Some of the people grounded by the unpronounceable Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull, finally took off today as flight bans across Europe were lifted.

The remaining effects of the volcano are varied. It could throw-off emissions testing and  delay legislation targeted at preventing global warming. It has prompted new UN flight regulations, and it could damage military jets. Stocks that had been dampened by the lack of air travel seem to be rebounding. And it also seems to have stranded some people’s pets in cargo bays around the world.

But, of course, Iceland will feel the impact more than anyone. The country is virtually covered in soot and heat from the volcano is melting glaciers and flooding bridges.  This comes on the heels of a financial collapse so complete that it actually prompted government officials to enact sunshine laws to lure investigative journalists—possibly the only people as bankrupt as it is. The bottom line is it’s been a tough couple of months for Iceland, though how bad it all really is still a matter of debate.

Click through the picture for a beautiful gallery of volcano photography.

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