Extremes extend even to the mundane. They were, too. Iceland sits astride the volcanic Mid-Atlantic Ridge, its back against the Arctic Circle. One of every two Icelanders, for a grand total of 130,000, lives in this quiet metropolitan area, but the city's roomy, medium-rise apartment blocks make it look more like home to half a million. The streets are clean, right down to the cracks in the sidewalks.
Modern sculpture adorns almost every plaza.
One, said the guide. All rights reserved.