Why Move to Iceland

This is one question I get asked very often.  After the initial strange look everyone seems to want to know why.  Well that is a big questions so I thought I should post some sort of official answer.

First is the overall environment.  This is the only place in the world where you can look around and see such a variety a stunning and amazing landscapes. This is a topic that could take up the whole page some things include swimming in the Blue Lagoon, visiting the stunning natural parks, hiking glaciers, or viewing the puffins in their home. Here a few sample views of Iceland I have many more HERE

Aside from the above it has over 10,000 waterfalls, volcanoes, and amazing wildlife all around.

At first I wondered if I would be disconnected from the real world.  I love my modern technology an surely this small country could not have things I love.  What will I do without my Xbox Live! or High Speed Internet?  I was wrong again the capital city of Reykjavik is a hub of modern fashions and technology.  Big city life while still maintaining a decent way of life.

The next thing is the health care and lifestyle of the Icelandic people.  It is a country know for being healthy and taking care of their bodies.  They are at the top of the list for life longevity and the every citizen has health care.  Not only health care but a great health care systems paid for by their taxes.  As well as dental, vision, and other resources. Also the skin products from Iceland are great and healthy and natural.

The next reason is the cultural experiences.  They have a huge variety of art, music, and ways for a person to truly experience life instead of just getting through it.  You will also find some amazing museums and random sculptures throughout the town in public places.

Pure energy, because of the geothermal energy there is natural steam energy that powers most of the country.  This is clean, pollution free, and natural.  Breathing in air that is is pure with the water that is crystal straight from hots springs and glaciers.

Friendly people, aside from what I have read I have had interactions with Icelandic people and they are truly kind and friendly.  They are not rude and self involved which is what I find most in my current life.  They have social cohesion and friendly people.

Almost all of the population speaks English.  While I am doing my best to learn as much Icelandic as possible it is nice to know that I won’t totally be misunderstood when I get there.

One of the first things people tend to argue back to me is “Yeah, but their economy is not great”  This one makes me smile as I look around the US in these times.  I have no pre-conceived notions that life will be perfect but seriously this argument does not sway me much.

Vast historical traditions, the citizen hold on to their roots and a sense of who they are is clear as can be, even down down to the phone books which are listed by first names.  This is because it is a tradition that a child’s last name is a the fathers first name with either son or dottir at the end.   For example My name is Kevin Daniel so if I had a son named Michael then his name would be Michael Kevinson.  This is one example of many great traditions.

Excellent education great school systems and a well rounded affordable education experience. Iceland is the most literate well read country in the world with 99.9% of the people being able to read.

Exciting weather, despite its name Iceland has temperate comfortable summers and while it does get cold it is not any worse than a winter day where I live in North Idaho.  Also the variety makes life exciting, the weather can change within minutes and then change back.

Great food, with all the fresh fish you can imagine you will find some of the best seafood you’ve ever had, excellent restaurants and great service.  If fish is not your think do not worry they have amazing lamb dishes, and the pastries and decadent desserts will have your mouth in heaven.

They are not violent and have a low crime rate.   The police do not carry guns and they are a rare thing in Iceland.  They have a very low crime rate and virtually no violent crimes.

They do have some short days with only about 4 -5 hours of sun but they also have many long days with a lot of sun.  At midnight you can go out and enjoy the sun and enjoy the Midnight Sun Events!

Speaking of events, you will not be left out of the loop they have many jazz festivals, an annual marathon, concerts, exhibits, celebrities, and many other things to keep you smiling.

While I could go on this is some reasons why I want to move to Iceland. I will be adding more as time goes on and If you know more tell me! at kevin@icelandquest.com