Missing Iceland

Corresponding with a colleague who initially helped me make connections at the University of Iceland, I learned that he will be in Reykjavik in a few weeks. I confess to being envious.  My colleague and I agree, that Iceland is an amazing land with wonderful, friendly people. Once is not enough to see all its wonders.

Iceland spoiled me with delicious, natural foods. Now that I know what real food tastes like, its hard to eat in America. Even cooking is a challenge because the ingredients are inferior. Salmon purchased in America is but a distant cousin to the luxurious full flavor of Icelandic salmon.

I enjoyed the daily visits to the University of Iceland Student Center, listening to what is important to students. Since Icelanders are fluent in English, its easy for an American to engage conversations almost anywhere. It will take quite a number of trips for me to become conversational in Icelandic. It is a unique and complex language. I felt quite accomplished to read the bus schedule, map and manage money. The Icelandic TV station showed some American programs with Icelandic subtitles which I attempted to follow.

Admittedly I am nostalgic for Iceland. Much as I complain about cold weather in Florida (ok, laugh), I would get on Iceland Air tomorrow to go back to Reykjavik, yes even in winter snow season

Icelanders live the Habits of Health

As a Health Coach, I teach and guide according to the Habits of Health. During my teaching visit to Iceland, I had the amazing opportunity to live among people for whom the Habits of Health is a way of life. I feel privileged to experience what America could be if only we lived a healthy lifestyle.

Here are ways in which my Icelandic friends live what we only dream:

• Pure foods: The meats, fish and vegetables are REAL. Most Americans have no idea what meat without hormone injections tastes like. Its a new taste and I like it.
• Milk and cheese are also pure products: Cheese is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I typically drink soy milk because of the hormones, junk and cruelty that is American Dairy industry. In Iceland, milk is natural and frankly, safe to drink.
• Water - No need for bottled water in Iceland. The tap water is perfect. I venture to say that the water in Icelandic toilets is 100% superior to what comes out of American taps.
• Skyr - This healthy, protein rich, nonfat product is akin to yogurt but far above in taste, nutritional value and health benefits.
• Fast food is flatbread and salmon or Skyr mixed with fruits. There are Subways in gas stations and one Kentucky Fried Chicken. My Icelandic friends were relieved when I said that KFC bears no resemblance to southern fried chicken or even chicken. They tell me that it was a passing curiosity but not popular with Icelanders (who know what real food tastes like).
• Walking and biking - I enjoyed being among the students at University of Iceland who walk to and around this large campus. During summer months, hiking is popular and swimming pools abound in Reykjavik and are popular (yes, even in winter months).
• BMI - This body mass index is a measure of body size which impacts health. Look at the annual CDC charts for the "fat front" claiming all of America. We get fatter and lazier every year. Obesity is common; morbid obesity is increasing rapidly. By contrast, I walked around the University of Iceland campus where among 30,000 students I did not personally see more than 10 overweight students. The opposite would be true at most American universities.

 During my teaching experience at University of Iceland, I saw a living example of people who live the Habits of Health that my colleague, Dr Wayne Andersen teaches. I only hope that they reject American foods with a side order of metabolic syndrome and disease.

Cookie Homage to Iceland

This year we made "sweater" cookies with elaborate decorations. Naturally I made a "lopapesa" sweater cookie.

Kelly used my Icelandic Santa as inspiration for her cookie:

                                           

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: