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　　Brett has just returned from a trip to Iceland. He’s filling his sister Helen in on the details.

　　Helen:So, Frosty, how was your trip to the frozen north? Meet any other snowmen?

　　Brett:That shows what you know. Iceland may be chilly, but it’s one of the hottest places in Europe.

　　Helen:I have heard it’s become a popular tourist destination. Reykjavik is trendy with a lot of globetrotters1 nowadays.

　　Brett:I’m not talking about its popularity. I’m talking about the ground temperature there. Iceland’s full of hot springs.

　　Helen:Hot springs in Iceland? What are they like?

　　Brett:They’re amazing! The Blue Lagoon is a mineral-rich seawater lake heated by lava2. It’s near a power plant outside Reykjavik, and it’s absolutely spectacular.

　　Helen:It’s near a power plant?! Thanks, but I’ll pass. I’d like to have children someday.

　　Brett:That’s what I thought at first, too. But it actually turns out that the water in the lake is considered healthy. It has a high content of salt and silica3, and they say it can help cure skin problems like psoriasis and eczema4.

　　Helen:I think I’ll stick to my bathtub. Besides, Iceland’s a long way from here.

　　Brett:Suit yourself, but you’re missing out on the best bath in the world!

　　—by Barry Adams