Learning a language different form your own can be a very touchy isse.
Some of us took a foreign language in school, and dort of managed to pass the class, but would it hold up during travel?
Do you remember enough to be understood?
The reality is many people int he world DO speak English. They just do not like to let on.
As a general group, Americans are seen as a bit arrogant, and somewhat uneducated. And to a point it is true. We do not usually bother to learn the customs and ways of doing things in other cultures or countries, and we really do not bother to try and learn the languages of other people.
A perfect example is the commercial on TV these days wehre woman one states that she speaks french and several otehr languages, woman two says, "parle (sp) vouz good deal?"
While it is an effort to try and learn a new language, especially if over age 50, I think it is an effort well spent. No ne says you have to be able to carry on a conversation like a native. No one says bad things will happen if you do not learn a new language. I can say that many people, not all, but many, will appreciate your efforts to at least NOT be an obnoxious American.
Probably the largest hurdle to language is learning how the letters that we are familiar with sound in other languages. Second would be their special letters that we "think" we know, like the A with the ring or cirlce over it, or the umlauts on other letters. Buy a CD or tape and listen while you try to dollow the words int he workbook. Repeat as need with the introduction lesson until you learn the letter sounds. Being able to say the name of the street where you are staying will make a difference, trust me there! For those of us who took German class, we say the word Einn, just he way it looks, einn, or one. In Icelandic, it would look the same, though the NN has a T sound, so we would need to say Aett, or what sounds like eight.
Big difference between the streets on the map if you are looking for the number one or the number eight!
No one will bother you too much about your grammer, or sentance structure if you are trying to speak a local language, and most will be patient while they try to help you learn a word, if you are truly trying. For travel, be sure to learn the important words that give you a help in being polite, please, thank you, hello, goodbye, yes no, can you speak English? can you help me? That sort of thing.
If they look at you like you are nuts, say it in English, and ask them to help you say it in their language. It is most likely that letter sound thing...again.
I have found that the CD's at the Barnes and Noble, or the Borders Books can be useful. If they do not have the language you are lookign for in stick, ask, they can probably order it for you. Most of the basic sets run about $30 US. No need to get all Resetta Stone or Berlitz super courses that run into the hundreds of dollars, unless you are planning to move and live in another country.
For the truly cheap (ahem) you can even go nline and find translation sites that have a speaking translation to learn how a word sounds as well as how it is spelled.
Don't beat yourself up if you do NOT learn a language before you travel though. Mostly remember that you are in someone elses home. Their country, their language, their rules. Be polite, ask politely, say thank you, which does tend to sound similar in a number of languages, and as my boss Koby used to say, "Don't embarass the team"!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
New year, New market
HOLY MOLY!!!
It is summer of 2011 already and time to get ready for the market in Icelnad again!
Well, actually I booked my airline tickets in January, before the prices shot up due to the oil...
I am planning a couple new bits of story magic to take for the Icelanders, with luck I have them long enough. Last year they said my stories were all too short! Imagine that, an audience with an attention span. In this day and age. Well done Icelanders!
I will also be taking a few things to share about working with leather in the "western" style, tooling and such. I see they have a new plant in the north of the country (probably won't get there this trip) that makes fish leather. I saw a bit of fish leather last year and it is very nice, an interesting surface. Many possible projects come to mind.
It is a hope that one year I will be able to make a little "Market circle" trip and go to the markets in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland, one after the other, badically, most of a summer as a Viking! There are some logistical issues with tentage and such, but nothing too insurmountable. I think the key is to be prepared to wear the viking clothes 24/7, with maybe only a single set of 21st century stuff for laundry day, or passing a customs point. The research into the matter will continue this summer.
Just a late bloomer, as so many of my friends from high school have already been to a number of other countries, I guess I will simply tell myself that waiting means I will enjoy it more, and have a differnt level of respect and appreciation than had I gone as a punk kid out of high school. Not that I would have spent the money on it had I even had that much money, still cheap these days too!
On the plus side, I will get to see New York, the airport at least this trip, another state I have never been to. I am getting around these days, and I mena that in a good way.
It is summer of 2011 already and time to get ready for the market in Icelnad again!
Well, actually I booked my airline tickets in January, before the prices shot up due to the oil...
I am planning a couple new bits of story magic to take for the Icelanders, with luck I have them long enough. Last year they said my stories were all too short! Imagine that, an audience with an attention span. In this day and age. Well done Icelanders!
I will also be taking a few things to share about working with leather in the "western" style, tooling and such. I see they have a new plant in the north of the country (probably won't get there this trip) that makes fish leather. I saw a bit of fish leather last year and it is very nice, an interesting surface. Many possible projects come to mind.
It is a hope that one year I will be able to make a little "Market circle" trip and go to the markets in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland, one after the other, badically, most of a summer as a Viking! There are some logistical issues with tentage and such, but nothing too insurmountable. I think the key is to be prepared to wear the viking clothes 24/7, with maybe only a single set of 21st century stuff for laundry day, or passing a customs point. The research into the matter will continue this summer.
Just a late bloomer, as so many of my friends from high school have already been to a number of other countries, I guess I will simply tell myself that waiting means I will enjoy it more, and have a differnt level of respect and appreciation than had I gone as a punk kid out of high school. Not that I would have spent the money on it had I even had that much money, still cheap these days too!
On the plus side, I will get to see New York, the airport at least this trip, another state I have never been to. I am getting around these days, and I mena that in a good way.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
pictures
a number of pictures are now up on Facebook in my photo album. I will try to get them put over into one of the photo hosting sites for those without facebook, over the next few days. Am still pretty tired form teh trip, and still waiting for th emissing luggage to arrive home. I really am not looking forward to having to make all my viking clothes and shoes over again.
I was sitting and going over things form the trip and i want to reassure folks that the costs of things in Iceland really are about comparable to those prices in the US.
I mean, the price you see on the shelf in the store already had the tax calcualted into it. In the resaurants, the price on the menu has the tax and the tip included already.
I sat and figured out a few of the prices i paid for things, and while some were a bit higher than i might pay in the US, most were pretty much in line with our prices. This of course takes into account the fact that I am known for my cheapness. So i stopped and looked at a few things in the stores and lo an behold, the prices are really pretty close. True enough, with my online sale source, I can find the airbed i bought for 7000 ISK ( or about 60$ US) for about $30 US, then i have to pay shipping, and tax...so again, some things are higher.
When it comes to food, the Icelanders have a very high standard, and much of their food is organically grown. Very fresh, and very tasty. Some are an acquired taste, but there are enough familiar things to keep you fed without it being a lot of money.
I think i paid about 260 $2 US for a lamb meat hotdog. All done up, you do not realize it is lamb. bigger than the dogs at the mational chain, and remember the tax is already in the price. How can you go wrong!
There were of course some things that were much less than i pay in the US, but I shall not divulge them untill after i have built my import empire fortune! BWA HA HAAAAA.
all for now, sleep still beckons.
I was sitting and going over things form the trip and i want to reassure folks that the costs of things in Iceland really are about comparable to those prices in the US.
I mean, the price you see on the shelf in the store already had the tax calcualted into it. In the resaurants, the price on the menu has the tax and the tip included already.
