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.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
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.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Road trip
I think today is Saturday... It was a dark and stormy night.
Well, it was raining and windy , if not dark.
I went to the pool this morning during a short break in the rain, and waited for the next break to get back. Have I mentioned that the hot water in the pool is really nice? Well it is.
So yesterday was a late start day for the market, but we had a pretty good crowd come through. I tried to sell my Kringla hats, “to support my poor crippled mother” but so luck there. I have been doing a bit of magic now and then for people, when I catch them sitting or resting in the eating area, and they seem receptive. It is a good thing that most speak English here. AND it does give me more things to consider for my story telling magic, I have to make sure that the language barriers are not an issue in what I am doing. Visual magic is good, and to do it as story magic makes it good and interesting.
Today was rain. All day and still a bit drizzly and windy, which of course makes it chilly. The locals come out in their rain-gear to see us, and we are soggy and trying to keep the tents up for the merchants and their wares. I cleverly did NOT put on the linen under-tunic today, just the wool one, and while it was a bit cool, I did not freeze when wet. Next round of shoes need to be a big bigger with room for the wooly socks. Picked up a few more goodies today from the local merchants, and may have to go to the ATM tomorrow, which is supposed to be nice, at least that is the rumor.
Dinner tonight was a very tasty fish stew. Lunch was a chicken meat in vegetable over rice dish which was also tasty. I cannot complain about the food. There has been plenty, it has been hot, and it has been tasty, that and I do not have to cook it or wash the dishes.
NOTE for next time, bring more than one wool tunic, and an ext4ra pair of viking pants. I am doing fine, but having a dry set while waiting for the damp ones to be very dry would be a good thing. I might be buying some wool fabric form one of the merchants and sewing up a pair of pants tomorrow.
Trying to figure out how to get my new walking stick home. Hate the thought of cutting it, but I might have to make a long scarf cut and bodge it back together when I get home.
I have a gotten a recipe for tanning fish skin, and I have seen some very nice items made from several types of fish skin. I look forward to the experiment.
The only fly in the ointment, is I cannot find where I stuffed the mini cam. The main lights in the gym are turned off, so I will have to drag my bags one at a time into the change room area and go through them. I know it is here somewhere, I just cannot find it by feel alone.
On the plus side, the new red shoes got a bit damp today, and true to form, walking around in them damp- the uppers, anyway, as the shoe goo bottoms are just fine,-has adjusted the fit even more. Who knows, if I get a pair of thick socks made, they might just adjust the rest of the way. The knee is a little wonky, but not too much trouble, and then I do have my walking stick. With luck and sun I will take many nice pictures tomorrow and share a few later. I think it is early to bed for me tonight as I was up until about 4:30 chatting and having a nice fireside with a few of the vikings who were still conscious. These boys, and girls , do like to party!
Many MANY thanks to Johannes, the owner of the Viking Hotel and Fjorukrain restaurant for hosting this market. I hope we have good weather for the rest of the market and that he does bang up business.
11.2
Sunday to day, and very nice weather. A bit of clouds and slight chill breeze this evening around dinner time, but otherwise, a nice day.
Have not sold anything, but then, I am nopt really trying too hard., still getting to know the folks, and having fun. I do not have a static booth, so I walk around with the hats on a branch, or I sit on a turf block with a little display of the coins, locks and such.
I did find the video camera, so I am trying to take some videos with it. Now if I can get the downloading to work right all will be well with the world.
I am seriously resisting many things here, the sweets- no more desserts or morning pastries......The fabric, nice wool, VERY nice wool fabric at a good price, but...alas.......And then there is the other temptation. It is a bit confusing here in Iceland. They are very friendly. I am being very good. A few shoulder rubs and such, but Kay is behaving. I fear they begin to think I am not a real Viking! Sometimes a girl just likes to sleep alone. And sometimes she knows what is good for her when she gets home!
I am getting some good info on where to contact companies in Europe for the thin weight linen and wool for tablet weaving and embroidery. I am also learning about how the markets in Europe work for future reference about possibly going over for a summer.
Tomorrow the market is closed for two days. Fear not, we are invited to travel to a market in a smaller town for the next two days, so I have said yes. Especially since it includes a trip to see Kevin (The Icelanders say that some US news crew got tired of mucking up the name of the volcano and started calling it Kevin)
ROAD TRIP!!! and I do not have to drive.
Likely no updates until I get back just so you know.
The nose has finally stopped running, though now the chest is still a bit congested, and the coughing is rough, on me and my sleep. My sunburn has almost all gone to tan and I don't look so sickly anymore.
I am certain there is more I should be typing, but I really am a bit sleepy. I will go upload, and then I think I will get ready for the little trip and try to get some sleep.
Will be back in a couple days all.
Oh Oh, Rick and the guys, I can get tablet weave in linen and wool threads, from about 30-40$ US per meter. Does anyone want me to bring some back for them?
Let me know as soon as you can.
Well, it was raining and windy , if not dark.
I went to the pool this morning during a short break in the rain, and waited for the next break to get back. Have I mentioned that the hot water in the pool is really nice? Well it is.
So yesterday was a late start day for the market, but we had a pretty good crowd come through. I tried to sell my Kringla hats, “to support my poor crippled mother” but so luck there. I have been doing a bit of magic now and then for people, when I catch them sitting or resting in the eating area, and they seem receptive. It is a good thing that most speak English here. AND it does give me more things to consider for my story telling magic, I have to make sure that the language barriers are not an issue in what I am doing. Visual magic is good, and to do it as story magic makes it good and interesting.
Today was rain. All day and still a bit drizzly and windy, which of course makes it chilly. The locals come out in their rain-gear to see us, and we are soggy and trying to keep the tents up for the merchants and their wares. I cleverly did NOT put on the linen under-tunic today, just the wool one, and while it was a bit cool, I did not freeze when wet. Next round of shoes need to be a big bigger with room for the wooly socks. Picked up a few more goodies today from the local merchants, and may have to go to the ATM tomorrow, which is supposed to be nice, at least that is the rumor.
Dinner tonight was a very tasty fish stew. Lunch was a chicken meat in vegetable over rice dish which was also tasty. I cannot complain about the food. There has been plenty, it has been hot, and it has been tasty, that and I do not have to cook it or wash the dishes.
