Stúdentablaðið, the official student magazine of the National University, published an interesting article written by Jordi Pujolá in their latest edition. In the article Jordi, who is Spanish but moved to Iceland in 2013, lists a number of things that strike him as strange about Iceland.
Here’s Jordi’s complete list:
1. To see all the weather signs listed at the same time during the weather news (sun, rain, snow…)
2. To see a shovel outside every house during the winter months. I now know the reason why.
3. To see a shop closed for the day due to good weather.
4. When Icelanders open a window when the central heating inside gets too warm.
5. That Icelanders never wear thick winter clothing despite the cold weather. Should you spot some-one dressed in such a way, it’s most likely a tourist.
6. To receive a phone call from your doctor who just wanted to check in with you.
7. Adding someone on Facebook and seeing that you already have a friend in common.
8. That Icelanders obsess about having their own special place down-town that, according to them, sells the best hot-dog, ice cream or coffee.
9. That you’re able to pay for a single lolly-pop with a credit card.
10. That lunch is an informal affair and one is not obligated to spend lunchtime with a group of people.
11. That it’s enough to say “Hello” when you meet new people. In Spain one has to kiss them as well.
12. Socks are as important as shoes. Even at the dentist people take their shoes off.
13. That you do not have to show the cashier at your local grocery store the contents of your backpack to prove you haven’t stolen anything as one does in Spain.
14. Stocking up on beer at the grocery store only to find out later that it’s alcohol free.
15. Icelanders are extremely patriotic and always support each other, even during karaoke.
16. That there’s only one major dairy company in Iceland.
17. Icelanders walk on the grass, something that’s prohibited in Spanish parks.
18. Having gone to the store to exchange a product and not being asked for the receipt.
19. Observing Icelanders on the phone. When I first witnessed an Icelander on the phone I thought something horrible had happened.
Stúdentablaðið, the official student magazine of the National University, published an interesting article written by Jordi Pujolá in their latest edition. In the article Jordi, who is Spanish but moved to Iceland in 2013, lists a number of things that strike him as strange about Iceland.
Here’s Jordi’s complete list:
1. To see all the weather signs listed at the same time during the weather news (sun, rain, snow…)
2. To see a shovel outside every house during the winter months. I now know the reason why.
3. To see a shop closed for the day due to good weather.
4. When Icelanders open a window when the central heating inside gets too warm.
5. That Icelanders never wear thick winter clothing despite the cold weather. Should you spot some-one dressed in such a way, it’s most likely a tourist.
6. To receive a phone call from your doctor who just wanted to check in with you.
7. Adding someone on Facebook and seeing that you already have a friend in common.
8. That Icelanders obsess about having their own special place down-town that, according to them, sells the best hot-dog, ice cream or coffee.
9. That you’re able to pay for a single lolly-pop with a credit card.
10. That lunch is an informal affair and one is not obligated to spend lunchtime with a group of people.
11. That it’s enough to say “Hello” when you meet new people. In Spain one has to kiss them as well.
12. Socks are as important as shoes. Even at the dentist people take their shoes off.
13. That you do not have to show the cashier at your local grocery store the contents of your backpack to prove you haven’t stolen anything as one does in Spain.
14. Stocking up on beer at the grocery store only to find out later that it’s alcohol free.
15. Icelanders are extremely patriotic and always support each other, even during karaoke.
16. That there’s only one major dairy company in Iceland.
17. Icelanders walk on the grass, something that’s prohibited in Spanish parks.
18. Having gone to the store to exchange a product and not being asked for the receipt.
19. Observing Icelanders on the phone. When I first witnessed an Icelander on the phone I thought something horrible had happened.
