Rotten Apples and Extra Shoes

Rotten apples may be a little bit of an exaggeration. Maybe I should say SEVERELY bruised. Like so bruised the whole thing feels squishy like rolled up socks. That's the kind of apple I have taken to eating. I guess it shouldn't come as a surprise that apples in Iceland would be a little beat up given the journey they must have undergone to get to my local "Bonus" grocery store. I can't actually read where they are from since everything in the grocery store is in Icelandic, but I'm pretty sure they aren't from within a "local" radius... Because I have become an extreme value shopper to save money (especially now that the kronur is gaining strength due to the demise of the government), I buy bags of apples. I would say that maybe 1 out of 3 is firm like a normal apple, and then the other two are as malleable as all get out. When I press my thumbs into the sides to check the firmness I leave two, defined fingerprints. Not a good sign! At first, I was a little grossed out, but because I don't want to waste any of my precious fresh produce, I just chomp them down. I think it may be an acquired taste, because I just polished one off without blinking an eye! This is a skill that will serve me well for many years, I do believe!

I imagine that everyone reading this blog knows just how much I like to be scolded. I've been told that I used to tear up when a complete stranger would kindly tell me to be careful with something in a grocery store when I was little and I can't say that my skin has gotten much thicker. I've lived my life attempting to do the right thing and never really struggled with it until now! Doing the right thing is made much more difficult when one cannot read the signs! I can't seem to go into a locker room or gym without doing something that is deemed worthy of a scolding. My main issue appears to be with shoes. Before coming to Iceland, it never occurred to me that it would be looked down upon (and against the rules) to wear the shoes you were planning on working out in to the gym. The other day, I walked into the gym wearing my workout clothes (and shoes) and was chased down the hallway by a lady who appeared to be eager to inform me that it was NOT okay. I felt terrible, but hadn't thought to bring an extra pair of shoes. She reluctantly let me continue, but not before making me vigorously wipe my feet on the shoe mat. I think it is important to note that because it was snowy outside, even before wiping my feet my shoes were pristine. Not a spec of dirt to be seen on the soles. Ah well. Learning this rule did explain why there was always a huge pile of shoes outside the locker room doors. I guess I should have put two and two together earlier!

The locker rooms at the hot pools are also filled with mysterious rules. There are VERY specific places you are supposed to stand to dry off and an order of events that is still somewhat beyond me. My first time at the pool, I made the mistake of putting my wet swimming suit on the floor by my locker. It wasn't long before an agitated lady with a mop rushed over and informed me that swimming suits are not to be put on the floor "because it might kill someone." I can definitely understand wanting to keep the floors dry, but it is a difficult thing to accomplish when you are wet from the pool! I am confident that I will figure out the etiquette someday, but it might take awhile. In the meantime, I get to work on toughening up and livin' on the edge.... hahahhahaa.