are dressy enough to go anywhere.

Black dress pants: Mine are light weight, so tights and a coat made it possible. My black knit skirt never left the suitcase - too cold for skirt.

Fleece Pajamas: Before leaving, I found a fleece pajama set at Target. Warm pajamas are essential.

Water proof coat: My mid-calf length London Fog with zip out lining is my all purpose travel coat.
Having a waterproof coat or jacket is necessary since snow/sleet/rain can occur in the same day.
What I needed was a waterproof hood or hat. My knit hat was warm, but had to be dried each evening. Unless your winter coat has a hood, bring a light waterproof jacket to wear under the coat.

And a few other items. . .

Umbrella: Forget it.  Even in rain, the wind is practically tropical storm force so an umbrella is useless. I learned that Icelanders do not even bother with umbrellas.

Converter and electric cord adaptors: The plug for Southern Europe with adaptor worked well. The only casualty was my flat iron. I usually let it heat for five minutes, however after that time on Iceland current it was hot enough to fry a section of my hair.  Thankfully it was only a small section, so I did not attempt to use it again.

Bottled water: No need - - this is the rare place on the planet where water from the kitchen spout is as pure and delicious as anything purchased. Clean, safe water is an Iceland highlight.

Vitamin C & D: The lack of sunshine n the winter means minimal C&D. I was told that Icelanders are notably low in Vitamin D and take supplements. I brought a supply of chewable Vitamin C and extra Vitamin D tabs.

Waterproof computer case: To keep Baby Mac (my new MacBook Air) safe and dry, I kept it in a waterproof tote. Also be careful to keep iPhone from getting wet. Gale force rain and sleet are not kind to electronics (or to Floridians!).

Recycling scales into fashion

Icelanders are masters at recycling. Rather than trash fish scales, these are transformed into fashion:

Ice Cream in Iceland?

Indeed there is ice cream in Iceland and it's totally delicious. Not knowing what to expect, I chose the vanilla which was creamy and rich. There seemed to be tiny ice shavings inside the ice cream. Be sure to taste the ice cream in Iceland, its fabulous!

Beauty amid blizzard

Much as I despise snow, there is beauty in this frozen tundra . . .

I stopped to watch this precious chubby tummy bird hopping across the snow covered parking lot. It reminded me how much I miss my "feathered babies" back home.

Blizzard Walking

Icelanders have several names for snow which describe the amount and intensity.  The snow storm I braved today might be called a blizzard. I only require one word for snow - - - Horrible.
Looking at the forecast, I knew that spending several hours outside on a distant  excursion into the interior with walking in the open air was not my idea of fun. That's better left for a summer visit.

The sky was clear and sunny when I left my apartment walking to the National Museum of Iceland on the University of Iceland campus. My plan was to stop here, then decide whether to go into town.
Halfway down Aragata, the snow started butI kept going. Mr. Good demanded a coffee break, and I could not get into Kaffitar fast enough.  After coffee, I toured the museum and learned much about Icelandic history and how Christianity came to this island.


So much to see, here is a sample of sites in the National Museum of Iceland

Early pulpit

Magnificent Icelandic Knitting

Icelandic dining room of 1960s

The snow stopped again, so I took a bus into the city. The bus is warm, comfortable and efficient. I stopped at the lake where swans and ducks put on a show for breadcrumbs.

 

Knowing that dark happens so early, I made quick visits into a few local shops. As I turned back toward the bus stop area, the blizzard started. Fat snow, like candy drops, pelted me as I huddled with other passengers under the bus shelter.

I have never been this cold for this long in my entire life. There are so many color shops and winding streets in city center that I would like to explore, but not until summer.

A day in the life at Reykjavik

Thanks to my new friend and colleague, Soffia, I spent a "day in the life" of a local person with a few tourist moments.  We started the day at her downtown city center apartment for coffee and a traditional breakfast including cheese, salmon, brown flatfread, creamy butter and a fig pie. Everything was so fresh and tasty. In Iceland, foods are natural....really natural, no meddling Monsanto and other food companies who sell poison disguised as food. No wonder Icelanders are so healthy, they eat REAL food.

We stopped at the city location where Soffia voted in a municipal election. The votes are recorded on paper ballots and hand-counted.

