Moving to Iceland

Shauna vinkona mín hérna í Santa Barbara ætlar að flytja til Íslands í byrjun júní.
Eftirfarandi leiðbeiningar fékk hún frá vini sínum sem hefur ferðast víða um heiminn.
Jámm hvað finnst ykkur? Það skal tekið fram að hann veit að hún ætlar að flytja í höfuðborgina
en ekki á leið í neina hálandaferð:)

"some thoughts, warnings, suggestions for your trip.

-ground yourself.  a change in relationship is big.  a change in job or
academic career is big.  A change in home is huge.  A change in hometown
gigantic.  To change climates... wow.  To change cultures,
civilizations....   Languages?  Big change.

Burn no bridges.  Be open even coming full circle... Be receptive to
lonliness.  make it a bed because it will show up unannounced...  As
astronauts have to endure long periods without gravity, proper sunlight,
fresh air, you will have to endure long periods without expressing
yourself freely.... understanding or being able to make yourself
understood.  Without a shared context and circumstance, life and cultural
history, a person can feel very isolated.

eat healthy, drink clean water.

Travelling is not a toy and you know this.

Perhaps there is magic for you in Iceland, but it may not take the forms
you expect...  Don't be deceived by pleasant or unpleasant expreiences.
They both have the same fundamental quality, of coming and going, arising
and passing away.  Nothing lasts so don't grip it.   Desire and Fear are
your enemies.  Awareness, especially breathing steadily, is your best
friend.

Pack efficiently, you need lightweight, high tech thermal clothing, wool,
good shoes, socks you can hand wash...  everything should be able to fit
comfortably on your back.  I recommend you bring 7 to 10 thousand dollars,
connected to a checking account.  ATMs are the cheapest way to change
money.   It's a direct  bank to bank transfer.    And you can cancel the
card if you need to. Always have back-up cash, keep it close to your body.
Stay safe, warm, and around people you TRUST.  (look at their eyes)

It's good to get yourself an apartment or house...  create a home base.
Don't live off hostels and campsites... Being a guest can get old... with
a house you can travel, depart, and return.  Wash their dishes, sweep
their floors, give them food.

take photographs.
maintain a sense of humor.
never take it personally.

stay in touch with your friends and family.
These will be your lifelines to familiar roots."

Yfir í annað þessu algjörlega óskilt: ég sakna Einstein úr Word hjálpinni,
þessi galdrakarl er sko ekkert skemmtilegur. Viss um að Valla skilur mig;)