Living in Iceland as a Black Person - Our Personal Experiences

Tabitha Laker and I collaborated to share what it is like to live as a black person in Iceland. Let us know in the comments about your experience of living as a black person or person of color in a country where you are the extreme minority.
Check out the video I did with Tabitha on her channel, "How to Get an Icelandic Man" - • DATING & MARRIAGE IN I...
Follow Tabitha:
KZbin - / tabithalaker
Instagram - @tabithalaker
Facebook - @tabithalaker
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Check out more of my adventures in Iceland and abroad on my other social media channels:
Instagram - @allthingsiceland
Facebook - @allthingsiceland
Twitter - @jewellschambers
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Listen to my All Things Iceland Podcast. I conduct interviews, share facts and teach you Icelandic words and phrases in most episodes.
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Thanks for watching!

[@AllThingsIceland]

Thanks for all of the love on this video. If you are planning to visit Iceland, make sure to get my free Ultimate Packing Checklist. It has all the essentials you need, and more, to have an awesome trip - allthingsiceland.com/iceland-packing-checklist

[@TheRealVirgilW]

You ladies are the best!!! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@AllThingsIceland]

@@TheRealVirgilW Thanks for watching!

[@recordingstewdio4159]

This was a lovely video. I know and have experienced just about everything that you speak of. Being a girl from a small Caribbean island (Jamaica), my whole childhood was spent daydreaming about travelling the world, which i started doing through work in 2017. And I am SOOOOO FASCINATED by the diversity, the places I have been, the different cultures and all i have and will continue to experience. I learn as much as I can and embrace the diversity. I am modest in my travels, and although I have never done to others (anyone different) what they do to me (because it just seems impolite), I try to understand that I seem unique to them and they show their curiosity in different ways. Unless told otherwise, I always assume they stare because I am fascinating :) If I visit Iceland again, I will definitely try to find you 🙂

[@vesselunseen]

I am considering visiting Iceland because of the positive things I’ve heard and the beauty of the landscape. Watching this made me consider being a POC even though I can maybe sometime pass through a crowd without a second glance. I am not ignorant to the fact that I can be clocked as obviously a tourist or non native. However this was a very well informed and insightful video. Thank you

[@AllThingsIceland]

@vespa66 It is not a sign of aggression. It is a sign of solidarity. Icelanders don't have a problem with this, so I don't understand why you do.

[@hrafnhildurblondal341]

As a native of Iceland, I never saw a black person through my years of growing up. Well, I saw them on television but never in real life. So when I first saw a black person on the street, I found myself wanting to stare, simply because of the novelty of it. And it's not just the colour but the different facial structure, so exotic and interesting compared to the mundane faces we see every day. I usually refrain from staring because I was brought up to be polite and staring is not polite. Love your videos, you are so enthusiastic and well informed and educated and now I have subscribed.

[@hugodaniel8975]

Iceland racist country

[@Mrktn4]

Aww

[@markus9641]

@@hugodaniel8975 I was in zimbabwe for a visit and some people were just staring at me cus they had never seen a white man. Zimbabwe is racist country.

[@ajl2232]

@@markus9641 No it's not. Stop making up stories.

[@markus9641]

@@ajl2232 I didn't see you reply with a comment saying Iceland isnt racist tho? Why should Iceland be racist and zimbabwe not? Both countries population are extremely homogenous so shouldnt the result be the same?

[@paradoxicalcanons]

Let's not overlook the fact that you're stopping traffic because you're gorgeous!

[@laureanne3409]

Yes, that's what I thought as well.

[@beimkohlehydrat2455]

i was just going to comment the same!

[@julieaylward6178]

You took the words right out of my mouth! Y’all are pretty exquisite.

[@deliafletcher5008]

I know right she is such a beautiful woman...her skin!

[@stacylamb5607]

I was thinking the same thing

[@kathleenmartin7498]

I visited Ghana years ago. I'm a white woman. I was shopping in a small village market and a very small boy looked at me, froze and just started screaming!! His mother grabbed him up and said he'd never seen a white person before , I felt so bad that I'd scared him

[@freshencounter]

This has happened to me throughout my life in US suburbs, especially, all my life. It’s good for you to know what that’s like, cause it’s also adults doing that here. It speaks a lot to how not teaching about the lives of fellow citizens easily promotes racism. And while it’s expected in Ghana, it shouldn’t be happening in Westchester, Marin, or Orange County. We can do better with intercultural education here. Hopefully you’ve released feeling bad.

[@kathleenmartin7498]

@@freshencounter yes, i held no long term feeling of guilt. I just felt bad that I had scared the little guy. I wonder if he remembers that as he is an adult now?

[@freshencounter]

Kathleen Martin My hope is he’s made trusting friends that look like you and people from many places. I also hope he’ll be comforted as he experiences the same when he’s not in Africa. Thanks for engaging. Wishing you and yours wellness and safety during this extraordinary time.

[@amairis8394]

Sorry hahah I’m from Ghana

[@iamgod2088]

😂🤣😂 you guys need to travel a little

[@Reality_TV]

I would like my add two cents to this. I am a black woman and I LOVE Iceland! I have had beautiful experiences in this country! The stares are absolutely real, but it isn't out of order. They look because seeing a black woman in different areas is different for them sometimes. Sadly, we aren't a usual group to see there because not a lot of us travel to Iceland! I should note that I was there almost a month and I saw one other black person and that was at Reykjavik airport. At restaurants, I was treated with respect and dignity just like anyone else. I had people smile at me, but Icelandic people are not overly smiley like Americans can be. However, people are really nice! One day a guy was staring and I didn't say anything. Then, he asked me if I wanted to eat lunch with him! LOL! I pulled over one day to check a map and someone pulled up to me and asked if I needed help! Please know that in the outskirts, there aren't a lot of black people. In fact, I drove the Ring Road and stopped in every place there was to take pictures and I didn't see ONE other black person at all - male or female. I have had people treat me BEAUTIFULLY in this country and I will ALWAYS consider Iceland to be one of my best places in the world to visit! I LOVE Iceland! Please know that there are good and bad people all over the world, but Iceland is a GREAT country! Don't go to that country with a chip on your shoulder PLEASE! The place is so great that you will enjoy yourself! It is so safe and so much fun! OMG! I slept on a black sand beach with NO ONE else around! I drove the Ring Road! I sat in the mountains, overlooking the ocean, while it snowed around me! I sat on a waterfront overlooking the ocean. I sat on a black sand beach watching waves on the ocean. I watched their beloved sheep play in the middle of a deserted road! I watched whales & puffins! I walked under a waterfall! I scrambled over volcanic rock fields all by myself. I LOVE this place! Just be open to people and don't take things personally if you get looks! It is OK! Icelandic people are not the fake sort. They are strong, wonderful people. AND, please don't take Americanized views of who & what white people are into that country! Iceland is NOT the US! Be kind, don't get offended by people looking at you (or staring) and embrace Iceland with WIDE OPEN ARMS! I would like to add one thing. Many people have a false narrative surrounding who and how black people are. They see images of us on the news and, honestly, those images don't always paint us in the best light. For MANY people in countries like Iceland, we may be the ONLY black person they have ever encountered in the flesh! That sounds odd, but it is true. I have been to places where NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN A BLACK PERSON IN THE FLESH! Does that mean the stares won't make you feel uncomfortable? Of course not, but just remember that sometimes things aren't what they appear to be and you don't want to be guilty of judging a book by its cover just like you don't want people judging you! *Give people a chance to show you the goodness in their hearts and don't be afraid to show yours!*

[@misshoneynevercame4832]

Thanks. Good to know. Some black ppl get very offended when white people stare but sometimes it's just pure shock. I always keep in mind that too often times i am the first black person they have EVER seen.

[@ivyd5485]

This is such a cool post. Blacks in some Asian countries also get stared at as well...it’s best to take it in stride.

[@shelovesthemso6252]

Reality TV Is it out of order to be called a monkey though! I am a black American woman and I feel joy when I read about your experience in Iceland. But, poor Tabitha! What an appalling experience to be degraded as such. “Is that a monkey?” I have to type these words to even believe that they really came out of another human’s mouth. I just can’t accept that the question was asked because the man was shocked at seeing a black person. Sounds like evil to me. The way you describe Iceland and your experience there makes me want to visit but when I hear Tabitha’s monkey story I say, “No, thanks.” All of Iceland’s beauty and hospitality cannot wash away such a horrible experience. At least not for me.

