UNA - Worldwide Friends magazine September 2017

Worldwide Friends Life Changing experience in a wonderful nature with peace orientated activities

Happyworld Niceland ISSUE 09 / AUTUMN 1

Editorial.

Contents.

Pages 4-5 : Why does all the world gather in Iceland ?

Pages 6-7 : If the weather is so cold, They must be warm Pages 8-11 : How to be as happy as an Icelander ?

Pages 12-13 : Too many cars to keep Iceland green.

Pages 14-19 : Travel through the South of Iceland.

Pages 20-23 : The Place where it all begins.

Pages 24-27 : Finding Love in Iceland.

Pages 28-29 : Welcome to the warm WF Farm !

Pack your things and join us here in Iceland.

We offer voluntary programs in cooperation with local communities and non-profit organizations & associations located in Iceland.

We also give a helping hand to local festivals

LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE in a wonderful nature with peace orientated activities.

in the island.

After ten days in Reykjavik, its surroundings and the South of Iceland, the nine journalists of UNA present you their new paper. As volunteers of World Wide Friends, they interviewed inhabitants of the capital to find information coming from the most reliable source. In fact, the main city inhabits two thirds of the entire Icelandic population, this makes their research in Reykjavik a good indication to all the Icelandic people. Among those articles, detailed one are supported by readings and interviews with experts from the University of Iceland or from kindergartens. Those articles ask questions instead of just making statements, in order to make the readers think and interpret themselves.

Iceland, the land of ice, whose inhabitants have no fear to break it ! ‌ As if they descended from penguins as much as from vikings.

So, take a breath, because once you will have turn this page, there will be no bridge long enough to bring you back home.

by Coline Devaux

Worldwide Friends - Veraldarvin Hverfisgata 88, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland

http://wf.is

Worldwide Friends

2

Workcamp Leader

Meet the Team Coline DEVAUX

Journalists and photographs — Volunteers for Wordwide Friends.

Liubov GRISHKINA

Raquel MARTINEZ

Giulia AGNOLI

Shu-Ching WU

Darmidy GOODINE

Sarah HAN

Julia IVANOVA

Or PELLEG

Elpida MAVROGIANNIDOU

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Why does all the world gather in Iceland?

By Mavrogiannidou Elpida

Iceland, The land of ice!

Or maybe not?...

In our walking tours of Iceland we saw so many green couldn’t

places

that

believe

we

where

we were. To be honest, not one of us came here without knowing something; we’ve done plenty of research before coming to Iceland, but as much as you read, as much as you search, you can not be sure what are you going to find in this

country! So what makes people choose Iceland as a destination for their vacation?

Is it the fresh air, the nature, or the extraordinary landscapes and friendly, smiley people?? It seems to be curiosity that attracts people to Iceland. Curiosity of a country that has not been yet introduced to globalization and is considered as having pure nature. Scenery from a fairy tale combines with lonely lava plains, steaming hillocks, geysers, black beaches, and quiet lakes which makes it the perfect place for photographers to practice their photo-shooting skills. The most important thing is, whenever you go, it feels like home; from the smiling Icelander that will offer you a cup of coffee to the lady at the reception of your hostel who will give you directions to the city.

The country also offers plenty of activities that will satisfy the most demanding tourists; road trips, cycling, trekking in the mountains or getting around by horse.

4

Iceland has an air of mystery around it, that includes traditions, myths, legends about trolls and elves, and so much Viking history that makes Icelanders so proud of their roots, and makes their culture even richer.

Every year there is music, folk, and food festivals that take place in Iceland and no matter what time of year you come, you will experience for sure some of the Icelandic culture.

Last but not least, it is truly remarkable how progressive a country that seems to be so detached from the rest of the world can be. In fact Iceland was the first country that elected a female

president in 1980, and also the first that had an openly gay prime minister!

So, those are some of the reasons according to Giulia, Raquel, Julia & Luyba , Sarah, Shu-Ching, Darmidy, Coline, and myself, Elpida, that we gathered in Iceland.

Not only because of our common love for travels and photography, but because we all wanted to experience the ‘’true’’

Iceland, the one that we’ve been reading about and watching in the movies, the one that is so different from the countries where we live.

