things about iceland

A few little interesting things about iceland.

1. Everywhere has wifi and cell reception. Busdrivers are constantly speeding down the roads (sometimes 4 wheel drive gravel) talking on their cell phones. Landmannalauger was the place with the least reception. In the store there they had this random hook in the middle of the ceiling that was the sweet spot where they were able to get cell reception. If you paid with your credit card they´d hook the machine on it to send the signal.

2. The country is so organized it kills me. Yet they do it in this sort of relaxed way that makes you feel like it shouldn´t be so organized. I think in the US we feel you have to be uptight and organized or relaxed and disorganized but icelanders are relaxed and organized. Everything just sort of works. Without a lot of hastle.

3. Everywhere has hot water. But the hot water smells like sulfur.

4. Fresh produce is pretty much impossible to find. Save the odd mushy apple. And they put cucumber on everything I think because it lasts longer than lettuce.

5. Buying wine or beer outside a major city is pretty much impossible unless you are at a restaurant or buy the 2.25% light beer at the grocery store. Last night though I had my first icelandic microbrew. LAVA. A smoked imperial stout. It was actually pretty amazing. The smoked flavor was interesting.

6. It never rains hard for more than an hour.

7. I´m windburned.

8. You can´t get a large coffee to save your life. I´ve taken to ordering two cups.

9. The campgrounds are remarkably quiet starting at midnight and no one stirs until 7am.