[@Reality_TV]

@@shelovesthemso6252 - Let me explain something to you. When you travel the world, I don't care if you are white, black, Asian, Latina or whatever, you MAY encounter bad people! We don't even know if that person was a native Icelander! Do you mean to tell me that you would avoid AN ENTIRE COUNTRY because ONE person said someone called them a name? REALLY? If you are THAT sensitive, then you should NOT travel ANYWHERE! I have stayed in hotels ALL OVER ICELAND! Do you know how many people called me names? ZERO! I am a black American woman. Do you know how many times I have been called the N word to my face in the US? EXACTLY ONCE! Should I leave the US because I had that negative experience? Do you know how many people have embraced me and treated me with love in the US? MANY! So which image am I going to hold on to; one or the many? When you get to Iceland, you ARE going to encounter people! Those people, by and large, are going to be good people. If you have 100 positive experiences and one negative experience would you say your trip wasn't worth it? Come on now! I will tell you that the first time I went to Iceland, I went with a man who was afraid of heights! LOL! He was black and I VOWED to NEVER, EVER, EVER travel there again with someone so I could do what I want without hearing people tell me they are afraid of something! We were LITERALLY at the top of a volcano and he started SCREAMING that he needed to get down! Should I have not gone back because I had a negative experience with that person? HECK NO! I just knew that this person & I were NEVER to travel ANYWHERE ever again! I have been many other places in the world and you cannot live your life being scared or upset of someone calling you a name! PERIOD! There are too many places to see, things to do and experiences to be had to do that! Aside from that, who cares what any single person calls you? YOU know who you are! Other people don't get to define YOU unless you let them! Other people also don't get to limit YOU unless you let them! Do you know something that is the honest truth? More black people have made fun of me and called me names than ANY other group I have encountered AND I AM BLACK! When I was in high school, I was picked on and called names because I was nerdy. Should I look at my fellow black people and hate them because I was called names by some of them? Of course not! Everybody is not good and everyone is not bad! Either way, those people didn't get to define me so why would I let someone who doesn't know me change what I will or won't do? Girl, I want you to get on Google Flights RIGHT NOW, look at the full map that shows the prices for particular dates on a flat map for the entire world AND pick you out some places to visit AFTER this COVID thing passes! I want you to EXPERIENCE THE WORLD because there will come a point in your life when you are too old, too sick or too stuck to do so! Get out there and SEE, DO and BE before it is too late! NEVER let what someone MIGHT call you limit you! I don't care WHO it is or WHAT they say! GET OUT IN THE WORLD AND SEE IT FOR YOURSELF!

[@marilynwillett804]

I HAVE LIVED IN OTHER COUNTRIES and visited many--America is the GREATEST COUNTRY ON EARTH, BLESSED GREATLY BY GOD. yes Europe is beautiful too, but their politics are selling them out--there is more to life than blacks or whites. no country in Europe has a love for our Creator, they are totally completely into the flesh, which is why it appeals to the flesh.

[@Walnut500]

Icelander here,. I have done the staring thing. The very first black person I saw some what up close. I stared at him out of curiosity. He noticed it before I realised and stared right back! I was embarrassed for having been unintentionally rude. Since then I've tried to be more aware of my staring when I see other races but I admit that I am still really curious about it for some reason, especially curious about black women hair, I stood behind one of you in a line at Bónus Mosó few weeks ago and passed the time admiring it.

[@AllThingsIceland]

Thank you for your honesty. When I catch someone staring at me and they smile, it puts me at ease. It might even open up the potential for me and that person to have a conversation. I think it is great that Icelandic people are curious. I personally wouldn't mind answering any questions. :-)

[@channel22detroit12]

Lol...

[@IamBrendaMarie]

I start at this man in tje teain station in new yoork city becausenhe had the same look and hairstyle of the Japanese amination cartoons. I could not believe that they realy look like that. I always thought that Japanese animation characters were a frigate of someone's imagination.

[@EmmaManace9642]

@WhiteNationalist Portugal Bison you are one disgusting human.

[@CarriUSA]

I've heard that to in some areas in Africa when they see a white person.... Lol

[@vanessa_the_mindset_maven]

I had a layover in Iceland on my way to the U.K, and from what I saw about Iceland, I really would like to return; black sand beaches, hot springs, the hills... just breath-taking.

[@AllThingsIceland]

Vanessa ButtuhFly yes, it is so beautiful here.

[@astaeyjolfsdottir5530]

I'm an Icelandic woman married to a Japanese American man since 1976 and he came with me to Iceland from California in 1981, people would stare and children would even point at him where he thought his fly was open. Today is so much better , he is invisible now. We love Iceland !

[@smolrat159]

How interesting!!

[@jeremykamel9655]

I think they stare because you’re both stunningly beautiful!

[@AllThingsIceland]

LOL thanks

[@stacey1234love]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@dotology]

My initial thought as well 😆 I'm a white woman from Poland and sooo many times in my life I've must have been perceived as the staring one while I just enjoy looking at beautiful people....well I guess it's still staring haha but for different reasons.

[@eysteinneysteinsson5499]

I agree, stunning

[@gabrielelias983]

Yeah that was my thought as well

[@vapalaca]

Nobody knew anything about Iceland literally 10 years ago and now it’s become a popular spot

[@Twystedsyxx]

As a black woman from America who has seriously considered moving to a Scandinavian country, I was pleased to see this video. It offers a lot of insight and makes me feel like I wouldn't feel so alone. Thank you for this.

[@AllThingsIceland]

I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you for watching.

[@hail_thevictors3625]

SAME!!! Great video

[@Ahria256]

I recommend Sweden and Norway over Iceland

[@rolfjohansen5376]

Scandinavian country, and Iceland are not the same

[@livelovely4681]

​@@Ahria256Agreed

[@happilyeverafter1186]

I'm from Germany, from a rural region that was not very diverse all. All I've learned about black natural hair care and the issues the black community faces on a general basis, I've learned on KZbin when I fell down a rabbit hole one day. :) It was like I discovered a universe that I didn't even know existed.

[@rozitahunter6191]

I am a Black American and lived in Germany as a kid because my Dad was in the Army. My parents were good about taking us on trips to visit different small villages. I remember the stares and occasionally someone (typically an older person) touch or rub my skin. I loved my time in Germany, the people, and the country. I love traveling and the curiosity of people.

[@marilynwillett804]

I'm a WHITE AMERICAN WHO LIVED IN Germany for years--I left my heart in Germany. Infact Germans always mistook me for being a German. I wanted one of those traditional german dresses, dirndl? I spoke a bit and I miss it.

[@sarumanork-orphanage5612]

@@rozitahunter6191 I am French German, passport says Frenh, Abitur says German - and it's so weird! I don't have any black connections, so everything I learn, every opinion I get is via the internet! And I live in Würzburg, Würzburg is decently populated, even by back people, I feel there is a real community here, but I don't have ties in Würzburg and I haven't met peiple through other people, so back people are at arms' length, but it would be weird just talking to them! "Hello, there black person, I hope you did not mind me staring, but would you mind being my new best black friend?" You don't do that! -- Should I do that? -- But they have their own lives, and they don't need yet another white person in their lives for cultural diversity! -- Aso there's a pandemic raging, so I don't meet people of colour in the bus, either.. -- But it's weird, right? Someone back me up! You're interested, but you don't want to be the creepy guy or the racist guy, so you end up staring and thinking and totally not making it better, until you stop staring which even lessens your chances of cultural contact - - what I'm saying is you don't just naturally have black friends in these parts, you're lucky if you are but more often than not, you're not lucky. So on each matter that involves being black, or people of colour, you just think - what the hell, and I can#t even think, because this is a black people's problem! It's like the N word, you can't say it, but you can't properly quote a Tarrantino movie without it, so you're stuck being akward because usually - I just think about how I feel about social issues, except I have no say in black issues o in feminist issues and I don't know anyone who would just tell me without me asking, so I'm stuck with KZbin telling me what to think, right? So that's basically my issue, I don't have someone to just fill me in on things and tell me first hand, so I rely on watching Trevor Noah and hoping he'll make things clear to me, except he#s in the US and not in Würzburg, so he doesn't bring the conversatio here either. But now's where it ets really crazy. My aunt is black. From Burkina Faso I think, at least she was a French teacher in Abijan and then moved to Ouagadougou and so I always thought she was from Côte d'Ivoire, but I think she's actually not and she's probably from Burkina Faso - anyway - why don't I just ask her. Right? So first of - she doesn't live in Würzburg. She lives in Den Haag, in the Netherlands, with my French uncle, so I don't even meet her too much, also, as aforementioned she used to live in Abijan, when I was a kid (and then in Ouagadougou), so I didn't grow up very close to her. And second - she's a Christian. Like hands on, pray before every meal Christian. And that would be fine with me, except I'm baptised, but non-believer, and so she accepts me as family and I think she actually doesn't mind, but it just freaks me out, that I could ruin our frickle relationship forever by saying the wrong word - I kid you not, I like her from what I know about her, but religiousness is a scary topic to me. Just - some people believe something, that I have absolutely no connection to, in suh a frim manner, that it can get spooky. And now thrird. Because we never actually talked abou the topic. And I'm scared to make the first move. And I know I should, but I'm paralized and I don't know how to approach such a sensible topic, - in German terms I feel like the kid of an Ausschwitz guard trapped with a really nice rabbi in a room, when I think of the situation. And I know she doesn't hate French peple, because she married one, but literally the historical weight, combined with the religion thing is kid of crushing me whn I think about it. And she's family, I don't want to offend her to the point where she'd put a crucifix on her door to protect her from me, I know she wouldn't do it, and I know she's a sweet person, but I'm kinda helpless here. Teach me Wolof or Idk, I don't think she speaks Wolof, she speaks a couple African languages though, the translates them in Den Haag, but I need to get across this, know what I mean? I need to bridge this gap, I need to learn about Africa and all the places, I know the first song on the CD with African lullabys she gave me when I was three by heart (it's a very beautiful song called o lé lé, which I was gifted as a child and either my uncle or my aunt picked it up for me at some point), but I feel kind of helpless, like I should connect with these issues, and move society forward, or at least pass the 'white person's definitively not racist test' - or something. I guess what I'm saying here in the end is - man, I wish I could understand, I wish things were more lax between black and white people, but I'm the grandma who's always staring and my sis is the kid in the store thinking 'What the hell, there's black people in iceland?? How did they strand here??' .. and I'm also the guy in the airport who just assumes he should address a person in English, when he can see she probably hasn't live in Iceland for that long, because if you made a Facebook group for white Icelandic people, you might just as well call it Iceland. I'm here, I'm curious, but I'm scared to reach out, and I feel I can only do a wrong step here, because so many people that look like me have made very wrong steps and very bad steps, and I don't know for sure if my DNA is in any shape or form better than theirs. I need to learn here. And I'm trying to. But I'm not getting very far on my own.