I sat and figured out a few of the prices i paid for things, and while some were a bit higher than i might pay in the US, most were pretty much in line with our prices. This of course takes into account the fact that I am known for my cheapness. So i stopped and looked at a few things in the stores and lo an behold, the prices are really pretty close. True enough, with my online sale source, I can find the airbed i bought for 7000 ISK ( or about 60$ US) for about $30 US, then i have to pay shipping, and tax...so again, some things are higher.
When it comes to food, the Icelanders have a very high standard, and much of their food is organically grown. Very fresh, and very tasty. Some are an acquired taste, but there are enough familiar things to keep you fed without it being a lot of money.
I think i paid about 260 $2 US for a lamb meat hotdog. All done up, you do not realize it is lamb. bigger than the dogs at the mational chain, and remember the tax is already in the price. How can you go wrong!
There were of course some things that were much less than i pay in the US, but I shall not divulge them untill after i have built my import empire fortune! BWA HA HAAAAA.
all for now, sleep still beckons.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
home at last
Home at last
well, the traveling was exciting yesterday. Nothing too critical, but definitely interesting.
I board at the airport and the seat arm does not go up. When I booked the two seats, I asked about it as they were both for me, and I was assured that they would be able to raise the arm to give me the room.
It does wiggle a little to one side giving a bit more room, but not two seats worth. So they moved me up. To the business class section, more room there, and free samlock (sandwiches) and drinks.
I arrive in Seattle, and as it is the customs entry point, we have to retrieve our bags and go through customs, then have them re-loaded for connecting flights. Of course my backpack was the last bag off the luggage run, so I am the last in line though customs. All goes well, and I send my bags onto the conveyer for the trip to Sacramento. Heading up to settle in for my connecting flight, I find that the flight number I had, left Seattle at 1 pm. Mind you I had just landed at 5:45 PM, and now after customs and all it was almost 7pm. A scheduling change in the airline, with no attempt to contact me.
Certainly not by e-mails, and Tory had no phone calls about it. IN effect, they canceled my tickets!
Off to the service desk to get it resolved. There is a different flight that leaves about the same time as the original one, they try to book me onto it. It is a mess as the computer does not like two seats booked to the same person. They make notes, they give me a boarding pass, I remember to ask about my luggage, as the tag might have some coding about my original flight, I have no idea...
They assure me all will be well.
I have just enough time to pause for a 15 minute shoulder massage as the massage bar (now at a number of airports it seems) I felt that after the day I deserved it.
I go show the counter folks my boarding pass to board and she says, “you know that arm does not go up in that row”. “NO I cry, unacceptable. I try to book the two seats to avoid the issues of my weight ans size. And all I get is this hassle”. They change the seat, it is a light flight anyway. Just as I am settling in, they come back and say, sorry but we would like to move you to a seat up front. Where I ask. First class they say. Okay! I can go with that. It was the least they could do considering....
Sure so we land at Sacramento and...
oh wait, did you know that they now have wifi in flight on some planes? Well they do and I used it to try and let Tory know about the flight change, Candace was on facebook so I connected to her and had her call Tory to be sure about the flight times. Alaska Air has it free at least until the end of July I think it was they said, form Gogo.
Anyway, Today I am waiting for a call from the airline to see where they sent my backpack bag off to, as it was not Sacramento. This is the bigger bag with the dirty smelly viking clothes, my mini video camera, the locks and viking coin sets.....and some of my magic props.....grrrrr I should have known.
The props are what jinxed it, I just know it!
I will be pissed if my bag went somewhere like Hawaii without me. So unless someone grabbed it at the luggage and stole it, it should show up in a day or so. Keep your fingers crossed please. It has my new Icelandic wool cloak in it.
I will say it was wonderful to be able to sleep in my own bed, IN THE DARK, and snuggle my sweetie.
A few more days to recover, sleep, and be sure of no new cold from the flights and all will be well in my world.
Trip details will follow over the next few days as my mind clears and remembers them, and I am awake enough to type without odd letters creeping in!
well, the traveling was exciting yesterday. Nothing too critical, but definitely interesting.
I board at the airport and the seat arm does not go up. When I booked the two seats, I asked about it as they were both for me, and I was assured that they would be able to raise the arm to give me the room.
It does wiggle a little to one side giving a bit more room, but not two seats worth. So they moved me up. To the business class section, more room there, and free samlock (sandwiches) and drinks.
I arrive in Seattle, and as it is the customs entry point, we have to retrieve our bags and go through customs, then have them re-loaded for connecting flights. Of course my backpack was the last bag off the luggage run, so I am the last in line though customs. All goes well, and I send my bags onto the conveyer for the trip to Sacramento. Heading up to settle in for my connecting flight, I find that the flight number I had, left Seattle at 1 pm. Mind you I had just landed at 5:45 PM, and now after customs and all it was almost 7pm. A scheduling change in the airline, with no attempt to contact me.
Certainly not by e-mails, and Tory had no phone calls about it. IN effect, they canceled my tickets!
Off to the service desk to get it resolved. There is a different flight that leaves about the same time as the original one, they try to book me onto it. It is a mess as the computer does not like two seats booked to the same person. They make notes, they give me a boarding pass, I remember to ask about my luggage, as the tag might have some coding about my original flight, I have no idea...
They assure me all will be well.
I have just enough time to pause for a 15 minute shoulder massage as the massage bar (now at a number of airports it seems) I felt that after the day I deserved it.
I go show the counter folks my boarding pass to board and she says, “you know that arm does not go up in that row”. “NO I cry, unacceptable. I try to book the two seats to avoid the issues of my weight ans size. And all I get is this hassle”. They change the seat, it is a light flight anyway. Just as I am settling in, they come back and say, sorry but we would like to move you to a seat up front. Where I ask. First class they say. Okay! I can go with that. It was the least they could do considering....
Sure so we land at Sacramento and...
oh wait, did you know that they now have wifi in flight on some planes? Well they do and I used it to try and let Tory know about the flight change, Candace was on facebook so I connected to her and had her call Tory to be sure about the flight times. Alaska Air has it free at least until the end of July I think it was they said, form Gogo.
Anyway, Today I am waiting for a call from the airline to see where they sent my backpack bag off to, as it was not Sacramento. This is the bigger bag with the dirty smelly viking clothes, my mini video camera, the locks and viking coin sets.....and some of my magic props.....grrrrr I should have known.
The props are what jinxed it, I just know it!
I will be pissed if my bag went somewhere like Hawaii without me. So unless someone grabbed it at the luggage and stole it, it should show up in a day or so. Keep your fingers crossed please. It has my new Icelandic wool cloak in it.
I will say it was wonderful to be able to sleep in my own bed, IN THE DARK, and snuggle my sweetie.
A few more days to recover, sleep, and be sure of no new cold from the flights and all will be well in my world.
Trip details will follow over the next few days as my mind clears and remembers them, and I am awake enough to type without odd letters creeping in!
Monday, June 21, 2010
can't touch that day
Monday Monday
9 am local time, 2 am your time. I am up, showered, dressed and ready to be a relaxed person on a visit to somewhere new today.
