I have been Iceland now two months, but it feels like I just came here. Time seems to fly when you are having fun, right? I have learned a lot during these two months and made new friends. I hope I could stay here longer because there are still so many things to see and do.
Reykjavik
I have worked in laboratory in molecular biology project. The project has been very interesting, and I have got to work independently. There are eight members in our group, some of the members are working and some are doing their bachelor or PhD. We all are working on our own projects, but all these projects form part of the whole project. The aim of these project is to see how a specific protein affects to human cells. I have learned more different analysis and cell culturing. At least now I know how I should not to treat my cells. Once a week we have a seminar where PhD. or master students represent their work. It is always interesting to hear new researches and novel treatments or drugs against deceases.
I haven`t work in research group in Finland so it is quite difficult to compare working culture and because Iceland is also Nordic country there are few differences. However, I was a little surprised the clean room working. It was much more stringent when we practiced at school. There isn`t room to change laboratory coat before going to clean room and it isn´t obligatory to use indoor shoes in there. But I don`t know are these differences only because I have worked with cell cultures at school not in real research group. I have also notice that there isn`t proper coffee break but everyone just drinks their coffee while working. Otherwise working culture is similar.
Vestrahorn Mountain
There are few people in Iceland and Reykjavik is a small city compare to other cities in Europa that`s why I think the best part of Iceland is nature. I have done a couple road trip during my exchange and it has been nice to see how landscapes change when the weather gets warmer. I have been in Golden circle to see Geysirs and swimming in the Blue lagoon. I have also visited in south, east and west part of Iceland. I guess my favourite place was Vestrahorn Mountain. It is a big mountain near to the black beach. Because the sand of the beach is wet you can see reflection of mountain from the sand. Other nice place was Kirkjufell mountain or as Game of Thrones fans know it as Arrowhead mountain beyond the wall. If you come to Iceland I recommend to rent a car (or if you are in good condition a bike) and travel around Iceland.
Kirkjufell mountain or Arrowhead mountain from Game of Thrones
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