[@aubreyplazasuncle]

@@sarumanork-orphanage5612 the fact that you're questioning yourself shows your intentions are nowhere near bad , so don't be afraid to reach out! your dna isn't 'tarnished' because of history or whatever reason, there are horrible people in every race. i can't speak for all black people, but myself (and friends who are black) are always happy when non-blacks seek to be educated or are simply curious/ conflicted on an issue or whatever. if you don't have any black people in your immediate circle, maybe try online (forums and such), just make sure to try and be respectful.

[@risingphoenix8072]

Saruman Ork-Orphanage very sweet post ❤️❤️. If only more people were like you describe yourself, life would be so wonderful. People are afraid to talk to each other these days and it’s sad

[@positivewoman5454]

I’m African American in my 60’s. I grew up around all African Americans. The first time I saw a white person with blue eyes I was mesmerized and still am! I stared and still stare at a pair of beautiful blues. I also love Asian eyes! The almond eye shape is beautiful! I stare! I stare at dark skin I love it the darker the better.

[@dragonknightofamiraka3636]

Recessive genes. 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@Berliner7654321]

A few years ago, I met in Italy a woman from the Salomon I Islands. She had very dark skin and curly hair, but her hair was naturally blond, and she had blue eyes! Even better, while she was a bit overweight and looked seriously tired, she had her maybe 10 y.o. daughter with her, who was so energetic, it was obvious she was the reason for her mum being tired! And she looked like a skinny minuature of her mother: same skin, same hair, same eyes. I later learned that the mutation for blond hair has developed independently from Europeans on the Salomon islands.

[@Yosikuma]

Hi. White American guy here, and I think this video is fascinating and amazing; I will never know your perspectives and it is hugely beneficial and interesting to hear the experiences of those who are different from myself and living a different life from my own. Thank you for recording and posting this!

[@AllThingsIceland]

Thank you for watching and leaving a comment. :-)

[@davidb0043]

No

[@ms.bubs4fun506]

@@davidb0043 yes

[@radiantmiller5682]

Well spoken ♥️

[@valeriy8502]

This is the beautiful part of the internet

[@sarabjarnveig87]

as an Icelander I do stare.. but it is not in a bad way.. I stare because I am curious, I like looking at things that are different and beautiful and looking at people that are different and beautiful.. so if I have ever stared at someone and made them uncomfortable.. I AM SO SORRY.. but also.. you might get some questions that you might find stupid but keep in mind that we didn't grow up in this sort of diverse culture.. I remember being 17 and going for the first time to Denmark.. and I STAAARED at the airport.. I had never EVER seen a muslim woman, I was fascinated by how she looked like, how her clothes looked like, and how she moved.. and then I went to school in Iceland (húsmæðraskóli/hússtjórnarskóli) and met the first black person in MY LIFE (she is from Kenya), and I asked her soooo many stupid questions, I remember a few of them.. mostly were about her hair, and if she needed sunscreen EVER..

[@AllThingsIceland]

Thanks for your comment. I do understand that most people in Iceland stare out of curiosity. It is easier if the person who looks at you interacts in some way, such as asking questions, saying hi or just smiling so that it can be a positive experience. I don't think there are any stupid questions and I encourage you to keep asking questions. Well, only if the person is open to answering them. lol

[@shiwan45]

Vikingplanner I would love to visit Iceland

[@rsin216]

Vikingplanner I’ve never been to Iceland, I will be there in a year. I am originally from the Caribbean and I would love to see your country. More than that I love you’re comment, I think it’s 100% sincere. Totally 100%.

[@CALPH88]

Coming from a black guy. Im from New Orleans in the United States. And the city before the flood was mostly black and then i moved to california and never seen so many white people in my life and even i stared really hard.

[@davidb0043]

I've met two black people in my life, well that i really know

[@ritap5053]

Love the stories. Im black living in Greece on a small island. Im the only black woman and have been here for about 4 years.

[@discoverwitdrina]

What island do u live on?

[@becomingwoke8187]

That is so interesting! What has been your experience?

[@ritap5053]

I live on a small island called Kalymnos. Its really nice. I have not met any other black woman living here, certainly no one has said. In the beginning it was weird for them I think, there were lots of questions you know the usual where are you from and what are you doing here. I started in Greece from 2006 in Heraklion and then moved to Rethymnon and then Kos and now Kalymnos. Kos was the worst, the pure ignorance and racism was unbelievable, Kalymnos was perfect and just curious. Now everyone if not knows me then knows who I am, well most of the people anyway.

[@Etannl]

Black American here from Vermont. I grew up here being stared at, and not always with curiosity. I loved Iceland. I wish that I lived there. I loved the warm humanity of people. I was sensible only of being different. Thank you so very much for this video.

[@julieaylward6178]

Old white woman in Vermont, here, with biracial children. You are loved by me and my family.

[@s.m.3608]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video. I was born and raised in Kenya. Married a blonde blue eyed guy in the middle of nowhere Connecticut, USA. There was only one black guy married to a white girl in the entire neighborhood. Thankfully people in CT are super-friendly. Massachusetts was different but not much racism. I could really relate when you talked about how media paints black people a certain way that's far from reality. I hated the way Africa is portrayed in the Media by the likes of National Geographic. I was only married for less than three years, later became a US citizen then left on a one-way tix out of America after 18 years as I never really felt at home.

[@saidwahnow]

As someone who was born and raised in CT, how was Massachusetts different? Secondly, did you mean you left America and moved back to Africa after being married? I agree that manner African countries are often portrayed in the media is wrong. Especially when Africa is mentioned as if it’s one massive country rather than a continent with over 50 countries and various cultures and languages.

[@Lurkur]

I lived in Cape Verde Islands as a Kid for 3 years and as a white blond kid I experienced everything you talk about, good and bad! 🙂 Every country, culture and race has their share of idiots but most of us are nice! Hope you continue enjoying Iceland. 😊

[@AllThingsIceland]

Thanks for sharing your experience and watching the video. I am enjoying Iceland. :-)

[@atwservices5132]

I agree totally and had the same experience being a white minority in a black people´s island for three years. I also have some friends with blonded kids who were raised in Kenya and people there loved to touch their hair. We all have curiosity in other cultures, races and body features and I think it´s ok and part of interaction, multiculturalism and globalization but we all have to learn how to keep it kind, respectful and polite in the same way as when we see an atractive woman or man for us and we don´t jump on them, well, at least the most of us. I do stare to black people but because I find their skin color very attractive.

[@jrm2716]

Some people just look because you look different. Same experience as a pale red head living in Haiti. No difference. Vitamin D, magnesium and CoQ10 are also helpful. Tfs.

[@atsrong247]

Visited Iceland like 3 years ago, I don’t remember being stared at or anything like that. I do remember seeing black people and thinking how did they come to live here.

[@rashanda-michellemfb3188]

Was your experience negative?

[@cwfan2]

Hi from Missouri! I'm a white woman with red hair, pale skin, and a ruddy complexion with freckles. Back in the 80s, I was cleaning houses while I was laid off from my regular job. I was hired by an Iranian family to clean their apartment. I guess they had never seen a person that looked like me before because they kept staring at me like I was from outer space.

[@nurseae4586]

They were not used to white people doing ‘menial’ jobs. I had such a lady clean my place thanks to the school where I was a teaching assistant for a year in France,and ,as my experience was only with them in other ‘loftier’ positions in my country ,it took a while to see it as normal😀

[@josephjones3525]

Thanks for sharing that. It's not very often white people can truly understand the experiences...imagine living it everyday? Having your intentions, history, Integrity, intelligence questioned, your right to exist...simply because you have red hair, pale skin and freckles? Everyday? It's crazy..buy a daily reality

[@cwfan2]

@@josephjones3525 It's just fun to be an alien from outer space. How are things on Jupiter? Things are great on Saturn, but the commute to Earth is a bit long.