NOTE for next time, bring more than one wool tunic, and an ext4ra pair of viking pants. I am doing fine, but having a dry set while waiting for the damp ones to be very dry would be a good thing. I might be buying some wool fabric form one of the merchants and sewing up a pair of pants tomorrow.
Trying to figure out how to get my new walking stick home. Hate the thought of cutting it, but I might have to make a long scarf cut and bodge it back together when I get home.
I have a gotten a recipe for tanning fish skin, and I have seen some very nice items made from several types of fish skin. I look forward to the experiment.
The only fly in the ointment, is I cannot find where I stuffed the mini cam. The main lights in the gym are turned off, so I will have to drag my bags one at a time into the change room area and go through them. I know it is here somewhere, I just cannot find it by feel alone.
On the plus side, the new red shoes got a bit damp today, and true to form, walking around in them damp- the uppers, anyway, as the shoe goo bottoms are just fine,-has adjusted the fit even more. Who knows, if I get a pair of thick socks made, they might just adjust the rest of the way. The knee is a little wonky, but not too much trouble, and then I do have my walking stick. With luck and sun I will take many nice pictures tomorrow and share a few later. I think it is early to bed for me tonight as I was up until about 4:30 chatting and having a nice fireside with a few of the vikings who were still conscious. These boys, and girls , do like to party!
Many MANY thanks to Johannes, the owner of the Viking Hotel and Fjorukrain restaurant for hosting this market. I hope we have good weather for the rest of the market and that he does bang up business.
11.2
Sunday to day, and very nice weather. A bit of clouds and slight chill breeze this evening around dinner time, but otherwise, a nice day.
Have not sold anything, but then, I am nopt really trying too hard., still getting to know the folks, and having fun. I do not have a static booth, so I walk around with the hats on a branch, or I sit on a turf block with a little display of the coins, locks and such.
I did find the video camera, so I am trying to take some videos with it. Now if I can get the downloading to work right all will be well with the world.
I am seriously resisting many things here, the sweets- no more desserts or morning pastries......The fabric, nice wool, VERY nice wool fabric at a good price, but...alas.......And then there is the other temptation. It is a bit confusing here in Iceland. They are very friendly. I am being very good. A few shoulder rubs and such, but Kay is behaving. I fear they begin to think I am not a real Viking! Sometimes a girl just likes to sleep alone. And sometimes she knows what is good for her when she gets home!
I am getting some good info on where to contact companies in Europe for the thin weight linen and wool for tablet weaving and embroidery. I am also learning about how the markets in Europe work for future reference about possibly going over for a summer.
Tomorrow the market is closed for two days. Fear not, we are invited to travel to a market in a smaller town for the next two days, so I have said yes. Especially since it includes a trip to see Kevin (The Icelanders say that some US news crew got tired of mucking up the name of the volcano and started calling it Kevin)
ROAD TRIP!!! and I do not have to drive.
Likely no updates until I get back just so you know.
The nose has finally stopped running, though now the chest is still a bit congested, and the coughing is rough, on me and my sleep. My sunburn has almost all gone to tan and I don't look so sickly anymore.
I am certain there is more I should be typing, but I really am a bit sleepy. I will go upload, and then I think I will get ready for the little trip and try to get some sleep.
Will be back in a couple days all.
Oh Oh, Rick and the guys, I can get tablet weave in linen and wool threads, from about 30-40$ US per meter. Does anyone want me to bring some back for them?
Let me know as soon as you can.
whoops
The 10th today, and with it comes some rain. It started late yesterday. At least I think it was late.
Anyway, not hard or cold rain, though there is a breeze. True Iceland weather I guess. At least I brought some wool clothes with me.
So we had much excitement yesterday afternoon. Police, black cars, and bodyguards abound. Probably NOT on the news at home, but the President of Iceland was at the restaurant here, so I was told, along with some high ranking Chinese gentleman signing some sort of monetary or trade agreement.
These guys are great. I went hunting for an air mattress yesterday. No place here in the town sells them. I would need to go to ...a different town. I had the name of the store on paper (a good thing, even then I still could not say it right) Hafsteinn rustled me up not one, but two, an actual air mattress and one of the self inflate foam pads. I slept goood last night! I told him I am perfectly willing to buy one, and 'store it here for future use'. HINT HINT.
So, I am actually feeling a bit better today. And I did not even go soak in the hot tub yesterday- I was too whacked to walk that far even. Now it could be the fact that it has been a good three or four days and the thing has just run it's course. The Icelanders will tell you it was what they made me do last night. We were in the bar half of the establishment. They were doing a few bits of hand work and drinking beer and such. I was having nice hot tea trying to make the cough and sinuses settle down.
I was having a fine time chatting with the locals, we were talking all sorts of trash on our respective governments, the social ills and cures we need, must see places and things to do. You know, all the fun stuff! One of the gentlemen across from me gets up and goes to the bar. I figured he was getting something to drink. I had just refreshed the tea when he returns bearing a tray and proclaims “THIS will fix your cough!”
Upon it lay several small cubes, maybe a quarter of an inch square, with little Icelandic flag toothpicks in them. Now understand, we had already discussed this issue, and I told him I KNEW this stuff was for the Thorrablot, the winter feast, and so I was going to pass on this trip. They ALL jumped up looking at me and said you have to, it will help you. It is our national dish....talk about peer pressure.
Well. I ate two little bits of the infamous putrefied shark. Not a lot of any distinctive flavor, and not very harsh, but it was rather chewy. I see why they have to let it ferment to be able to eat it.
Of course the others helped to finish it up, and then they complained that this was the “weak tourist stuff” and that it “did not have nearly enough ammonia smell” to be very good. I was given promises that someone would be bringing some from his “better source” for me to try. (Please cold, go away!)
I mean what was I to do, upset international relations? I had to, they made me! Funny thing is, it is and is not a trick they play on the unsuspecting tourist. They do really eat it, well some of them, along with whale and seal. They know that calling it rotted or putrefied will get our stomachs going all wobbly. It really is not much different form eating pickled cabbage or fermented sauerkraut, or kimchee, without the blazing chiles, it is rather simply, fermented to make it edible. I would say on the toughness scale it is not as tough as eating Ika or squid sushi, and probably about the same as the octopus if it were cubed up small. I draw the line at the licorice stuff though.
