Atlantica - 01.06.2001, Qupperneq 100

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Atlantica: Of all the cities and countries you’ve travelled to,
which places do you like the most?
Ragga: I’d say Edinburgh. And maybe Antigua. I went there for
two weeks to shoot for a bridal magazine. It was unbelievable.
It’s paradise.
Atlantica: What’s it like to be Miss Iceland?
Ragga: It’s not really a different life than what I was living
before. It’s just really nice to be the one picked out of a whole
group of beautiful girls.
Atlantica: What is your role as Miss Iceland?
Ragga: I’m scheduled to go to the Miss International competi-
tion in Japan, but they say I might have to sign a contract
before going, and if I win the competiton, then they’d pretty
much be able to own me for the next year and tell me what to
do. So, I probably won’t be going. I don’t sign contracts.
Atlantica: Define beauty.
Ragga: Sparkling...clear. Wow, that’s a hard question.
Freshness. Something that comes from the inside.
Atlantica: What makes a person beautiful?
Ragga: Someone who has a beautiful heart. It doesn’t matter
what she looks like outside.
Atlantica: Iceland is marketed to younger travellers as a coun-
try with lots of attractive women. Why are Icelandic women so
pretty?
Ragga: We live a healthy life. Most Icelandic women keep in
shape and eat healthy food. But they do drink a lot [laughs].
They say that the Vikings...well, they say some of the best peo-
ple in the world got together and made the Icelandic people.
I’m not sure of the reason. Fresh water. Fresh air. Fresh fish –
everything is fresh here, not spoiled.
Atlantica: Where are the most beautiful areas in Iceland?
Ragga: I’d say the Westman Islands. Well, that’s where I’m
from, but I love the mountains, the houses. It’s [Heimaey] a
small city with friendly people. Of course, my memories are
there.
Atlantica: What do you think about Keiko coming to the
Westman Islands?
Ragga: It’s nice having him there. But it’s a shame how much
money they spend on him. They’re trying to set him free, but
they never can because he’s so used to being fed. It’s sad how
they treat these animals. But they’re taking really good care of
him. They spoil him.
Atlantica: What’s the ugliest location in Iceland?
Ragga: There is no ugliest place...
Atlantica: What’s your favourite bar or cafe in Reykjavík?
Ragga: Definitely Kaffibrennslan. I like the atmosphere; it’s
always packed. And even when it’s crowded, you can still have
a good conversation. Plus, whenever I go, I always meet some-
one that I know.
Atlantica: Do you ever feel that Reykjavík is too small?
Ragga: The first time I came back from travelling as a model I
thought it was small. Now, I think it’s comfortable being in
Reykjavík. The city has everything, just like any other big city.
Atlantica: If you could change anything about Iceland, what
would it be?
Ragga: My father owns a fishing boat so I’d change the quota
system. The quota system really hurts the small fishing com-
panies. They are having a difficult time surviving. It’s madness
how expensive it is for them to get a quota to catch and sell
fish. That’s what I’d like to change about Iceland.
Atlantica: If you could say one thing to Davíd Oddsson, what
would it be?
Ragga: My prime minister [laughs with a sigh]? Well, he can’t
do anything about the quota system, really. It’s not up to him.
I would tell him that he’s done a really good job and the
Icelandic people are proud of having him as their prime minis-
ter. I’d tell the next guy to do the same things [Oddsson] has
been doing.
Atlantica: So, what does Miss Iceland do for fun on a
Saturday night?
Ragga: I like to go out to dinner at a nice restaurant
like Apótek and then just walk around town
between pubs and meet people. Or, stay at home,
open a bottle of red wine, slice some cheese and
have a cosy evening with my boyfriend. [Sorry
fellas.]
Edward Weinman is a staff writer.
The Atlantica
INQUISITION
Ragnheidur Gudfinna Gudnadóttir (Ragga) started her modelling
career at the tender age of 15. After travelling across the globe, work-
ing in such cities as New York, Milan and London, the 21-year old
returned home to win the coveted title of Miss Iceland. With a warm
smile and liquid eyes as blue as the shallow waters off the Caribbean
island of Antigua, this newly-crowned beauty queen speaks her mind.
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