The Icelandic financial crush in 6 minutes

In the early 21st century, Iceland experienced one of the most spectacular cycles of boom and bust in history.

For centuries, Iceland was a simple fishing society, largely shut off from mainland Europe. The people survived off the sheep in the meadows and the fish in the sea. For cultural sustenance they had elaborate sagas -- intricate tales of fairies and goblins, heroes and ghosts -- that would inspire J.R.R. Tolkien and other fantasy writers.

At the peak of Iceland's boom, Stefan Alfsson left his fishing boat and started trading commodities for an investment bank. "We could do more," he said. "I got a bigger house, bigger and more cars, better snowmobiles."

Then a modern saga began to unfold -- that of a nation of fishermen who became millionaires, only to lose it all and return to the seas.

This is, I hope, the final segment in the ongoing Icelandic financial crisis saga.

Galactic center of Milky Way

As a born again Trekkie (I will get back to it soon) I felt compelled to post this breathtaking film of the Milky Way moving over Texas. Here in Iceland, with over three months of bright nights, you can almost forget how the stars look like. It is practically impossible for star gazing fans like me to watch the stars, when all you can see is a bright sun smiling on your face and a pale moon with no will of its own.

When winter finally comes, it brings months of darkness but along with it, a blanket of clouds cover the skies, pulled all the way from the north poll. And then, when it happens and you finally get a night with a clear skies, there is this freezing arctic cold that makes it impossible to stay out long without the risk of loosing the tip of your nose. Nothing comes easy in Iceland, even the things that are free. This video is for all of you Icelandic friends who miss the darkness and the light of the stars, enjoy!

Michael Jackson

Poor Michael Jackson. I'm not sure he would be happy to know that only three of my Facebook friends joined him in his after death tribute page. A disaster like that could never happen to Elvis or even Kurt Cobain. What's wrong with this world? having the best selling record of all time isn't good enough?!

Even death is not what it used to be.

Poor Michael Jackson, he might find it a bit too late to consider another comeback.

7.7.09: I just stumbled upon this link.

Icelandic summer

There is no place like Iceland in the summer. The air is crisp and clear, the grass is vivid and green and everything looks brighter and full of life. The Icelandic winter has its own charm but when the sunny days of summer are here, everything suddenly stops. Even the sun stays hanged in the sky with no force to convince it to go down under the horizon. During the Icelandic summers, I like staying awake until late, watching the midnight sun out of the window and seeing the thousands of birds nesting on the ground fearless. Herds of sheep and beautiful Icelandic horses are everywhere and the sea shine among the fjords in a deep blue colors. Unfortunately, there are no pictures which can transfer the experience of Iceland. There are no words which can fully describe it. Iceland needs to be experienced.

Europe's best kept secret

Next week I'm planning my trip to south Iceland. A land of glaciers, volcanoes and the famous Geysir. This is an introduction video to south Iceland. Europe's best kept secret.