When we exited the plane in Iceland, we walked right onto the runway. It was dark, windy, cold and snowing sideways. There was a very tall woman that worked for IcelandAir who welcomed us by shouting into the howling wind, “This is Iceland!”...welcome to the land of the Vikings. There’s a joke in Iceland that says if you ever get lost, just stand up. The Vikings cut down all the trees centuries ago so you can see for miles. I can’t say I blame them—they needed to survive. The reality is Icelanders have tamed the elements and thrived. They have an artistic culture, strong aesthetic, a real understanding of how to promote their country’s natural beauty. Also, Reykjavik is a charming, cosmopolitan city that knows how to ring in the New Year. I took away a lot of great memories from this trip and reinforced my belief that with mettle and perseverance a group of people can accomplish anything.