1.) This is the most American-friendly European country I've been to. I've been told it's common to describe Iceland as halfway between America and Europe, and I'd completely agree with that characterization. Although it does have a few quirks and I still have a lot to learn and see, Iceland doesn't feel like too foreign of a country-- in fact, I'd say England and Scotland have a bigger contrast to American culture than this country does (not to mention France, Italy, or Germany). It's like I'm on some almost-strange island off the coast of Main where they speak elvish and have a few European tendencies. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely Iceland-centric idiosyncrasies, but I feel like most Icelanders realize they could be strange to others and are open to understanding why instead of being offended and annoyed.
2.) Most people are exceptionally warm and welcoming. I read every blog about Americans in Iceland that I could find before I left, and it sounded like Icelanders were more or less "nice", but could be a bit cold before you really got to know them. It's true some people want nothing to do with a friendly smile, but I have more than once found myself in small conversations with people around town, at the grocery store, or in a cafe. They aren't crazy-in-your-face-Italian-loud at all, but they are very pleasant and helpful (which isn't usually the case when you're an American abroad). I have very much liked getting to know the locals around here.
3.) I really enjoy walking everywhere. I live within 1.5 miles of basically anywhere I need to go throughout the common week (stores, the girls' schools, cafes, art house movie theater, language class, church, etc). It feels good to breath the crisp harbor air on a daily basis.
4.) It's quite lame that I can't watch Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime here. I never realized the sheer volume of movies and shows I watched or the withdrawals I'd feel being away from them. I wasn't ever one to park myself in front of a TV and watch for hours on end, but I do like watching stuff while I'm doing solo activities like editing or cleaning. Not to mention how rewarding an episode of Futurama or King of the Hill was while right before bed (I know, I know. THOSE shows? I can't help what I like to fall asleep to!). It just means that iTunes will be getting more of my dollars than usual (or future birthday gift, hint hint wink wink).
5.) I had nothing to fear about the food. That was my one thing that would cross my mind when people would ask me what I was most nervous about before I left. When you Google "traditional Icelandic food" you'll understand why. However, Icelanders know how to eat deliciously, and realize most of the time it shouldn't include fermented shark. Although I have eaten more fish than I normally would, it's quite good (there's huge difference between Icelandic-fresh and Utah-fresh fish). The local restaurants are quite varied as well, especially in downtown Reykjavik. Pizza, burgers, hotdogs, and coffee shops are the most common places I've seen. (Oh, and I'd also like to note McDonalds doesn't exist here though KFC, Taco Bell, and Subway do.)
6.) I am loving my time here.
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