Iceland’s economic collapse has affected everyone here in different ways. Some have lost everything, while others are concocting wonderful plans to help hoist themselves and the country out of the doldrums. Many, many are simply riding this wave through, saving where they can, holding on to what they can (tangibly and emotionally), occasionally shaking their heads in disbelief at what has occurred.

This publishing company, Heimur, has not been immune from the crisis and consequently, many of us have been given notice.

So this is my last Daily Life column.

After this week, I will be thrust back into cutthroat world of freelance writing. This is not a bad thing. You may see my words on this site in future as part of contributions to Iceland Review, and I have several exciting projects on the go with my own company. (Yes, that’s a plug, but I might as well generate my own free advertising!)

Since 2005, I have written almost 100 Daily Life columns for this site.

I’ve covered the usual gamut of topics—the “quick wins” of DL columns (the ones readers seem to ask about the most) like learning Icelandic (and then learning it some more), how everyone is related to each other, politics and Icelandic society in general.

It was always fun to write about some of the quirkier aspects of Icelandic life: Naming traditions, the annual parties, the eternal popularity of the Eurovision Song Contest, a famous local shopkeeper, “inside shoes”, and, my favorite, a rather gruesome olfactory habit I dubbed “snerking.”

Even before the current crisis sadly provided us scribes with plenty of material, there were always some topics discussed at length at coffee machines (no water coolers here!) throughout Reykjavík offices.

Remember when the now hated Davíd Oddsson resigned as Prime Minister?

When Lithuanians thanked the Icelandic nation for its support for Baltic independence? (on second thought, maybe you don’t actually remember that, but it happened!)
 
Perhaps you recall one or two news items about a legal case between the Icelandic state and Baugur? This column, written about the Baugur saga in the style of the traditional Icelandic sagas, generated many responses, readers either pleased with a new way of presenting the information or bemused about what on earth the column meant!

In the world of sport, before Iceland won its record-breaking silver medal at the Beijing Olympics this summer, they had a few outstanding victories in other tournaments.

Like the handball team, my tournament is over – but there will be more to come.

So, as they say, onwards and upwards! I hope your interest in our little island will continue. We are living through challenging times, but will undoubtedly emerge from this tunnel brighter than ever.

I hope you have enjoyed these columns.

ER – eliza@icelandreview.com