Two of my novels - Crooked Cross Factor and Ice Flotilla, are located in Iceland. This incredible nation is also regularly featured in the Secret of the Dragon's Eye and Secret of the Dragon's Breath, as the mysterious and closely-guarded secret home to all dragons.
Iceland is an wondrous place! Besides being misnamed by the Vikings, on purpose, to keep others away, the island is full of contrasts. Yes, the weather can get pretty exciting, but that's part of the beauty. There are glaciers, raging rivers, volcano activity, geysers, the wooliest sheep I have ever seen, the most breathtakingly beautiful blonde women, and truly some of the cleanest streets in the world.
Her people are a hardy bunch, who live life to the max. As a nation, they are 100% literate and books are revered. This explains why the author in me loves this Island. They love their heritage, their art, and their history. They are independent from the world, while still an active member of the community. They're not especially fond of America's politics, but they are warm to her citizens.
The common diet is designed to power you during the cold winter and would be a doctor's nightmare otherwise. After all, these Icelandic folk work hard for a living. Iceland offers a fine variety of all kinds of foods produced locally. The quality is excellent, in part because of a very clean environment. Perhaps the best is lamb meat, mostly because the sheep range freely in the mountains. Iceland has strict regulations relating to meat production and the use of hormones is strictly forbidden.
Iceland has a range of traditional foods, called thorramatur, which are enjoyed especially in the period from January to March. These preserved foods include smoked and salted lamb, singed sheep heads, dried fish, smoked and pickled salmon, cured shark and various other delicacies. Breads include laufabrauð (deep-fried paper-thin bread), kleinur (similar to doughnuts) and rye pancakes.
I must admit, her people caught my attention and forever captured my heart. Being a guy, I simply was mesmerized by the women I spoke to in Reykjavik. Eyes so blue, you don't need to look at the sky, hair golden natural blonde (no bleach or dyes necessary) and smiling faces that just sparkled. Sure, it helped when they discovered I was a writer and instantly they could speak very correct English, with a Danish accent.
After a night drinking vodka, dancing, and flirting, the next morning, hung over, I traveled down the coast to see the sights. My driver, a young student who was fascinated in why I wanted to see Iceland, turned out to be a fantastic guide. He asked a few questions and we headed for Vik, which became a key location in Crooked Cross Factor. There's no way I can do justice to what I saw, the sights, sounds, smells were so unique and SO clean.
If for any reason you get an opportunity to go to Iceland, do so! Many flights from the US to England make stops in Keflavik, a fortunate layover indeed. If this is your case, get off the plane and look around, if possible. I promise you that Iceland is a country you will never forget. If you'd like to visit from the comfort of your hone, drop in at www.icelandreview.com and take a look around.
I can't wait to go back!
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