Energy, etc that're different here.
One week back in Iceland and my body clock was still resetting; up half the nite and trying not to sleep in; getting to class on time was the theme. Now, two weeks in, we are in sync. Yeah!!! The sun just came up over the horizon shining it's beautiful warmth & light at 11:15am. I ponder on noticeable differences here:
* Banks don't have lineups in Iceland. It's more relaxed, no one is waiting impatiently in a lineup. Everyone takes a number, sits down in a comfy setting of sofas & lounge chairs. Fresh water & cappuccino/latte/coffee are free to enjoy in the sitting area.
* schools don't have loud, irritating bells. Instead, there's a pleasant, quiet musical sound for recess.
* while cycling/walking, people in cars slow down way, way before the crosswalk if they notice I'm closeby, before we even get to the crosswalk. It's a very safe feeling to support and respect for cycling & walking as just as cool as someone driving a car. It feels socially advanced, rather than the motorist feeling king of the road in most parts of the world.
* No guns allowed in Iceland. No army, either. (Hearing of children & adults owning gun issues, wow, it is unheard of).
* ENERGY! This is Iceland's Energy use: Hydro Power 72.67%; Geothermal Power 27.32%; Fossil Fuels 0.01%. Because it is very windy in Iceland at times, two new wind power stations will be ready mid-summer 2013. The UN is educating engineers in Iceland to develop geothermal energy in Africa - two African students in my class are in the program. Where else in the world are fossil fuels only a fraction of 1%? I often have thought to write a book or article from this perspective as shouldn't the rest of the world notice how life can be easier, simplified and peaceful.
* Banks don't have lineups in Iceland. It's more relaxed, no one is waiting impatiently in a lineup. Everyone takes a number, sits down in a comfy setting of sofas & lounge chairs. Fresh water & cappuccino/latte/coffee are free to enjoy in the sitting area.
* schools don't have loud, irritating bells. Instead, there's a pleasant, quiet musical sound for recess.
* while cycling/walking, people in cars slow down way, way before the crosswalk if they notice I'm closeby, before we even get to the crosswalk. It's a very safe feeling to support and respect for cycling & walking as just as cool as someone driving a car. It feels socially advanced, rather than the motorist feeling king of the road in most parts of the world.
* No guns allowed in Iceland. No army, either. (Hearing of children & adults owning gun issues, wow, it is unheard of).
* ENERGY! This is Iceland's Energy use: Hydro Power 72.67%; Geothermal Power 27.32%; Fossil Fuels 0.01%. Because it is very windy in Iceland at times, two new wind power stations will be ready mid-summer 2013. The UN is educating engineers in Iceland to develop geothermal energy in Africa - two African students in my class are in the program. Where else in the world are fossil fuels only a fraction of 1%? I often have thought to write a book or article from this perspective as shouldn't the rest of the world notice how life can be easier, simplified and peaceful.