So , I am wondering how many Kronur to offer to find someone to give me a back and shoulder massage.....all this coughing had made me sore. I hear they package this shark in jars, I could bring some home for you all to try! But then again, it would take up valuable space I could use for wool...and my rocks. Rumor has it we go to see the Volcano on Sunday. WooT. Oh, and would you believe it. Some of the guys were talking in Icelandic and a certain English phrase slipped in there, one I recognized....World of Warcraft....silly hoarde boys.
Well, lets see what the weather does today, and maybe I will send out a few more pictures, like Iceland at 12, 1, 2, 3, 4 in the morning.
Have fun kids, Tomorrow we start the market, so things should get a little busy.
Anyway, not hard or cold rain, though there is a breeze. True Iceland weather I guess. At least I brought some wool clothes with me.
So we had much excitement yesterday afternoon. Police, black cars, and bodyguards abound. Probably NOT on the news at home, but the President of Iceland was at the restaurant here, so I was told, along with some high ranking Chinese gentleman signing some sort of monetary or trade agreement.
These guys are great. I went hunting for an air mattress yesterday. No place here in the town sells them. I would need to go to ...a different town. I had the name of the store on paper (a good thing, even then I still could not say it right) Hafsteinn rustled me up not one, but two, an actual air mattress and one of the self inflate foam pads. I slept goood last night! I told him I am perfectly willing to buy one, and 'store it here for future use'. HINT HINT.
So, I am actually feeling a bit better today. And I did not even go soak in the hot tub yesterday- I was too whacked to walk that far even. Now it could be the fact that it has been a good three or four days and the thing has just run it's course. The Icelanders will tell you it was what they made me do last night. We were in the bar half of the establishment. They were doing a few bits of hand work and drinking beer and such. I was having nice hot tea trying to make the cough and sinuses settle down.
I was having a fine time chatting with the locals, we were talking all sorts of trash on our respective governments, the social ills and cures we need, must see places and things to do. You know, all the fun stuff! One of the gentlemen across from me gets up and goes to the bar. I figured he was getting something to drink. I had just refreshed the tea when he returns bearing a tray and proclaims “THIS will fix your cough!”
Upon it lay several small cubes, maybe a quarter of an inch square, with little Icelandic flag toothpicks in them. Now understand, we had already discussed this issue, and I told him I KNEW this stuff was for the Thorrablot, the winter feast, and so I was going to pass on this trip. They ALL jumped up looking at me and said you have to, it will help you. It is our national dish....talk about peer pressure.
Well. I ate two little bits of the infamous putrefied shark. Not a lot of any distinctive flavor, and not very harsh, but it was rather chewy. I see why they have to let it ferment to be able to eat it.
Of course the others helped to finish it up, and then they complained that this was the “weak tourist stuff” and that it “did not have nearly enough ammonia smell” to be very good. I was given promises that someone would be bringing some from his “better source” for me to try. (Please cold, go away!)
I mean what was I to do, upset international relations? I had to, they made me! Funny thing is, it is and is not a trick they play on the unsuspecting tourist. They do really eat it, well some of them, along with whale and seal. They know that calling it rotted or putrefied will get our stomachs going all wobbly. It really is not much different form eating pickled cabbage or fermented sauerkraut, or kimchee, without the blazing chiles, it is rather simply, fermented to make it edible. I would say on the toughness scale it is not as tough as eating Ika or squid sushi, and probably about the same as the octopus if it were cubed up small. I draw the line at the licorice stuff though.
So , I am wondering how many Kronur to offer to find someone to give me a back and shoulder massage.....all this coughing had made me sore. I hear they package this shark in jars, I could bring some home for you all to try! But then again, it would take up valuable space I could use for wool...and my rocks. Rumor has it we go to see the Volcano on Sunday. WooT. Oh, and would you believe it. Some of the guys were talking in Icelandic and a certain English phrase slipped in there, one I recognized....World of Warcraft....silly hoarde boys.
Well, lets see what the weather does today, and maybe I will send out a few more pictures, like Iceland at 12, 1, 2, 3, 4 in the morning.
Have fun kids, Tomorrow we start the market, so things should get a little busy.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
I can't believe I ate the whole thing...
The 10th today, and with it comes some rain. It started late yesterday. At least I think it was late.
Anyway, not hard or cold rain, though there is a breeze. True Iceland weather I guess. At least I brought some wool clothes with me.
So we had much excitement yesterday afternoon. Police, black cars, and bodyguards abound. Probably NOT on the news at home, but the President of Iceland was at the restaurant here, so I was told, along with some high ranking Chinese gentleman signing some sort of monetary or trade agreement.
These guys are great. I went hunting for an air mattress yesterday. No place here in the town sells them. I would need to go to ...a different town. I had the name of the store on paper (a good thing, even then I still could not say it right) Hafsteinn rustled me up not one, but two, an actual air mattress and one of the self inflate foam pads. I slept goood last night! I told him I am perfectly willing to buy one, and 'store it here for future use'. HINT HINT.
So, I am actually feeling a bit better today. And I did not even go soak in the hot tub yesterday- I was too whacked to walk that far even. Now it could be the fact that it has been a good three or four days and the thing has just run it's course. The Icelanders will tell you it was what they made me do last night. We were in the bar half of the establishment. They were doing a few bits of hand work and drinking beer and such. I was having nice hot tea trying to make the cough and sinuses settle down.
I was having a fine time chatting with the locals, we were talking all sorts of trash on our respective governments, the social ills and cures we need, must see places and things to do. You know, all the fun stuff! One of the gentlemen across from me gets up and goes to the bar. I figured he was getting something to drink. I had just refreshed the tea when he returns bearing a tray and proclaims “THIS will fix your cough!”
Upon it lay several small cubes, maybe a quarter of an inch square, with little Icelandic flag toothpicks in them. Now understand, we had already discussed this issue, and I told him I KNEW this stuff was for the Thorrablot, the winter feast, and so I was going to pass on this trip. They ALL jumped up looking at me and said you have to, it will help you. It is our national dish....talk about peer pressure.
Well. I ate two little bits of the infamous putrefied shark. Not a lot of any distinctive flavor, and not very harsh, but it was rather chewy. I see why they have to let it ferment to be able to eat it.