We stopped at the famous Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral, highest point in the city. In front of the Cathedral is a statue of Leif Erikson, however the figure you see in the photo is me, freezing.

Soffia's friend, Aegir, drove us out into the mountains to the Hellisheioi Geothermal Power Plant that produces electricity and hot water for Reykjavik and other cities using a fully clean production system. The technology is designed to take advantage of the abounding geothermal energy from ancient, and presently quiet, volcanos. The center is a scale model of the plant in midst of mountains.

Coffee is everywhere, even the power plant. Look at this lovely serving.

Many thanks to Aegir, a capable snowy road driver, who is also a poet. Here is his poetry book:

All together, a delightful day with new friends. Soffia and Aegir and gracious hosts. Driving back to my apartment, I saw the Peace Light which Yoko Ono built to honor John Lennon. She obviously had to travel far to find a peaceful location and Iceland is indeed the right spot.

Presenting Elder Group Work

The University of Iceland hosted a community open lecture that I presented on my book, Group Techniques for Aging Adults, 2nd Edition. The questions were excellent and attendees appeared enthusiastic to incorporate new ideas. I have observed that the Icelandic social services and elder care specialists are committed to go beyond mere housing and medical, but to provide an enriching environment for older adults. We are definitely in harmony in that objective.

Thanks again to Dr Sigurveig Siguraordottir, Associate Professor, and the Social Work department at University of Iceland for inviting me to teach in the NordMag Intensive week. The students from Iceland, Sweden and Finland were eager to learn and a pleasure to teach.

This is Sigurevig and I in her office saying farewell, until next visit.

Visiting an Eden Model Elder Care Home

I accompanied the NordMag students on a tour of an Eden Model elder care home in Reykjavik. This large facility began as the Seaman's Home for retiring seamen and their wives. Over the years, it has opened to all older adults. The program and care concepts are forward-thinking, empowering,

 and effectively administered. The parent corporate has three such homes in Iceland.

We began with a description of the history and concept while enjoying coffee and pancakes. Icelandic pancakes are light and folded over with cream center. This is a popular treat.

This home has a workout room, physical therapy, occupational therapy and a large indoor pool which is also open to elders in the community and swim classes for children. They certainly make the most of ever space. On the fourth floor is a large creative room. Here residents have equipment and supplies for sewing, knitting, wood working, art and weaving. This photo from the back  is their "store". These beautiful crafts made by residents are for sale. Much like a consignment shop, every item has a tag with a resident's id number. When an item sells, the resident receives the payment. This  is further illustration of the home's concept that older adults desire to be productive and deserve to be rewarded for their efforts.

Weather Rap

A standing joke in Florida is that if you don't like the weather, wait a hour and it will change. Well, Reykjavik may rival that. Yesterday, the sun was so bright that I wore sunglasses midday. Sleeping last night was pleasant without the gale winds battering against the windows. Opening the curtains this morning, I found a blanket of snow. Even my third floor balcony was covered in about inch of the wretched stuff.

Blessedly I did not need to be at the University early this morning, so I planned working from my apartment. However, in homage to the snow, I made these snow people.

Yes, the Sun Shines in Iceland

For the first time since arriving, I wore my sunglasses at noon. Daylight begins after 9am in November. By 11 am, the sun was shining in a clear sky. Walking past the University of Iceland Student Center, I could see snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance.  This brightness must be enjoyed when it happens as the sun sets @4:30pm or 16:30 (Iceland uses military time).

Past Stapi Building on campus is a mountain peak called Esja. Its snowy sides provided a winter backdrop from the classroom window where the Nord Mag sessions were held. As a Floridian accustomed to a flat environment, this is a postcard worthy sight.

Blue Lagoon - an Icelandic Wonder

The Blue Lagoon at night is an other-worldly experience. Walking down a trail between black volcanic rocks looks like hiking on the surface of the moon. Once inside, you must shower, then put on swim suits before entering the lagoon. One small detail - - - when I arrived there it was 31 degrees so leaving the warm locker room to walk outside was a shock. From chilly walk to the hot mineral waters, the Blue Lagoon makes the temporary pain worthwhile.

