Introduction: Iceland with First Lady Eliza Reid
Eliza Reid, Iceland’s First Lady, invites you to experience an Icelandic weekend, highlighting the best public pools, Icelandic literature, and more.
A Canadian in Iceland
From Canada to Iceland with First Lady Eliza Reid
Eliza Reid, originally from Canada’s Ottawa Valley, studied history at Oxford University. She moved to Iceland, became a freelance writer, and edited the Icelandair Stopover in-flight magazine. She authored Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World (2020), with her first novel set to be published in 2025.
Becoming the First Lady
Reid met Guðni Jóhannesson, the future President of Iceland, at Oxford University. After winning a raffle for a date with him, she eventually moved to Iceland in 2003. As First Lady, she promotes Iceland’s rugged beauty and unique culture through her writing and advocacy.
Exploring Iceland: Tips from Eliza Reid
Best Base: Reykjavík or Akureyri
Many tourists base themselves in Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital. Reid advises against trying to explore the entire country in a weekend. “Beware the weather,” she says, noting that Iceland’s weather dictates travel plans.
Reykjavík offers the most infrastructure, restaurants, and cultural events but also has the most tourists. For a less crowded experience, consider Akureyri, Iceland’s second city. It offers great skiing, Northern Lights viewing, and whale watching. Húsavík, an hour away, is a renowned whale-watching center.
Daily Life: Public Swimming Pools
For an authentic Icelandic experience, visit the local outdoor geothermal swimming pools. There are over 120 pools in Iceland, each with its own charm. Pools feature cooler swimming areas, hot tubs called “hot pots,” saunas, and steam rooms.
Pool Etiquette
In Iceland, showering in the nude before entering the pool is mandatory due to minimal chlorine use. After swimming, shower again before drying off and getting dressed.
Cultural Experiences: Literature, Music, and Festivals
Icelandic Literature Iceland with First Lady Eliza Reid
Reykjavík is a UNESCO City of Literature. The city hosts literary events, including the Reykjavík International Literature Festival. Poetry benches with QR codes offer readings of Icelandic poetry.
Music Festivals
Music lovers can enjoy events at Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavík and Hof in Akureyri. The country hosts numerous music festivals, cultural festivals, and museum nights.
Traditional Events: Fishermen’s Day
Fishermen’s Day, held the first weekend of June, celebrates Iceland’s seafaring culture with concerts, boat rides, and fishing games. In harbor towns, children can see crates of ice and fish, including little sharks, caught in nets.
Outdoor Adventures: Hiking and Hot Springs
Volcanic Landscapes in Iceland with First Lady Eliza Reid
Iceland’s volcanic landscapes offer unique experiences, from glacier walks to black-sand beaches. Visitors can also enjoy ATV rides and descend inside a volcano.
Reykjadalur Valley
For a true Icelandic outdoor experience, Reid recommends the Reykjadalur Valley. Located a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík, it features steamy hot springs and mud pools. The valley is accessible via a 7km hike, passing the Djúpagilsfoss waterfall and Djúpagil canyon.
Culinary Delights: Farm-to-Table and Local Specialties
Icelandic Cuisine
Iceland’s culinary scene has flourished, with farm-to-table dining becoming increasingly popular. Sustainably caught fish and free-range lamb are highlights of Icelandic cuisine.
Classic Dishes in Iceland with First Lady Eliza Reid
Popular dishes include plokkfiskur (a casserole with white fish and potatoes) and kjötsúpa (a meat soup with lamb, carrots, and turnips). Reid recommends trying the fish of the day and skyr, a local yogurt-like cheese high in protein.
Casual Bites: Icelandic Hot Dogs
For a casual meal, try a pylsa, an Icelandic-style hot dog made with lamb. Hotdog stands and gas stations offer them with various toppings, including mustard, ketchup, remoulade, fresh chopped onions, and fried onions.
Practical Travel Tips in Icelandic travel tips
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Iceland depends on your interests. For wildlife viewing and the Great Migration, plan your trip between July and October. The dry season (June to October) is ideal for safaris, as animals gather around water sources. The coastal regions are best visited from December to March when the weather is warm and dry.
Health and Safety
Before traveling to Iceland, ensure you are up to date with vaccinations, including those for yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A and B. Malaria is also a concern, so take prophylactic medication and use insect repellent. Iceland is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to stay informed about any travel advisories and take standard precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas and not displaying valuables.
Getting Around
Iceland has a well-developed transport network, with options ranging from domestic flights and long-distance buses to car rentals and matatus (shared minibusses). Domestic flights are the quickest way to travel between major destinations, while buses and matatus are more affordable but can be less comfortable and slower. For exploring national parks, consider booking guided tours or renting a 4×4 vehicle.
Local Cuisine
Kenyan cuisine is diverse and flavorful, influenced by various ethnic groups and cultures. Must-try dishes include:
- Ugali: A staple made from maize flour, often served with meat, fish, or vegetable stew.
- Nyama Choma: Grilled meat, usually goat or beef, seasoned with local spices.
- Sukuma Wiki: Collard greens sautéed with onions and tomatoes.
- Chapati: Flatbread commonly served with stews and curries.
For a unique dining experience, visit the Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi, known for its wide range of grilled meats, including game meats like ostrich and crocodile.
Conclusion: Iceland with First Lady Eliza Reid
Iceland is a land of incredible diversity, offering something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking thrilling wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, or relaxing beach vacations, Kenya has it all. By exploring its national parks, engaging with local communities, and practicing responsible travel, you can ensure an unforgettable adventure while contributing to the preservation of this beautiful country. Prepare to be captivated by the magic of Kenya, where every journey is a discovery.
