A Taste of Christmas

Since I will be back home for the holidays, my thoughtful friend, Sigurveig, decided that I needed another unique experience. So we went to lunch at IKEA where  the traditional Icelandic holiday meal of roasted lamb, potatoes and green peas was served. Almost a double size portion but I enjoyed it. The white sauce was exceptional too - I need that recipe. To be politically correct, this Ikea had both the Swedish holiday meal and the Icelandic holiday meal.

I think that a valuable part of getting to know another country is by experiencing the local foods. Fortunately, food in Iceland is organic because that is the normal way. In Iceland, I drink milk or coffee cream without the concern for food safety/GMO/growth hormones that are problems in US grown/processed foods.

In case you wondered, IKEA in Iceland is equally huge and full of wonders.

Learning from Colleagues

A great blessing of being a Fulbright Specialist to Iceland is learning from my colleagues. We have the same essential goal; develop critical thinking in our students. At least in the US, this is becoming harder each year as student have easy access to so much information but so little ability to discern quality research.

I almost danced in the bookstore aisle after finding this book for University of Iceland students that is exactly what I have sought for my US students. What some dismiss as old fashioned is still important such as fallacies, burden of proof, ambiguity, correlation/causation and irrelevance to name a few covered with substance and style by author, Mark Forshaw. It is my custom to send a "fan letter" to any author like Forshaw and express my appreciation for his work. As an author, I can attest to how much it means to hear from colleagues and students that my work has contributed to teaching and preparation for the counseling profession.

This book will definitely influence my "APA, the Painless Way" workshop and hopefully I can get it as a required text for incoming counseling students that I teach in Counseling 500.  Frankly, I may never have found this excellent resource without being here and benefiting from what my Icelandic colleagues already know.

Twice Blessed

I attended Reykjavik Cathedral this morning, Bishop Agnes Sigurardottir leading service. The massive pipe organ gives tones that are superior to the new electronics. When I saw the beaming faces of the couple sitting near me, I realized that their young son who disappeared mid-service was the organ soloist. WOW That is a talented young man. Having been the organist in my teen years, I was particularly impressed by his command of playing the foot pedals (no you cannot see them, its all by touch).  

After service, Bishop Agnes gave a warm greeting to all. I walked as fast as possible in the rain to tune into the live feed from First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks.  Singing from my apartment balcony with our wonderful choir and hearing Pastor Jeff's message; blessed in two languages!

Icelandic Humor

Humor is my second language and no country does it better than Iceland. Here are a few signs from around downtown Reykjavik that I found amusing.

International Day at University of Iceland

Quest for coffee led to discovering International Day at University of Iceland Student Center.  The main entry area was filled with displays of educational and work opportunities for students from many countries.




I saw the Fulbright Iceland booth and stopped to visit. This is

Oscar, a Fulbright Scholar/student from Atlanta. I also met Helfa Magnusdottir, Cultural Specialist from US Embassy whose booth was next to Fulbright. She graciously offered information on the US Embassy location. My response was, "Iceland is the only country where I have traveled that I did not feel the need to map the US Embassy location before leaving Florida."  However, I do think it would be interesting to visit, so US Embassy is on my list for next week walk into downtown. .

My Role as Fulbright Specialist at University of Iceland

As a Fulbright Specialist appointed to serve at University of Iceland, I am working with the Department of Social Work.
Oddi Building is the home of this department and its excellent faculty.

 The purpose of Fulbright Specialist Program is to send US professors and other career professionals to share, bring what we know and learn from those with whom we work in other countries.  This dream of the late Senator J. William Fulbright was established in 1946 under legislation that the Arkansas Senator championed. All these years later, I have this opportunity thanks to Senator Fulbright's vision which is continued by the US State Department. This is both an honor and a unique opportunity where I will learn as much as I share, which is the blessing of international academic exchange.

Special thanks to my friend and colleague, Dr Sigurveig Siguroardottir, Dean of the Social Work Faculty for working out the many details of my participation with this department.

During my month here, I will be a guest lecturer in several Social Work classes. I am enjoying the time in meetings with the Social Work faculty as we exchange ideas. In addition to working with  faculty in the classrooms, there are plans underway for community programs.  More on those programs as the final plans are completed. I am also preparing materials with emphasis on Trauma Counseling with Older Adults, Psychological First Aid and Creative Therapies that I will give to the Social Work Department for their ongoing use.

Kvennafri in Downtown

I learned from Faculty Colleagues here about the significance of Kvennafri October 24. On this date in 1975, Icelandic women walked off their jobs to "demonstrate the indispensable work of women for Iceland’s economy and society" and to "protest wage discrepancy and unfair employment practices".  From that point improvements were made, but issues remain as this day continues to be recognized in support of all working women around the world.

Today when I walked downtown for afternoon coffee, I saw the massive crowd of women from cradle to elder in ages as well as men who support this concern. I was sad to see so many "Me Too" signs in this crowd. Its a tragic reminder that women are still treated as prey in the workplace.

I observed that in true Icelandic style, the crowd was peaceful and collegial. There were concerns expressed for women in other EU nations who lack as much progress as Icelandic women have gained. I have found that Icelanders are gracious, friendly people who have learned to make their point and yes, even counter other positions without being angry, disruptive or threatening. Many in the US need to learn this lesson of how to disagree without being disagreeable.