5

If the weather is so cold, They must be warm.

5 stereotypes on the Icelandic folk EVERYONE KNOWS THAT every morning a Frenchman will wake up and will eat a croissant for breakfast. Every

It is well known that stereotypes do not totally correspond to the truth, but viewed in a

morning a Dutchman will take his bike to go to work and will arrive early, an Italian instead will take a bus and he will be late. At 5 o’clock Englishmen will be having their cup of tea, while Spaniards will be living la vida loca. That is how we imagine an average european daily routine thanks to the ste-

fense, rather as a collective imaginary that renders how other people perceive us.

1.

Icelanders are difficult to get to know

Even though we can match a stereotype for each country in Europe, we could struggle im-

When I interviewed locals in Reykjavík I found that most

reotypes we have built through the years.

positive way they can give insight into a certain culture.

Therefore they should not always be considered an of-

agining one for the Icelanders.

Have you ever heard expression “Punctual as an Icelander” or “Passionate as Icelander”?

Some of us would probably not even notice that in some geographical maps Iceland is missing! The purpose of this article is in fact to find any common characteristic that will allow us to get rid of the trite cliché of the …

0. Icelanders as a Viking and will help us to become acquainted with their culture.

of them were reluctant to answer questions and to reveal too much personal information. They appeared something suspicious or perplexed.

In their defense I must say that the feeling is often mutual. Europeans felt, for example, hesitant when they faced the viking horde (see stereotype n.0) who came to France to support their football team at the European Championship in 2016.

Even though they might appear at first hostile,

There is a problematic situation at the start though, that will lead us directly to the first stereotype: 6

2. Icelanders are friendly It seems that there is a distance between the people of the island and the people of the continent, and communication is the only way to break the wall. Once the wall has fallen you will find extremely nice people on the other side; well-mannered, respectful, supporters of gender equality, and always willing to help.

Where does all this kindness come from? Well, the reason is obvious: "If the weather is so cold, they must be warm", said a couple of Indonesian tourists.

3. Icelanders are avid readers

been affected by changes in time they are able to read old poems of their ancestors, allowing them to connect with their roots and legacy. My guess is that reading enhances their national spirit and makes them proud of what they are.

on time, or precisely sorting and recycling waste. More likely they will happen to catch a bus late or to jump in the street while the traffic light is still red for pedestrians.

4. Icelanders are drink a lot of coffee

All in all an Icelander is just a tall, blonde, sensitive fellow who loves to chill in a café

The best way to accompany a pleasant reading is sipping a coffee. Forget about the conventional image of the redcheeked viking who guzzles beer from a horn, Icelanders in Reykjavík are instead much more like latte-drinking hipsters.

while reading an inspiring poem.

Too bad that the most Europeans are not acquainted with the traditions and customs of

this cul-ture. My hope is that my readers will use this article to break the iced surface that covers the con- ventional image of this land in order to dis-

Open-minded people are wellknown to have gained a wide cultural knowledge through multiple educational experiences and readings. As a matter of fact, reading is an integral

5. Icelanders are anything but ac-

part of every Icelander’s daily routine; from small children right through the elderly, these folks actually devour any kind of book. Our friend Runnar from a bookstand in the fleamarket sustains that Icelanders buy any type of text but poetry is the most wanted.

Since their language hasn’t

When it comes to resources management, Iceland represents an excellent model (e.g. in eco-friendly heating). Beside that one should not expect the highly organised system which characterizes life in other north European countries. No one will ever see an Icelander hurrying to get to an appointment

cover its real core, which is

curate

warmed by the hearts and the kindness of the people who live in it.

I also hope that the growing tourism and the participation of Iceland in more European activities could strengthen the dialogue between the continent and the island.

7

How to be as happy as an Icelander ?

By Darmidy Goodine and Shu-Ching Wu

Like Winterfell in Game of Throne, Iceland faces severe weather,

rampant inflation, the devaluation

still manages to rank third on

financial challenges, and threat of

of their currency, foreclosures,

the UN’s World Happiness

cultural erosion due to outdated

and nearly 1/6 of the population

Report, hinting at the fact

laws. Iceland has arguably suf-

had their life savings wiped out

that to be Icelandic, happi-

fered the worst following the

completely.

ness is not purely linked to

world economic crisis of 2008;

And yet, this small island nation

financial prosperity.

