Tweed ride on retro bikes. Signes of bygone era in Reykjavik :)

Today's event photographed at Hallgrimskirkja.

* Tweed outfits

* Retro bikes

* A lot of fun

Basically, I could joined them with my bike and outfit, some people were taking pictures of me as well, although it's my everyday gown! And I was with my new stylish bike..

A lot of fun, let's have a ride! :)))))))))))))

What makes people happy? Social trust and family life in Iceland :)

Recently, I have had more opportunities to see how the family life in Iceland looks like. Gaining new insight makes me understand more about Icelandic society and the peaceful and calm character of their social interactions. Iceland has one of the highest levels of happiness declared by its inhabitants. Social trust it's very high, basically you can leave your house unlocked, leave your baby in the pram in front of the coffee house.. and many more.

Families are very big and familiar relations very close. Given that there are 3-4-5 siblings in every generation and that everyone has at least 2 or more kids, gatherings are really big comparing to family events that I know from Poland. Family meetings are held few times a year, interactions are just kind and cheerful, without political discussions or any other kind of hot debate. There is no pressure on food preparation, house cleanness or outfit, everything is taken easy without unnecessary stress and emotions to get everything 'perfect and ready on time'. It may be not perfect and not at time, but just nice and welcoming. It's more about being together and maintaining bonds then showing off or 'making a house clean and shiny'. Of course, you put an effort in the preparation, but more people is helping you to do it, e.g. some cousins preparing food and bringing it with them.

Last Sunday, I was invited by Emma for a goodbye party of Martin's younger brother that was coming back to San Francisco. I came alone, as Martin was at Vatnajökull glacier for 5 days with the rescue team, curious about the family gathering and willing to see people that I really like. There were at least 12 kids (age 0,5-12 years old) in the house and at least 20 adults. And surprisingly for me there was no stress, no pressure, not too much noise, just nice atmosphere, easy going and relaxed. It felt very good there, although a little bit exhausted after biking 15 km on my new mate blue bike :)

 And 2 weeks ago I was invited to the baptising ceremony of Björn's son. Ceremony was held in the house, two kids being baptised, only closest family invited. In the Lutheran church you have many more options, women-priest was chosen to lead the ceremony. People singing together, nice meal afterwards with Swedish buffet, no stress, just happiness. I was appointed by Björn to take picture during the event with his camera. I did it willingly, and as Martin was away travelling with the Science Centre, I could participate in the ceremony as a photographer. I hope they'll get some good pictures!

 Also, I seen some interesting dancing performances, gymnastics shows.. Kids are involved in so many artistic projects and that's such a great thing I have always dreamt of... :)))  Now I am biking a lot using my new bike, I just bought it on Saturday evening during the Eurovision contest, but that's a completely different story.. :))

(most of the pictures taken by Samsung Galaxy S4)

Sumardagurinn Fyrsti: Spring arriving slowly.. April 22

April 22, Sumardagurinn Fyrsti. That means First Day of Summer in Iceland, a day free of work, celebration of life. It always falls on Thursday, in the end of April. Why is it so early? Because in old times there were only 2 seasons distinguished, summer and winter. And it is so. Winters were so though and people so poor, therefore since that day you could already say that you had survived one more winter. Age used to be counted in winters, also n Poland, remember?

And there is a strong connection to Icelandic sagas (mythology). It is first day of month Harpa..

Going back in time, April 22, I went to see Martin working at Science Centre, just few minutes walk from our place. It was an open day, free access for everyone. He was finishing the light box all previous evening. A lot of fun to play mixing colours and learning how it works. I took my camera with new lens, just to give it first go in Iceland. Air was so cool but it was quite sunny though. Then I went downtown to see what was on. A lot of events going on, mostly for families with kids, as Icelanders generally tend to have many kids, 2, 3, 4 or more ;)

Today is May 22, exactly one month has past and full summer has not arrived yet. It's so late this year. Trees are not green yet, just small green leaves appearing slowly, only early spring flowers in the gardens. Not fully green yet and trees are still to bloom, hopefully soon. This is a huge surprise for me because last year spring burst out in the end of April.. Patience, more and more patience is required this year, let's try to be zen and don't expect too much, and all the good things will come in the right moment, just wait for a while ;))))

(all the pictures publish in this post were taken on April 22)

Kjölur: long weekend in the Highlands :) May 1-3

Long May weekend in Icelandic Highlands. Almost in the very center of Iceland, in the middle of nowhere. Sleeping in the tent, driving off road, skiing, kiting, hiking, grilling, relaxing in hot springs and having a lot of fun together :)

Two cars, two couples, 2 tents, back-country skies, 2 kites and loads of warm clothing. Thick lopapeysa saved my life :)

What an amazing time!

I drove Martin's car for the first time, also first experience driving in the snow, skiing while being pulled on the rope, first camping in the snow, first wild skiing on the virgin snow, first hot spring cooking, first trip 2+2.. :)))))))

Absolutely wonderful weather and lovely people! Looks like an awesome beginning of our summer trips in Iceland :))) Can't wait for more!!!!!!!! :))))