At Sea in the North Atlantic August 31, 2011

Jon Sigurdsson mentioned this morning that at this time of year in the North Atlantic, it is usually when the storms arrive. However, there are no storms now and the waters are much smoother than usual. He went on to tell us about how Iceleand was settled from people in Norway, Ireland, Scotland, and the Faroes. Inland glaciers are prominent on Iceland. The coastline is rugged everywhere except the south coast where there are black volcanic sand beaches.

The population of Iceland is 320,000 with most people living in Reykjavik. Those outside the city are farmers or fishermen. No one lives in the highlands near the glaciers. Opart of Iceland is above the Arctic Circle. Many volcanic eruptions occur here and there are many hot springs.

Interesting facts:

--One family was living in their home and noticed hot steam coming up through the floor!!! A hot spring burst through and demolished their house!

--One city in Iceland decided to put up a traffic light and had the red light in the shape of a heart—the drivers have been nicer to each other since then and there have been fewer accidents.

--Kiko, the famous whale from the movies, was brought to an island near Iceland and kept in a bay until he was released into the wild again.

--In December there is only 5 hours of sunlight. But there is two months of total sunlight in summer, so Reykjavik actually has more yearly sunshine than New York.

--Only first names are used in Iceland. Jon Sigurdsson means Jon, son of Sigurd. His wife, Unnur’s, last name was her father’s name with dotir (daughter) added after it. Their son’s name is Magnus Jonsson. In the phone book, you are listed by your first name!

--The city council in Reykjavik actually hands out a map showing where the elves are in town! The Icelanders truly believe in elves and trolls.

--There are 14 members of Santa Claus’ family that visit during Christmastime. Even his cat! Children leave their empty shoe in the window and it is filled with treats on 14 nights if they have been good.

--Jon told us that if we have a dark clear night while around Iceland and Greenland, we have a very good chance of seeing the Northern Lights!!! Mid-August to April is the best time for the Aurora Borealis. I may actually finally get to see them. If I do, you will hear me screaming all the way from Iceland!

After the talk, we went to the Mariner Society awards ceremony where we received our Copper Medallions from the Captain. This is to signify that we have over 100 nights on Holland America cruises. Very exciting. There was a brunch afterwards and we were sitting at a table with another couple when a waiter appeared and asked if we would like to sit at the Captain’s table! Why yes we would! It was a fascinating discussion around the table talking with him and his wife. And the food was delicious. And we ended up with 5 mosaic tiles—eventually we will have to make something with all of these.

Dinner in the Rembrandt dining room then to the theatre to see “The Adjustment Bureau” with popcorn supplied.