How to be as Happy as an Icelander

Domestically, the government took control of Ice-

Leading up to the financial cri-

When news of the crisis reached

land’s three banks and ac-

sis, Iceland’s banks had built

the Icelandic public, panic ensued

cepted loans totalling over

themselves up to 10 times the

and Iceland’s Central Bank nearly

€8 billion from the Interna-

size of the entire Icelandic

ran out of bank notes to meet the

tional Monetary Fund, Rus-

economy. When Lehman Broth-

demand of people withdrawing

sia, Poland, and the Nordic

er’s collapsed on Wall Street,

their life savings. Iceland’s gov-

nations to avoid default.

world credit markets came to a

ernment guaranteed the safety of

Taxpayers are ultimately

halt and the Icelandic banks

domestic deposits in the banks,

responsible for the repay-

were unable to meet their short-

but refused to guarantee the de-

ment of these loans, where

term financial obligations.

posits of foreigners, causing the

the interest rates alone will

UK

absorb 5% of the GDP

to

invoke

anti-terrorism

measures against Iceland.

yearly according to University of Iceland economics professor Thorvaldur Gyl-

fason. than their homes were worth after the crash.

Mortgage rates in Iceland are indexed to inflation and the exchange rate, and with the declining value of the Krona, the cost of owning a home

suddenly

became

unaffordable for the average family.

8

Professor Gylfason alleged 3 homes a day in Iceland were

Professor Hreinsson and Profes-

foreclosed from 2009 to 2013, and some Icelanders owed

sor Gylfason both tell tales of

the banks more than their homes were worth after the crash.

widespread mistrust of the gov-

50,000 Icelanders lost their savings held in the banks, and

ernment and banks (public trust

the Krona collapsed in value by 60%. This meant an immedi-

in parliament declined from 40%

ate erosion of wages in Iceland by 12%, and interest rates

in 2008 to 14% in 2013), a stand-

were set at 18% to curb the rising inflation. In the years fol-

ard of living that has not seen

lowing the crash, little has been done domestically to prevent

much

a repeat of 2008 and the greed that preceded it, according to

massive fall in 2008, and general

University of Iceland Professor Kristján Hreinsson. Iceland

apathy towards politics in general

remains without a modern constitution that regulates the

because of the amount of corrup-

banking industry, appropriately taxes large companies oper-

tion present in the political par-

ating in the country, and closes the loopholes that allowed

ties.

improvement

since

its

the top bankers to profit by exploiting the Icelandic people.

The standard of living has been the lasting casualty of the 2008 crisis, The price of homes, rent, and goods in Iceland has continually grown disproportionately to the increase in wages and earning power. Poverty has become more prevalent than ever before, and a definition between economic classes emerged. Yet despite his bleak outlook and the seemingly endless mountain of debt Icelanders are digging themselves out of, the small island country ranks 3 rd on the United Nations World Happiness Report. In the years following the crash, there was hardly any increase in emigration from Iceland, suicide rates didn’t increase, nor did the crime rate. This is a strong indication that to Icelanders, happiness comes from more than just financial success and material goods.

The UN’s World Happiness Report surveys people from 150 countries every year and looks at real GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perception of corruption in their businesses

and government. While Iceland’s score in the trust category was dramatically lower than the rest of the countries in the top 10 (in fact it dropped to 40th overall in that category), it ranked first in social support.

Social Support is defined as the strength of the underlying social fabric and resilience in the face of social and economic crises. The report also states that a very high percentage of Icelanders say they have someone they can rely on in a crisis, which contributes to their overall happiness.

9

We asked Icelanders then, What makes you so happy?

We came across S., age 52, walking her dog on one of Reykjavik’s many paths. We asked her what she does in her spare time, and she replied, “spend it with my dog!” When asked what makes her happiest about living in Iceland, she answered the feeling of national security here, and the clean environment.

Stuart, a 25-year-old student at the University of Iceland replied that he doesn’t have a lot to worry about here, he loves the local culture and weather, and the fact that he has developed a great social circle due to the friendliness of the locals.

