Sharing with Iceland's Muslim community

We are grateful that members of the Islamic Cultural Center of Iceland and the Association of Muslims in Iceland accepted our invitation to an Iftar dinner at the end of the day's fast during the month of Ramadan.  It was an opportunity to learn about the community and their perspectives as members of Icelandic society. We were particularly pleased that Ismael Malik, an American Imam visiting Iceland, participated in the dinner and shared his own perspectives on the Muslim community in the United States. We look forward to visiting the two groups in the coming weeks.

Building lifelong friendships and understanding

We hosted a group of young Icelandic students who will soon depart for the United States to participate in AFS's exchange program.  The group was accompanied by the leadership of AFS and two members of the first group of Icelanders to participate in the program back in 1957. Each student will stay for about a year as guests of an American family and will attend high school. I couldn't help reminisce about my own experience as an exchange student in the United States so many years ago; it changed my life.

International team launches climate research voyage from Iceland

The American research vessel Ronald H. Brown carrying American scientists arrived in Iceland to pick up a group of colleagues from Norway, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and Russia prior to beginning a voyage that will take the ship straight down 20° West latitude line all the way to Antarctica. The Ronald H. Brown, operated by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is one of the most technologically advanced research vessels in the United States, and a vital tool in international scientific cooperation to understand the natural and man-made forces that drive global climate variability. The team of scientists is engaged in a very important longitudinal study on climate change. They will be stopping every 30 nautical miles to take measurements of a number of variables (e.g. CO₂ concentrations, water temperature, Ph levels, currents, metal levels, black carbon, etc.), replicating measurements taken ten years ago and twenty years ago. This type of work allows scientists to paint a picture of how the planet’s oceans are changing. We invited a group of Icelandic scientists, colleagues from Embassies whose nationals are on board the vessel, and a group of international interns for a briefing on board the ship from Captain Mark Pickett and chief scientist Dr. Molly Baringer. During the briefing we also learned about some of the joint research between Iceland and the United States. The only way we can tackle climate change effectively is through this sort international collaboration. Thanks to all the scientists and crew on board the Ronald H. Brown for their contributions.

Easy Rider with the Icelandic Easy Riders

I have always been intrigued by the multiple groups of motorcycle enthusiasts that come onto Icelandic highways during the summer months. This week I had a great opportunity to satisfy my curiosity when I received an invitation by a member of Dúllarar--one of Iceland’s quintessential bike clubs. The ride took us to Stokkseyri where we had the world famous langoustine soup (Humarsúpa) and on to Selfoss, Skálholt, Hveragerði and then back to Reykjavik. It was great to see the Icelandic summer countryside from a new perspective and to get know the diverse membership of Dúllarar. I rode proudly on a Harley Davidson V Road.

Iceland’s Wetlands – A treasure that needs protection

Photo By: Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson

Photo By: Guðmundur Páll Ólafsson

We welcomed Ragga Sigurðardóttir at the Embassy where she gave us a briefing on the efforts of a group of concerned Icelanders to establish the Auðlind Nature Fund to support wetland reclamation and protection. Ragga is a Fubright Alumna with a PhD in Environmental Science from Yale University. She briefed us about the environmental benefits of wetlands, which include carbon sequestration, flood control, erosion control, water purification, sediment and nutrient retention, and acting as reservoirs of biodiversity. More importantly she told us that 40% of the CO2 emissions in Iceland are caused by wetland drainage, which is also a cause of water pollution and the severe alteration of ecosystems. The good news is that wetland reclamation and protection is supported by the Icelandic government and that the public is becoming increasingly aware of the issues associated with wetlands. Iceland’s environmental agenda is very similar to that of the United States as we share many of the same challenges. We are glad to see the graduate of a fine U.S. university working to address these challenges in Iceland.

Ragga (left) discussing Iceland's wetlands with Amb. Arreaga (right)

Chance encounters with American southern charm

While having a business dinner overlooking the Reykjavik harbor, a large group of delightful Americans entered the restaurant and it wasn’t long before we engaged in conversation. The group, which hailed from Baton Rouge, was concluding what they regarded as a fabulous visit to Iceland with trips to the countryside, horseback riding, and other activities. The group was organized by WAFB, the CBS-affiliated television station in Baton Rouge. It is always great to run into fellow citizens in Iceland, something that happens more frequently as the majority of tourists come from the United States.

Cruising in an American Classic

Iceland and the United States are connected in many ways. One of them is the passion that many of our citizens have for antique and classic American automobiles. This past week, our good friend Arni Sigurdsson invited Mary and I to participate in the traditional Thursday evening parade of antique automobiles in downtown Reykjavik. The event starts at the Kruser’s Club where classic car enthusiasts bring their cars and park them to be beholden. The collection ranges from early 20th century models all the way up to seventies and eighties (I can say that it is quite sobering to know that I remember when some of these models were launched). At around 9:00 pm, the caravan of classics leaves the club to cruise down Laugavegur and the lower downtown. The best part of the experience was watching the facial expressions of tourists as well as Icelanders when they see such a collection of vehicles up close and personal. I rode in Arni’s 1978 Dodge Diplomat Station Wagon, a “woodie” complete with a built-in CB radio - the perfect vehicle for shuttle diplomacy.