I have been invited to tea at Lilja's house. I am not sure what time my ride will be by for me, but I am not too worried about it. I am really ready to just relax a little bit. The market is officially over, and while there are still things to clean up and put away (I will try to help a bit with that task) I am really ready to just go easy for a day.
I noticed a cruise ship in the harbor this morning offloading tourists. Too bad they were not here yesterday for the last day of the market. Oh well.
So. After much chatting with the Icelanders about what they can and cannot get easily, I have a better idea of what to bring next year. Can't help thinking about it, I mean I have been here for most of two weeks in my viking clothes, (not quite as bad as it sounds, considering that I hand washed everything at least once!) I enjoyed my time with the locals, and imported vikings...I met some great folks, and have gained a much better perspective of some areas of the world, and how other people think about Americans.
Well, while on my foray's about today, there is rumor of a second hand store that might have some nice woolen items at good prices. Things like hand knit socks and such. I plan to look into it if I can find it on my own.
Tea should be nice and relaxing, and after that, who knows.
Tomorrow is looking like a little road trip with a couple locals and one of the other ladies from the event (she comes form Norway) to go see Thingvilleir and Geysir, and a possible stop at another woolen goods store for more yarn. I am certain there will be a corner or two of the backpack that could hold another skein or twelve.
Then off to the airport in time to get through security, check in and with luck get a window seat this time.
Almost home, and it feels a little bittersweet. The weather, while not the most I might have hoped for has, according to the locals, been very nice. For my part, I am looking forward to getting home, and having a few more choices in clothing! I also know that I will miss being here. There is still a great deal left to see in this country. Next time I think I want to take a couple of the pre-market days to hear further north to see some of that area, and maybe over to the westfjords, just to see the sights. I have been given many suggestions for places to see and visit.
Candace asked me what the “Market” was all about.
Well, I can say that I have been to two markets now, more or less.
The little one in Gimli, Canada, and now this one. This one is much more of a market than Gimli was, but I am told that this market is very relaxed compared to the ones in mainland Europe.
The market- and overview.
We set up a number of tents for the local artisans and merchant vikings to use. Some also came form greater distances, England, Poland, Germany, etc. The property owner has a couple of small storage style buildings that are used by a couple of local, one Greelander, artisans as a combo workshop and sales booth during the market. So, we set up all the tents, erect a boundary fence around the whole affair, set up some “play areas” and the food/beverage tent. The play zones consist of an archery range, an axe throwing space, and the battlegrounds. There is also a stage made up of stacked pallets, with a tented cover, and a set of stocks for naughty vikings.
The Faroese brought their goods, and set up a fire with a pot of dyestuffs and dyed wool yarn on site both to sell and work with. There were woodcarvers making additional items to sell. One local woman who does exquisite ceramics was busy hand building her wares and putting her designs upon them at her tent. The Spakona seer woman was busy in her tent almost the entire time, and did a scary accurate palm reading on me. She spoke no English and we all know how little Icelandic I speak.
There were a couple of ladies who were belly dancers, and they managed to find a drum so I did a little drumming for them a few times each day for entertainment. A gentleman was doing juggling and a bit of fire and glass work, Storytellers and musicians for added entertainment. The fighters did about three battle shows each day, and then had a smaller area where they did practice and warm up to the delight of the kids. Some of them are like rock stars here, and the kids wanted their autographs after the battles.
So, I guess one could call it a smaller version of a renn faire. The locals pay an admission fee, I do not know how much, to get in, wander about, spend their money, etc. The merchants have no fee to pay, and where they are able, a tent or space is provided for them. I managed to tell a few of my stories with magic for small groups and individuals to be part of the overall entertainment and atmosphere. I walked about at times with my hats on a branched stick hawking them as a means to support my poor crippled mother. Sometimes I spread my cloth on the ground and relaxed sitting with my hats and other bits of trade goods. We are provided the use of a large gymnasium building for sleeping in (bring a flashlight) and showers/toilets (extra rolls of paper a must) and given a hot lunch and dinner. We also get a little discount at the food stand on some things, like the lamb wraps, my favorite! They provide a coffee and tea service for use throughout the day, and in the evenings there is at times beer provided tot he vikings. The property used is the parking lot and surrounding areas of a hotel restaurant right along the waterfront. Hotel Viking, and Fjorukrain Restaurant. The gates opened at 1pm, after we finished lunch, and closed again at about 8 -8:30 in the evening. There were two days off, but we were invited to another local smaller town to do a 2 day set up there. I opted to go, and that is where I did the lamb on a spit cooking thing. And found nice yarn in the local grocery store.....well worth the trip!
They ask us to be reasonable accurate in our clothing items, interact with the “tourists” and not destroy the place!
Other markets I am told have a little different focus, and are designed to get going rather early in the day with sometimes more, sometimes less support structure built in. More focus on fighting, or fighting being more of a competition rather than an exhibition show with a little scripted story. Some are strictly bring your own tent and cooking needs, could be difficult if you are traveling a great distance. Others are able to provide some form of sleeping shelter with advance notice, and have utensils and cooking implements available for use. Each market bears looking into and contacting someone who has been to it and can provide guidance. I did my best to find such resources while here.
See you all soon!
9 am local time, 2 am your time. I am up, showered, dressed and ready to be a relaxed person on a visit to somewhere new today.
I have been invited to tea at Lilja's house. I am not sure what time my ride will be by for me, but I am not too worried about it. I am really ready to just relax a little bit. The market is officially over, and while there are still things to clean up and put away (I will try to help a bit with that task) I am really ready to just go easy for a day.
I noticed a cruise ship in the harbor this morning offloading tourists. Too bad they were not here yesterday for the last day of the market. Oh well.
So. After much chatting with the Icelanders about what they can and cannot get easily, I have a better idea of what to bring next year. Can't help thinking about it, I mean I have been here for most of two weeks in my viking clothes, (not quite as bad as it sounds, considering that I hand washed everything at least once!) I enjoyed my time with the locals, and imported vikings...I met some great folks, and have gained a much better perspective of some areas of the world, and how other people think about Americans.
Well, while on my foray's about today, there is rumor of a second hand store that might have some nice woolen items at good prices. Things like hand knit socks and such. I plan to look into it if I can find it on my own.
Tea should be nice and relaxing, and after that, who knows.
Tomorrow is looking like a little road trip with a couple locals and one of the other ladies from the event (she comes form Norway) to go see Thingvilleir and Geysir, and a possible stop at another woolen goods store for more yarn. I am certain there will be a corner or two of the backpack that could hold another skein or twelve.
Then off to the airport in time to get through security, check in and with luck get a window seat this time.
Almost home, and it feels a little bittersweet. The weather, while not the most I might have hoped for has, according to the locals, been very nice. For my part, I am looking forward to getting home, and having a few more choices in clothing! I also know that I will miss being here. There is still a great deal left to see in this country. Next time I think I want to take a couple of the pre-market days to hear further north to see some of that area, and maybe over to the westfjords, just to see the sights. I have been given many suggestions for places to see and visit.
Candace asked me what the “Market” was all about.
Well, I can say that I have been to two markets now, more or less.