Of course the others helped to finish it up, and then they complained that this was the “weak tourist stuff” and that it “did not have nearly enough ammonia smell” to be very good. I was given promises that someone would be bringing some from his “better source” for me to try. (Please cold, go away!)
I mean what was I to do, upset international relations? I had to, they made me! Funny thing is, it is and is not a trick they play on the unsuspecting tourist. They do really eat it, well some of them, along with whale and seal. They know that calling it rotted or putrefied will get our stomachs going all wobbly. It really is not much different form eating pickled cabbage or fermented sauerkraut, or kimchee, without the blazing chiles, it is rather simply, fermented to make it edible. I would say on the toughness scale it is not as tough as eating Ika or squid sushi, and probably about the same as the octopus if it were cubed up small. I draw the line at the licorice stuff though.
So , I am wondering how many Kronur to offer to find someone to give me a back and shoulder massage.....all this coughing had made me sore. I hear they package this shark in jars, I could bring some home for you all to try! But then again, it would take up valuable space I could use for wool...and my rocks. Rumor has it we go to see the Volcano on Sunday. WooT. Oh, and would you believe it. Some of the guys were talking in Icelandic and a certain English phrase slipped in there, one I recognized....World of Warcraft....silly hoarde boys.
Well, lets see what the weather does today, and maybe I will send out a few more pictures, like Iceland at 12, 1, 2, 3, 4 in the morning.
Have fun kids, Tomorrow we start the market, so things should get a little busy.
Anyway, not hard or cold rain, though there is a breeze. True Iceland weather I guess. At least I brought some wool clothes with me.
So we had much excitement yesterday afternoon. Police, black cars, and bodyguards abound. Probably NOT on the news at home, but the President of Iceland was at the restaurant here, so I was told, along with some high ranking Chinese gentleman signing some sort of monetary or trade agreement.
These guys are great. I went hunting for an air mattress yesterday. No place here in the town sells them. I would need to go to ...a different town. I had the name of the store on paper (a good thing, even then I still could not say it right) Hafsteinn rustled me up not one, but two, an actual air mattress and one of the self inflate foam pads. I slept goood last night! I told him I am perfectly willing to buy one, and 'store it here for future use'. HINT HINT.
So, I am actually feeling a bit better today. And I did not even go soak in the hot tub yesterday- I was too whacked to walk that far even. Now it could be the fact that it has been a good three or four days and the thing has just run it's course. The Icelanders will tell you it was what they made me do last night. We were in the bar half of the establishment. They were doing a few bits of hand work and drinking beer and such. I was having nice hot tea trying to make the cough and sinuses settle down.
I was having a fine time chatting with the locals, we were talking all sorts of trash on our respective governments, the social ills and cures we need, must see places and things to do. You know, all the fun stuff! One of the gentlemen across from me gets up and goes to the bar. I figured he was getting something to drink. I had just refreshed the tea when he returns bearing a tray and proclaims “THIS will fix your cough!”
Upon it lay several small cubes, maybe a quarter of an inch square, with little Icelandic flag toothpicks in them. Now understand, we had already discussed this issue, and I told him I KNEW this stuff was for the Thorrablot, the winter feast, and so I was going to pass on this trip. They ALL jumped up looking at me and said you have to, it will help you. It is our national dish....talk about peer pressure.
Well. I ate two little bits of the infamous putrefied shark. Not a lot of any distinctive flavor, and not very harsh, but it was rather chewy. I see why they have to let it ferment to be able to eat it.
Of course the others helped to finish it up, and then they complained that this was the “weak tourist stuff” and that it “did not have nearly enough ammonia smell” to be very good. I was given promises that someone would be bringing some from his “better source” for me to try. (Please cold, go away!)
I mean what was I to do, upset international relations? I had to, they made me! Funny thing is, it is and is not a trick they play on the unsuspecting tourist. They do really eat it, well some of them, along with whale and seal. They know that calling it rotted or putrefied will get our stomachs going all wobbly. It really is not much different form eating pickled cabbage or fermented sauerkraut, or kimchee, without the blazing chiles, it is rather simply, fermented to make it edible. I would say on the toughness scale it is not as tough as eating Ika or squid sushi, and probably about the same as the octopus if it were cubed up small. I draw the line at the licorice stuff though.
So , I am wondering how many Kronur to offer to find someone to give me a back and shoulder massage.....all this coughing had made me sore. I hear they package this shark in jars, I could bring some home for you all to try! But then again, it would take up valuable space I could use for wool...and my rocks. Rumor has it we go to see the Volcano on Sunday. WooT. Oh, and would you believe it. Some of the guys were talking in Icelandic and a certain English phrase slipped in there, one I recognized....World of Warcraft....silly hoarde boys.
Well, lets see what the weather does today, and maybe I will send out a few more pictures, like Iceland at 12, 1, 2, 3, 4 in the morning.
Have fun kids, Tomorrow we start the market, so things should get a little busy.
Lucky number?
The 9th, both day and blog entry.
So, last night late through the door comes a viking I have had many e-mails with when she was in Sweden, Freja! She is very nice and does NOT look old enough to have a 20 year old daughter by anyone's imagination! (I thought they were sisters...) She is a serious Vader fan, an imperial leader I am told. Something about a big Star Wars con in Orlando in Aug.
Well, the village is setting up nicely, and I am not much use the last two days with this silly cold.
So far there have been about four types of alcohol suggested as a cure for this cold. They are convinced they can convince me to try at least one. I am unsure as at least two of them are licorice flavor and you know how I am about that. I had hoped that the fever broke last night but I don't think so today, so I have another day to rest up then I must be functional for the market.
I am still trying to figure out the bells form the church tower, we get a couple dings, then the actual time bells. I do not know, being a harbor and sea town, if the first few dings are the old ships bells time. At three PM today it rang 4 times quickly, then three times slowly.
Anyway, a bit blustery all day today, and finally this afternoon it has started to drizzle a bit. This is almost the darkest it has been since I have been here! I had thought to do a little sketching today, as I am sure the photos today are all just murky gray. The kids were out sailing In the harbor today. Yesterday they were Kayaking. A local youngster told me that “yes, in Iceland we all learn to sail very young as we have the sea as our trade.”
So, Dear Diary, not much to enter today as my cold is keeping me pretty fuddle headed. Maybe more tomorrow.
