The Happiest Place on Earth
March 16, 2008
the following links are mostly links to photos
Yes, Iceland. Nicknamed The Land of Fire and Ice for it’s icebergs, geysers, and volcanoes. What more can you ask for? How about some cute, fluffy, icelandic, horses, arctic foxes, and puffins?
According to the Human Development Index, Iceland, as of 2007, is ranked number one for being the most developed country. Looks like Icelanders figured out how to live efficiently on sustainable energy.
Now, it wasn’t until i discovered the music of the band Sigur Rós a few years ago, that I started becoming interested in Iceland. Their music is intense. Of course, it’s all in icelandic, and even some hopelandic (made up language by the lead singer), so I don’t understand what’s being sung at all, but his voice, plus the instruments delivers a dramatic feeling. A very strong feeling indeed, enough to give me goosebumps at certain points in some of the songs. Last year, in October, they came out with a film called Heima, where the band played a series of free shows around Iceland, some outdoors and some indoors. I’ve never seen a film quite like this. It was a documentary film, for the most part. Members of Sigur Rós talked about Iceland, and their music in English, but with a terribly thick Icelandic accent, which was sometimes hard to understand. While songs of theirs were played, images of the Icelandic landscapes moved across the screen, and it was absolutely exquisite. The landscapes fit so well with the songs, making it all very moving. If you didn’t have an interest in visiting Iceland, you definitely will after watching Heima.
There are some other fantastic musicians from Iceland that I have really enjoyed, including Múm, whose albums are very very eerie sounding, which may creep some people out. Emiliana Torríni’s music, whom my boyfriend, Cameron, introduced me to (thanks Cam!) sings in English, with a slight Icelandic accent. By the way, I’m always open to Icelandic musicians, so feel free to suggest some!
Two of the top things on my list of Where to Go and What to See Before it’s Too Late, include both Iceland and auroras. What could fulfill me more than seeing the auroras in Iceland? Plus, the landscape in Iceland is just breathtaking. I hear it’s pretty expensive in Iceland though, especially their biggest city and capital, Reykjavík. Even so, I am determined to visit there within the next five years. Flights from Baltimore, MD are pretty cheap ($200) during certain times of the year. The hot springs (pic: wow, how neat would that to be to camp out right there!) are a must. So, someday soon, I will make the money and find the time to visit Iceland.