As we were walking by the beach, just taking pho-

tos of the coast, 4 students shouted for us to take pictures of them instead. They were 10-year-old students of a local elementary school, and they were just outside enjoying a break from school.

We asked them why they are so happy to be Icelandic, and they unanimously replied that they love their beautiful environment and how friendly and kind all the other Icelanders are.

H., a 43-year-old gentleman told us he has only

one worry in the world living here, and it’s how much beer he can drink.

Hervald, a 21-year-old student and tour guide working for one of the local sightseeing companies, said he has a new appreciation for his homeland after spending the summer sharing his knowledge with tourists. He has taken more of an interest in Iceland’s history and stunning landscapes, and is very proud to be able to guide visitors through places he previously took for granted.

10

It quickly became obvious that what makes Icelanders happy is They appreciate their beautiful country and all

Very simple

the qualities that Icelanders have become fa-

Is it possible then, that anyone in any

mous for since opening their doors to millions

country could be as happy as an Icelander

of foreign tourists every year. All the answers

if we could just appreciate the beauty

we received seemed to reflect a large amount

around us? Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem

of national pride. Icelanders are so proud of

quite that simple, thanks in part to the so-

this beautiful land and their colorful history, and

cial security that Iceland has managed to

view their lives after 2008 just as great as their

provide its citizens. Not every country

lives before because the financial crisis did not

would be able to come out of a crisis as

destroy their landscape, history, or their spirits.

widespread as Iceland’s with both their economy and spirit in tact as they lack policies focused not only on national security

but also the improvement of the overall social safety net. The social policies in Iceland are a direct product of the Icelandic citizens themselves, proving that change can start small and come from within. It would take a lot of time and effort then, but it could be possible for other countries to become happy, Iceland-style.

11

Too many cars to keep Iceland green

by Raquel Maria Martinez, The greenest country on Earth.

While the nature follows its circle,

They love this environ-

That’s Iceland, despite its name,

around 300 thousand of people

ment and care for it and

according to the Environmental Per-

live scattered in the more than

its preservation. Despite

formance Index released by the

100 square kilometers of Iceland-

this, according to Arni

Economic Forum back in 2012.

ic land. Almost two thirds of them

Finnsson, who represents

It also has the largest number of

can be found in Reykjavik –

the INCA – Iceland Nature

glaciers in Europe, as ice covers

world’s most northern capital-

Conservation Association,

the 10% of the island, and the pop-

and its surroundings, in the Rey-

the biggest ONG regard-

ulation of volcanos is vast: there are

kjanes peninsula; while the other

ing environmental issues

about 130 (counting both the active

habitants gather in Akureyry, the

on the country – the eco-

and the inactive ones). Fire, ice, but

second biggest city in the coun-

logical conscience is only

above all, green landscapes and

try, and other coastal towns. For

starting to rise among the

liters and liters of water: the water-

all this Icelanders living surround-

citizens. Even though Ice-

falls are not a strange sight on the

ed by nature is just a common

land is ahead in the pro-

island, and the enormous Atlantic

thing, as it is the changing and

duction of renewable en-

Ocean surrounds it.

cold weather up here.

ergy, which is used to heat most of the homes,

How Icelanders are protecting their

habits like recycling have only become popular in the last 10 years, and still there is a long path to walk until the life on this island becomes sustainable.

Finnsson points out three main issues that endanger the conservation of Icelandic

nature

nowa-

days and need to be solved to achieve that sustainability:

the

transport, the industries, and the tourism.

12

As for the transport, the emis-

ble one as over-fishing was cut

landscapes could probably be

sions of CO2 that pollute the air

down in the 90’s to protect the

more easily solved with strong-

and

climate

environment, continues to de-

er policies. According to Arni

change need to be reduced, but

velop in a non-sustainable way,

Finnsson, the government still

the problem is that there are too

as it uses big lorries to transport

needs to enhance its perfor-

many cars on the island, and

the fish, causing wide amounts

mance on the matter. Right

lots of them are bigger – and

of pollution.