I fear the Icelandic Phalological museum is not in the cards for this trip, although there is a possibility of getting to the “Penis” mall. But not certain yet.
I wonder, am I allowed to bring whale teeth into the US?
So, last night late through the door comes a viking I have had many e-mails with when she was in Sweden, Freja! She is very nice and does NOT look old enough to have a 20 year old daughter by anyone's imagination! (I thought they were sisters...) She is a serious Vader fan, an imperial leader I am told. Something about a big Star Wars con in Orlando in Aug.
Well, the village is setting up nicely, and I am not much use the last two days with this silly cold.
So far there have been about four types of alcohol suggested as a cure for this cold. They are convinced they can convince me to try at least one. I am unsure as at least two of them are licorice flavor and you know how I am about that. I had hoped that the fever broke last night but I don't think so today, so I have another day to rest up then I must be functional for the market.
I am still trying to figure out the bells form the church tower, we get a couple dings, then the actual time bells. I do not know, being a harbor and sea town, if the first few dings are the old ships bells time. At three PM today it rang 4 times quickly, then three times slowly.
Anyway, a bit blustery all day today, and finally this afternoon it has started to drizzle a bit. This is almost the darkest it has been since I have been here! I had thought to do a little sketching today, as I am sure the photos today are all just murky gray. The kids were out sailing In the harbor today. Yesterday they were Kayaking. A local youngster told me that “yes, in Iceland we all learn to sail very young as we have the sea as our trade.”
So, Dear Diary, not much to enter today as my cold is keeping me pretty fuddle headed. Maybe more tomorrow.
I fear the Icelandic Phalological museum is not in the cards for this trip, although there is a possibility of getting to the “Penis” mall. But not certain yet.
I wonder, am I allowed to bring whale teeth into the US?
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
oh, my aching head..
So. You may have noticed no news yesterday.
It's all good, except that my sinuses are NOT listening to me about the no cold rule. Both of them have now teamed up against me. I have a decongestant nasal spray that does a good job, but then I am on a hanky binge.
There was also a cultural exchange group here helping yesterday. Mostly young adults, and one older woman from Israel who was with a group doing journalism for the program. They rotated between the camps, so that four or five are elsewhere today, but the rest of the gang is back, Some from Spain, Germany, and a number of other countries.
So, the Viking group here, being part of the local cultural heritage, gets recognition form the city government, and they have a club house. A big one! With storage and workshop space. I am jealous.
I slept there at the club house last night, and will again tonight. The gym next door to the site will open for us Wed, and then we will sleep there.
A group of folks from the Faroe Island arrived yesterday, and they are very nice. One of them speaks some English, and has been good enough to help me try to talk to them. She does wonderful tablet weaving, and depending on her prices, I might have to bring some home to use myself. They have nice two ply wool in embroidery/tablet weave gauge, and I am on the hunt for some here in Iceland. I am told it is available, and I will find it!
This morning it was off to the pool here in Hafbarfodur to try and cook whatever has settled into my sinus out. No luck there, but the soak was nice on the sore muscles. I find the children in Icelnad enjoy talking to you if you are AMerican, and get a little time to show you their English. Most of them have a friend or relative in the US and are interested to know if you might know of them.
It is important to remember that the entire country only has a population about the size of Stockton. Very spread out.
So we spent yesterday with some of the kids from the cultural exchange camps unloading a large transportainer of all it's stuff, to find the parts for the tents and village. Set up six tents with flyes, and a large food serving stall tent. Today we put the extra stuff back into the box, and get the canvas in place. I of course use the royal 'WE' here, as I am feeling like warmed over road kill today, even after the soak. Blech.
Note to self, there are no laundry mats here in town, one would have to take the bus to Reykjavik, or sink was and lay out to dry. Nice weather again today, I expect things to be dry very soon! Then maybe off to the wool store if I can find it.
Beware when traveling in Iceland, people will tell you a place is so many minutes away, then mean walking time in Iceland pace. That is usually about a third of the time it would take me to waddle to the location named. Be sure you have good walking shoes to get around, even with the bus card you will need to go a few blocks walk for most things. You can rent cars, and scooters and bikes. But why. It IS good exercise. I just have to keep reminding myself of that. Damn them and their fresh baked bread with nice yummy butter.....;} I am not losing any weight here!
Oh, I have also met a Greenlander gentleman who does wonderful art. He speaks no English. We get along fine. He and his family are here, and I plan to buy a number of things from him. No telling as they are surprizes.
Well, I think I will post this one up now, and will try to check online later today for a little skype.
Take care all.
It's all good, except that my sinuses are NOT listening to me about the no cold rule. Both of them have now teamed up against me. I have a decongestant nasal spray that does a good job, but then I am on a hanky binge.
There was also a cultural exchange group here helping yesterday. Mostly young adults, and one older woman from Israel who was with a group doing journalism for the program. They rotated between the camps, so that four or five are elsewhere today, but the rest of the gang is back, Some from Spain, Germany, and a number of other countries.
So, the Viking group here, being part of the local cultural heritage, gets recognition form the city government, and they have a club house. A big one! With storage and workshop space. I am jealous.
I slept there at the club house last night, and will again tonight. The gym next door to the site will open for us Wed, and then we will sleep there.
A group of folks from the Faroe Island arrived yesterday, and they are very nice. One of them speaks some English, and has been good enough to help me try to talk to them. She does wonderful tablet weaving, and depending on her prices, I might have to bring some home to use myself. They have nice two ply wool in embroidery/tablet weave gauge, and I am on the hunt for some here in Iceland. I am told it is available, and I will find it!
This morning it was off to the pool here in Hafbarfodur to try and cook whatever has settled into my sinus out. No luck there, but the soak was nice on the sore muscles. I find the children in Icelnad enjoy talking to you if you are AMerican, and get a little time to show you their English. Most of them have a friend or relative in the US and are interested to know if you might know of them.
It is important to remember that the entire country only has a population about the size of Stockton. Very spread out.
So we spent yesterday with some of the kids from the cultural exchange camps unloading a large transportainer of all it's stuff, to find the parts for the tents and village. Set up six tents with flyes, and a large food serving stall tent. Today we put the extra stuff back into the box, and get the canvas in place. I of course use the royal 'WE' here, as I am feeling like warmed over road kill today, even after the soak. Blech.
