Reykjavik, Iceland

I'll bet that when you think of Iceland, images of Vikings, Icebergs and frozen tundra comes to mind.

Well my friends, Reykjavik, Iceland has become quite the hip, happening place. Read on and you'll see what we mean.

Icelandic History 101: The history of this island goes back to about 874, I believe, when Irish monks first inhabited it and a few vikings from Norway. It was used as a penal colony briefly, until they realized that if you went to the other side of the island(where the glaciers and tundra are not located), it was actually quite green and lush with pleasant conditions.

People began to settle it and in 930 created a form of democracy called the Allthingi, which still exists today. It has the record as the oldest existing democracy. It was independent until 1262 when the Scandinavian countries came under one rule and it was not granted independence again for over 600 years. There were numerous steps to independence from the 19th to the 20th centuries.

Iceland had its own religious reformations such as the switch to Christianity around 1000 or so and then the switch from Catholicism, which of course was bloody and now they are Lutheran like the rest of Scandinavia countries. Now the country of nearly 300,000 people enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world.

Nightlife: Reykjavik or "Rey-K" as we call it, is packed full of bars and pubs. Just walk along the main streets Bankastraeti and Laugavegur and you will find numerous establishments.

Getting checked out

Since there's aren't alot of brothers in Iceland, don't get offend if people stare. If fact, Icelanders stare at everybody. They are just as curious about travellers and we are about them.

Its pretty good actually, 'cause if you see a honey staring at you, you'll know that she's interested, so slide in and bust a move.

When hitting a nightclub, especially in the summer time, get there early; otherwise you'll have to wait in line.

If the weather is good, Icelanders party en masses - and all weekend long. Clubs are open to five in the morning and the stamina and energy is pretty amazing.

The Blue Lagoon: The blue lagoon is a natural spring that's heated by volcanic steam. The spring is mineral-rich giving it a funky sulpher smell that takes some getting used to. Temperatures hit 39 degree celsius and it MUST be experienced when in Iceland.

Nothing beats floating around the lagoon with a can of beer while hitting on gorgeous Norwegian tourists.

Where to stay: Hotel Loftleider is near the Reykjavik municipal airport and is just a 5 minute walk to the main drag of Laugavegur in Reykjavik. The exterior is nothing to look at, but the interior is very well done. Expect to pay anywhere from $40-80US/night.

Another option is to hit a hostel. They go for about $20US/night. IF you're travelling light in the pockets, this is a good, clean alternative.

Author's Note: Find more about Reykjavik as well as other destinations at http://www.flagrant.tv

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