Some Better, Not Much Worse, A Lot Different!

You know the saying, "Not better, not worse, just different?"  Well, that applies in many ways, especially when traveling.  On this trip, however, I have found that there are some things in Iceland that are just better than what we are doing in the U.S., there isn't much that is worse, but there is a lot that is different.  For example:

Better:

1. Towel bar heaters in most standard hotel rooms :)
2. Spelt flour - makes breading for fish light and airy
3. Geothermal energy to heat water and lights - very ecological friendly
4. Beautiful rest areas with clean bathrooms
5. Drivers.  They drive the speed limit, they do not drink and drive, they buckle their seat belts, they are courteous.  Novel idea!
6. Their English is wonderful.  We have yet to find someone who does not speak English well.
7. The drinking water tastes wonderful!

Worse:

1. Prices.  Now, mind you, some of it is a bit illusory since the krone is worth 7 cents, US Dollar.  So a meal that is $4,300 krone is about $35.  A car is over 2 million krone.  But nevertheless, it is expensive here.
2. Weather.  It is even more changeable than Kansas, though milder.  It is very wet, however, so rain jackets are a must.  And we are wearing our winter coats.
3. Geothermal hot water.  It smells a little like sulphur.  So I wonder if we smell like sulphur, though it might be a bit like garlic.  If everyone smells that way, no one notices.

Different:

1. Fold-up supports that can be used for older or handicapped people in the restrooms.  They appear to be standard - at least in women's bathrooms - and I know would be wonderful to have in the USA for people who have trouble sitting down.  Then again, they would probably be ruined in the US.
2. The asphalt used in paving.  It is very noisy, but I am sure it is because they have to make it to withstand all of the snow.
3. Credit cards for gas.  They not only have to have a chip (which we have), but they also need a 4-number PIN, which we do not have.  Tricky.
4. There are many more . . . I will post another series later on!