Note to self, there are no laundry mats here in town, one would have to take the bus to Reykjavik, or sink was and lay out to dry. Nice weather again today, I expect things to be dry very soon! Then maybe off to the wool store if I can find it.
Beware when traveling in Iceland, people will tell you a place is so many minutes away, then mean walking time in Iceland pace. That is usually about a third of the time it would take me to waddle to the location named. Be sure you have good walking shoes to get around, even with the bus card you will need to go a few blocks walk for most things. You can rent cars, and scooters and bikes. But why. It IS good exercise. I just have to keep reminding myself of that. Damn them and their fresh baked bread with nice yummy butter.....;} I am not losing any weight here!
Oh, I have also met a Greenlander gentleman who does wonderful art. He speaks no English. We get along fine. He and his family are here, and I plan to buy a number of things from him. No telling as they are surprizes.
Well, I think I will post this one up now, and will try to check online later today for a little skype.
Take care all.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
To the Sea!
I have arrived in Hafnarfjodur, the harbor town at the sea. Many thanks to Hafsteinn for the ride down from Reykjavik, and the additional language lessons!
I am in the Viking Hotel for the night, then tomorrow I will help with setting up things, and begin my stay with the vikings in the Gym! I am really looking forward to meeting new folks form around the world.
The hotel is very cool, at least in my book! Very eclectic and what wild and inspired décor. Carved stones, fantastic wooden chairs that are carved, and a host of local crafts for sale in the gift shop.
I will of course be taking pictures of things for all to see. My room is a cozy one, and while it might be small by what US folks are used to, it IS an old building. It has a shower bathroom, two (twin?) beds. Coffee maker, TV, little desk and lamp. I would say the space is sort of like some of the older Victorian hotels we stayed at in SFO, and even some I recall in Sac. So in my book, it is just fine.
They have a geothermal hot tub, and I intend to use it tonight...remember to remove the silver jewelry first this time..... You would think after that trip to Thermopolis WY. I would remember...NOT!
Thank goodness them Carhart's are tough enough to polish the ring up a bit.
So we went to a local coffee shop for a quick coffee for Hafstein before he ran off to a family function, and I had some tea and a sandwich- very yummy. I did also have a bit of desert.
This town is said to have a large population of the hidden folk. Elves and such, and they even have a tour that takes you to their homes. If time permits, I might try to do it. It sounds like fun, and you know how I love local tales and myths, even if they ARE real.
Oh, yes, the language lesson, or rather help with pronunciation. So, we know about the LL sound, and the D with the little line on it. We know the thorn, which looks like a capital P that slipped a bit to the middle of the upright- a hard TH, like in Thorn...
So the next phase, the G us a sort of, well it is hard to describe, it is based on the Greek letter X, which does not help me having never had Greek or Latin, but is it a sort of back of the throat not quite a cough sound. Yeah, you just have to hear it, a lot and try to get it right!!
The F in words like HaFnarFjordur get a soft B sound, so it is more like Habnarbyorthur to say.
And then there is the case of the double N, like in Hafsteinn. It makes sort of an ending D or almost a light T sound, so it is more like Hafsteid.
R's get a rolling sound like doing a bad Scottish accent, not the glottal style as in German.
Okay. If I focus, I can say a street name and almost get the pronunciation of things. I still have no idea what it is I am saying. Knowing the vocabulary is at least 1/3 of the battle. If I know the word for a street translated to “dead whale beach avenue”, I can always ask for it that way.
So, 8:30 in the morning your time, and most of you are probably still asleep, it being Sundayu and all. 3:30 in the pm here so I will go for a soak and then come back to type more on the tiny keyboard, and maybe try a SKYPE, that is if ANYONE IS UP!
Alrighty then! I have had a nice lunch with tea and desert, a toasted ham and cheese sandwich with a little side salad.
Then psassing a bakery aI stopped in.Jjust to look mind you. And then this vanilla cream waffle cookie called my name, and I ended up having two deserts today.
To add insult to injury i went across the street for dinner, and there was another desert with my name on it. Dang it, three in one day. Okay no more deserts for me this trip.
So, dinner. Would you believe that the tagliatori pasta with garlic roasted lobster tails and vegetables and a side salad, cost less than the chicken salad dinner. Guess which one I had! Mmmm Lobster.
Ths hot tub was nice and the sauna was even better. a fine evening all in all. To bed now, for tomorrow we begin getting things set up for the market!
I have arrived in Hafnarfjodur, the harbor town at the sea. Many thanks to Hafsteinn for the ride down from Reykjavik, and the additional language lessons!
I am in the Viking Hotel for the night, then tomorrow I will help with setting up things, and begin my stay with the vikings in the Gym! I am really looking forward to meeting new folks form around the world.
The hotel is very cool, at least in my book! Very eclectic and what wild and inspired décor. Carved stones, fantastic wooden chairs that are carved, and a host of local crafts for sale in the gift shop.
I will of course be taking pictures of things for all to see. My room is a cozy one, and while it might be small by what US folks are used to, it IS an old building. It has a shower bathroom, two (twin?) beds. Coffee maker, TV, little desk and lamp. I would say the space is sort of like some of the older Victorian hotels we stayed at in SFO, and even some I recall in Sac. So in my book, it is just fine.
They have a geothermal hot tub, and I intend to use it tonight...remember to remove the silver jewelry first this time....
Thank goodness them Carhart's are tough enough to polish the ring up a bit.
So we went to a local coffee shop for a quick coffee for Hafstein before he ran off to a family function, and I had some tea and a sandwich- very yummy. I did also have a bit of desert.
This town is said to have a large population of the hidden folk. Elves and such, and they even have a tour that takes you to their homes. If time permits, I might try to do it. It sounds like fun, and you know how I love local tales and myths, even if they ARE real.
Oh, yes, the language lesson, or rather help with pronunciation. So, we know about the LL sound, and the D with the little line on it. We know the thorn, which looks like a capital P that slipped a bit to the middle of the upright- a hard TH, like in Thorn...
So the next phase, the G us a sort of, well it is hard to describe, it is based on the Greek letter X, which does not help me having never had Greek or Latin, but is it a sort of back of the throat not quite a cough sound. Yeah, you just have to hear it, a lot and try to get it right!!
The F in words like HaFnarFjordur get a soft B sound, so it is more like Habnarbyorthur to say.