The little one in Gimli, Canada, and now this one. This one is much more of a market than Gimli was, but I am told that this market is very relaxed compared to the ones in mainland Europe.
The market- and overview.
We set up a number of tents for the local artisans and merchant vikings to use. Some also came form greater distances, England, Poland, Germany, etc. The property owner has a couple of small storage style buildings that are used by a couple of local, one Greelander, artisans as a combo workshop and sales booth during the market. So, we set up all the tents, erect a boundary fence around the whole affair, set up some “play areas” and the food/beverage tent. The play zones consist of an archery range, an axe throwing space, and the battlegrounds. There is also a stage made up of stacked pallets, with a tented cover, and a set of stocks for naughty vikings.
The Faroese brought their goods, and set up a fire with a pot of dyestuffs and dyed wool yarn on site both to sell and work with. There were woodcarvers making additional items to sell. One local woman who does exquisite ceramics was busy hand building her wares and putting her designs upon them at her tent. The Spakona seer woman was busy in her tent almost the entire time, and did a scary accurate palm reading on me. She spoke no English and we all know how little Icelandic I speak.
There were a couple of ladies who were belly dancers, and they managed to find a drum so I did a little drumming for them a few times each day for entertainment. A gentleman was doing juggling and a bit of fire and glass work, Storytellers and musicians for added entertainment. The fighters did about three battle shows each day, and then had a smaller area where they did practice and warm up to the delight of the kids. Some of them are like rock stars here, and the kids wanted their autographs after the battles.
So, I guess one could call it a smaller version of a renn faire. The locals pay an admission fee, I do not know how much, to get in, wander about, spend their money, etc. The merchants have no fee to pay, and where they are able, a tent or space is provided for them. I managed to tell a few of my stories with magic for small groups and individuals to be part of the overall entertainment and atmosphere. I walked about at times with my hats on a branched stick hawking them as a means to support my poor crippled mother. Sometimes I spread my cloth on the ground and relaxed sitting with my hats and other bits of trade goods. We are provided the use of a large gymnasium building for sleeping in (bring a flashlight) and showers/toilets (extra rolls of paper a must) and given a hot lunch and dinner. We also get a little discount at the food stand on some things, like the lamb wraps, my favorite! They provide a coffee and tea service for use throughout the day, and in the evenings there is at times beer provided tot he vikings. The property used is the parking lot and surrounding areas of a hotel restaurant right along the waterfront. Hotel Viking, and Fjorukrain Restaurant. The gates opened at 1pm, after we finished lunch, and closed again at about 8 -8:30 in the evening. There were two days off, but we were invited to another local smaller town to do a 2 day set up there. I opted to go, and that is where I did the lamb on a spit cooking thing. And found nice yarn in the local grocery store.....well worth the trip!
They ask us to be reasonable accurate in our clothing items, interact with the “tourists” and not destroy the place!
Other markets I am told have a little different focus, and are designed to get going rather early in the day with sometimes more, sometimes less support structure built in. More focus on fighting, or fighting being more of a competition rather than an exhibition show with a little scripted story. Some are strictly bring your own tent and cooking needs, could be difficult if you are traveling a great distance. Others are able to provide some form of sleeping shelter with advance notice, and have utensils and cooking implements available for use. Each market bears looking into and contacting someone who has been to it and can provide guidance. I did my best to find such resources while here.
See you all soon!
time is fleeting, it's astounding
Dance dance baybee
Wow
it is really a bit hard to think that it is almost time to go home.
Yesterday, Saturday was a bit overcast with some light drizzle before the sun came out. My sales have been pretty much zip. I am okay with that, as I am still having a great time. I am pretty sure I know why and it has nothing to do with the quality of my work. The wool that is used isn't what they are used to seeing or wearing here. That and only about 10 other people here are doing hats and other nalabinded items. I also still think the economy has a lot to do with it. A few coins sold, but not really much else. Oh well, I guess that means I have stuff for the shows back home where they will let us have a few things to sell.
I finally got to do one of my stories for a larger group, again with the help of a local for translation and volume as my voice is still not quite back to normal. It went over well, and later in the day some of the children came up to me and remarked that I was the one who told the story with the necklace and that they liked it. It might sound very silly, but that alone is enough to make the trip worth it.
I spent some time chatting with more of the Europeans last night. It is very frightening to realize what a low opinion of Americans many of them have. More than one remarked that they thought I would be like other Americans they have either encountered, or heard about. I like to think that I have done my part to help dispel the idea that many Americans are idiots, uninformed, or rude when it comes to the rest of the world. Don't get me wrong, I do try to remind them that we are not all alike, and that just like they cannot judge us all by a single incident, so too they cannot judge us all just by me.
I was told early on that there are certain subjects that are not talked about in Viking camps, mostly to avoid problems. Politics being one of the big ones. I was asked about politics a number of times and what I thought of things in the US. Most f you know my opinions on those topics, and I did my best to be even and accurate in what I know about the situation. I was also very clear to let them know when things were clearly my personal opinion. I think more than anything else, they were a bit relieved to see that there are actually some of us who do think and try to be informed about what is going on.
One thing that was asked of me was about the secret aerial chemical spraying, and how much of it they are doing in the US. It seems that some northern European countries have been allegedly spraying some chemical in the air in secrecy, that is supposed to be helping the Ozone layer. Rumor is that it has been resulting in some interesting harm or side effects to people exposed to it, lets just call it possible unintended circumstances.
Interesting and something I have not heard of, but it certainly bears a bit of looking into, both in relation to Europe and at home. Have any of YOU heard about this little project?
Anyway, I was told that when someone wants to poke fun or be derisive in a number of countries, the phrase used is “That is so American.” Sound familiar folks?
All I can say is that more than one person here has asked if I will be able to come back next year. I take that as a good sign. I got asked if I wanted to play with the throwing axes, and I said yes. I gave the big double bitted a go, with no happiness there, it is a tricky throw and a heavy axe, so it takes much energy to throw, and more fine3sse than bowling to get it to target. I then tried their small axes. I did great. They were a little bit impressed if I say so myself. (shhh so was I . I mean how long has it been since I did the axe throw contest back home.....I still got it-Yeah baby!) WOOT
Now, then, on to the title of Dance Dance. Saturday night in Iceland, and a party is assured. At about 10PM (hard to tell for sure) the staff came outside and told the Vikings that there was beer for them inside. Not many of them can resist the call to free beer, so in we all went. They had some music playing, and a few got up to dance a bit, but mostly it was the beer and talking. Then the band started up. A good one with music in Icelandic and English and songs that I knew. I am no head banger, but boy are my legs and feet tired, my knee is very stiff this morning, and I think I was in bed by 4:30, but again, who can tell with this round the clock daylight! I danced a lot with the boys and the girls, I drank a lot of ice water, and took sensible breaks when I could to cool down. Dancing in a wool tunic is very warm! At least my ears are not ringing. I fear I did my voice no good when they played sweet home Alabama. I kept yelling CALIFORNIA .
Travel tip: carry earplugs for the club nights, the bands are loud and the dance floor is usually right up against the speakers. Also useful when sleeping in the gym with other snoring vikings, or to hand out if they threaten you about your snoring.....'nuff said about that!
