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Way back in 1999, I took Icelandic Airlines up on a deal: If I stopped over for one night in their country, I could then fly onto Heathrow airport, London, the next day, for a pretty competitive price.

Not ever having been to Iceland, I saw it as a good opportunity to add one more country magnet to my sparse collection:

I arrived in Rekjavik around mid-morning, as the flight had been delayed due to snow. I was whisked off to my hotel room, which was about an hour from the airport.

When I got to my hotel room and acclimated myself, I started to notice some unusual signs about the room, requesting that I should perform certain tasks!

Having spent most of my adult life, living in the USA, I was used to the plentiful and decadent life, that my new country had provided for me. The mere fact that a hotel in the middle of a baron rock, requested me to hang up my towel for re-usage, after my shower; Insulted me to my core and I thought that it was very cheap of the hotel to request that of it's patrons!

The next thing that I noticed, was another sign, requesting that the lights should be turned off, when leaving the room. For goodness sake! I like the lights to be left on everywhere, including the TV!

Well, I'm a big conformist, so I turned off all the lights and left my room and proceeded to explore the rest of the hotel and the surrounding area.

When I reached the hotel lobby, I noticed more signs; This was going too far! They actually had a bout five recycling cans, all in different colors and with signs, written in about five languages, on each. I recycled back in the states, but this was ridiculous! What else can one recycle, other than plastic, tin and glass?

Anyway, I ventured out into that cold, early March day. It was 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Iceland was a scarey place and I didn't venture too far. Eventually, I found a familiar establishment to eat, named Pizza Hut', which was not far from the hotel, at all. After a very tiny, tasty; And the most expensive pizza in my whole life, I retreated to my dark and unfriendly hotel.

When I arrived, back at the hotel, the halls were dark and half-lit. It was kind of warm inside, but kind of cold, at the same time. The staff looked at me, as if I was some kind of zoo animal with a hall pass. I found my way to my room, quickly!

Entering the room, I noticed a night-light. I turned on the main lights and the night-light went off. I had never seen one of those gadgets before. I could only imagine that it added to the cheapness of the hotel and it saved them a ton of money.

I didn't bother watching television. I don't even remember if there was one in the room. I decided to go to bed and adjust to the time change.

In the morning, I awoke, pleasantly and refreshed, took my shower; carefully, so I didn't use too much water, (another sign I found). I packed my bags and proceeded to the lobby.

I had about an hour before the bus came, to take me back to the airport. To my surprise, the desk clerk pointed me in the direction of a large room, filled with food.

I couldn't believe the quality of the food that lay before me. It was all high in fiber and nutrition. Whole-wheat breads and crackers, fruit, Pate', Muslix, goat's milk and the list went on! I had quite a hearty feast!

On the bus, back to the airport, I pondered the whole situation. On the plane to Heathrow, I pondered some more. On my return flights, I didn't give it much thought. But when I got home to my house in the USA, it hit me!

The next day, I was recycling, re-using towels, turning down the heat and buying light-sensitive night lights. It drove my children crazy!

Learn more about this author, Jon Coe.
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