PRESENTATION: Introduction
ICELAND: AKA THE STRANGE BEAUTY
Most of people might think about what its literally name means: a land full of ice and cold. But Iceland is more than that: for me is the paradise, only 3 hours away from London. Location
Iceland is situated in the Artic area, the highest point in Europe. Is the closest destiny to Greenland, where the Eskimos live and, at this point, our trip would become in an interesting tour if weve got time enough to visit this mysterious country. History
Most Icelanders are descended from Scandinavian settlers and their Celtic slaves. Then, in the ninth century a wave of Vikings crash into the country from Norway. It would belong them until de Danish arrived. Iceland did not get its independency until 1944. Highlights
Icelandic nature is exceptional: thundering waterfalls, white huge glaciers and icebergs, geysers, hot spa pools, volcanoes [ I suppose that lots of people remember that smoke cloud that appeared in the European skies, stopping the air traffic just one year ago. Well, this was originated because of the most famous volcanoe in Iceland: The Eyjafjalljkull. Eyja-fjall-jkull means: the glacier on top of the mountains you can see the islands from.] As the most recommended activities around the country I would suggest: Whale and dolphin-whatching (in a boat): theres seventeen different species of whales in Iceland. Swimming in the most famous Icelands spa: The Blue Lagoon, where the temperature outside might be about -20C, but inside the water reaches easily 38C!! Because, despite of the icebergs, you can find beaches with warm water and spas: that is what happen when you live in a country surrounded by volcanoes and geothermal energy. Adventure activities: scuba diving in Lake ingvellir (which has 100m of visibility, and that is a lot); hiking around the country and many others. Enjoy amazing landscapes and natural wonders only available in this country. Enjoy the culture, people and nightlife.
Weather and seasons
The temperature is colder but drier than England. It may vary from -20C in winter to 25C in summer. What are the advantages to choose one or another season? In winter, during the months of December and January, we have only 4 hours of sun per day, which suppose being in a kind of constant sunset. But, during the rest of the night you could enjoy the Polar Nights, and then is when occurs may be one of the most beautiful phenomenons that the humans eyes can see in the sky: The Northern Lights. ExplanationIn summer, happen the opposite thing: during the month of June the day light can reach 20-22 hours a day. So, at midnight, you could be quietly having a relaxing bath in one of its black sand beaches.
Reykjavk
As the only city and capital weve got Reykjavk (Smoky Bay). - 120.000 population (half of the country) - Created in the 13th C. - It looks to the Atlantic ocean. - Its defined as a city between fantastic, eccentric and romantic. - Interesting nighlife [until 1989 beer was not authorized, so now they show really anxious] o Vividly music and arts scene (festivals) o Runtur: traditional party originally formed by the workers. The duration is til down on the citys Friday night. - Atracctions: o Immense church Hallgrmskirkja: Reykjavks most famous building and a meeting point. Good views of the city from its 75m high. o Reykjavks outdoor swimming pools heated by volcanic water are the citys social club. o Lots of museums as the National Gallery (most renowned Islander artist) and the Reykjavk 871: Viking history marks. Around Reyjavk
National parks - Gullfoss, Geysir and Pingvellir -where you can enjoy activities such as hiking, mountaineering, horse-riding and rafting; while you get impressed with all the waterfalls, geysers and glacial valleys that involve you. Food
You can find many restaurants with high quality food, but if you fancy really fresh fish dishes, this is your place. Apart from other plates more exotics as sheep testicles. Inhabitants
Icelanders have got one of the highest life expectancies in the world (79-83 years old) and their country is considered one of best balanced in terms of social welfare state. They keep a live-and-let-live attitude and conserve strong traditions related to their nordic inheritance such as beliefs in trolls, elves, etc. They recently have demonstrated a well politic management in the last events about the global financial crisis.
