Interim Iceland Post
jfriedman July 16th, 2009
(Joan, 1:57 AM GMT, Friday, 17 July) I’ve been ordered by more senior faculty not to blog tonight, but as long as I’m waiting for the shower I thought I’d at least let you know that there won’t be anything new until tomorrow. We’ve been out in the boonies of Iceland where functioning internet connections are few and far between — lots to talk about and lots of great pictures, but it will have to wait until tomorrow. We’re all exhausted from two days of hiking and lots of driving, and we’ve got to be out of here at 6:00 am to get our flight to Denmark.
It will be interesting to hear any Icelander responses to the parliament’s very recent vote to start accession talks with the European Union. Many economic and environmental implications in such a move, which will be placed before the nation in a referendum.
Good luck on the next leg of your travels. I too am looking forward to the photos!
I’ve just been reading (for my upcoming first-year seminar) a description of how people in Iceland are, statistically, some of the happiest on earth. The book’s author, Eric Weiner, proposes two main reasons: a deep attachment to the land, and a high level of creativity that is facilitated by a culture which allows people to fail (unlike American culture). As you’re reflecting on your days in Iceland, what do you think?