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)