The Blue Lagoon is shallow with silica underfoot. My group walked around the waters, talking and enjoying the experience. Steam rose from the waters into the frosty night sky which provided a mysterious backdrop. Since it was not practical to bring a camera, the photos were taken after finishing a long, luxurious soak.

After changing clothes, my group went to dinner in the restaurant that overlooks the lagoon. I am determined to eat Icelandic foods, so I chose the Smoked Salmon Sandwich. This delicious sandwich had lettuce, salmon and thin slices of boiled egg on dark bread - - its a recipe I plan to copy.

I highly recommend Reykjavik Excursions bus tours. Our group boarded the bus at Radisson Saga Hotel near campus, then transferred to a tour bus at BSI Bus terminal and returned same pattern. If you had time to do nothing but spend a few hours at Blue Lagoon and fly home, it would be worth the plane ticket.

Discovering Kaffitar

My Starbucks withdrawal has been abated by the wonders of Kaffitar. Nestled inside the Icelandic Museum is Kaffitar, a coffee shop with delicious barista-made coffees and other options typical of my friendly neighborhood Starbucks. The cost for small soy latte is similar to a Starbucks grande. In 30 degree weather with 20 mph winds, hot coffee is priceless. You can find the wonders of Kaffitar adjacent to University of Iceland campus. Notice how the Barista makes a design in my latte.

Convenience Store Shopping

Finally located the 10/11 Store (like our 7/11) two blocks down on Eggertsgata. My first day in Iceland was spent huddled under a quilt, reading and watching the snow fall. The only food available was food bars and shakes brought from home thus the 10/11 seemed like  food heaven after spending time with an empty kitchen.

I decided to purchase Nordic foods. Went first for Skyr, a type of Icelandic yogurt that can be purchased in health food stores at home. However, to call it yogurt is to suggest that burlap and silk are similar fabrics. Skyr has no equal in US or Greek yogurt. I also bought Rugbraud, an almost cake like brown bread, a wrap sandwich and djupur.

The clerk graciously mentioned that 10/11 is more expensive than the grocery store. Since a grocery is not nearby and I am walking in sleet so hard it feels like needles hitting my face, I did not quibble about cost.  I will bargain shop at Publix, where shopping is a pleasure and I am not soaked in freezing rain. Walking back, I thought that the grocery bag in one hand and the computer bag on the other shoulder would help me to balance. Turning toward my apartment came a gust of wind so strong it pushed me against a parked car. So this is how Jim Cantore feels reporting for the Weather Channel in a hurricane. 

Start of NordMag Conference

At this morning's start for the Nord Mag Conference, I met the students attending from University of Iceland, Lund University in Sweden and  Jyvaskla University in Finland. So you know that I am not exaggerating about the extreme weather, Professor Gudmundsson was unable to drive in from his home in Akureyri, north Iceland. His presentation came in via SKYPE. In the afternoon, student groups presented on the state of social service for older adults in their respective countries. I learned from them and gathered several excellent ideas that could be adapted in America.

Before an evening reception, our group walked to adjacent Nordic House. This classic building is a library of literature and art from the other Nordic countries.

In December, Nordic House has a daily mystery performance at lunch hour; anything from classical piano concert to one act play to author reading his/her work. It is popular among the community and students/staff at University of Iceland. Sounds like a creative way to infuse culture and holidays.  

Mr Good, my traveling companion, found interesting books at Nordic House:

Frosty Beginning

Stepping off the bus at BSI Terminal was a shock. I was prepared for the temperature (32) but not for the gale force winds. The winds made it feel much colder. On the positive side, Kristen, from University of Iceland met me at the bus and helped me settle into the guest apartment.

My third floor apartment on campus is spacious and thankfully, warm. From the balcony I can see the ocean, but only for a few seconds before frostbite. As a result, I huddled under a blanket alternating between computer and Icelandic TV (commercials are hilarious). I waited for snow to stop to walk to 10/11 store (like our 7/11) but the snow was followed by rain. Thankfully, I travel with my TSFL shakes and Balance Bars - Bon Appetit. Oh how I would like a warm coffee.

Alas, not exploration today. The highlight was watching an episode from the NEW season of Downton Abbey, which does not arrive in America until January. Hoping for some weather improvement so I can enjoy the sites by walking in the city center. My present goal after the opening Conference on Monday is to get a wool Icelandic sweater, groceries and coffee.

