Christmastime and New Year’s Eve, Icelandic style
Rob Terpstra
The country’s nomenclature is itself a misnomer, contrary to popular belief, it is not made entirely of a sheet of ice, temperatures are not dangerously below zero and the metropolitan area of Reykjavik is not encamped in a barren wasteland for 10 months of the year.
Iceland, or as the inhabitants refer to it, Island, is a captivating country, both aesthetically and emotionally. It is a haven in the mid-Atlantic that feeds off warm ocean currents, providing picturesque glaciers in the winter, alongside the many inland waters as well as endless fiords on and around the coastline.
With nearly 60 per cent of Iceland’s population identifying the capital city of Reykjavik as their home, the 180,000 inhabitants outwardly display a sense of warmth, gentleness and genuine kindness.Situated on the southwest tip of Iceland, Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city and was home to the 1972 World Chess Championship match between American prodigy Bobby Fischer and Russian national Boris Spassky.
The city also laid host to the 1986 ‘Star Wars’ treaty talks between Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and U.S. president Ronald Reagan. The city is also the birthplace of Eidur Gudjohnsen, a blossoming 28-year-old forward for one of Spain and Europe’s most prestigious soccer teams, FC Barcelona.
Iceland’s cleanliness envelops any visitor to the tiny island nation. Becoming the first European country to employ a hydrogen fuelling station for vehicular consumption, the country has made steps to utilize its natural resources as well.
Click here to read the full article. 
Very interesting Susan, Iceland is a country that is on my top places to visit.
I have heard that the vikings gave Iceland and Greenland their respective names as a ruse. Greenland is “icier” than Iceland. They wanted Iceland for themselves and the name was given as a deterrent. After looking at Greenland who would want to go to Iceland?