[@nikkirockznikkirockz8551]

Interesting, because Iran is obviously not a "race" per say, but a country full of folks who (if were Forced to be placed into a "category" would more than likely be considered "Whyte/Asiatic) which is filled with manYyy non-black people who are oftentimes designated to choose "Whyte" race on the U.S. census for example, and most can pass for "Whyte" so maybe it was your occupation that surprised them but not your skin color/phenotype instead..

[@autumnrose6370]

​@@nurseae4586 ❤

[@bergzi99]

That ex-slave you are talking about at 10:20 is actually the forefather of our ex-prime minister and ex-mayor of Reykjavik Davíð Oddson.

[@AllThingsIceland]

That's fascinating and thanks for sharing. I am interested in learning more about that person.

[@octaviosander8898]

You guys are pretty related to each other

[@acciodalek]

Are you sure they aren't staring because you are just that beautiful?

[@davidb0043]

No

[@sethdyasi2173]

Beautiful 100%

[@user-sm7og6fi3j]

Bugged out eyes and brillo pad hair are beautiful??? I don't think so. If they don't like living in a White country, they really should go home. Its very rude and ignorant to move to someone else's country and then do nothing but complain and try to change it.

[@millymurray1]

@@user-sm7og6fi3j I am sure u r beautiful...very ...beauty is in the eye of d beholder...I wish u could see how some people see white peoples looks...then u will see that a lot of people dont think ure Straight hair and pale skin is attractive...people can live where the F they want...this false ownership Is bullshit. ..we came with nothing and we going with nothing...look at u..the phone or computer u using...u know where the minerals to make it comes from...probably india or Africa..

[@otumfuo3]

S Wid I will stare at the Tabitha lady....she looks stunning....

[@traceycelestin-radix4921]

I’ve been to Iceland twice between 2018-2019 and absolutely loved it. I am a Black British woman and didn’t encounter any problems. Definitely a 3rd visit on the horizon. Iceland to me has become my happy place😀Thanks for sharing beautiful ladies 🥰🥰

[@bronitawalker7413]

Is your body real? As you stated previously, that statement probably stemmed from how media portrays black women in hip hop and Hollywood with their major body augmentations to breasts, buttocks, and tummy tucks etc. and also projecting black women as promiscuous. Queen of the Diaspora and Ugandan Princess keep living your best lives in Iceland! I hope to visit one day!

[@ToriHalfon]

I love it when black women wear their hair natural, it's so beautiful!

[@siggyii]

I'm so happy to hear that your husband speaks to you in Icelandic,that helps a lot because it is a very hard language to learn both to understand and speak. My wife is foreign,not white and we always speak together in Icelandic and she has said that that has been the biggest help for her in learning and i think it is sad that Icelandic men still speak English to their foreign wives after years of being together . Sadly there are rotten apples that ruin it for everyone with their ignorance regarding race. But i think for the most part they are just not used to see people of color especially older people but that is changing and i for one am thankful for that and glad that both of your overall experiences are positive

[@AllThingsIceland]

That is awesome that you speak to your wife in Icelandic. I agree that it is a tough language and having a person to practice with makes it less daunting. It is sad to hear that some Icelandic men that have wives from abroad don't speak to them in the language when it is such a critical part of living here. Thank you for the comment! :-)

[@siggyii]

Jewells Chambers the saddest part is that often those women come from a country that people don’t generally speak english so they come here and learn english and that is just not helpful

[@AllThingsIceland]

Yea, that is quite sad. :-(

[@suparauta8026]

That sounds great that husbands speaks Icelandic to their wifes. ❤️ That's shame if not. 😕

[@cinemacritic9571]

yes if you're lucky you'll also get displaced in your own homeland just like we other europeans have

[@nxtx]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! I’m also a black American (US) woman living in Iceland. It’s nice to see individual perspective and some confirmations about life here. Please keep the videos coming.

[@AllThingsIceland]

Our pleasure and thank you for watching. I am working on more videos. I hope to put them out soon. :-)

[@twelv]

@@AllThingsIceland hey chick! Being a bit nosey .... Do you ladies attend school or make a living there and plan to be there (stay). Are the "browns"😊that you see are they citizens or school goers or what. Fyi I'm brown as well. And Love all humans so I'm very intrested. Next vid mention the perspanalies there 😉

[@AllThingsIceland]

@@twelv hi! I work full-time in Iceland and take Icelandic lessons in my spare time. Tabitha was working here but she recently moved to Germany. I'm not sure of how many people of color go to school vs work here, but I assume that many of them work. I know of some that attend school full-time. Not sure if that answers your question. LOL

[@twelv]

@@AllThingsIceland yes thats answers it 😊 thank you. I'm going to visit and get a feel. But ive been wanting to come for many years to stay. Cold is fine too lol ! Just wondered if a kool amount of browns were there . but I love em all lol. Okay she went back to Germany huh! Hope y'all still stay in touch. And ill keep u posted on my visiting plans 😊 maybe we can have tea!

[@AllThingsIceland]

@@twelv Ok, awesome! :-)

[@davidomarcolwellmijares4035]

as a mexican living in united states watching this type of content makes me go and visit iceland! i got my citizenship couple months ago, and after watching you it makes me go and visit it!.

[@thatgenxlife800]

The staring may be because you're both physically attractive. IJS.

[@vaskylark]

@ScorpionBull07 You could say that about tall women too. I am white, leggy, blonde and six feet tall. I used to turn heads (Im older now) and more than once was called an "amazon" so it seems whatever is outside the norm, or what makes us different could potentially be a fetish. I hated being called that, but I didn't worry about fetishes. There are just dirt bags in the world. I also had a guy stop me once on the street just to tell me I had a beautiful face and he wanted to tell me. He didn't want anything from me which was nice. It goes both ways.

[@zteaxon7787]

People are generally not attracted at all to other races. So no. They stare because they don't belong and are an extreme rarity in Iceland.

[@mickybangtang8447]

@@zteaxon7787 are you new to the internet my guy?

[@jaywholoveseveryone1721]

@@mickybangtang8447 New to life or the world, maybe?

[@tessw9744]

Is Tabitha a model? She's stunning. Both of you are so pretty! Jewell's smile is so bright.

[@AllThingsIceland]

Thanks! I agree that she is stunning. I'm not sure if she has modeling in the past.

[@rgp1289]

Tess W she looks like a model. Falleg

[@sharroon7574]

She is gorgeous.

[@zacharykingston1046]

Yea im a white guy creeping. ..giving me lupita shades. ..wonder in if she's li,e a dark Lou east African ..or West African origin...perhaps jamaican./haitian

[@zacharykingston1046]

I knew I was sensing east African ...I am good...she is quite a dreamboat tho. ..I'll be her mzungu anyday...

[@sweeperboy]

I haven't seen your videos before, so I would have assumed you're a duo channel rather than a one-off-collab, you have great chemistry together. Keep it up and keep collaborating now and again!

[@AllThingsIceland]

Thanks!

[@emmanuelbenibo1367]

This video cannot be classified as anything less than "beautiful". I am practically obsessed with Iceland and her people as well as culture and I intend moving in the "future". Its a beautiful country with the most amazing scenery mixed with simplicity and uniqueness. Its just a place to fall in love with. However, being an African (black) its only natural to be curious how well I would blend in in such a "strange" environment, and this video virtually satisfies about 30% of my curiosity about Iceland 🇮🇸. Anyways, generally I think Icelandics are amazing people who are more "ignorant" towards blacks than "racist". Ps: you ladies are damn beautiful and communicate well. Cherio

[@thomas.alexander.]

To fight depression, you should also take a good strong dose of B12. I have found this very good myself, and I live at the top of Scotland, so we do have the short winter days too!

[@hail_thevictors3625]

I would absolutely LOVE those short winter days! I LIVE FOR THE WINTER!!!

[@freyjarosinkransbing4032]

its true, we Icelandic people sadly don't see a lot of other races. There are only three people of colour in my school, so its rare that we see black people. And when we see them out on the streets ill admit we probably stare, not out of hatred. Y'all are so pretty omg. We need more diversity here in Iceland tbh.

[@cadenhenry3385]

Freyja Rósinkrans Bing Why?

[@ljnv]

Live in America if you want diversity keep our nordic countries nordic

[@cadenhenry3385]

Freyja Rósinkrans Bing I have lived in a diverse area of America my whole life. I have been to Iceland multiple times and it is so much better there. Reykjavik is so quiet and peaceful (in comparison). Diversity is not an inherent good. Please, treasure the homogenous nature of your society. Contrary to popular belief you don’t need to be brutally and flamboyantly hateful racist to want a homogeneous society. If your homeland accepts people from all cultures, eventually you will not have your own cultural and ethnic homeland.

[@theanalqueen]

l1222214 jnv111 racist as fuck.