Welcome at Fulbright Iceland

Tuesday highlight: Wonderful to get to know Fulbright Iceland staff who were instrumental in making my Fulbright Specialist appointment to University of Iceland happen.  Special thanks to Belinda Theriault, Executive Director, Fulbright Commission Iceland, for her role in this process.

To my surprise, there is another special character in this process - Mia.
Clearly a well trained diplomat, she shook hands with me.

Saturday Stroll in Downtown Reykjavik

When the morning torrential rain cleared, I walked to downtown. On a typical day, the sky over Reykjavik is bright sunshine with clear blue skies. Yes, I even wear sunglasses here. Thats me in front of the University of Iceland Administration Building.  I am looking toward a view that never gets old;  Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral which towers over downtown.

Even in chilly weather, a walk in old downtown is a treat.  The building art reminds me of downtown St Petersburg, where artists show their talents on buildings

The Lopapeysa is the heavy wool sweater with knit design unique to Iceland 

(other Nordic countrie salso have their designs). These sweaters are about an inch thick and heavy as a  coat. I have admired them on each trip here, but the reality is I would never wear it in Florida. These hand knit creations are also expensive.  The Farmers Market has lovely sweaters but not bargains. Be careful at tourist places as you may not get the real deal. If you want a genuine Lopapeysa at an affordable price, here is the secret. Shop at the Red Cross Thrift Store, Laugavegur 116. A lovely sweater I saw today was $119 US Dollars, still a bargain for a practically indestructible sweater that becomes an heirloom

.

And visit to The Christmas Store

Shopping Tips for Reykjavik

 My first trip to Iceland in 2013, I misread the title and asked for the shuttle to Klingon Mall. The driver laughed and politely corrected me. That is when I discovered the free shuttle between Reykjavik City Hall and Kringlan Mall that runs seven days a week. Not only does the shuttle save money, but stops at the door instead of having to walk from the city bus stop. Kringlan has it all: two grocery stores, drug store, coffee shops, food court, massive amount of stores and even child care.

Of course, coffee first. Mr Good tried again to conquer the Icelandic Donut. It is thick and more like a bread texture. Still better than Dunkin Donuts, also in the mall.

I heard on campus that Icelanders are experimenting with Halloween. Indeed the stores were prepared. 

As typical in any island nation, imported food can make price of eating at restaurants a budget buster. Another advantage of Kringlan Mall is the presence of both Hagkaup and Bonus grocery stores. This would be like Publix and Aldi in comparison to Florida stores.  

An interesting feature - - instead of cold foods on the side, there is a cold room for those foods and another room for the fresh fruits and vegetables.

The ducks and swans on Tjorin Lake at City Hall know how to put on the cuteness. This lake is sometime called Bread Lake since so many tourists and locals bring bread to feed them. Granted bread is not the ideal food, but it is what they are accustomed to eating. I had a nice visit with several Mallard couples.

Living History in Unexpected Place

Fulbright Grantees in Reykjavik were invited to a walk through Holavallagarour, known as the Old Cemetery.  The Cemetery Director is a knowledgable historian who during the tour gave us fascinating stories of the famous, the infamous and the average citizens and how they arrived in this place.

Many stones had exquisitely carved white scenes known as "Thorvaldsen's Reliefs".  Each has an angel in flight with significant other images. This angel relief holds the child Dauoi (Death) as she
flies and drops flowers on the earth.

My favorite story was a love triangle worthy of Lifetime TV Movies.  Spoiler alert: the wife died, the other woman was infamous before and after death. The man was sent to trial, convicted and headed for death, but did he die then? Or later. And there was a misplaced burial and a later move. Its quite a twisty plot. There seems to be continued mystery surrounding this infamous trio.

Thanks to Belinda Theriault, Executive Director, Fulbright Commission Iceland for arranging this unique glimpse into Reykjavik's past through its people.

The Peace Tree is here

After the death of John Lennon, Yoko Ono chose Iceland as the location for her lasting tribute to John. The Peace Light is currently shining over Reykjavik as it does for several months annually. A few years ago I was able to be on Videy Island when Yoko lit the Peace Light.
Yoko also places a "Peace Tree" which this year is at Reykjavik City Hall. There are cards to attach to the trees on which a personal message of peace is written. I added my message today to the Peace Tree.

The Peace Tree messages are maintained in time capsules near the IMAGINE Peace Tower.

Arrival in Iceland

I am delighted to be back in Iceland.  If you travel here, choose the FlyBus as the best and most economical transport from Keflavik International Airport into town. My friend and colleague, Dr Siguroardottir met me at the BSI Bus Terminal. stopped at a grocery so I could stock my kitchen. I have two favorites: Skyr and Godostur cheese. Interesting to see some familiar US brands such as Amy's Organic frozen dinners. 

As a bonus, the comfortable campus guest apartment has been remodeled and is quite lovely. The expanded kitchen has an oven which adds to cooking options. There is a recycling drawer for trash, glass and paper. Icelanders are serious about recycling with designated bins all over the city. Reykjavik is exceptionally clean for a major city and a reflection of Icelanders respect for their environment.

Walking to University of Iceland campus shortly. The adventure begins. . .