DATELINE ICELAND - March/April 2002

A periodic look at news and events from the home of the Vikings. Brought to you by the Icelandic Tourist Board.

> Springtime in Iceland
> Summer Breeze
> Home Is Where the Art Is
> Power To the Puffins
> Iceland's Crowning Glory
> Bond, James Bond, Comes to Iceland
> Later Alligator
> Nothing To Sneeze At
> Culinary Haven is Hot Dog Heaven

Springtime in Iceland

Three getaway packages from Icelandair Holidays are available for those looking for a break from the dreary days of winter.

- Two for One

Visit Iceland�s two major cities � Reykjavik and Akureyri � for one package price of $699 pp/double occupancy (valid through April). See the best of both worlds by combining Akureyri's northern charm with Reykjavik's southern sophistication. The price includes roundtrip air, transfers, two nights� lodging in Reykjavik, domestic flights from Reykjavik to Akureyri, and another two nights� lodging in Iceland�s charming capital of the North.

- Sentimental Journey

Keep romance alive with a cozy weekend stay in the Iceland countryside. The rate starts at $573 pp/double occupancy (valid through May), and includes roundtrip air, rental of a Hertz Toyota Corolla hatchback, day room at FlugHotel with breakfast, and two nights at Hotel Fludir, a country hotel ideally situated in the romantic Golden Circle region and renowned for its organic cuisine.

- In the Footsteps of Vikings

Visit the wild beauty of Western Iceland, famed for birdlife, volcanic wonders, and its heritage rich in Viking and Saga history. The tour also includes plenty of opportunities to enjoy good food and warm, relaxing soaks in geothermal pools. The all inclusive five-day escorted tour departs April 18, 2002, and is priced from $989 pp/double occupancy for transatlantic air, airport transfers, accommodations, breakfast and dinner, and expert guides.

For more information on these and other travel options to Iceland, contact Icelandair Holidays at 800 779 2899; www.icelandair.com; e-mail: [email protected].

Summer Breeze

Iceland has the distinction of being the only country that greets the First Day of Summer (April 25) as a formal holiday. The day features entertainment throughout the country, along with parades, sporting events and old-fashioned fun. Be there on April 25 and join in these delightful festivities, guaranteed to warm your heart and prepare you for a hot time in cool Iceland.

Home Is Where the Art Is

For the 17th year, the Reykjavik Arts Festival will take place May 11-31, 2002. This year's offerings will be the biggest yet, and will include interactive events with something of interest for the whole community. The hottest international group on the scene today, Iceland's very own Sigur Ros, will be accompanied by a string orchestra. Acrobats Mobile Homme will wow audiences with amazing gravity-defying performances above the City's pond, and there will be street performers, the world's most famous gypsy band, the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, the Icelandic Dance Group, and a special children's performance at the Gerduberg Arts Centre. This is a Festival like no other, brought to you by Icelanders who are like no other people on earth. (For more info: www.artfest.is)

Power To the Puffins

May is the start of puffin season, when everyone can watch millions of these technocolor birds arrive in the Westmann Islands, 20 miles south of the mainland. These "clowns of the sea" are found mostly in Iceland where 60 percent of the population breeds. They are usually 10 inches tall and weigh the same as a can of soda. Puffins can stay underwater for 20-30 seconds, and they can live for 20 or more years. They are a sight to behold and worth a trip from anywhere to welcome them back home.

Iceland's Crowning Glory

It should come as no surprise that two winners of the Miss Iceland contest went on to become Miss World in l986 and l989. And it's that time of year again, when April calls Iceland's beauties to compete for the crown. Always a special and much anticipated pageant, visitors and locals alike cast their votes for their favorites. These beautiful and talented woman make their country proud. See IcelandNaturally.com for more details on how you can be part of the fun.

Bond, James Bond, Comes to Iceland

A James Bond film, part of longest-running and most successful franchise in cinema history, celebrating it�s 40th Anniversary this year, will return to Iceland this spring to shoot on location. Eon Productions, based at Pinewood Studios in the U.K., have selected several secret and remote to shoot scenes for the 20th �007� film.

The new, as yet untitled film, will shoot in a variety of locations featuring frozen glacial lakes, wintry vistas, and waterfalls. The last Bond film produced there was A View to a Kill, shot in 1983 on the Glacier Lagoon in southern Iceland. Watch for this newest Bond thriller in late 2002.

Later Alligator

The small town of Husavik makes up one percent of Iceland's population. And its city fathers have an idea which they think may help the town thrive, despite its small, rural location. Since refitting three old oak fishing boats, Husavik has become the whale-watching center of Europe, attracting 24,000 visitors this year. Now they are striving to become the Everglades of the Arctic, if you will, as a mecca for raising alligators. Some far-sighted Icelanders � living in one of the most environmentally correct places on the planet - believe alligators can eat the waste from the fish-packing plants, among other things.

Despite some ecological draw-backs and opposition from those who think the idea is a crock, no opposition has been heard from the town. The experts say alligators would not crawl out at night to terrorize downtown revelers since the cold would make the reptiles sluggish before they hit the highway.

Hopefully, the alligators are able to find a better life for themselves in Husavik, far from the wallet and shoe industry that made their hides so bare.

Nothing To Sneeze At

If you�re plagued by hay fever, we have the anecdote. Iceland is a sure-fire cure for what ails hay fever sufferers. With low-allergen indoor environments and thermal pools for medicinal baths, the country is a sneeze-free mecca for hay fever sufferers. Homes are heated at a constant level with hot spring water, and with no large industry pollutants, windows are kept open to allow fresh air inside. A trip to Iceland is one prescription guaranteed to allow people with hay fever to smell the roses.

Culinary Haven is Hot Dog Heaven

Yes, it's true. Iceland is one of the culinary capitals of the world, with gastronomical pleasures to entice every palate. Everything there tastes great, especially the hot dogs, which the locals call �pylsa.� According to National Geographic Traveler, for 50 years and in all kinds of weather, people have been lining up for the wieners at �Baejarins Bestu� (translates to "Town's Best), Reykjav�k's best-known hot dog stand. Icelanders, you see, like their dogs with special sauces � mere mustard just won�t do.

Can�t wait in line for them in Iceland? Try them online at www.icelandicstore.com. Stock up and have a little bit of Iceland in your own home. A package of 10 hot dogs is $15. The special sauces start at $7.50.