The Icelandic Canadian - 01.04.1988, Qupperneq 35

THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
33
den. Everywhere she went, publicity fol-
lowed, and an intense interest was engen-
dered in Iceland — hitherto known to
outsiders as exporters of beautiful lopa
sweaters and gamesters in an endless cod
war!
President Vigdis wore Icelandic furs, Ice-
landic knitwear of the natural earth tones,
and a good deal of blue or white for her
more formal clothes. Undoubtedly she
would also have worn the Icelandic nation-
al costume of black and white with gold
trim, but Icelandic “informers” were more
interested in describing her taste: Elegant
simplicity — neither man-tailored suits
nor form-fitting dficolletage, but easy
dress/jacket combinations.
“I enjoyed the visits” was her modest
summation of those trips. But she contin-
ued, “Such visits bring nations closer be-
cause there is a two-way focus on the
nations. When Governor-General Schreyer
and Mrs. Schreyer of Canada visited in
June, for instance, there was interest in
them, but also in the affairs and conditions
of the rest of Canada. Coming from Mani-
toba, which has the largest grouping of
Icelanders outside Iceland, he was obvious-
ly more than a little interested in Iceland
and things Icelandic.”
“In February 1982,1 was invited to visit
Queen Elizabeth of England.” She had
attended the Royal Wedding in July as a
guest. “In September I attended the Scandi-
navian exhibition in the United States as
keynote speaker for the Nordic countries.”
“Scandinavia Today” was a year-long
exhibition and celebration of Nordic plays,
arts, crafts and music, with official openings
in New York, Washington and Minneapolis.
A busy schedule, but, as she says, “Export-
ing culture is the greatest channel for peace
through understanding.”
With her warmth, her informal poise,
and her contagious sunny optimism, most
Icelanders feel that in truth, Mrs. President
Vigdis herself is their most valuable export.
Fro Vigdis is widely expected to be re-elected in the
summer of 1988 for a third term as president of
Iceland.
Pjo5raeknisfelag Islendinga i Vesturheimi FORSETI: OLI NARFASON Gimli, Manitoba Support Icelandic Culture and Heritage by joining your local chapter, or write to: THE ICELANDIC NATIONAL LEAGUE 764 Erin Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 2W4