So, today, Sunday. After a couple hours of sleep, I AM UP!
I am pretty sure I will need a nap today. Maybe two or three. I do not dare go to the pool. I fear I will fall asleep in the hot pot and simmer into oblivion. Not a bad way to go when I think about it.
I have a bit of last minute shopping for things to locate for my goodies to bring home. Some careful packing of items and clever stuffing to make sure I can get everything home safe and sound, and of course, the last day of the market. There are a few folks who have had to leave already, and at this rate, I will be almost the only sort of entertainment left if my voice can handle it. And if I overcome my language barrier fright and step up to it.
Just about time for lunch to be up, and we will hope for a connection a bit later today. Very spotty this week I fear. Might be from all the stuff we have done outside the building, something might have gotten buggered up with all the nails, boards, ropes, etc. The wind and rain playing games with us, anything is possible as a result.
Tomorrow I will try to be helpful in the taking down and putting away of things, and probably get another nap into the mix.
Tuesday is the flight home. Contemplating a stop at the lagoon, even if it is a tourist thing. I mean the price for it is a bit high, but then again, I am in Iceland...maybe next year. We will see how I feel on the day of the bus ride. I do want to get to the airport and get my seat assignment early- window please so I can have some comfort in my two seats.
Wow
it is really a bit hard to think that it is almost time to go home.
Yesterday, Saturday was a bit overcast with some light drizzle before the sun came out. My sales have been pretty much zip. I am okay with that, as I am still having a great time. I am pretty sure I know why and it has nothing to do with the quality of my work. The wool that is used isn't what they are used to seeing or wearing here. That and only about 10 other people here are doing hats and other nalabinded items. I also still think the economy has a lot to do with it. A few coins sold, but not really much else. Oh well, I guess that means I have stuff for the shows back home where they will let us have a few things to sell.
I finally got to do one of my stories for a larger group, again with the help of a local for translation and volume as my voice is still not quite back to normal. It went over well, and later in the day some of the children came up to me and remarked that I was the one who told the story with the necklace and that they liked it. It might sound very silly, but that alone is enough to make the trip worth it.
I spent some time chatting with more of the Europeans last night. It is very frightening to realize what a low opinion of Americans many of them have. More than one remarked that they thought I would be like other Americans they have either encountered, or heard about. I like to think that I have done my part to help dispel the idea that many Americans are idiots, uninformed, or rude when it comes to the rest of the world. Don't get me wrong, I do try to remind them that we are not all alike, and that just like they cannot judge us all by a single incident, so too they cannot judge us all just by me.
I was told early on that there are certain subjects that are not talked about in Viking camps, mostly to avoid problems. Politics being one of the big ones. I was asked about politics a number of times and what I thought of things in the US. Most f you know my opinions on those topics, and I did my best to be even and accurate in what I know about the situation. I was also very clear to let them know when things were clearly my personal opinion. I think more than anything else, they were a bit relieved to see that there are actually some of us who do think and try to be informed about what is going on.
One thing that was asked of me was about the secret aerial chemical spraying, and how much of it they are doing in the US. It seems that some northern European countries have been allegedly spraying some chemical in the air in secrecy, that is supposed to be helping the Ozone layer. Rumor is that it has been resulting in some interesting harm or side effects to people exposed to it, lets just call it possible unintended circumstances.
Interesting and something I have not heard of, but it certainly bears a bit of looking into, both in relation to Europe and at home. Have any of YOU heard about this little project?
Anyway, I was told that when someone wants to poke fun or be derisive in a number of countries, the phrase used is “That is so American.” Sound familiar folks?
All I can say is that more than one person here has asked if I will be able to come back next year. I take that as a good sign. I got asked if I wanted to play with the throwing axes, and I said yes. I gave the big double bitted a go, with no happiness there, it is a tricky throw and a heavy axe, so it takes much energy to throw, and more fine3sse than bowling to get it to target. I then tried their small axes. I did great. They were a little bit impressed if I say so myself. (shhh so was I . I mean how long has it been since I did the axe throw contest back home.....I still got it-Yeah baby!) WOOT
Now, then, on to the title of Dance Dance. Saturday night in Iceland, and a party is assured. At about 10PM (hard to tell for sure) the staff came outside and told the Vikings that there was beer for them inside. Not many of them can resist the call to free beer, so in we all went. They had some music playing, and a few got up to dance a bit, but mostly it was the beer and talking. Then the band started up. A good one with music in Icelandic and English and songs that I knew. I am no head banger, but boy are my legs and feet tired, my knee is very stiff this morning, and I think I was in bed by 4:30, but again, who can tell with this round the clock daylight! I danced a lot with the boys and the girls, I drank a lot of ice water, and took sensible breaks when I could to cool down. Dancing in a wool tunic is very warm! At least my ears are not ringing. I fear I did my voice no good when they played sweet home Alabama. I kept yelling CALIFORNIA .
Travel tip: carry earplugs for the club nights, the bands are loud and the dance floor is usually right up against the speakers. Also useful when sleeping in the gym with other snoring vikings, or to hand out if they threaten you about your snoring.....'nuff said about that!
So, today, Sunday. After a couple hours of sleep, I AM UP!
I am pretty sure I will need a nap today. Maybe two or three. I do not dare go to the pool. I fear I will fall asleep in the hot pot and simmer into oblivion. Not a bad way to go when I think about it.
I have a bit of last minute shopping for things to locate for my goodies to bring home. Some careful packing of items and clever stuffing to make sure I can get everything home safe and sound, and of course, the last day of the market. There are a few folks who have had to leave already, and at this rate, I will be almost the only sort of entertainment left if my voice can handle it. And if I overcome my language barrier fright and step up to it.
Just about time for lunch to be up, and we will hope for a connection a bit later today. Very spotty this week I fear. Might be from all the stuff we have done outside the building, something might have gotten buggered up with all the nails, boards, ropes, etc. The wind and rain playing games with us, anything is possible as a result.
Tomorrow I will try to be helpful in the taking down and putting away of things, and probably get another nap into the mix.
Tuesday is the flight home. Contemplating a stop at the lagoon, even if it is a tourist thing. I mean the price for it is a bit high, but then again, I am in Iceland...maybe next year. We will see how I feel on the day of the bus ride. I do want to get to the airport and get my seat assignment early- window please so I can have some comfort in my two seats.
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Saga of Burnt Njala
seems to be some connection problems, will get these up ASAP
I woke up to the sound of power tools this morning. It seems the chickens are getting a proper sod roof on their little home. But I digress, after a late night bus ride home to Hafnarfjodur we returned for sleep. The departure form the small market town included a bus tour of some local sights, the town of Vik, and a few other places, sort of 4-wheeling. All of a sudden there was a strange kerthump sound shortly after take off, as we started the tour ride ( it sounded rather like a tire removing itself from the wheel or axle to me) we arrived back at the gym about 2 am. I simply took off my shoes and stepped into the shower, clothes and all. I think we all needed it. I was rather tired of smelling like BBQ lamb. That and the strange yellow brown dust that covered all of me all the way through the clothes! White silk long johns are not supposed to be that color.
