snagabag

Well, my trip to Iceland is just about over …and not a moment too soon! I realized that 1 week is about as long as I like a business trip to be. Of course, this trip was almost two weeks.

I wish I had a chance to experience more of Iceland, but I was pretty busy during the week, and just my luck, the one weekend I was here I ended up not feeling well. I did get to eat at some interesting restaurants, and go to a few bars here in Rejkyavik. We went to an “ice bar.” Yes, it was a bar built entirely out of ice. And after we paid the cover fee and walked in to see we were the only occupants, we quickly realized it was also an Icelandic tourist trap! Oh well, it was my first night in Iceland! Oh yeah, I love the fact the Coke cans here are sold in 1/2 liter sizes. That’s a big can of Coke! I’ll have to talk to my inside source at Coke to see about getting them introduced in the U.S.

One thing I didn’t get to do that I really wanted to do was check out the Northern Lights. If you know me, you know that sorta thing is right up my alley. I’ve never seen them and they are suppossedly especially brilliant way out here in Iceland. Oh well, something to look forward to on my next trip!

I’ve also kept myself entertained by watching content on my laptop. By content I mean TV shows, and by TV shows I mean 24 and Arrested Deveopment. I watched the first season of 24, and all I can say is WOW. It is incredibly suspenseful. I really enjoyed it, and am looking forward to watching season 2 (and beyond) to see if the quality remains high. Arrested Development, on the other hand, is HILARIOUS. Easily one of the best sitcoms I’ve ever watched. I HIGHLY recommend you check it out if you like laughing. It is too funny. Really.

Back to Iceland. I must admit that I have somewhat adjusted to the weather. I’ve gone from wearing a sweater, heavy jacket (with fleece lining), scarf, and gloves when I first arrived.. yeah, I looked like the kid from A Christmas Story:

…to now being able to just wear my jacket or even just my fleece when I go outside. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still cold and I’m looking forward to being back home where the weather goes above 40 degrees!

The one thing I don’t understand, and didn’t ask the hotel about, is WHY OH WHY is the hotel bed on wheels?!? I’m not joking here. The bed is on wheels, and floor is hardwood. As such, the bed literally goes all over the room. Imagine my surprise the first time I sat down on it and it slid two feet to the wall. Of course, my favorite was the time I sat up to lean against the headboard, and the bed promptly scooted forward, and I promptly fell backward! I ended up sticking a chair between the bed and desk to keep the bed from slipping around the room!

Believe it or not, I only took a few photos. Very unlike me I know. Here’s one of them. Just click on it to view the others.

I’ve been here over a week, and I have somewhat of a feel for life in Iceland. The main thing I’ve noticed is that everything moves at a more leisurely pace. Life here doesn’t move at the breakneck pace of most cities in America. It’s nice. Visiting here is easy, as I have yet to talk to someone that does not speak english. It also rains a lot here (at least during the winter). Something else you must know before coming to Iceland: it is EXPENSIVE. Now way around it, things cost a lot here. From $30 for a 10 minute cab ride to $11 for a beer, just about everything costs a lot. Of course, it doesn’t help that the dollar is only worth 60 Kronos (it was worth over 100 Kronos just a few years ago).

I do not like hanging out in my hotel room. I prefer to just be there for sleeping and getting ready. With the dreary weather, I decided to take a taxi to Smaralind, which is Iceland’s “newest and largest mall.” By my standards though, the mall is small. Being here is another reminder of just how small Iceland is. I believe the entire population of Iceland is around 300,000 and about 75% of the people live in or around Reykjavik. Downtown Reykjavik is very nice, and has lots of little shops and restaurants and such, but alas, the weather is not hospitable to being outdoors.

Ok, time to go find something for Aparna. Hrmm… I wonder if Zara sells maternity clothes?

Requests from my family on things to do in Iceland:

Irma:

“I want a picture of you licking an icy telephone pole.”

Anila:

“take pictures of baby polar bears for me.”
“if you see penguins please take a photo.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY APARNA!

I’m happy to announce today is Aparna’s… umm…. hrmmm….. uhhh…. 29th birthday!

Easiest job in the world? Icelandic Meteorologist.

Forecast for 9 months out of the year here: snow and rain.

I’m hoping to come back in the summer, but the winter is very cold and very wet. Of course, this is coming from someone from Texas and California. For all I know, this isn’t that bad to a Chicago or New York native!

I’m happy to report everyone I’ve met here has been very friendly. I haven’t had much of a chance to explore yet, but I’m hoping to be a tourist this weekend.

It’s cold.

Finally, after almost 5 years of marraige, Aparna & I can sleep in peace.

Yes, we are the proud owners of a king-sized bed!

Let me tell you, the key to a successful marraige is a huge bed. (At least that’s what Aparna told me when we were bed shopping.)

Normally I’d have a ridiculous picture to show you, but I sold my last digital camera (after 4 years), but the replacement I purchased ended up being not so great so I had to return it. As it is, I’m now searching for a new digital camera. As with any major gadget decision, it is one I love!

Halló? That’s Icelandic for “hello.” Why am I brushing up on my Icelandic? That would be because I’m going to Iceland for 2 weeks!

You are correct in guessing this will be my first trip to Iceland. How am I getting there? Why, Iceland Air of course!

I’m looking forward to the trip. I’m especially excited because of the large Indian community there.

I’ll write again before I leave, but you can look forward to regular updates from the land of Leif Eiriksson.

Well, we survived having the family visit for the first time.

All totaled, there were 10 of us at the house this weekend. We had a GREAT time. Sure the mattresses we ordered never showed up, but we made do. I think my favorite aspect was how nuts it drove Irma and Maneesh that Anila is a big fan of me (for now). My other favorite part was seeing Irma with a basketball attached to her. Only 4 months to go before I’m a Mama!

We all went to dinner at Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill Saturday night. Excellent food, drinks, and service. I highly recommend it. I would describe the cuisine as ‘eclectic mexican’.

As the family left early on Sunday, we were fortunate enough to see a lot of our Austin crew tonight. Garrett & Amy threw a fabulous party to which Aparna & I took the most tacky cake. Yes, we took a photo. No, I don’t have a copy of it yet, but rest assured you’ll see it soon. We also visited Dimple & Rahul and were able to spend time with Rohan. I’m happy to report he’s absolutely splendid!

If I wrote about work on my blog, I’d complain about having a 7am meeting tomorrow morning, but I don’t write about work here so I won’t.

Okay everyone, if you like to laugh (and especially if you are Indian you must click on the link below.

It’s a link to a 45-minute video of an Indian comic doing a stand-up routine on Comedy Central. IT IS HILARIOUS! It is worth watching all 45 minutes, but even if you only have 5 minutes to spare, it is worth checking out. The first 10 minutes and last 10 minutes are the best in my opinion.

Take note all you underage viewers, the program is rated ‘R’ due to some “adult language”. Please get your parent’s permission before clicking the link.

You will have to have RealPlayer installed to view the video. Click here to install it if you don’t already have it installed.

http://rack1.nethosters.com/%7Echarles/russell/russell.ram

The guy’s name is Russell Peters, and I had not heard of him until I was sent the above link today, but apparently he’s pretty popular… in Canada. He was the 2004 Canadian Comedy Award nominee for best male comic. No, I’ve never heard of the Candian Comedy Awards either.

Even this gadget-loving guy got a little surprise this past weekend.

On Friday night, Dimple’s parents came over, and of course we talked about Rohan. Dimple’s dad said he had pictures, and as he reached into one of his pockets ..and pulled out his cell phone. I must admit I thought he was going to pull out his wallet. I know, very 20th century of me.

The photos of Rohan were great!