Now it’s time for some interesting facts and figures….

Iceland is a very new country, geologically speaking. The main part of the island is 17 to 18 million years old. The two peninsulas are 7 to 8 million years old. We are now in the Westman Islands and they had a volcanic eruption in 1973 that destroyed 1/3 of the houses but added land to the harbor which made the harbor better, more protected from the wind and waves.

More sheep than people in Iceland. The lamb chops were delicious last night.

Kindergarten is for 2 to 6 year olds. Obligatory schooling from 6 to 16 years old.

1980… first female president in the world.

No military in Iceland. They have coast guard with 3 boats. Mainly do rescue work and patrol 200 mile fishing limit.

Cod liver oil is big business. Most Icelanders drink a shot every morning at breakfast. I tried it once , that’s enough for me!

It was easy and fast to get thru customs, pick up our bags and find the Flybus that would take us to town. Then it was a quick nap and shower and a cab ride to town. We walked around and then found a place where we got a pizza and a few local beers.

We’re currently sitting in the Detroit airport waiting to board our flight to Minneapolis and then a nonstop red eye flight to Reykjavík, Iceland

This trip provided us with a greater understanding of Laos and Myanmar, their people and their country. dressing native for our farewell dinnerwomen on the tripmen on the tripRoger and Rod …. wearing the longyi in the athletic style, getting ready for active dancing. Also worn this way to play soccer!

Below are some of the people of Myanmar

It was long neck ladies, umbrella making, weaving, boat building and temple ruins.

The nicest lodging of our trip. We used long boats to visit several villages along the lake. We also got close up looks of unique fishing boats and floating gardens.

Balloons and horse carts

A nice lunch and then a fun discussion with the home owner, his family and some of the village leaders

We were met in the village at our host house and shown around his property then we took a sight seeing ride on a tractor and had a nice visit and Q and A at the monastery with the head monk.

Then we prepared our lunch with the help of our trip leader and some of the local village leaders and family members.

We started the day with a shopping trip to the local market. We were given a shopping list in the local language and divided into 3 teams and sent into a local market to get our groceries for our home hosted meal. Roger and Sheila ‘s team won the race, we came in second . All groups got the correct groceries now it’s off to the village…..