now, their next big goal is to es-

contribute

to

more consuming – than need-

tablish an action climate plan

ed. The solution for this would

To end with this list, the third

that will be presented in Janu-

be promoting the electric cars

main

the

ary, and to accomplish it. Envi-

and the use of public transport,

preservation of the nature in

ronmentalist activists also hope

which also needs to be en-

this country is the tourism. As

that the government will declare

hanced. Nowadays the busses

shown by a poll by Icelandic

more areas of the country na-

are only taken by kids, elders

Tourism Board, 76% of the citi-

tional parks, so they can be bet-

and those who can’t afford a

zens fear that the tourism,

ter protected.

vehicle. Besides it, it is expen-

which has been growing over

sive, because it has too few us-

the last five years, threatens to

ers and covers a wide amount

damage

by

Icelanders have already

of territory as the city expands.

stressing it. Tourism, though,

started to take care of

In order to promote its use and

has its good and its bad side. In

make it cheaper, the City Hall

one hand, it enlarges the hu-

has already come up with a

man footprint on nature, as

plan to make the city grow in –

proven by different researchers,

still a long way to go to

with more buildings and homes

and pollutes by using not sus-

preserve it and making

in the city center – instead of

tainable

as

life in this country sus-

out.

planes and rental cars. On the

tainable. Now the power

issue

the

regarding

landscape

transport,

such

other hand, as 80% of the tour-

their stunning environment, though there is

to do so is most of all in

The second issue pointed out

ists come to Iceland because of

by Finnsson regards the pollu-

the nature, it has become an

tion caused by the industry. Re-

income source for the economy

tions, but also on the in-

ducing emissions by lowering

and has made this industry care

dustries and the citizens.

the use of oil would be more

for protecting the environment

The

costly for the enterprises, so

in order to survive and devel-

science has started to

they

op..

are

reluctant

when

it

comes to becoming more sustainable. Even the fishing indus-

All in all, the problems Iceland

try, which is the most sustaina-

faces to preserve its amazing

the hands of the institu-

ecological

con-

rise. Now the seed needs to be watered and grow strong.

13

8 4

7 6 1

2

3

Travel through the South of Iceland.

The 11th and 12th of December, Valti, a native icelander drove us through South Iceland. Accompagned by tourist from India and China, we went to Skógafoss, whose blue and white hair disappear on the vapor and the rain. After several visit under, around, on, near waterfall, the driver Valti brought us to Solheimajokull. It was time for our guests to walk on ice ! In the meanwhile, we went to the Black Beach. (And no, the pictures are not taken in black and white ;) ).

After a long daym, the Northern Lights took us in their green arms.

What a night, with the sound of the waterfall nearby …The next day, we went straight to the Glacier Lagoon and the Diamond Beach. The sun was high, the ice bright, the sky without cloud and our smiles so loud ! On the way back, we could not miss the lava field in Skeiðarársandur.

That night, in Reyjavik, I saw a shooting star. My whish ? Being on the road again !

14

Skogafoss

1

Like other spots in Iceland, overcrowded by tourists, this nature here needs some protection.

Visitors must walk on the wood bridges and delimited paths. There are signs preventing them from stepping on protected areas and from falling.

Solheimajokull

2

This outlet glacier contains more ashes than in any other ones. Even more than in the Myrdalyvokull, the glacier it belongs to. There is a small lake beneath the Solheimajokull, which grows when the glacier is melting. t any period of the year it is possible to walk on the ice ‌ only with a professional guide and an equipment !

15

The Black Beach

Vestmannaeyjar

3

4

From the Black Beach, it was possible for us to see the Vestmannaeyjar, a volcanic island. Near to it, on the left of the picture, you see the youngest island in the word :. Surtsey emerged in an eruption lasting between 1963 and 1968. Only scientists are allowed to visit it today, to study for formation of life on earth.

16

The Northern Lights

5

The mysterious and beautiful phenomenon of the aurora is mainly visible in the Artic region, which Iceland is part of. In Icelandm tourist hunt fr auroras in areas without lights, even using Aurora forecat. The higher the number is, the better are the chances to see them. Here you can observe an aurora ray near the South of Iceland.

17

Skeiรฐarรกrsandur 6

In 1996, an eruption of the Vatnajokull created a large lava field on the coast if Iceland. It spread over four hundred hectares. The vegetation is composed of heath plants and grows fast, because lava is a fertile ground.

