perhaps the most famous Icelandic export is its music — from Björk to Sigur Rós to Ólafur Arnalds, the music scene has always been on the forefront of trendy, just that side of cool to the realm of the wondrously hip. (certainly the Iceland Airwaves festival doesn’t hurt…)
sidebar before i continue, though, i have to say “Hoppípolla” by Sigur Rós is the perfect track to listen to as you’re flying in. (i’ve discovered a live version is available on the Icelandair inflight entertainment system in case you don’t have it handy on one of your many devices.)
if that’s a bit too dreamy/slow for you, a chillout remix, “Poppiholla” by Chicane (one of my favorite electronica musicians, by the way) is just as good — and i think, actually, my preferred version.
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again, i digress.
pack your skinny jeans and oversized sweaters and head on over! if Portland is the Dream of the Nineties [alternate link if that won’t play], Reykjavik is the trendsetter of today. (to assuage any fears: for the most part, they’re all nice hipsters since they don’t even know it — not the self-absorbed moody and snobby type.)
and heck, even if hip isn’t your thing, Iceland is well worth a visit if you ask me. (next time i will come and do the Ring Road, dammit!)