Jul 07
10
I love hearing about life from the perspective of a modern nation with a small population (~305,000 and growing). I don’t dismiss their top stories that on this side of the pond would get page 20 if at all. In fact I’m envious of a place that can still put focus on the little things instead of only the extreme.
But even for Iceland I think this story was with a bit of tongue in cheek, Traffic is about the nine minute commute that one writer is now enduring while the road is under construction. Over here we know all too well about the two seasons, “winter and construction”. I’m sure that plenty of folks around Reykjavík have commutes longer than 9 minutes. But what a joy it must be to have the option of living close to everything you need. I live in a town with a population a little larger than all of Iceland yet most people it seems commute long distances to the big city. I’m lucky in that I live near my work and can enjoy a 10 minute commute.
A knee jerk reaction to the problem of living 3.5km from work would be to suggest riding a bike. But wait, this is Iceland and that might not be wise as primary transportation. It might be difficult peddling against a 40km/hr wind with ‘sideways rain’ pelting your face. Going the other way wouldn’t be as bad….
I’ve since confirmed that the writer is 7 months pregnant and has chosen to drive instead of the usual walking. Congrats Eliza! If you need a driver or baby sitter please let me know.