Jรถkulsรกrlรณn

7

18

Jökulsárlón

7

This amazing glacier lagoon was created in 1935, when Vatnajokull glacier started to recess as a consequence of climatic change: since those days pieces of ice have been breaking and falling in to the water, creating big and amazing icebergs of different shapes and measures. There are always icebergs coming from the moutains and going with the wind to the sea … even in summer, when the sun makes them shinning ! …

The Diamond Beach.

8

… one can see how icebergs break and the smaller pieces of ice melt or sail to the ocean, stopping at the Diamond beach.

From an ecologist point of view, the beach is like a cemetery for the recessing glacier nearby, Vatnajokull. However, this black sand beach is stunning, with all those ice pieces floating in the sea or getting stocked in the coast, shinning like diamonds in the sun – that’s where the name of the beach comes from.

19

The Place Where It All Begins Kindergartens in Reykjavik.

By Or Pellec Back in elementary school we had a mentoring

The next time I had a chance to work with

program in which each of us was teamed with

children was many years later when I did a

a first grade child in order to help him/her ad-

“National Service” program in Israel. I went to

just to school life. we had one hour a week

volunteer at a kindergarten for one year. I

with them to do whatever we chose: play

think it’s safe to say that after just one week

games, cook together, talk about whatever in-

of work there i felt like this is my fate; that’s

terests them. That was probably my first real

what I should do in life. It just makes me hap-

and significant encounter with a young child,

py.

and it felt very natural and fun.

I kept working at that kindergarten for another year, and at the same time I babysat a lot. To this day I’m babysitting many children from that kindergarten. Maybe the biggest proof for my interest in this field - This coming October I’m starting my studies to become an authorized kindergarten teacher. Did I say fate already?

But we gathered here today to

So do kindergartens in Rey-

Since it’s usually not a very

talk about something a bit big-

kjavik justify their name? Is it

cheap flight, I’ll make sure it’s

ger than my biography - kin-

really a fun, safe environment

worth while! I want to talk a bit

dergartens in the city of Rey-

in which the kids come to play

about kindergartens in Israel.

kjavik. Iceland

a

and socialize with each other?

I figured, If kindergartens are

unique and interesting coun-

Or is it a more a didactic envi-

the topic we discuss, I might

try. Reykjavik, being its’ capi-

ronment where the kids come

as well share with you some

tal and the most populated

to learn basic skills and pre-

of my knowledge and experi-

city, is the perfect place to try

pare for school? Before we

ence about Israeli kindergar-

and get a better understand-

answer these very intriguing

tens. Hopefully that will create

ing of preschools here and

questions, I would like us to

a better understanding of ice-

how they work.

catch a flight together to my

landic kindergartens as well.

is such

home country - Israel.

20

The kindergarten system in Israel is very interesting

For an example, there are democratic

and very versitile. So first a few brief practical facts

kindergartens. Some of the main values

about it: there are a few stages of kindergarten: man-

that lead those kindergartens are free-

datory (ages 5-6), pre-mandatory (ages 3-4) and at

dom, independence, imagination and

earlier ages there are various daycares and private

creative thinking. The democratic ap-

establishments. There are city council-supervised kin-

proach believes every child is a unique

dergartens, private kindergartens and semi-private

human being that should be treated as

kindergartens. As you probably guessed yourselves,

one. The kindergarten teachers should

the private ones are very expensive and the semi-

treat the children as equal and not look

private ones are a bit cheaper. That doesn’t mean the

down at them. They should let them ex-

public ones are free though, they just cost much less.

press themselves and help them find

On the Ideological aspect, the kindergartens’ methods

what interests them and what they are

and main beliefs diverge from one to another. The city

good at. The role of the kindergarten

council-supervised ones have a certain policy they

teachers, based on this approach, is not

have to follow that is dictated by the government and

to ‘teach’ or ‘educate’ the children, but

each municipality. The private ones on the other hand

rather to accompany the children’s own

have a free hand when it comes to how they run the

journey of self discovery and their en-

place. Each kindergarten manager/head kindergarten

counter with the world. This is the true

teacher can choose the values and ideologies that will

process of learning and growing accord-

lead the way for the kindergarten.

ing to this approach.

