"I'm not only perfect, I'm Icelandic"

It's not every day that an entire country organizes to celebrate your birthday with you. But it did happen for me. Iceland pulled out all the banners, bands, and beasts to help me celebrate my birthday on June 17. It was a very generous gift and I'll remember it for many years. Besides, what other country can boast about having 55 active volcanoes, 3 major glaciers, whales that perform right before your eyes, horses that have not changed since the 12th century, and a population of only 320,000 people? Yes, there will be a test on this.

The only real way to see Iceland is to get out there and enjoy it. From snorkeling between the tectonic plates of Eurasia and the Americas to riding ATV's on beautiful black beaches to taking the helicopter to see the breathtaking remote locations before landing on top of one of the glaciers for a little champagne break. Of course you'll also want to get on the Icelandic Horse and make it Tölt. But if you think Iceland is only about the landscapes that are made for movies & television shows like Prometheus & Game of Thrones you'll be pleasantly surprised that the cuisine has moved into the future and is both inventive and delicious. Sure you can find the odd rotting shark, fresh whale, reindeer, or puffin but the real gourmand is tasting all their amazingly fresh fish, beef, and lamb prepared with unique combinations - don't laugh, fish and gelato could be having a moment.

Not sure you need to go? Watch the slide show and get inspired.

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And if your birthday is on June 17th they'll through a great party for you too. So get ready it's time to go.