Some additional thoughts about Iceland

some further observations about Iceland...

1. People native to Iceland seem a good deal thinner, or more well-proportioned, than those in the US. I realize one can say this about many countries in the world... I guess Iceland is one of them. Diet, exercise...? Seafood is a staple in their cuisine.
2. Icelanders celebrate their Independence today (Mon the 17th) with a national holiday. The country became fully independent from Denmark in 1944. Everything is closed. 
3. The architecture in Iceland takes a bit of getting used to, if coming from the US. very utilitarian, fact-based. Not much flourish...but designed to withstand the weather conditions of the country. Upon first encounter, it can feel a little cold.
4. Oh, this midnight sun...a clear evening sky can keep me up much of the night with its bright light- even with block-out shades drawn. Not sure if this is due to the light seeping in from the edges, or the rhythms of my body/mind. Probably both.

the evening sky- about 11pm. This is the darkest it ever gets right now.

5. The Icelandic language is beautiful to hear, and difficult to read. Listening to children speak in this country is a joy.
6. Some people in this country drive really, really fast. Dangerously so. Down rural roads. A universal problem.
7. Iceland, at least the northern areas, will absolutely NOT give tree lovers any kind of fix for their addiction. Saw trees yesterday, during travels in the region, for the first time in over a week. Stunning lack-of-tree landscape, though.
8. Iceland nationally regulates first names for children. There are many to choose from, but if you would like to give your child a name not included on the list, you must seek approval. The last names for most here, of course, indicate gender and father's name (male last names begin with father's first name and end in -sson, females follow the same structure and end in -ittor...there are, of course, plenty of exceptions, but this is what one will most commonly find).
9. There is a belief in this country, held my a very small percentage of the population, that Iceland is inhabited by "hidden people", a group of people who live out-of-sight of normal humans. They have special powers, have light emanating from their skin, and are pretty good-looking overall.
10. The water here, out of the tap, is so, so good.