ROAD TRIP, on the big bus. We had a tour and telling, half in English, then he slipped into Icelandic, of the Njala's saga. I do have a few photos taken of the scenery and places. Including the rock where the two murderer's lay in wait....dunh dunh dunnnnnnh. (cue dramatic music here)
I can say I have been to places written of in the Saga. AND I saw the clouds where the volcano is hiding behind! I was unable to safely carry my requisite 6 Kilo's of ash back onto the bus, so we will have to settle for what I could get. There are still a few grains in my eyes I think, but other than those and the ones I swallowed, ate, inhaled, these will have to do. For those who think the term ash is descriptive, for this instance it it not. I have ash from Mt. Saint Helens, that was a very fine to grainy ash. This is more like the Hawaiian black sand variety of ash. Coarse and gritty, sand like. No wonder they closed airports. I imagine this stuff could scour a jet engine very quickly and just ruin your whole day.
So we were at a smaller town, I will retrieve the name of it later, for a two day market to entertain the locals. Rumor has it that last year there were maybe a couple dozen visitors. This year I would say that for the size of the town, we had a very good turn out. We were provided a whole lamb each day to roast, ostensibly as a prop. Guess who got to oversee that once they got the fire going............My reputation preceded me here. Once a cook, always a cook!
I will say that Icelandic lamb is very very tasty. For those who say they do not like lamb, I humbly suggest that if the chance arises, you at least give the Icelandic lamb a try. We used no seasoning at all, and the flavor of the meat was great. Not too greasy, then again we were roasting on a spit so the fat just cooked off and dripped into the flames, and coals. I wonder what it would take to be able to be a sole importer of Icelandic lamb to the US, It really is good stuff! No offense to the Kiwi importers of lamb, it is just that this is such tasty meat. I have eaten a lot of lamb while here.
The local folks there provided us with very tasty soups for dinner, and I find that after the seafood soups, I am not, it seems, allergic to scallops after all. Perhaps there is an issue in the handling or source of the ones I have had in the US that makes me so violently ill when I have them. Anyway, I had no problems with any of the seafood soups I have had herein Iceland. All of which have been incredibly delicious by the way. Actually all the soups have been very good. Not overly salted, and always rather freshly made, along with bread and butter. Real butter, I do not think they are allowed to have fake butter here. Or fake cheese or cheese products.
I was in the small local market looking for milk, and I know it is labeled Mjolk, but there was a carton in with the milk products that said something different. I asked a gentleman what is was and he said Cream, and that it was very good for me. I thanked him and told him while I might agree with him, my doctor might not, so I had better stick to the Mjolk.
Oh my gods, the grocery store in the small town has wool. Not just a couple skeins, an entire market shelf of it! Two or three synth-blend skeins, but mostly honest to goodness real wool-in pretty colors, Icelandic and about 350-450 IKS per skein. At 130 ISK to the dollar YOU do the math on that buy! I think I need a bigger suitcase....oh dear. What can I leave behind....
My magic seems to be going over well, with the only caveat that I have to do it more one on one due to my lack of voice and cough.
I have spoken with the other vikings about what I can do to make it better still and I have some great feedback. I think I will be working on a couple of pieces to be able to do one or two fifteen minute mini shows for future markets, both here and further abroad. I am also mulling over ideas to make a couple things that are now pocket effects, into a more stage or at least parlor sized version to be able to include more people n the viewing if not the participating. I can say that for most of my illustrations I did, I was spot on, and they knew the figures and pictures easily, which helped with the language barrier. While English is taught, many are afraid to use it, or perhaps in the smaller towns do not practice it enough to feel comfortable speaking it.
I did find that opening with Brisingamen's theft, where each helper gets to keep a bead and cord, makes for less resistance to helping me. Sad to say that even here in Iceland, they fear to be a volunteer or helper for the magic. I can only hope it is because they do not get to be a helper much for anything rather than a fear of the magician. I keep avoiding the word trick and ask if they will help me to tell a story, or take a test in the case of the matching game. I have some work to do when I get home to adjust and re-do a few things, and make a couple new items to try
'The economy here is pretty rough right now, and it shows in the lack of sales for many things. Some things are very reasonably priced, and some things are very high. I am still amazed that lobster is less than chicken on the menu. It may be the smaller lobster, but it is still very tasty.
It is also a bit of cultural awareness to know that the Icelanders are fairly practical folks and tend to not have a lot of the crap that we as Americans think we must have in our lives. That and the idea that many of them know and do make their own clothes or other household goods from the local materials.
Wed
Today we have a slow day until about 5 PM when the owner of the facility will be having a 20th anniversary party for his restaurant. We will go be mingling vikings, and then tomorrow on National day, we will be back at the market.
The video camera is giving me a bit of difficulty mostly in that I cannot get things to download onto the netbook, I am not sure if it is the usb, or the card reader adapter, but I am glad I have two big and one little card for video, as I really hope to get some good movie clips.
I found a really nice Icelandic sweater for my mom. I hope it fits her. Button front so if it gets too warm she can open it up a bit. It does have a hood, but when you realize the things are more or less waterproof, they are pretty handy. Don't tell her (and I know she does not do anything online) but it is the most expensive thing I have bought here. It is handmade and bought at the local hand workers co-op. I honestly do not think I have ever paid that much for a single item of clothing in my life.
There are a few of these co-ops in the country where the members make various handcrafts form the wool and other materials to support themselves and their families.
I keep getting asked why am I not going on to some of the other markets in Europe, and all I can say is maybe next year. It sounds fantastic, and a wee bit of a logistical nightmare, but what else is a challenge except a thing to be overcome and thought through eh?! Just let me get some more wool clothes made first though.
Well I think I am about to head off for a nap today, because I can!
Iceland travel tip and good manners.
In the restrooms, you will at times find the scrub brush beside the toilet. These are not intended for the janitor once a week. They are intended for each person to use if needed should your ablutions result in a residue inside the lovely white toilet bowl. Bad form to leave streaks. Keep them toilet bowls clean!
See you all pretty soon, hope you find these entertaining and informative.
k
Oops, the party after.
so. I had thought to upload the journal yesterday to the blog, but I got distracted with the shopping, and then the 20 year party started, and I was up a bit late, I mean early, I mean, I am not sure what time I came to bed, the sun was up, or had just set, or maybe risen again. You get the idea. I had a time fending off somewhat inebriated Icelanders who thought I needed company. Danced with a couple of the viking guys, as it seemed no one else knew how to do the moves, and sipped hot tea while being amused by the rest of the gang.
There were a few attempts to get me to drink strong beverages, and it was fun to have them thinking I had, After a toast, the temptress was momentarily distracted and I was able to swap the cup with the alcohol for my tea cup. Upended it, and watched the looks of amazement. Then after about ten seconds I fessed up and was called a cheater. I threatened to taste the stuff the same way I taste wine, the swish and spit method, that got a fun reaction when I simulated that one, and someone else said who cares, and drank the cup.
Anyway, it was a fun and loud night, with a band or two, and some really unusual renditions of a number of hits. I swear to all the gods, if I have to listen to Ring of Fire one more time........I did have another goat the shark meat.Tthis one was stronger but was also more smoky in odor and taste, that helped. A lot!
