• Icelanders aren’t much for people who whine about what’s wrong in the world, but they sure are excited about Bob Dylan’s concert 26 May. Just like a woman.
• Rite of Spring Festival returns 17-19 May. It’s like Airwaves for the folk, jazz, and world music scene, except people might actually remember it the following day.
• Speaking of old-people music, John Fogerty will try to slip some non-Credence Clearwater Revival tunes by the crowd 21 May. It’ll give you a chance to grab a beer.
• How about something for nothing? Only if you’re fast. There’s a free Midday Concert in Hafnarborg 1 May. Book now!
• It’s never too early for a blunt. James Blunt visits the joint 12 June. Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em.

And hey - let’s be careful out there.

From that day on the little gay Viking, and all other little gay Vikings that came after him, had to hide their feelings or risk the consequences. But about 30 years ago a group formed to help. Samtökin 78 decided that all of the gay Vikings should be let out of the closet, and they somehow got the rest of the country (more or less) to agree.

These days the majority of Icelanders not only accept the lifestyle of their more fabulous countrymen and women, they even show up in droves every summer to celebrate their diversity with a Gay Pride parade.

So whether you’re a stromo, a judy, or a raging bear, Iceland has a special place for you - and we promise it won’t be in the closet.

Iceland’s gayest upcoming events:
17 May - Gay dance at Organ | 13-16 June - Leather Summit

Get the whole flaming story: Gayice

You might frown at a rule dictating what you may or may not name your child, muttering something about freedom of choice, but you’ll soon find the rules helpful. After all, the more interesting your child’s name, the more interesting you yourself appear to be, so naming your kid Aðalbjörg will give you all sorts of cool cache. Plus it will prove to your friends and family that you’re finally shacking up with an Icelander.

But some Icelandic names sound disappointingly English, so avoid “Jón”, “Davið”, “Anna”, “María” and “Nóvember” at all costs. Instead, how about “Snjólaukur” for a boy, or “Grettisgata” for a girl? Whatever you do, do not name your baby “Björk” — it’s just trying too hard.

Hopefully you already understand about the Icelandic last-name conventions, which dictate that boys take their father’s first name and stick a “son” on the end of it and girls have to do the same with “dóttir”. And if you’re really, truly traditional you’ll give your son both his father’s first name and last name as a special treat — which is how the world was blessed with the likes of Magnus Magnusson.

But try to be original: there are many beautiful Icelandic names to choose from - some more pronounceable than others. Luckily, nearly all Icelanders are given nicknames that are shortened, easier versions of their birth-names at some point, which means that no matter what you choose to name your child, it will inevitably be known as either Siggi or Sigga in the end anyway. So much for cool cache.

Don’t take our word for it: before naming your baby you’d be wise to look up Wikipedia’s full list of genuine Icelandic names for boys and girls. And you can check their meanings here. Good luck!

We’re at it again!

Miss out on the concert giveaway last week? Have no fear - the Icebreaker’s here!

Travel From: London, Copenhagen, Berlin, Barcelona, and Alicante

Travel Period:
17 April - 14 May 2008

Booking Period:
16 April (noon GMT!) - midnight 17 April 2008

One-way fares, including taxes and charges, from:

• ₤56
• €70
• 535 DKK
• 669 SEK

Legal Stuff: Act fast because when they’re gone, they’re gone. Limited dates too, of course.

Still here?
Get your seat before this deal melts away. Book Now!

The Þráður (Thread) music festival next weekend features some of Iceland’s hottest bands (see below), and we want to give you a free ticket. The first 100 people to book one of these special city break deals will walk in for free. That leaves lots of extra cash to buy the blonde at the end of the bar a drink.

*If you are one of the 100 lucky ticket winners you will pick up your pass at the venue (NASA).

Travel From: London, Copenhagen, and Berlin

Travel Period:
Depart 17 April, Return 21 April 2008

Booking Period:
Friom right now until 17 April 2008

Return fares, including taxes and charges, from*:

• ₤154
• €190
• DKK 1430

* Be sure to choose the correct currency during booking for the deal!

Legal Stuff: Act fast because when they’re gone, they’re gone. Limited dates too, of course.

Still here?
Come get your groove on, Iceland style. Book Now!

Some of the Thread bands: Halfdís Huld | President Bongo of GusGus | Brain Police | XXX Rottweiler Hundur 

Need to say something to someone about Iceland but don’t dare do it in person? Let our new employees do your dirty work for you.