[@jordanjordan3167]

@@ljnv Are you an American? I feel like only an entitled white American would say that lol

[@jaypaladin-havesmartswilll5508]

It will be interesting to have video with black males and compare experiences living in Iceland.

[@AllThingsIceland]

Agreed!

[@anibalescobar743]

Don't you worry, i'm saving for my ticket and I'll do definity do a video of it!

[@zamanizamanimorgan6925]

This is a good idea

[@DeCurtaRican]

The women there live black men from my experience.

[@jonothandoeser]

@africansnowqueen The Live them!!!

[@jeffmusgrave3691]

“If you don’t have something nice to say, keep your mouth shut.” I love that.

[@Berlynic]

Honestly, I think that people keep on staring at Tabitha not mostly because she's black but VERY MOSTLY because she is EXTRAORDINARILY GORGEOUS! Darling, I'D STARE AT YOU ANYWHERE! And I'm a straight woman! Girl, you're gorgeous beyond words and imagination. It's hard not to stare at such a beautiful person. However, I smile and compliment a person, so they wouldn't feel uncomfortable. Ladies, you're GORGEOUS!

[@ginadelsasso288]

My thoughts exactly.... Straight woman here too but i can still say these women are beautiful. I would stare and smile at them as well. They have such a classic natural beauty to them. Are they even wearing makeup? It doesnt look like much, if they are. So jealous....in a good way.

[@scipio436]

Not really, It is really rare to see blacks in Iceland so you know when we see one we look in amazement. like for us, black people are very exotic and interesting, I should add this is not the case for the Capital there are many minorities.

[@scipio436]

I remember when i was younger my grandma saw a black man and she was so excited, she acted like she saw a celebrity.

[@darricklampkin57]

She is a Beautiful Woman

[@cassia1797]

I listen to your podcast very often and I am so happy to have found your videos too. I am not sure if you're a journalist but I am grateful to see your commitment and impartiality whilst still transmitting something true. Thank you for sharing your experiences and the Icelandic culture with us! :)

[@AllThingsIceland]

Thank you for the lovely comment. I am glad you enjoy listening to the podcast and watching my videos. :-)

[@LaLaLaXX]

Girl the men there look like Vikings. They are so damn handsome. 😍😍😍😍

[@LaLaLaXX]

@Kingdom Come I date whoever makes me happy. Y'all black men can have a "preference" and so can we. 😌Now bye.

[@simohayha6031]

@@LaLaLaXX ooof don't hurt his ego too much

[@LaLaLaXX]

@@simohayha6031 😂😂

[@rayanomar4832]

@@LaLaLaXX what r u saying that guy isnt even black hes probably a white racist thats why he says to date your own men

[@LaLaLaXX]

@@rayanomar4832 yea if it's a white girl. Very rare to see a normal white guy say this.

[@jemportal4166]

Oh my god, this is so cool! I'm African-American as well, I've always wanted to visit Iceland, and I was literally looking at a video about art sales before this, but somehow this video found its way into my suggestions, and I'm so glad that it did. I've learned a lot already, I'm totally gonna be binging on your videos this week!

[@asbjornasmundsson3596]

When I was young and beautiful I was a fisherman in the late 80`s ( now old and beautiful, of course ) I was at pub in Keflavik....I was going out to sea in the night but went out with friends to the pub. Being a man I scanned the place after a beautiful women that would be mine for the rest of my life/or for an hour and a half.....or what ever. What will happen, happens. On the dance floor was this black woman dancing with a friend like there was no tomorrow....and at that time in history....well, it was not exactly the norm to see someone dancing that was not allergic to crosses and garlic. Me and those guys with me sat down, all six of us. I just could not stop looking at that woman....not so much for the color of her skin but for the fact she just did not give a fuck....she was or looked happy.....and, I had never been up close to anyone other than a vampire looking countryman. I thought I saw her glanse at me a few times when dancing and under my then red beard I blushed...shy and sober. I never wanted to have a drink as much as I did then. As everybody knowes, alcohol makes you brave and even more beautiful.....a reminder, this was late 80`s.....in Iceland. They stopped dancing and walked towards our table. All of us sat there as they came closer just being cool and pathetic. They came to the table and just stopped and said, nothing. All the guys being drunk and clueless just looked anywhere but at them....I would have done the same but.....I was sober and having the full, or as full as it can be, use of my braincels. I understood then that they had been sitting there before us and either way I was brought up by my mother and three sisters and .... well you know. I jumped to my feet a bit to fast, I just at that time realised that she may NOT have been glansing at me before! Just the table and those who had claimed it. I could have been cool and just calmly stood up and offer my seat but....well lets just say I needed more braincels....I coughed and said...SIT ignoring some other english words like please! She accepted and sat down. Now.... I took for granted that when I offered my seat to them anyone of the other guys would offer his seat to the other woman.....no! Lets just say that she was very beautiful...on the inside. I had to manhandle one of the guys to give up his seat and that just made the hole spectacle even more embarrassing....not that any of them where embarrassed, they where drunk and cool. I was feeling some discomfort for not being as “cool” as them since my face was as red as my beard and on top of that I was sweating like Meatloaf in concert! There was on my part at that time some looking at the sealing, the floor, the walls well at anything that was not drawing breath. From nowhere someone grabbed my hand and pulled me of to the dance floor.....it was her! I just managed to think what? and then YES! I realised that having braincel activiti not always is a good thing beacause I could, would not and had never danced without the help of stupid juce.....I tried....I really did. I could feel every unfortuned spasms of my body trying to bee in the state of “cool” dancing with this beautiful woman. After a while, she just grabbed me and kissed me.........there where so many things that were not going through my mind at that moment.....I went in to a state of just feeling and, just like my friends being “cool” , not thinking. It must be on account of my unusual access to the gray sells that made two hourse feel like 30 seconds. I had to go out to sea. In those first words I spoke to her after parting with her lips I managed, before a sound came out, to step on her toes, cough, bump my forhead to hers just to stammer....I, fish, go! Apparently it was not enough to have access to some brain power, I had to know how to use it.... It turned out she was a flight controller and she was shipping out from the Navy base to another location, where, I did not know. She gave me her number on the base and said she hoped that I would not be gone for to long......when I came back from sea she was gone. So....my first encounter with her was like my first time kissing a girl....just feelings, no color.

[@asbjornasmundsson3596]

david nichols did you read the thing?

[@asbjornasmundsson3596]

david nichols well, that is your loss little man.

[@AllThingsIceland]

That's a fascinating story. Thanks for sharing.

[@alexanderbrown1578]

I thought it was worth reading... 😆

[@DopeGuyTy]

You're a cool and beautiful old dude and I enjoyed your story, thank you!

[@maidenjuno9971]

Hi, I’m glad I just stumbled across your channel. I’m looking for possible places to move to and your video was extremely insightful and uplifting. I’m also from Brooklyn NY😍 I’m so glad to see there is a lot of positive parts of being in Iceland, as well as the negatives. I like to see honest feedback about things like this, not just one way sugarcoating. You ladies are both extremely gorgeous and would stop traffic no matter where you go! Thanks for the information, it’s very much appreciated and needed ❤️

[@AllThingsIceland]

Our pleasure and thank you for watching. ❤️

[@vickymartinez8596]

I actually plan on move there one day. I’m Mexican with dark skin complexion so it’s good to know that being stared at should become a new normal for me lol

[@tracyvenice4815]

Hi ladies, I'm so excited about this podcast. Thank you for sharing your experiences both negative and positive about being Black and living in Iceland. I subscribed and I plan on staying tuned!

[@AllThingsIceland]

Our pleasure and thank you for the lovely comment.

[@AuroraBoarder1]

I am a black woman who toured Europe in 1982. When I was in Sweden, one guy saw me and nearly fell out of his office window! LOL!!!

[@AllThingsIceland]

LOL. That's hilarious. It must have been quite fascinating to be there in the 80's.

[@AuroraBoarder1]

It was. All throughout the continent, people kept taking pictures while posing with me. My tour members said I should have charged them. LOL!

[@SunnyDementia]

That wouldn't happen today. 10 years ago 14% of Sweden was foreign-born. Today it is 25%. That number continues to rise because Sweden decided it no longer wanted to be Swedish.

[@ocir9893]

Nice to see Tabitha this bit more quiet 'n soaking in knowledge from her sister! ... 'good exchange among swirl-ic sistrens!

[@saral2329]

"A group called Iceland!?" Ahahahahah so funny :D

[@AllThingsIceland]

:-)

[@HinrikS]

The whole "need to see black people" bit reminded me of when i spent a few weeks in the UK, and ran into some Icelanders at a certain clothing shop we always go to in the UK, all of us do it, and overhearing Icelandic felt so nice. I hadn't heard or spoken Icelandic for weeks and i didn't feel the lack until i got a dose.

[@Icelandlover]

I have been in Iceland 4 times since 2016. The most beautiful person I have ever seen in my life (after my spouse of course!) was a saleslady of a major souvenir shop in Akureyri in June 2019. Yes, she was black, but I only remember her because of her most beautiful and authentic gorgeous smile. If I was to cross either one of you two and stare, it would have nothing to do with your skin color, but because of your equally beautiful smiles.

