VISIT ICELAND BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

First there was global warming and the on-going threat to Iceland’s slowly receding glaciers. Then there was the economic crisis which is only now just slowly starting to recover. Now what? Give us a break – another volcanic eruption?

In late March, blasts of lava and ash shot out of a volcano in southern Iceland and small tremors rocked the ground, a surge in activity at the Eyjafjallajokull volcano. But we’ve seen this all before – about 200 years ago when at least 500 people were forced to evacuate. And more recently in Heimaey in the Westman islands in 1973 when 417 homes were destroyed. When it comes down to it, Mother Nature generates even more publicity for Iceland than a Bjork swan dress.

Iceland isn’t called "Fire and Ice" for nothing. It sits on a large volcanic hot spot in the Atlantic's mid-oceanic ridge, which is why we have so many heated public pools and such clean, geothermal energy to heat homes, schools and factories. In fact the salty phrases "go to heck" and "what the heck" comes from the Hekla volcano, the country’s most active and considered in folklore the "gateway to hell."

Visiting Iceland is like a study in earth sciences. One way to see the action is through a tour operator such as Iceland Encounter (www.encounter.is) which offers three different ways to experience the recent volcanic eruption from a safe distance:

Air – For a bird’s-eye view of the eruption, fly from Reykjavík Airport (near the city center) over the eruption site in a light aircraft which is well suited for aerial photography. Up to five passengers per 90 minutes flight. From $350 per person.

Snowmobile – Take a one to two hour snowmobile tour across Mýrdalsjökull glacier and get as close to the eruption site as is safely possible. The tour includes guide services, protective clothing, and transportation to and from Reykjavík. Each trip is nine to eleven hours in duration for a minimum of two people. From $590 per person.

Super Jeep – Travel via modified 4x4 Super Jeeps into Fljótshlíð valley, and then either drive or hike up the Tindfjöll mountain range. From this spot, hikers can clearly see and hear the eruption from a distance of approximately nine miles. The tour includes expert guides and transportation to and from Reykjavík. A minimum of two passengers may take this eight to ten hour trip. From $280 per person.

For information, availability and bookings, contact Iceland Encounter at contact@encounter.is or +354-857-88034.

ARTCITY
Reykjavik Arts Festival, May 12 – June 5

Iceland’s premier art festival since 1970 brings together the best in local and international theater, dance, music and visual art. The festival program offers a variety of selected exhibitions, concerts, dance, theater and opera performances. Along with its focus on Icelandic culture past and present, the festival hosts many outstanding international artists and performers. For more information log onto www.artfest.is

ÆGIR WOULD BE PLEASED
The Festival of the Sea, June 6 and 7

In ancient Norse mythology, Ægir was the god of the ocean. He might also be the god of smooshing an "a" into an "e", but’s another story. When he wasn’t messing with the alphabet, he brewed ale for Thor in a huge pot, and was known for throwing a heck (there’s that word again) of a party. We think he’d like Sjomannadagur, or Seaman’s Day.

Born out of the old Icelandic tradition of Seamen's Day, the updated Festival of the Sea is a celebration that honors the many Icelanders who make a living from the ocean. Some of the most popular events include fishing, swimming, sailing and rowing competitions, which are hotly contested by a mix of locals and visitors. Many other events take place on terra firma with cultural displays, parades, arts and crafts activities, foods fairs and live musical performances where visitors can enjoy the odd sea shanty and mariner's tale.

The harbors in Reykjavik and smaller towns will be filled with crowds and activities, and restaurants feature great deals on seafood. To plan a trip, log onto Icelandair.com.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Iceland is a relative youngster among western nations, having declared full independence from the Danish crown in 1944. In our country, we call it "National Day," and it is on June 17 that we commemorate the birthday of Jon Sigurdsson, one of the most important Icelandic patriots. Every year, Icelanders celebrate the holiday (and warmer temperatures) with parades, street theater, parties and dancing. Come and celebrate with us. To plan a trip, start with a look at Icelandair.com and get ready to par-tay.

We know we say this a lot, but "fire and ice," in this case, is the literal truth. Every summer in mid-August there is a huge fireworks display at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Candles light up the icebergs that float in the lagoon, and the sky above explodes in fiery arrays of color. This amazing combination is a unique photo op. A week spent on a Super-Jeep tour and photographing some less accessible places in the Icelandic Highlands concludes with another fireworks display – this time for Reykjavik‘s Cultural Night on Aug. 21, 2010, which coincides with the Reykjavik Marathon. Shutterbugs and fireflies alike will delight in the action. For more information and the specific date for the glacier lagoon fireworks display, check: http://www.natureexplorer.is/photography/fire-ice-photo-tour/

For information on the Reykjavik Marathon, click here.