Everyone has been really great and very friendly. Even though I am still gimping around a bit with my knee being cranky, and my voice and cough still giving me a running in the Bette Davis or Janet Joplin sound alike contest.
National Day 17th of June
Sold a hat today, and a few of the coin sets. I fear the Iceland economy is just not what they would all like it to be. A shame really, but I am alright with it.. Good experience, and to be honest I am not really trying too hard, just being available if folks are interested, otherwise I am wandering about with the stories and magic. Speaking of which I am almost out of beads...if that happens, I guess I will have to focus on selling the hats more. I need to make luggage space anyway. I found a nice purple Icelandic wool fabric piece that I will turn into a cloak at this time. A bit chilly still for me at times when the wind comes up, the problem is just trying to figure out how to get it into the packing!
Hmmm I am feeling a bit tired, lets see if I can start a stampede to get to bed early as they are whining about my snoring. I told them to go to bed early, I would try to give them time to get to sleep before I went in, but no, some of them were up to “hanky-panky” and had to suffer my snores. Too bad! They were warned fair and square. So a little bit of edge hemming and then some nappage for me I think.
The only problem with not getting online everyday is that my email gets filled up, I had 90 mails the other day after the weekend. Sheesh!
I did get to have my first conversation in Icelandic. A little girl peeked from behind her father's legs and asked me in Icelandic what my name was. I responded in Icelandic with my name, and that I was from the US. She giggled and ducked back behind her father. I am pleased that I understood her when she poke to me. At times people will say something to me and I do not even realize it. I fear I might be seen as rude.
Friday
Slept well last night, though I am sure I was snoring for them all. I warned them, again so they cannot bitch too much.
Today was a fine morning spent at the pool in the hot pots simmering my sore bits. Still no sauna, though I did learn that the Icelandic word Nudd means massage, not nude. I almost missed lunch, which would have bummed me out if I had. We had a wonderful rice pilaf with lamb. Yummy.
A bit slow today at the market as many folks have to work today. We got a few preschool and little kid groups come through, and I had enough voice to tell the necklace story to a group of children with their teacher translating for me. I asked for helpers to tell the story and was surprised by about 6 out of 15 hands going up. I have just enough beads for one maybe two more performances of this one. I have done the Odin's eye with the coins, but they do not seem to notice the two go in, one comes out, and then the second is simply gone. I need to work on this one a bit more I think.
So I found something for the office to bring back, and had the maker sign it. One more task and it will be ready when I get home.
Also, one of the guys here makes boats in the viking style....along with other wonderful things...
www.red-badgers-equipment.de
he will even travel to make or teach you to make a boat...hint hint guys.
For some bizarre reason I just know that my voice and throat will be all back to normal on the last day. Of course. And as I fly home I will probably get another cold.
Well, two more days of market fun. We should be busy over the weekend I think. Then I will help with a day of breakdown and cleaning up before heading back to the airport and home. This really has been a fantastic trip so far, and I would like to think I have not pissed off anyone while I have been here. They have all been good natured in teasing me, and I am even starting to feel comfortable enough to tease back a little bit.
Well, I think I will mosey over and see if there is any connection in the hotel tonight. Maybe maybe not.
seems to be some connection problems, will get these up ASAP
I woke up to the sound of power tools this morning. It seems the chickens are getting a proper sod roof on their little home. But I digress, after a late night bus ride home to Hafnarfjodur we returned for sleep. The departure form the small market town included a bus tour of some local sights, the town of Vik, and a few other places, sort of 4-wheeling. All of a sudden there was a strange kerthump sound shortly after take off, as we started the tour ride ( it sounded rather like a tire removing itself from the wheel or axle to me) we arrived back at the gym about 2 am. I simply took off my shoes and stepped into the shower, clothes and all. I think we all needed it. I was rather tired of smelling like BBQ lamb. That and the strange yellow brown dust that covered all of me all the way through the clothes! White silk long johns are not supposed to be that color.
ROAD TRIP, on the big bus. We had a tour and telling, half in English, then he slipped into Icelandic, of the Njala's saga. I do have a few photos taken of the scenery and places. Including the rock where the two murderer's lay in wait....dunh dunh dunnnnnnh. (cue dramatic music here)
I can say I have been to places written of in the Saga. AND I saw the clouds where the volcano is hiding behind! I was unable to safely carry my requisite 6 Kilo's of ash back onto the bus, so we will have to settle for what I could get. There are still a few grains in my eyes I think, but other than those and the ones I swallowed, ate, inhaled, these will have to do. For those who think the term ash is descriptive, for this instance it it not. I have ash from Mt. Saint Helens, that was a very fine to grainy ash. This is more like the Hawaiian black sand variety of ash. Coarse and gritty, sand like. No wonder they closed airports. I imagine this stuff could scour a jet engine very quickly and just ruin your whole day.
So we were at a smaller town, I will retrieve the name of it later, for a two day market to entertain the locals. Rumor has it that last year there were maybe a couple dozen visitors. This year I would say that for the size of the town, we had a very good turn out. We were provided a whole lamb each day to roast, ostensibly as a prop. Guess who got to oversee that once they got the fire going............My reputation preceded me here. Once a cook, always a cook!
I will say that Icelandic lamb is very very tasty. For those who say they do not like lamb, I humbly suggest that if the chance arises, you at least give the Icelandic lamb a try. We used no seasoning at all, and the flavor of the meat was great. Not too greasy, then again we were roasting on a spit so the fat just cooked off and dripped into the flames, and coals. I wonder what it would take to be able to be a sole importer of Icelandic lamb to the US, It really is good stuff! No offense to the Kiwi importers of lamb, it is just that this is such tasty meat. I have eaten a lot of lamb while here.
The local folks there provided us with very tasty soups for dinner, and I find that after the seafood soups, I am not, it seems, allergic to scallops after all. Perhaps there is an issue in the handling or source of the ones I have had in the US that makes me so violently ill when I have them. Anyway, I had no problems with any of the seafood soups I have had herein Iceland. All of which have been incredibly delicious by the way. Actually all the soups have been very good. Not overly salted, and always rather freshly made, along with bread and butter. Real butter, I do not think they are allowed to have fake butter here. Or fake cheese or cheese products.
I was in the small local market looking for milk, and I know it is labeled Mjolk, but there was a carton in with the milk products that said something different. I asked a gentleman what is was and he said Cream, and that it was very good for me. I thanked him and told him while I might agree with him, my doctor might not, so I had better stick to the Mjolk.
Oh my gods, the grocery store in the small town has wool. Not just a couple skeins, an entire market shelf of it! Two or three synth-blend skeins, but mostly honest to goodness real wool-in pretty colors, Icelandic and about 350-450 IKS per skein. At 130 ISK to the dollar YOU do the math on that buy! I think I need a bigger suitcase....oh dear. What can I leave behind....
My magic seems to be going over well, with the only caveat that I have to do it more one on one due to my lack of voice and cough.