[@rainbow28a35]

i am Romanian and ive seen black people in every country i traveled to inclusive mine but we stare at african people because they are so beautiful and unique .Black women are so beautiful and the way you make your hair with braids,love it!

[@faye_isc]

im from romania too ! hi brother/sister / whatever

[@texasson7950]

As a Scandinavian (Swedish) American/TEXAN, I had similar experiences with the staring when I lived in Nigeria and India. It is only natural that people will take a "hard look" at what is an unusual sight in their environment. As a "person of no color," I had many stares from "people of color" in those two aforementioned countries and elsewhere. My point is this: It works both ways. Enjoy the attention that you're getting in Iceland, ladies!

[@itsjemmabond]

I'm Nigerian, and allow me to apologise on behalf of those who stared at you...how rude. The sad thing is some of them are old enough to remember the days of colonial rule, yet they behave like they've never seen a white person before. Even if they haven't seen one in the flesh, at least they have TV, so there's no excuse.

[@AnjaliDandriyal]

The difference is that the light beige people stare with malicious intent, whereas the darker humans stare out of curiosity. BIIIIIIIG difference.

[@texasson7950]

@@itsjemmabond It was very kind of you to offer me an apology, but it wasn't necessary. I wasn't offended when people stared at me in Nigeria. As a white person, I stood out. People who aren't used to seeing someone who is different from them are naturally going to look.

[@Labalabaluv]

"It works both ways." That's bullshit.

[@lailabjornsdottirnielsen7086]

Loved this broadcast from you girls, amazing and really good to hear, did subscribe and looking forward to hearing the next topic. I have a six year old son from Togo and I'm a single mom so I can relate to some of the staring thing and omg I really do noooot like that from people, specially when it's just staaaaaring, I mean it's freaky...... The shop Afro Zone is a small store in Breiðholt and has a little bit of everything, worth to take a look. You talked about the hair products and omg I don't even know where to go to get his hair done, but I want to tell you about Shea Butter in Body Shop (from Ghana), it's really good. Well anyway I just wanted to complement you both on a great broadcast :)

[@AllThingsIceland]

Thanks for the lovely comment and sharing your experience. I’ve been to AfroZone and it’s great to access to different food and hair products. 😊

[@ombatexec]

I really love this video, guys! I've always wanted to visit Iceland and I think I will this summer. Thanks for the heads-up!

[@AllThingsIceland]

So glad to hear that. Thanks for watching and our pleasure. 😊

[@yamanai_ame]

I'd be staring at Tabitha the whole bus trip too. She's so gorgeous it should be illegal.

[@HlynurKrist]

You are spot on! And Occy, can she not appreciate another person of the same gender without you saying that like it's an insult? Ughh people..

[@HlynurKrist]

@Occy go back into your cave.

[@hannibaladportashannibalad6934]

@@HlynurKrist there's nothing to appreciate

[@truthhurts1884]

@@HlynurKrist did you assume their gender? 😱

[@HlynurKrist]

@@truthhurts1884 assumption is the mother of all fuckups... But I still assume you're an idiot.

[@amaliagrassi6870]

Maybe they were staring because you are both so goddam beautiful.

[@privatedonut2914]

@HaoLaoShi84 Why do you feel the need to say such bullshit? Just because you may find them to be unattractive to you doesn't mean others do.

[@princecharles9532]

HaoLaoShi84 u such a rude person 😡

[@wiptide]

​@HaoLaoShi84 Look at this fine gentleman here. Quick to compliment and never shallow.

[@southernindigo1973]

@HaoLaoShi84 The fact is what is in you, you see in others. I don't know what you look like, but your comments are ugly, and I bet you that you wouldn't be something for anyone to write home about.

[@southernindigo1973]

@HaoLaoShi84 The fool is quick to speak and freedom of speech was meant to be used responsibly.

[@jenniferherman8807]

This is a really great conversation! I thank you for sharing! These are words that people all over the world need to hear. You ladies are lovely women in all ways. Next time I visit Iceland, I’d love to chat with you. You’re proud, strong, friendly, and dynamic women. 😀💙

[@kanekiken00A]

I am Jamaican and I currently live and attend school in china. My experiences have been well so far, Chinese people are fascinated with my height, my skin and my hair. They always shower me with complements and they have always been friendly. I am also engaged to a chinese man and learning about China's 5000 year history is wonderful

[@AllThingsIceland]

Awesome, glad to hear it is going well for you in China.

[@astajonsdottir4564]

This video was really fun to watch. I’d say I’m a REALLY curious person and am especially curious about people in general, different cultures and such, so I learned a lot from this video. Happy to know you mostly like your experience living in Iceland although there are bad apples in every country. Looking forward to watching more videos from you. 😄

[@AllThingsIceland]

Thanks, Ásta. I think it is great that you are curious and I can relate to that. Iceland is a lovely country and we aren't going to a let a few bad apples ruin the bunch. :-) Thanks for subscribing!

[@MrPicky]

Totally agree with Ásta :)

[@steinarey]

I agree. This is a perspective you just can't first hand. At first I was just going through random videos and found this one, ended up watching it all.

[@AllThingsIceland]

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. :-)

[@steinarey]

@Usuzi you are late to the game for trolling, like, months.

[@idaearl6715]

I'm sure you also missed hearing a black voice. The cadence, the energy, etc. I live in a predominantly white area. I missed the voice.

[@cocoaorange1]

I am sure many homogenous countries like Japan, China, Poland, etc., act like that. As long as they are nice.

[@naylabyxbe3411]

I am really enjoying your videos....nice to meet you and learn about Iceland from your point of view. Thank you for extending yourself !

[@zaziaunaturalshairsolution8936]

Hi beauties! Thank you for your videos. I’m in the process of planning a trip to Iceland. I hear the springs are amazing:)

[@redsparkledherion5092]

I needed this since I plan on kinda going to uni from America to Iceland.

[@SteveWilliamsD]

I found your commentary to be fascinating and illuminating! Curiosity is not a terrible thing, although it can be uncomfortable when the curious person isn't good at presenting their thoughts well. I was an exchange student to Iceland in 1980-81 (yes, I'm an older white guy.) I do have some observations about blackness during that time. It's compartmentalized, but interesting.

[@AllThingsIceland]

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. I agree that curiosity is not bad and we certainly don't want anyone to feel that way. Wow, I bet Iceland was a much different world back then.

[@hustlehealththenwealth9966]

Great comment, you make a great point.

[@AkelloStone]

Hye Jewell, thanks for yet another lively video! I have been watching your videos for some time and this one is particularly relevant to the field of sociology which I teach. I am actually going to share this with my students!

[@ziggy5246]

thanks so much for sharing this video!! My husband and I live in Chicago and we are looking to move there. One thing I came across was your podcast so I started watching your channel! I love your insights! Something that I love about Chicago is its diversity (of course it's not perfect but I do love our city) and I thought that was something we might really miss. I'm glad to hear that experience has been overall positive for you and Tabitha! When we visited Iceland one of the first thing I noticed was that walking around as a gay couple holding hands we felt safe all the time and didn't feel any judgement or hostility. I'm also a trans man and when taking public showers at the pools no one in the locker room judged me poorly or gave me a problem (didn't expect a problem in Iceland I was just scared to be nude in public for the first time after transitioning). I did definitely get stared at by everyone but I also have half my body of full tattoos and 2 giant bright red scars across my super pale chest and I was wearing pink swim trunks with bananas on it so I don't discourage staring with my looks lol. However, I did not feel in any harm like I would in the US being stared at like that, I just felt that everyone was curious and everyone was very kind anyway. I totally get that staring in Iceland is pretty normal and it's never meant to be offensive just as you said, in a country that has such a small population people especially in essentially monocultural will be curious to see someone or something they haven't seen before. So I'm really glad to hear that my experience as lgbt person that was really really positive and i felt support and safety always that you have the same experience as people of color. The disparity in the US is crazy between treatment of lgbt people and poc so that is what I'm used to. It's so wonderful to see that it's a good experience for all in the country where we want to live!! Thank you both again!!

[@AllThingsIceland]

That's amazing and thank you for sharing your experience here. I'm so glad that you felt safe. It is such a relief to go somewhere and not feel judged. Thanks for watching.

[@ziggy5246]

All Things Iceland dang I’m so bad at checking notifications, sorry! But of course! Thank you for everything! Stay safe and healthy! 🧡

[@nikristee]

Love this vlog so informative. Hey sistas love from a Kenyan 🇰🇪 living in USA 🇺🇸

[@AllThingsIceland]

Thank you! Love back to you!

[@ajayb2478]

As an British Indian, I had nothing but postive vibes from Icelandic people! Iceland is amazing and the people.

[@AllThingsIceland]

I agree. The majority of people here are awesome. Like everywhere in the world, there are some people who not so awesome, but such is life. Glad you enjoyed your experience here.