And then there is the case of the double N, like in Hafsteinn. It makes sort of an ending D or almost a light T sound, so it is more like Hafsteid.
R's get a rolling sound like doing a bad Scottish accent, not the glottal style as in German.
Okay. If I focus, I can say a street name and almost get the pronunciation of things. I still have no idea what it is I am saying. Knowing the vocabulary is at least 1/3 of the battle. If I know the word for a street translated to “dead whale beach avenue”, I can always ask for it that way.
So, 8:30 in the morning your time, and most of you are probably still asleep, it being Sundayu and all. 3:30 in the pm here so I will go for a soak and then come back to type more on the tiny keyboard, and maybe try a SKYPE, that is if ANYONE IS UP!
Alrighty then! I have had a nice lunch with tea and desert, a toasted ham and cheese sandwich with a little side salad.
Then psassing a bakery aI stopped in.Jjust to look mind you. And then this vanilla cream waffle cookie called my name, and I ended up having two deserts today.
To add insult to injury i went across the street for dinner, and there was another desert with my name on it. Dang it, three in one day. Okay no more deserts for me this trip.
So, dinner. Would you believe that the tagliatori pasta with garlic roasted lobster tails and vegetables and a side salad, cost less than the chicken salad dinner. Guess which one I had! Mmmm Lobster.
Ths hot tub was nice and the sauna was even better. a fine evening all in all. To bed now, for tomorrow we begin getting things set up for the market!
10-11-snake eyes
I brought along the miniature video camera for it's lightness and size, literally the size of my thumb.
Still figuring out where to wear it for optimal video, short of taping it to my temple to see what I see as I move my head, probably not a good idea either. I am getting video, just not quite what i want, but I stand by the concept, and I am unanimous in this! I have a few more days before the Viking Market, and that is where I really want to be using it anyway.
The plus at not having to have the battery packs charging, and such is nice. Now as long as I do not lose it I will be fine!
I am still not sure why they call the little stores 10-11, unless it is because 7-11 was taken. The prices do not seem that high to me, but then I have yet to get to a Bonus market to see what the regular Icelanders pay for their groceries. With their logo of a pink pig, I am reminded of the Piggly Wiggly stores. Perhaps tomorrow.
So, while I am enjoying the time at the hostel, there are a few things that a newcomer needs to know:
Like, what are the hours on the front counter. I Know they have a lot of handouts and other information all over the lobby and common area, but I just do not recall seeing a sign for the hours of the counter being staffed.
Little things like the darkening blind in the window for these long days when you want to sleep.
Where the kitchen is, and how to get into it in the middle of the night when you want a cup of tea. The baskets with tags to mark for your things in the fridge is a great idea, and the share baskets for folks who leave stuff for others to use is also fantastic. They do need a larger sign about cleaning up your crap though. A couple kids made rather a mess cooking and just left their junk out as if the maid would handle it.
The rental vehicles totally escaped my knowledge the first day and a half. Not until they pulled them inside for the night did I realize they were not someone's personal scooters out in the back.
I am old and wobbly at times, I would rather like a handrail at the front steps. Iceland is not the land of ADA. I can do it, as long as the kids don;t knock me over because I am so slow getting up and down. Note to self, bring the walking stick next time, or the hiking poles.
There is a book loan shelf, with take a book leave a book type status. And the books are form all over the world. Very cool, even if I cannot read more than a few of them.
Ask right away about where the local market or grocery supply is, breakfast is available at many hostels, but might not be what you expect. Also your stomach may not be adjusted yet to the time change and environment and you might need a bit of comfort food to keep you working right.
Your room-mates might arrive at anytime of the day or night. Watch what you are not wearing!
Also, if YOU are coming and going, be polite about lights and the door latches, they are loud and the doors are heavy. A good idea is quiet in the sleeping areas, regardless of time of day. Someone might be trying to recover from jet lag. (wink wink)
If you have an early checkout, pack most of what you can the night before to avoid disturbing folks while you root out your junk.
Try to not hammer on things in your room. The building is solid enough, but sound transmits through those concrete walls if you are touching or pounding on them. Voices are muted, but not thumping or drumming on the bed frames or wall.
Over all be polite and do what you can to help over-ride the conception that so much of the world has about the American traveler. It won't be easy, but if we all try just a little bit I think we can make a difference.
Odd thoughts and observations...
So, we are out at the Gullfoss waterfall, rather spectacular indeed. There was a bit of litter here and there on the grounds at both the upper and lower parking areas. A couple of (who would have thought it) Americans stopped to pick up the can and bits of paper in the lot and grounds, but there was no trash can anywhere. Not in the parking area, or on the bus. So it was brought back to the hostel for recycle and disposal. A shame really, as while the problem of odd bits of litter is not heavy, yet, if the locals do not begin to think about controlling it, or at least making it easier to find trash receptacles, any increase in tourism will be clearly seen. Maybe there is a cultural cue I am missing. I just hate to see such a pretty country get littered up. Who knows, maybe it is the wind that blows all the trash out to the sea and they just do not think about it. I cannot say.
Noticing a bit of graffitti, though usually on vacant building or store sides and such. What I don't see is any apparent effort to clean or remove it. Hard to tell if it is the native Icelanders or emigrants/visitors. I do notice that they have a high appreciation for art, and there is that old wag about “but is it art”.
I found one of the yarn shops. Now I KNOW that there is a soft wool that comes form these sheep, and when you see and feel the sheep skins, it is evident. I have looked for wool to buy and bring home, but it is all the outer guard hair stuff, very scratchy. I cannot think of a project to make that would not require me to line it. Feh! I will say that the outer or guard hair wool does have a natural water repellant quality, and this is why they use it in so many outerwear things. One artist has a show and form of textile art getting good reviews...she is felting. At the Culture house is one of her installations, a long elastic string, or rather a series of them, with felt balls in various bright colors strung along it. There are some photos of a couple of children at play with them.
Sleep, wonderful sleep..
Almost a solid 8 hours last night! I woke up a couple times, saw it was light out (snort) and checked the watch to see if it was time to get up, 1:30, then 4, then 5:30, then finally 8! I feel nice and rested. I am having a bit of sinus congestion. Here is hoping it is just because a number of folks were smoking on the patio last night, and NOT because I am catching a cold. I am NOT going to catch a cold while I am here. End of discussion. (excuse me, I need a tissue).