Arriving in Iceland

Flying on IcelandAir is a trip back to a time when air travel was a pleasant experience. From the comfortable cabin to delicious dinner, I watched the flight tracker map as we soared toward the North Atlantic. Flight attendants are in old school uniforms with heels.

At my seat is a warm blanket and pillow with this lovely inscription:

Keflavik Airport is large and easy to get around with signs in English subtitles.
At 6am the airport was a buzz of activity.

Walking past cafe into the center I was greeting by this bird display.

Presently I am on the wifi equip FlyBus into town.
Oh my goodness it's cold and the winds are extreme. I totally underestimated the extent of cold. The Weather Channel gave temperature but that kicks up a few notches with tropical force winds. This Floridian is freezing.

Why Iceland? Watch and be amazed

Why Iceland? Of course, I have the privilege of teaching in the Nord Mag Conference at University of Iceland. These students from Iceland, Finland and Sweden are committed to working with older adults and I am pleased to share my approaches from Group Techniques for Aging Adults 2nd Edition

Here's a video that shows probably more of Iceland than I can possibly see in my short working visit. While I am boarding my IcelandAir flight, catch a glimpse of the wonders of Iceland.

Surprise before leaving

With only days until leaving for Iceland, I was asked to travel to my university for a meeting. Little did I know that this was no ordinary request. My colleagues in the School of Psychology and Counseling can keep a secret better than the NSA.

As I heard the award introduction, it took a few sentences before the information clicked.
I received the Regent University Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. This is an overwhelming honor for which I am profoundly grateful. As I tell my students, teaching is about investing in lives of students who become our legacy in professional counseling.

Here I am with Chancellor Dr Pat Robertson, who presented my award. And in a few days I am traveling to teach in Iceland. After three years of chaos and family distress, I feel like emerging into the sunlight. I am indeed blessed.

Awaiting a view of the Northern Lights

The magnificent nightly light show, the Northern Lights, is said to be beyond description. I will send my impressions after arriving later this week. Here is a preview video found on Huffington Post:

Presently I am pressing to finish grading and preparations for my current online classes. A pile of "must haves" is stacked on my large suitcase. Yes, friends, I will have to check my bag. Such is almost sacrilegious to me as I can fold and space bag a week's worth of clothes for conference travel into a small roll aboard bag. However, on this trip I have an extra tote which will give space for shopping.

Iceland is a sophisticated country that is likely to have anything I need. The challenge with international travel is finding items that otherwise are so easy to get with a short drive to Walgreens, Publix or the Mall. So I am packing essentials and looking forward to trying Icelandic products. I have also loaded several iBooks for the long plane trip. Once on the ground in Reykjavik, my attention will be on the conference and then on experiencing as much of the city as possible.

As I work from my sunny Florida 73 degree office, I saw snow flurries on the iPhone weather from Reykjavik. For those of you who know me, stop laughing. Yes, I wore a jacket to exercise this morning because it was 67 degrees. From tropics to near arctic. . . the adventure is getting closer.

Countdown to Iceland Adventure

My fascination with Iceland is about to turn into an encounter when I step off the Iceland Air flight next week. Reykjavik, Iceland is as far as imaginable from my tropical coast Florida home. Since I am among the first to wear coats at 60 degrees, its certainly not the near arctic weather that attracts me northward. Its the people, culture, education and care for elder adults that impress me about Iceland.

As a National Certified Gerontological Counselor, I am keenly interested in elder care options. The more I learn about how Iceland cares for its elders, the more impressed I have become. In communication with the Gerontology School at University of Iceland, I developed a long distance rapport that led to an invitation to speak at the NordMag Conference. I will expand on this exciting educational conference in coming posts.

There is so much I want to learn and see in Iceland. Being part of the university program is much like our Residency week at Regent University where I am an Assistant Professor in the School of Psychology & Counseling (teaching online from my Florida office!). And so, dear readers, I will share my Iceland adventure with you, including photos and impressions. 

Meanwhile I started getting in the international mindset by enjoying the delicious foods at Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Thank goodness Belle was standing in the shade for our photo, it was 90 degrees. Yes, 90 degrees in November - - -reminds me of

the tag line I use to close with on WLCY News, "Isn't it great in the Sunshine State"