The Model UN team arrived in Iceland after a 7-hour IcelandAir journey, leaving Keflavik International Airport at approximately 6:45 AM local time. (The sun doesn't come up until 9:15 or so.) The first thing evident to the group was the striking absence of trees. Barren, icy landscapes of igneous rock stretch as far as the eye can see.
Guided by our friendly bus driver, the team's exploration of Iceland's southwestern peninsula was highly rewarding. Spectacular panoramic ocean and mountain views abound in Iceland, where almost all of the population lives between the two zones. Best of all, we swam in the Blue Lagoon, the country's most famous hot springs.
Finally, the team rounded out the day with a lesson in basic Icelandic language, culture, and history from a very helpful Icelander, Karla. All of us greatly improved our Icelandic pronunciation, though still nobody can pronounce "Eyjafjallajökull".