The Iceland Socks are a rag-tag bunch of loudmouth sock puppets with questionable taste in clothing. They seem to be traveling around Iceland and they’re not afraid to say what they think of it.

Or, to be more precise, they’re not afraid to say what you think of it.

Feed them some lines and cut a short film that doesn’t have to sound like it comes from the Icelandic Tourist Board. You can then send your masterpiece to a friend! Or a foe! Or the nearest film school!

Don’t sock around: Send a sock-o-gram now!

As far as official events go, April is a dead month. Spring is in the air and nobody wants to commit to being anywhere, at any time (except, perhaps, the pool — let’s say Saturday at noon?). So here are some suggestions to keep you busy this month:

• Traveller’s Day corresponds to the first day of summer on the Viking Calendar. Celebrate with cheap bus tours, fishing trips and family events. We like our Traveller’s Day like we like our women: warm and inexpensive.
• Go see some glaciers and rocks and things. Ok, it’s a shameless plug, but we know a few tour operators who will gladly show you around. Get on the bus.
• You can walk off your hangover (and the twelve hot dogs you ate yesterday) with a hike up Mount Esja. A 15 minute drive from the capital, Esja offers a relatively easy hike to the best views around.
• Find your next mad crush. In case you haven’t heard, Icelanders are rather good looking. And smart. And they don’t expect you to have great manners. You just may have a chance.

And hey — let’s be careful out there!

Almost a year and a half ago we warned you about the nude bathing requirements at Reykjavík’s swimming pools. The inquiries from terrified travellers were overwhelming.

Do I really have to get, like, all the way undressed?

Are there any pools with private showers?

I’m circumcised… will that be a problem?

It seems that most people who visit Iceland haven’t been naked in public since the nurse slapped on their first diaper.

But we fear that we may have created a monster. Apparently some of you are becoming so comfortable with yourselves that the establishment has been forced to act. Notices prohibiting women from doing any ”personal grooming” in the showers have sprung up on changing room walls, and now this story appears in an Icelandic newspaper.

The article describes the rising popularity of topless sunbathing at public pools in Iceland and notes that, in most cases, while airing your lady lumps may get the attention of the 14-year-old boys swimming nearby, the pool staff couldn’t care less. At least they won’t kick you out for it.

In a poll of our Iceland Express office, nobody reports noticing an increase in nipple slips at public pools (although our Content Editor excitedly claims to have seen Páll Óskar lose his bottoms on the water slide at Sundlaug Vesturbaejar).

But closet exhibitionists rejoice - the weather is warming up, the sun is shining, and the tourists are on their way.

Iceland Review

But here’s the thing: There are only, like, 300,000 people here. There just isn’t that much news.

Hence, The Most Boring Iceland Review Stories of the Month:

Central Bank Contemplates Measures for the Banks
-They must be taking a break from all the sing-alongs and finger painting.

Business Opportunities in Development
-Business Opportunities took 2007 off.

Senior Citizens in Reykjavík Satisfied
-Perhaps by the new business opportunities.

Iceland May Minimize Trans Fats
-Just maybe. Better check back daily for updates!

Supplement your blogging with some of IR’s more interesting stories here.

Take off your shoes
If you’re lucky enough to get invited into the home of a genuine Icelandic person (yes, it has been known to happen) make sure you take your shoes off at the door. Walking wet sludge all over their brand new parquet flooring is considered bad manners. And watch out - the same rule applies at some swimming pools, doctor’s offices, and other public areas.

Whatever you do, don’t say hello to anybody
Never say “hi” to anybody you recognise. Not even if they spent the whole of last night propping up the bar with you, relaying their life-story. People don’t greet each other here until after they’ve had at least two beers — then you’re free to hug / laugh / cry / get married, whatever.

Eat everything with your cutlery
Icelanders haven’t yet realised that burgers are served between two pieces of bread precisely so you don’t need to use a knife and fork to eat them.

Don’t be a push-over
Don’t feel offended if you get shoved to the floor in bars. It’s not that Icelanders are rude, it’s just that you’re in their way. We advise you to smile brightly and push right back. You might make a friend that won’t say “hi” later.

Get naked
Icelanders are notoriously hygienic. You must shower naked before you swim, paying special attention to your special areas. If you’re not sure which parts we mean exactly, refer to the classic Naked Androgynous Diagram.

You seem to have right-of-way
Don’t be surprised when cars slow down to let you cross in front of them; even if you never wanted to cross in the first place. It just gives everybody a chance to get a better look at you.

No Icelandic word for ‘please’
Say takk a lot to make up for it.