MEDICUS MARCH 2016

T R A V E L

With the perfect balance of tourism infrastructure and magnificent unmarred landscapes, Iceland is somehow, magically, not overrun by tourists, says Daniel Dorevitch

The famous blue lagoon near Reykjavik.

A s a group, my family isn’t known for particularly unusual travel plans. So, my Dad’s unbridled enthusiasm for a passing comment I made about Iceland certainly took me by surprise earlier this year. Fast forward six months and I found myself at cruising altitude on a luxurious IcelandAir flight into Reykjavik, being informed by a mellifluous digital tour guide about the natural beauty and geothermal resources of the country, which was to be home for the next 10 days. It all felt a little surreal. Leaving Keflavik airport, the first thing that strikes you about Iceland is the language – it’s simply like nothing you’ve ever heard. Icelanders lure you in by writing in English script, but then very quickly, you realize it’s an elaborate ruse to make tourists look like complete idiots. The locals stare at you quizzically trying to understand what name you’re struggling with, then giggle gleefully and repeat it as it should be said, only to watch while you choke on your tongue trying to mimic their strange phonetics. It’s just too hard!

awesome natural power of Iceland that really gives it its unique character. Coming from Australia – an ancient, giant, sun-baked, unchanging landscape – Iceland is the polar opposite (forgive the bad pun; too much time in a jeep with my Dad.)

The tiny country – population 350,000 – runs primarily on geothermal energy generated by hot springs that

Although the language is the most striking, it’s the

Natural force: Iceland runs primarily on geothermal energy generated by hot springs that bubble not far below the surface.

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