Iceland
I'm going to try and post some copy as regularly as possible, since I'm already behind.  Good training for journalism.  I've already leaned to give Blackie the lead, so the rest is just learning the routine.
My first inclination when attempting to describe Iceland would be to start with the architecture.  In smaller communities like Keflavik, the housing design seems to be based on various types of shoe boxes with sloped rooves.  This may sound boring and pedestrian, but there's a terribly good reason.  The interiors are beautifully well appointed with hardwood walls, doors, and cabinetry, as well as geothermically energized underfloor heating.  The reason these small communities are able to afford these rather luxurious and energy-efficient residences is because the component elements are manufactured in abundance and then applied to each new house.  It is the very idea of the economy of scale.  Everyone builds their house based on the available assembly pieces, rather like Ikea.  If everything is cookie-cutter, the rest is just assembly.
An architectural element that the small rural communities share with the larger, urban communities such as Reykjavik is that of light.  Living north of the sixtieth parallel, sunlight is at a premium throughout the year.  Floor to ceiling windows are commonplace, even in urban highrises.  The rural houses that look like shipping containers usually have an entire wall dedicated to insulated glass.
Why focus on architecture?  I suppose that if architecture is art in which you live, then this art form tells us everything we need to know about contemporary Icelandic culture.
The people of Iceland are practical and very much dedicated to common sense, but are always open and willing to let more light into their lives.
In short, a lovely place with wonderful people and extremely expensive puffin-based dishes.
Until my next opportunity, goodnight England and the colonies.
—mARKUS