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.

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.