ICELAND

ICELAND
LAND OF FIRE AND ICE
By Christine Arnold

I had the opportunity to travel to Iceland in February. The temperature hardly ever goes below freezing, so the weather is fairly mild. Iceland was discovered by Viking explorers more than a thousand years ago. Legend says that they loved the green grass and snowcapped mountains so much that they named it Iceland to keep others away. This volcanic island is one of the youngest land formations on earth. Iceland offers spectacular scenery and outdoor adventure along with art, culture, gourmet cuisine and sophisticated entertainment.

Iceland is ecologically pure, with geothermal energy supplying most of the country's heating and hot water. Rivers are harnessed to provide hydroelectric power. The pollution-free lakes, rivers and oceans provide the country's most important export-fish.

Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, was the site of the Reagan/Gorbachev Summit. This city is home to 113,000 people, about half of Iceland's total population. With beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and ocean, Reykjavik is home to the renowned Iceland opera, ballet, symphony orchestra, art museums and theaters. There are also many gourmet restaurants. I had the most delicious halibut I have ever tasted at the Opera downtown. Make sure to leave extra room in your suitcase for one of the famous Icelandic wool sweaters!

The Icelandic people are as friendly and welcoming as I had always heard. Interesting and well-informed guides offer tours to gorgeous areas like the Golden Waterfall (one of over 10,000 found there) and the original Old Faithful geyser, which spouts about every 3 minutes. Or visit the healing Blue Lagoon, a manmade pool of geothermally heated water the middle of a lava field.

There is also mountain biking, glacier skiing and snowmobiling, jeep safaris, hiking, horseback riding, whale watching, fishing, bird watching and ecotours. You can visit Mt. Hekla, a volcano which last erupted in 1991. Some of the lava rocks still feel hot when you pick them up! Take a short flight to the magnificent Fjords in Iceland's uninhabited interior. In the summer, play a round of midnight golf during the period of 24 hour sun. Or just relax and enjoy "Black Death", the potent Icelandic schnapps. Whether you are looking for European culture or outdoor adventure, a trip to Iceland will be an unforgettable experience. I know it was for me.

About Christine

Christine Arnold is the Sales Manager at Classic Travel and has been with the agency since 1993. She has a degree in Travel and Tourism from the College of DuPage in Illinois, is an International Travel Institute Certified Travel Consultant and has been voted "Travel Agent of the Year" for the Greater Lansing Area since 1998 and has a very loyal client following. A native of Chicago, Christine has traveled extensively in Europe, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Russia and South America. Utilizing her backround in hotel management and her contacts around the world, Christine's travel experience, her passion for travel and personalized attention for her clients result in exciting trips and incredible travel values.