WOW! This magazine is just brimming over with good stuff! I really wasn’t supposed to, as WOW air CEO got all the space but I just couldn’t resist. So here I am, abusing my position on the contents page. This magazine has been my sole project for many weeks and I have become kind of fond of it. I hereby present to you the first issue of WOW Magazine, titled “WOW is in the air” (next time it will be something completely different). Take a look at all this stuff and enjoy your trip to or from Iceland. Guðrún Vaka Helgadóttir, editor in chief
In this issue 8
“I have had the whole world as an arena” Max Dager, director of the Nordic House tells us about this remarkable cultural center and his surprising past.
10 Good to know This and that about things in general. 14 What’s going on? Iceland is happening and here are the highlights for the next couple of months. 16 Icelandic Christmas traditions Did you know Icelanders have 13 days of Christmas and 13 Santas? This article tells it all. 20 How to cook a traditional Icelandic Christmas meal? Tried and tested recipe for hangikjöt (smoked lamb) from Icelands leading culi nary magazine.
26 A feast for all the senses The Vatnajökull Region covers the area of South east Iceland and is truly the photographers paradise. 28 Capturing nature’s big show Olgeir Andresson has gathered attention world wide for his stunning photo graphs of the Northern Lights. 32 What’s that smell? Find out everything about the ancient midwinter festi val of Thorri and Thorri food. 36 The First Lady’s fashion The elegant and beautiful Dorrit Moussaieff dresses to impress at every occasion. 40 Cool gossip Read all about the Holly wood crowd that visited Iceland last summer.
4 ı WOW is in the air
48 The golden boy Goldsmith Kristján Eyjólfs son´s creations are literally fit for a queen. 50 Crazy for Kria Jóhanna Methúsalems dóttir´s jewelry designs reflect Icelandic nature and history. 53 The momentum of Icelandic literature After reading this, you’ll want to do some more reading. 56 A trip to remember We got designer Ingibjörg Hanna Bjarnadóttir to tell us about her favorite souvenir.
the first Icelander to compete in the esteemed Ultimate Fighting Championship, UFC.
72 The sea is our second home Two of our brave journalists recently took a dive in the Atlantic Ocean. Learn about their first hand experience with the freezing waters and why no one thinks they’re crazy. 76 Ready, set, go! If you wish to see Iceland in a different light, try taking part in the WOW Cyclothon. Race around Iceland in 72 hours or less and raise money for a good cause while enjoying the view. 78 What the person next to you is really doing! Find out why the person next to you is acting strangely and why you should act the same.
58 Good ideas from Iceland
80 Anything is possible for a smiling bulldozer 60 You don’t have to be Andrea Sóleyjar og Björg- a sell out vinsdóttir is truly a person of Sigtryggur Baldursson, a WOW. former member of The Sugarcubes, recently took Prentun: Oddi umhverfisvottuð prentsmiðja 82 All about Berlin over as manager of Iceland We bring you …. BERLIN. Music Export. He now uses Read about recommended his extensive social network restaurants, shops, sights, for the benefit of aspiring trips and more. Icelandic musicians. Plus: A firsthand experience Plus: We had a little talk with of a poor Icelandic student renowned band Hjaltalín in Berlin and a fraction of and recommend some good the Berlin Wall. music. 64 Dat app! We present the app that gets you around town. Find out how to hail a cab without speaking a word of Icelandic, with the iTaxi app. 66 The WOW Stars We are proud to present WOW Stars Annie Mist Þórisdóttir and Jón Margeir Sverrisson who both set world records in 2012. 68 There’s a new superhero in town Gunnar Nelson is a professional martial artist in a league of his own. He is
90 Where to next? Take a look at these WOW worthy destinations and plan your next trip. 94 Environmental emphasis in the air Find out how Airbus makes the world go round in a new and improved way. 96 Good to know More about this and that. 98 A flying star We subjected pop sensation Þórunn Antonía to “The traveling inquisition.” See her confessions.
Editor in chief: Guðrún Vaka Helgadóttir Design and layout: Ib Contributing editors: Erna Hreinsdóttir, Jón Kristinn Snæhólm, Dísa Bjarnadóttir, Kristín Ýr Gunnarsdóttir, Björn Teitsson, Benedikt Bóas Hinriksson, Hrund Þórsdóttir, Guðrún Baldvina Sævarsdóttir, Steingerður Steinarsdóttir, Halldóra Anna Hagalín Proofreading: Paul Michael Herman Translator: Júlíana Björnsdóttir In-house photographers: Rakel Ósk Sigurðardóttir, Kristinn Magnússon, Ernir Eyjólfsson, Myriam Marti Sales and marketing manager: Árni Þór Árnason Advertising reps.: Árni Þór Árnason, Magna Sveinsdóttir, Ingvar Örn Arnarson © Birtíngur Publishing Lyngás 17 210 Garðabær Iceland Tel: 00 354 515 5500
Printing Oddi environmentally certified printing company All rights reserved. Reprinting, direct quoting or recapitulation prohibited except with a written permit from publisher. See companys legal protection and rates at www.birtingur.is. ERFISME HV R M
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22 Imagine Peace How did Yoko Onos 50 year old idea become a reality in Reykjavík?
42 Jumping the fence Movie director and produc er, Baltasar Kormákur makes his movies on both sides of the Atlantic but says Ice land is the core of his cre ativity. Baltasar is the latest WOW Star.
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6 A letter from the CEO Skúli Mogensen really hopes you’ll enjoy your flight.
WOW Magazine staff
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is in the air