Now that you know a bit more about Israeli kindergartens, let’s take a flight (last one I promise!) back to Reykjavik, Iceland. I must admit I came with a certain idea about how kindergartens in Iceland work, and was surprised for the better.

For some reason I believed it to be a very strict system, but it turned out to be

a very open and progressive one. but also for social and educational reaFirst some practicalities: I learned that almost all kin-

sons, the kindergartens are the best way

dergartens in Reykjavik are city council owned

for the children to socialise with other

(except a handful of private owned ones). In addition,

children their age. Moreover, each area

preschools in Iceland are not mandatory, unlike in Is-

of the city has about 3-4 kindergartens

rael where the year before going to the first grade is in

and usually all the children from that ar-

fact mandatory. Having said that, about 99.999% of

ea attend those. That gives both the chil-

the children ages 2-5 go to kindergartens. That is for

dren and the parents a chance to get to 21

I paid a visit to a kindergarten here in Reykjavik called Graeaborg I expected to meet strict educators and maybe even to experience a bit of resentment since I’m asking questions and disturbing their daily

routine, but I was nothing but wrong. The principal welcomed me with a smile and a lot of good will to share information with me. She was ready to answer any question and even took I will not bore you with a detailed schedule of a day in an Icelandic kindergarten, but I will say that put aside a few mandatory activities throughout the day (breakfast, afternoon tea,

Just by walking around in the Graenaborg kinder-

lunch) the children are free to do as they wish. garten and looking at the kids, I could immediate-

They have many types of games to play, they

ly tell they are very happy. I even had the chance

have a very spacious, green yard to run

to talk to a few of them (who apparently speak

around and play in. Quite pastoral actually.

english fluently!) and they approved my observa-

They basically have a fun and safe environ-

tion. They love it there. It was wonderful to see.

ment to just be who they are. â—€ the place where the

children

put

their coats, hats and boots (Iceland

could

be

very

cold!)

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Almost all kindergartens in Reykjavik have this approach of giving a lot of freedom to the children This approach resembles the Democratic ap-

all those children are integrated into the regu-

proach in Israel very much. Full disclosure, I

lar kindergartens, with a special education

myself have worked in a democratic kindergar-

teacher to accompany them throughout the

ten in Israel, so I strongly believe it is the best

day.

approach for kindergartens. So good job, Iceland!

In conclusion, the icelandic preschool system is a very impressive one. You can tell that the

One more interesting fact that emphasizes just

Icelanders really do care about their children

how open minded the preschool system in

and the environment they grow up in, and

Reykjavik is - they do not have any separate

that reflects in well invested, spacious, beau-

kindergartens for children with special needs

tiful and overall inspiring kindergartens. Prob-

(Besides some for hearing disabilities),

ably one of the best places to raise your

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Finding Love In Reykjavik

By Lyuba Mayachok

and Julia Ivanova

Endless fjords, crystal clear glaciers, raging

WWF journalists went to the streets of Reykjavik

waterfalls‌ It seems that Iceland is an ideal

to catch native Icelanders to break down the love

place to fall in love. However is it so easy to find a

stereotypes. Is it difficult to find a partner in

soulmate on the island with just 350,000 inhabi-

such an astonishing place?

tants and a half of them are your relatives?

Best Pick Up Places

Everyone knows each other since childhood so there is no need to get acquainted on the streets.

In Moscow we came from it is not a problem to

We got frank with Kolbeinn, 18, record store

get acquainted. 15, 000, 000 people is enough to

worker on the main street. It turned out that mu-

find a person you like. If ÂŤlove fortuneÂť is not on

tual friends is the easiest way to find a girlfriend

your side in real life, you can get to the internet

because in his opinion "Icelandic girls are the

and find your passion for a date in a few minutes.

most beautiful". For instance, he met his girlfriend

But everything is different in the capital of Iceland.

at school.

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To find out a female point of view we went to the fa-

What about the dating places? Will an

mous Hard Rock CafĂŠ and met a blue-eyed beau- Icelander ask for a romantic date in the muzzle ty,Hekla Solely, a native Icelander. She shared with

of EyjafjallajĂśkull or invite to "Netflix and chill"?

us that " if you are looking for a boyfriend, its not hard

Two cute baristas from cozy coffeehouse Illy,

to find one".