I have spoken with the other vikings about what I can do to make it better still and I have some great feedback. I think I will be working on a couple of pieces to be able to do one or two fifteen minute mini shows for future markets, both here and further abroad. I am also mulling over ideas to make a couple things that are now pocket effects, into a more stage or at least parlor sized version to be able to include more people n the viewing if not the participating. I can say that for most of my illustrations I did, I was spot on, and they knew the figures and pictures easily, which helped with the language barrier. While English is taught, many are afraid to use it, or perhaps in the smaller towns do not practice it enough to feel comfortable speaking it.
I did find that opening with Brisingamen's theft, where each helper gets to keep a bead and cord, makes for less resistance to helping me. Sad to say that even here in Iceland, they fear to be a volunteer or helper for the magic. I can only hope it is because they do not get to be a helper much for anything rather than a fear of the magician. I keep avoiding the word trick and ask if they will help me to tell a story, or take a test in the case of the matching game. I have some work to do when I get home to adjust and re-do a few things, and make a couple new items to try
'The economy here is pretty rough right now, and it shows in the lack of sales for many things. Some things are very reasonably priced, and some things are very high. I am still amazed that lobster is less than chicken on the menu. It may be the smaller lobster, but it is still very tasty.
It is also a bit of cultural awareness to know that the Icelanders are fairly practical folks and tend to not have a lot of the crap that we as Americans think we must have in our lives. That and the idea that many of them know and do make their own clothes or other household goods from the local materials.
Wed
Today we have a slow day until about 5 PM when the owner of the facility will be having a 20th anniversary party for his restaurant. We will go be mingling vikings, and then tomorrow on National day, we will be back at the market.
The video camera is giving me a bit of difficulty mostly in that I cannot get things to download onto the netbook, I am not sure if it is the usb, or the card reader adapter, but I am glad I have two big and one little card for video, as I really hope to get some good movie clips.
I found a really nice Icelandic sweater for my mom. I hope it fits her. Button front so if it gets too warm she can open it up a bit. It does have a hood, but when you realize the things are more or less waterproof, they are pretty handy. Don't tell her (and I know she does not do anything online) but it is the most expensive thing I have bought here. It is handmade and bought at the local hand workers co-op. I honestly do not think I have ever paid that much for a single item of clothing in my life.
There are a few of these co-ops in the country where the members make various handcrafts form the wool and other materials to support themselves and their families.
I keep getting asked why am I not going on to some of the other markets in Europe, and all I can say is maybe next year. It sounds fantastic, and a wee bit of a logistical nightmare, but what else is a challenge except a thing to be overcome and thought through eh?! Just let me get some more wool clothes made first though.
Well I think I am about to head off for a nap today, because I can!
Iceland travel tip and good manners.
In the restrooms, you will at times find the scrub brush beside the toilet. These are not intended for the janitor once a week. They are intended for each person to use if needed should your ablutions result in a residue inside the lovely white toilet bowl. Bad form to leave streaks. Keep them toilet bowls clean!
See you all pretty soon, hope you find these entertaining and informative.
k
Oops, the party after.
so. I had thought to upload the journal yesterday to the blog, but I got distracted with the shopping, and then the 20 year party started, and I was up a bit late, I mean early, I mean, I am not sure what time I came to bed, the sun was up, or had just set, or maybe risen again. You get the idea. I had a time fending off somewhat inebriated Icelanders who thought I needed company. Danced with a couple of the viking guys, as it seemed no one else knew how to do the moves, and sipped hot tea while being amused by the rest of the gang.
There were a few attempts to get me to drink strong beverages, and it was fun to have them thinking I had, After a toast, the temptress was momentarily distracted and I was able to swap the cup with the alcohol for my tea cup. Upended it, and watched the looks of amazement. Then after about ten seconds I fessed up and was called a cheater. I threatened to taste the stuff the same way I taste wine, the swish and spit method, that got a fun reaction when I simulated that one, and someone else said who cares, and drank the cup.
Anyway, it was a fun and loud night, with a band or two, and some really unusual renditions of a number of hits. I swear to all the gods, if I have to listen to Ring of Fire one more time........I did have another goat the shark meat.Tthis one was stronger but was also more smoky in odor and taste, that helped. A lot!
Everyone has been really great and very friendly. Even though I am still gimping around a bit with my knee being cranky, and my voice and cough still giving me a running in the Bette Davis or Janet Joplin sound alike contest.
National Day 17th of June
Sold a hat today, and a few of the coin sets. I fear the Iceland economy is just not what they would all like it to be. A shame really, but I am alright with it.. Good experience, and to be honest I am not really trying too hard, just being available if folks are interested, otherwise I am wandering about with the stories and magic. Speaking of which I am almost out of beads...if that happens, I guess I will have to focus on selling the hats more. I need to make luggage space anyway. I found a nice purple Icelandic wool fabric piece that I will turn into a cloak at this time. A bit chilly still for me at times when the wind comes up, the problem is just trying to figure out how to get it into the packing!
Hmmm I am feeling a bit tired, lets see if I can start a stampede to get to bed early as they are whining about my snoring. I told them to go to bed early, I would try to give them time to get to sleep before I went in, but no, some of them were up to “hanky-panky” and had to suffer my snores. Too bad! They were warned fair and square. So a little bit of edge hemming and then some nappage for me I think.
The only problem with not getting online everyday is that my email gets filled up, I had 90 mails the other day after the weekend. Sheesh!
I did get to have my first conversation in Icelandic. A little girl peeked from behind her father's legs and asked me in Icelandic what my name was. I responded in Icelandic with my name, and that I was from the US. She giggled and ducked back behind her father. I am pleased that I understood her when she poke to me. At times people will say something to me and I do not even realize it. I fear I might be seen as rude.
Friday
Slept well last night, though I am sure I was snoring for them all. I warned them, again so they cannot bitch too much.
Today was a fine morning spent at the pool in the hot pots simmering my sore bits. Still no sauna, though I did learn that the Icelandic word Nudd means massage, not nude. I almost missed lunch, which would have bummed me out if I had. We had a wonderful rice pilaf with lamb. Yummy.
A bit slow today at the market as many folks have to work today. We got a few preschool and little kid groups come through, and I had enough voice to tell the necklace story to a group of children with their teacher translating for me. I asked for helpers to tell the story and was surprised by about 6 out of 15 hands going up. I have just enough beads for one maybe two more performances of this one. I have done the Odin's eye with the coins, but they do not seem to notice the two go in, one comes out, and then the second is simply gone. I need to work on this one a bit more I think.
So I found something for the office to bring back, and had the maker sign it. One more task and it will be ready when I get home.
Also, one of the guys here makes boats in the viking style....along with other wonderful things...
www.red-badgers-equipment.de
he will even travel to make or teach you to make a boat...hint hint guys.
For some bizarre reason I just know that my voice and throat will be all back to normal on the last day. Of course. And as I fly home I will probably get another cold.
Well, two more days of market fun. We should be busy over the weekend I think. Then I will help with a day of breakdown and cleaning up before heading back to the airport and home. This really has been a fantastic trip so far, and I would like to think I have not pissed off anyone while I have been here. They have all been good natured in teasing me, and I am even starting to feel comfortable enough to tease back a little bit.
Well, I think I will mosey over and see if there is any connection in the hotel tonight. Maybe maybe not.
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