[@lifeofleah7433]

British Indian 🤓

[@floatingdaisy3256]

I came to learn about what it’s like to be Black in Iceland. I stayed for the lovely conversation. I left taking my first vitamin D gummy in probably three weeks. (But, on a more serious note, thank you for the video! Your video of the cat tour came up on my homepage today, and I thought, “I wonder what it’s like to be a Black woman in Iceland.” This video was really informative and interesting, and you and your friend have such sweet and thoughtful personalities. I absolutely loved the way your friend said “Fall” about halfway through the video; it sounded like a cozy sweater. I hope you’re doing okay with winter on the horizon. I’m in the Northeastern U.S., and it’s getting too cold even here!)

[@michaelohanlan5040]

I am a melanin-challenged American of Irish descent (melanin is illegal for Irish folk, I think...), and I had the opposite situation happen to me. Some good friends invited me to join them to visit their family in Accra, Ghana. I enjoy languages and found resources to give me enough Twi (one of the major Ghanaian languages) so that I could get more out of my trip. Ghanaian children would run up to me and want to compare the under part of their forearms with mine. I was asked if I were alive, no color, I must be dead.... And some asked if I were a ghost. The ultimate was catching some talking about me in Twi, which I understood, and I would say something to them, in Twi. Invariably I would hear, "Oboroni ote Twi?!?!?" (The white man speaks Twi?!?!?"). I always made my trip. Þakka þér fyrir frábæra KZbin/vefseríu! [this is a VERY NORTHERN dialect of Twi...]

[@tamikamcclish216]

Great story. Loved it. Reminds me of my first trip to Greece. Children pulled my Afro, rubbed my skin vigorously 😳....out of curiosity but the first time was very jarring to say the least.

[@amairis8394]

I’m from Ghana hope I can meet you before you leave

[@michaelohanlan5040]

@@amairis8394 COVID-19, I am going anywhere outside the US...we are not welcome and that is good. Still, I love my connection with Ghana. Ghana je paaaaaaa! Saaaaa!!! I do not know how to connect here, but if you can do it, I would love to chat. Meda'ase!

[@amairis8394]

Michael O'Hanlan This my Instagram name Ama Kubby

[@SoulfulVeg]

I had similar experiences in Asia.

[@PatriceWalker]

I went from a predominantly black high school to a predominantly white university from the late 60s to the mid-70s. So it definitely felt like I had entered a foreign country. And I experienced many of the things you speak about in this excellent video. A good friend of mine, also black, got the "I've never been with a black woman line" too. The guy actually asked to sleep with her. She declined.

[@hallokrakkar]

I think the people who find it strange that black people have their own group to meet up or talk don't realize it has nothing to do with color but everything to do with culture. I think it's a great and necessery thing ! White Icelander btw haha

[@AllThingsIceland]

Thanks for the comment and being supportive of our group. :-)

[@AllThingsIceland]

Except that it isn't true.

[@AllThingsIceland]

Again, you have left a comment that is more based on your opinion than on any facts. I live in a predominantly white nation where the people (Icelandic) gather to celebrate their culture all of the time. They are encouraged to do so and no one is upset about it. I have visited many different countries and interacted with white people who celebrate their culture and no one is blasting them. If you are concerned about Hellenic pagans being able to practice their religion in Greece, I suggest you talk to Greek people about that or the church that is condemning them. Your example is completely irrelevant to the topic of this video or the comment that 2ndSky left.

[@AllThingsIceland]

I am fine with agreeing to disagreeing, especially if you are being very clear about when you are stating something as a your opinion or as a fact.

[@Pining_for_the_fjords]

@Northern Light Stop trolling.

[@Alcroboscan]

Just found your channel! I am a new subscriber and I love your content and positivity! I am Croatian, my wife is from Tanzania and we live in Canada. As a kid I always wanted to visit Iceland, and my brother is actually moving to Iceland in a few days so I will definitely be visiting the beautiful country with my wife :) We watched your black owned businesses video and my wife was very impressed and we can’t wait to visit all these places!! Thank you for all the great work you do to make this channel so awesome!

[@richardmourdock2719]

Jewell, you are captivating as a KZbin host. I found your channel when YT's algorithm picked up I'm considering a visit to Iceland. Frankly, I almost skipped this vid because the title caused me to think I might not to be able to relate to it. But Tabitha's comments and your explanations of your experiences made this fascinating to a white Hoosier. Thank you.

[@lamar7902]

These ladies are beautiful and sweet. I hope that the person that yelled that horrible comment met with an equally terrible demise. It's only fair. But, staring out of curiosity or interest is one thing. Being mean is another. There's so much horror in the world, it's always refreshing when people are kind.

[@RH-xx7yp]

I'm not black or Icelandic but I love watching this woman talk, what a beautiful personality and such a great story teller.

[@moniquekellpearce4773]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. It answered a lot of questions and concerns that I had about traveling to Iceland!

[@stevekollen1672]

I grew up in Oregon in the US. The first time I saw a black person not on TV was on a train to Mississippi when I was 7 years old. He was a porter on the train and he just joshed with me and challenged me to pick up a suit case all by myself. I was fascinated because it was my first experience seeing somebody black and I adored him for taking the time to have fun with me. I think it's kind of natural to stare at something novel, especially as a kid. I can't remember his name but I will always remember what a cool guy he was and that it was a great experience for me. So the staring can just be fascination and not something meant to be negative. And you both are so pretty, I'd have had a crazy crush on you.

[@victoriamitchell6240]

I'm so glad I found this before my trip to Iceland in a few week. I wondered about this but don't have anyone to ask and share my concern about being a WOC traveling Iceland. It makes me feel a bit more secure to know that there are other POC there and non-POC are accepting.

[@SherekaBrowne]

You will be fine.

[@shiwan45]

Wow that’s nice to know that their is a welcome group of blacks in Iceland. I would totally love to visit.

[@AllThingsIceland]

I hope you do, Wanda. :-)

[@memememmee7794]

Loved both of your energies, you're both such beautiful and intelligent young women. It can definitely be tough to stick out all the time. Been there and have just had to get tougher skin, which was a long process. People tend to judge based on whatever they see and I just remind myself that I have the opportunity to make a great impression, since I'm in the spotlight anyway. Not always in the mood to dispel ignorance though so I've had to be more forgiving with myself when I feel like I should've done something differently! And also not all people mean well, but overwhelmingly people are curious and want to ask all the non PC stuff they can, so I keep those more positive experiences in mind. Great video! ❤️ From the USA

[@AllThingsIceland]

❤️

[@brittanyjames3244]

Thanks for this video! I'm going to Iceland soon with my sister and I'm SOOOO excited to see all the beautiful places and people but It's good to know what to expect- for instance with the staring, so I'm prepared and not so offended if it happens :)

[@AllThingsIceland]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching, and the lovely comment.

[@mikesolo5747]

The minute black men move over there their attitude will change real quick, they are not worried about black women.

[@sigrunoddgeirsdottir2097]

We stare because of your striking looks!

[@AllThingsIceland]

LOL We appreciate the compliment.

[@user-gu6vf3je1d]

You’re the ones with the striking looks...lol

[@sigrunoddgeirsdottir2097]

@@AllThingsIceland hehe just be open to that most stares are because you are beautiful. I think icelanders stare openly at beautiful people.

[@nizma88]

@@sigrunoddgeirsdottir2097 Very True :)

[@monf2650]

We black people stare back at you for the same reason... you guys have a very cool calm culture

[@susanholl5994]

I'm not black and can't possibly really comprehend the black experience though I would like to. I think I got some tiny glimpses though. I'm 5'7" (170 cm), 120# (55kg), super pale, blond making lots of business trips to Japan for work. In Tokyo, no big deal. In small towns, lots of stares. Lots of people not wanting to sit next to me on the bus. People calling their curious kids away from me. Tiny kids playing with my hair and asking me what happened to my eyes (nothing, they just never saw blue eyes in person). The kids are cute and just curious about the white giant (where I live I'm average, but not in Japan). The adults scolding the kids for interacting with me and avoiding me hurt my feelings. So does their assumption that "white people smell bad".

[@yw8713]

Thanks for share I will be in Iceland for vacations in October and I was concerned about this topics but now I now what's to spec.

[@kamariajackson2436]

I am so glad I found this. My husband and son are going to Iceland in February. Thanks for the insights.

[@AllThingsIceland]

Our pleasure. I hope they have an awesome time!

[@kamariajackson2436]

Jewells Chambers yea probably should said I’m going to, they can’t have all the fun. Lol

[@AllThingsIceland]

@@kamariajackson2436 LOL. Glad to hear you are going as well. :-)

[@fickalinga]

My grandfather stares so much that he usually never watches the road when driving. And it has nothing to do with anything but curiosity when it comes to him. I'm just amazed he's still alive 😄 And yes. There are people (usually men) that would complain about any kind of group for minorities, and they have. Sadly

[@SunnyDementia]

"(usually men)." I don't know why some dudes still think it will score them points to complain about those "bad men." It makes you come across as a weak, male feminist.