Dagbjort and Fanney told us that Icelanders don't really bother about dates. They just hang around in the downtown, go to the cinema, buy ice cream but almost never chose touristic routes. Of course there is a chance that you can get stumbled across a true romantic who will invite you for a date in Blue Laguna but do not count on it so much.

Hekla Soley, 20

She confirmed that school, university and mutual friends are the most popular ways to find your couple.

But as Hekla shared as a secret that Icelandic boys are not an absolute of beauty. "They are not bad

but I also like the southern type of guys".

Meltem, 21

Her colleague 21 years old Meltem from Turkey cut her and added: "When Icelanders are drunk,

they are really friendly". So if you want to have some fun, go to the local pubs and bars.

Now it is clear. The places where you can get acquainted in the northernmost capital of the world might not be so specific.

It is hard to believe, Icelanders do not usually explore the island that much. Breathtaking places that attract tourists from all over the world are just daily reality for them.

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How I Met My Sister The jokes about Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen are really popular in Iceland. It might be easy to find your partner, However on island with such a small population there is a chance that your new girlfriend can be your cousin. Icelanders came up with a way how to avoid it.

Meltem, 21

So as the famous Russian proverb says "Cемь

раз

отмерь,

один

отрежь"

-

"Measure thrice, cut once".

Mimir Bjarki Palmason,

Long haired and affable Mímir Bjarki Pàlmason from Fjarven Kanken showed us an interesting Icelandic website "Book of Iceland".

Every Icelander has an access to it. Here you can not only check how relative you are to every citizen, but also find out who the oldest

person in the whole island is or what names the most popular are here. For us it looked like a FBI private base.

It is not the end of the world if you are not willing to check it but Runar, the cassier of the only one phalological museum in the world, whispered to us: "Incidents happen".

The Family Tree in The Book Of Iceland

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Swipe It Right During the discussion about love questions with

Of course, if you're under 18,you can use other

millennials in the streets of Reykjavik we found

social networks, for example Facebook or Snap-

out that Tinder is also a very popular way to

chat, as Erling and Alexander, young skaters

meet new people on the island. Many of them

from downtown. That's why digital relationship is

confessed that they "swiped right" at least once.

not dead here.

Someone was looking for a companion for just chatting, others looked for "not serious relationship" but someone was really lucky and found a true love, as it happened with Dagbjort from Illy cafĂŠ.

Alexander;15, Erling,14

Fanney, 22, Dagbjort, 19

So what conclusion can we make after such a frank conversation with Icelanders? Despite the fact that this country is so far away from other world, the relationship between them is similar to ours.

Surely, there are some specific difficulties about finding a lover, but if your heart is opened and you are ready to fell in love, you will definitel find the way.

27

Welcome to the warm WF FARM

Another WORKCAMP

Worldwide Friend's farm is located in the outskirt of Reykjavik, 15km away from the city centre. The farm has got a greenhouse for growing herbs and vegetables, and also a piece of land to grow potatoes, carrots and lettuce. But actually

farm's mascots are the chickens and a cat named Lisa!

The main idea of the WF

project

that

develops

there is to work for sustainable living.

There are currently 12 volunteers from

different

countries working and living at the farm.

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Furthermore, they do renovation on the house and the property when it's needed, Volunteers have many different tasks that

paint and fix the chicken house and the

must be done daily and can change de-

tod sheed, they recycle their own gar-

pending on the season of the year. This

bage and repair the road by cleaning it of

time of season they taking care of the

rocks and making it plain.

vegetables and plants growing in the greenhouse and look after their chickens

To improve the project, during the winter

by cleaning the chicken house,feeding

time the volunteers will make documen-

them and picking their eggs which could

taries, posters and brochures related to

be 2-3 daily!

sustainable living and they are going to introduce all these to children of community in Reykjavik.

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LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE in a wonderful nature with peace orientated activities.

Pack your things and join us here in Iceland. We offer voluntary programs in cooperation with local communities and non-profit organizations & associations located in Iceland. We also give a helping hand to local festivals in the island.

Worldwide Friends - Veraldarvin Hverfisgata 88, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland

Worldwide Friends

http://wf.is

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