ICELAND’S BIGGEST FAN

From time to time those of us at Dateline receive letters from our fans – true Icelandophiles who have skyr running through their veins. Here’s one of our recent favorites, from an International Affairs major at Franklin & Marshall. Phillip Zabriskie, from Wellesley, Mass., is an Eagle Scout who has traveled to Iceland for the last three consecutive summers, including the Icelandic Scout Jamboree in 2008.

Iceland = My Life

"In 2007 I first ventured to the land of Fire & Ice, retracing the steps of my father who served as a NATO officer in Keflavik. Since then I have made two solo journeys, sitting closest to the airplane door and dashing through airport security when I arrive. In 2008 I fought the frigid Icelandic water as a lifeguard in Southern Akureyri as part of the Icelandic Scout Jamboree – aiding in six first aid rescues. That same trip allowed me to meet politicians and clergy, businessmen and artists, scientists and rock stars. Not to mention the fun I had trying foods like seal, shark, lamb spine, and reindeer – experiences I will never forget.

"I never really leave, keeping in contact with 75-plus Icelanders (occasionally in Icelandic, or what I believe is Icelandic – others may disagree), reading the Morgunbladid (even if just for the photos) to keep up on political affairs, and even sending care packages to friends. At college I sport my subtle "ICELAND" sweatshirt with a conservative 8-inch embroidered flag and patriotic hood/sleeves.

"In English class I wrote a 76-page paper on how Iceland changed my life and in economics a 12-page paper on the nation’s fiscal issues. In debate, Iceland is the keystone of my world affairs, and in class she is relevant to any topic being discussed. "Iceland" was the subject of every college admission essay I submitted and my dorm room wallpaper is Icelandic articles/photos.

"I bear Iceland’s scars and embrace my lagoon-refreshed skin. I love her people and I love her vistas. If only I could spend more time there… then again I only just turned 19."

THEY SAID IT

"The shapes glow a ghostly blue. Centuries of compression – the ice here is between 500 and 1,000 years old – have squeezed away the bergs' reflective surfaces, allowing only higher-energy blue light waves to penetrate. I am wondering how the ice can last so long in a place that doesn't feel all that cold, when our guide hands me a bite-size chunk. I pop it into my mouth. The ice is flavorless and dense, the kind you find in cocktails at the best bars, and I suck on it all the way back to shore."

– Bevin Wallace, Sierra Magazine, March/April, 2010 http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/201003/explore.aspx

TRAVEL DEALS OF THE MONTH

Build Your Own Trip – Reykjavik Air & Hotel from $599*
Special Offer: For a short time only – valid April 12 – 26, 2010

The ideal time to experience all Iceland has to offer. Enjoy shopping for quality Icelandic products, delicious gourmet Icelandic cuisine, invigorating outdoor adventure, highland wilderness beauty, soothing spas and more. Your accommodation is at the friendly Fosshotel Lind or Fosshotel Baron. Both are situated in the historic city center and offer three star amenities. They make an ideal base for exploring Southern Iceland.

For more information, click here.

Springtime Exposure

This spring see more of Iceland with a trip that includes a visit to the world famous Lake Myvatn area of Northeast Iceland. Known for its distinctive volcanic features, as well as Europe's largest bird sanctuary, a visit here is a breathtaking experience. Travelers will also have plenty of time to explore the wonders of South Iceland on a variety of day tours that can be added to this four-night springtime vacation.

Species thrive in the blend of lush vegetation and lava spires at the lake. While there, visit the colorful majesty of the still-active Krafla volcano and the primordial bubbling landscape of Hverarond. Next, take a walk through the surreal lava park of Dimmuborgir, where rock formations tower above delicate flowers dotting the ground. Visitors will also have the opportunity to take a swim in the Myvatn Nature Baths, a soothing geothermal lake set amid the exotic lava landscapes.

From $999* per person based on double occupancy. Departures: April 16 - May 26, 2010

For more information, click here.

*Prices quoted are exclusive of applicable taxes and official charges by destination of approximately $100-$270, per person including the Sept. 11th Security Fee.

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