[@redpalex]

@@SunnyDementia it's just the sad truth

[@ajl2232]

@@SunnyDementia Nothing wrong with being a feminist.

[@FountainOfYoot]

@@SunnyDementia lol. Wanting equal rights for human beings makes you weak. Interesting. Completely confirming the OP is hilarious as well :)

[@Jaquass]

@@FountainOfYoot Strenght does value equal opportunity, but not equal right. The lion does not give the zebra equal rights on the savannah.

[@shellih8302]

As long as no one is attacking you or shooting at you.

[@sweetbabyrain6349]

I love you guy’s energy! Especially The one in the pink sweater I didn’t catch your name in the beginning but your energy is so bright and positive keep it up I’ve subscribed

[@spider.monkey.ninja.assassin]

Omg.. Take vitamin D, loves! Look up the needed daily amts.. Fish oil is different. Vitamin D is important for anyone who lives somewhere with winters or a lot of cloudy weather. It's why places like Sweden have a high suicide rate! Even rainy places. Hair falling out, immune system, depression, teeth going bad, etc. Really gotta keep your vitamin D if you're anywhere, where it isn't actually fully sunny for long periods of time. I've been in Russia.. Even when I was in Idaho and it started to be overcast for whole seasons, I get depressed if I don't take it.

[@itsjemmabond]

Sweden no longer has a high suicide rate, that was years ago in the 50s and 60s when no one had heard of SAD lamps. Besides, if you lived in one of the happiest countries in the world, I doubt you'd want to kill yourself intentionally.

[@miss_xenia_]

Yes! I grew up in Northern Germany and you don’t get that much sun - daylight and also weather related. And even if you’re outside in the sun you’re probably so bundled up that only your face is out 😅

[@spider.monkey.ninja.assassin]

@@itsjemmabond great to know! I was told this by a friend who visited there a few years ago and she said she felt super depressed there and was confused because the country itself was so amazing that she felt like she was wasting it by getting depressed, and then someone told her that it's the lack of sunlight and that there had been an issue with that. I wish the US would discover SAD lamps 😕 I remember being treated with those as a kid in Russia in daycare.

[@itsjemmabond]

@@spider.monkey.ninja.assassin Alternatively, you could try St. John's wort tablets. Works for me😊

[@dirgniflesuoh7950]

Spider.Monkey.Ninja.Assassin Get enough sunlight in Summer. This is why the culture is that when the sun comes back in March you find people outdoors sitting with their faces to the Sun. Later many walk around with as little clothes as possible or sunbathe. Your body stores Vitamin D in summer. St John's wort and sun is not a good combination though.

[@lindaragnarsdottir4638]

You are both so beautiful woman's and be proud of your skin tone :) I have 3 girls and they are mixed and I always tell to them to be proud of where they are coming from. Yes I recommend the Afro zone they have a great hair products for curly hair :) Enjoy life

[@AllThingsIceland]

Thank you for the compliment. It is awesome that you are encouraging your daughters to embrace who they are. Will definitely check out Afro Zone. Enjoy life as well. :-)

[@clementchukwudi2133]

@@AllThingsIceland i will like to visit Iceland

[@AllThingsIceland]

@@clementchukwudi2133 I hope you get a chance to visit. :-)

[@IamBrendaMarie]

@@AllThingsIceland Is Airbnb popular there as well?

[@atwservices5132]

@@IamBrendaMarie Yes, there are a lot of Airbnb places in Iceland.

[@pisces76]

I remember in Kenya I had large groups of kids chanting "Mzungu!, Mzungu!, Mzungu!" everywhere I went, it was hilarious.

[@pisces76]

Maggie Lynn it means white person basically. People were also fascinated by the hair on my arms.

[@pisces76]

@Maggie Lynn it was definitely an eye-opening experience.

[@WorldIn360channel]

i agree,...and majority of staring is curiosity and is universal everywhere when 'rare' minority

[@Jeannebunny12]

I’m from Texas where we are crazy diverse and lots of sun. Moved to western Massachusetts for 1yr and a couple of months. Goodness gracious, I experienced the same thing. Long winters(we don’t have winters in Texas) I was constantly depressed plus on top of that I have major depression. A tiny community of black people. Everywhere I went I had to educate someone about my culture. Months went by and I’d became more and more pissed at Massachusetts. I felt so trapped. People didn’t flat out say anything to me about my skin but there were obvious discrimination. I want to move to Iceland but from what y’all were talking about I don’t want to repeat my experience with Massachusetts.

[@carrierueden3410]

Tabitha is gorgeous❤️

[@Headsign]

C'mon. They're both.

[@ml_kayAli]

Yeah, I feel ya but um crushin' on Tabitha too lol

[@lah1667]

I like Tabitha's lips...

[@mfmarshall4478]

Both these ladies are beautiful

[@scottthomas5819]

yessss!

[@Depplova81]

I'm coming to Iceland in October and I'm scared, but your video has put me at some ease. I've always been curious about Iceland and an opportunity has come to go. I wish I could meet you two ^_^

[@AllThingsIceland]

Seas _Wallace yay!!! I’m so glad to hear that. I hope you have a great time. If time permits, it would be nice to meet

[@ArmandoGT1]

Seas _Wallace me too! 😀 but in November

[@kirouanemohamedamine7995]

Hello

[@lindacarretero726]

I admire your honesty. Thank you both for sharing. I am in Chicago and it is pretty diverse. But I am glad to see people start the conversation. I know this is an old video but hope 2020 is treating you okay.

[@AllThingsIceland]

Thank you ❤️

[@FemaleAssassin]

I really enjoyed watching this video from start to finish. Thank you. Very insightful.

[@meganaxeliar]

I am very happy you love Iceland and are treated well😊. However I must address my fellow Icelanders here (not you, Jewells)... There’s nothing ‘sad’ about predominantly seeing your own people, Iceland being ethnically, culturally, historically by its Icelandic roots and identity... Are you people ashamed of yourselves? I hope not. I love other nations for the prime fact I am the minority immersed in THEIR identity as foreigners love the fact they are immersed in OUR identity. People love Iceland because it is Icelandic! They love the nature, the culture, the people, everything. Preserve and support it...

[@kacperz.3343]

We need more people like you

[@AllThingsIceland]

Beautifully said. Thank you so much for watching and leaving such an awesome comment.

[@meganaxeliar]

Jewells Chambers No problem! I like how you love Iceland and are willing to learn our culture, language, etc. Very admirable😊 Take care

[@meganaxeliar]

Val Kyrie You aren’t Icelandic so not my ‘sister’ and I am a nationalist. I understand the concept of little immigration and the failure of globalism. However, I believe the few immigrants we get should try assimilate and integrate with the ethnic Icelanders, like the woman of this video does. She learns Icelandic, she learns the culture.

[@meganaxeliar]

@Some Guy Clearly you (understandably) have PTSD from living under multicultural, multiracial, globalist agenda pushing, nations and societies. There is no issue in controlled, vetted immigration with parameters set so that they have no significance upon the representation of the native populaces. One person of a different culture or race holds no significance, especially when they are like this woman, having a desire, love and passion for the national cultural, historical roots and identity, wishing to integrate/assimilate. Even her significant-other is Icelandic; thus, if immersed in a predominantly Icelandic population, over time, her genetic difference would be dissolved and diluted out of existence. Her ascendants would be phenotypically representative of the the overarching, overwhelming native Icelandic population, having even littler effect upon the national identity. Iceland does not and should not have to ever pander to globalism. The little, rare immigration should preferably be Nordic for easier integration/assimilation, hence we currently have the Nordic immigration plan. That doesn’t stop other demographics immigrating here but it is harder and they have to love our nation.

[@danonovmano5742]

I was under the impression that Icelandic people are bolder than other cultures. So it surprises me that they stared at you and didn't speak to you. You two are both so lovely, inside and out, and you seem so approachable. That makes it seem so bizarre to me that folks don't just come up to you in Iceland and converse with you. Of course, that could be me ... I just walk up and talk to people about whom I'm curious. What is your experience with the extroversion vs introversion of the Icelandic people in general? If you share that information, it might help me and others to update our perceptions of Icelandic people.

[@martinmazivisa1326]

I'm absolutely amazed about the love exhibited by Icelandic people, wouldn't mind to marry an Icelandic lady who will combine her cold winter and our abundance sunshine in Victoria falls ZIMBABWE

[@rawbluecheese]

Love this conversation! I have subscribed!

[@elisagudrun4505]

I live in Iceland 🇮🇸 and when I see you beautiful people like you I always smile cause I want you beautiful people like you that I am not against you so I hope 🤞 you have a good life in Iceland and remember that no one is better of being you than you and you have your own personality and no one, nobody can change you cause it is your choice to change if you want to or not💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@AllThingsIceland]

Takk kærlega Elísa Guðrún.

[@nancykalnajs8443]

Blah blah blah blah blah!!!!!

[@kaylaschregardus4062]

@@nancykalnajs8443 Are you mad that a person said these black women are beautiful?

[@kirouanemohamedamine7995]

Good