So today I leave the hostel and head for the harbor town. Tomorrow I will start by helping them with the set up of things, and learn where things are in that area. Who knows, maybe I will visit the pink pig store yet!
Still trying to find a few more things to bring back for folks......Something for the office. Something unusual she said.....I wonder what the guy at the Penis museum has for souvenirs? Yeah, I typed it. There is a Penis museum in Iceland. Have not gone there......not sure I can. But really, how can one not go to something like that! I guess that come form either lack of sun, or lack of dark.
I brought along the miniature video camera for it's lightness and size, literally the size of my thumb.
Still figuring out where to wear it for optimal video, short of taping it to my temple to see what I see as I move my head, probably not a good idea either. I am getting video, just not quite what i want, but I stand by the concept, and I am unanimous in this! I have a few more days before the Viking Market, and that is where I really want to be using it anyway.
The plus at not having to have the battery packs charging, and such is nice. Now as long as I do not lose it I will be fine!
I am still not sure why they call the little stores 10-11, unless it is because 7-11 was taken. The prices do not seem that high to me, but then I have yet to get to a Bonus market to see what the regular Icelanders pay for their groceries. With their logo of a pink pig, I am reminded of the Piggly Wiggly stores. Perhaps tomorrow.
So, while I am enjoying the time at the hostel, there are a few things that a newcomer needs to know:
Like, what are the hours on the front counter. I Know they have a lot of handouts and other information all over the lobby and common area, but I just do not recall seeing a sign for the hours of the counter being staffed.
Little things like the darkening blind in the window for these long days when you want to sleep.
Where the kitchen is, and how to get into it in the middle of the night when you want a cup of tea. The baskets with tags to mark for your things in the fridge is a great idea, and the share baskets for folks who leave stuff for others to use is also fantastic. They do need a larger sign about cleaning up your crap though. A couple kids made rather a mess cooking and just left their junk out as if the maid would handle it.
The rental vehicles totally escaped my knowledge the first day and a half. Not until they pulled them inside for the night did I realize they were not someone's personal scooters out in the back.
I am old and wobbly at times, I would rather like a handrail at the front steps. Iceland is not the land of ADA. I can do it, as long as the kids don;t knock me over because I am so slow getting up and down. Note to self, bring the walking stick next time, or the hiking poles.
There is a book loan shelf, with take a book leave a book type status. And the books are form all over the world. Very cool, even if I cannot read more than a few of them.
Ask right away about where the local market or grocery supply is, breakfast is available at many hostels, but might not be what you expect. Also your stomach may not be adjusted yet to the time change and environment and you might need a bit of comfort food to keep you working right.
Your room-mates might arrive at anytime of the day or night. Watch what you are not wearing!
Also, if YOU are coming and going, be polite about lights and the door latches, they are loud and the doors are heavy. A good idea is quiet in the sleeping areas, regardless of time of day. Someone might be trying to recover from jet lag. (wink wink)
If you have an early checkout, pack most of what you can the night before to avoid disturbing folks while you root out your junk.
Try to not hammer on things in your room. The building is solid enough, but sound transmits through those concrete walls if you are touching or pounding on them. Voices are muted, but not thumping or drumming on the bed frames or wall.
Over all be polite and do what you can to help over-ride the conception that so much of the world has about the American traveler. It won't be easy, but if we all try just a little bit I think we can make a difference.
Odd thoughts and observations...
So, we are out at the Gullfoss waterfall, rather spectacular indeed. There was a bit of litter here and there on the grounds at both the upper and lower parking areas. A couple of (who would have thought it) Americans stopped to pick up the can and bits of paper in the lot and grounds, but there was no trash can anywhere. Not in the parking area, or on the bus. So it was brought back to the hostel for recycle and disposal. A shame really, as while the problem of odd bits of litter is not heavy, yet, if the locals do not begin to think about controlling it, or at least making it easier to find trash receptacles, any increase in tourism will be clearly seen. Maybe there is a cultural cue I am missing. I just hate to see such a pretty country get littered up. Who knows, maybe it is the wind that blows all the trash out to the sea and they just do not think about it. I cannot say.
Noticing a bit of graffitti, though usually on vacant building or store sides and such. What I don't see is any apparent effort to clean or remove it. Hard to tell if it is the native Icelanders or emigrants/visitors. I do notice that they have a high appreciation for art, and there is that old wag about “but is it art”.
I found one of the yarn shops. Now I KNOW that there is a soft wool that comes form these sheep, and when you see and feel the sheep skins, it is evident. I have looked for wool to buy and bring home, but it is all the outer guard hair stuff, very scratchy. I cannot think of a project to make that would not require me to line it. Feh! I will say that the outer or guard hair wool does have a natural water repellant quality, and this is why they use it in so many outerwear things. One artist has a show and form of textile art getting good reviews...she is felting. At the Culture house is one of her installations, a long elastic string, or rather a series of them, with felt balls in various bright colors strung along it. There are some photos of a couple of children at play with them.
Sleep, wonderful sleep..
Almost a solid 8 hours last night! I woke up a couple times, saw it was light out (snort) and checked the watch to see if it was time to get up, 1:30, then 4, then 5:30, then finally 8! I feel nice and rested. I am having a bit of sinus congestion. Here is hoping it is just because a number of folks were smoking on the patio last night, and NOT because I am catching a cold. I am NOT going to catch a cold while I am here. End of discussion. (excuse me, I need a tissue).
So today I leave the hostel and head for the harbor town. Tomorrow I will start by helping them with the set up of things, and learn where things are in that area. Who knows, maybe I will visit the pink pig store yet!
Still trying to find a few more things to bring back for folks......Something for the office. Something unusual she said.....I wonder what the guy at the Penis museum has for souvenirs? Yeah, I typed it. There is a Penis museum in Iceland. Have not gone there......not sure I can. But really, how can one not go to something like that! I guess that come form either lack of sun, or lack of dark.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Hostels
In case i have not mentioned it, or you missed it, i joined the HI, Hostels International, the orange circle logo with the green tree inside. (there are a couple hostel assns. out there) Cost is about 30$ a year, and you get really pretty nice places to stay. Now you can stay without being a member, but you do get a discount if you join up. They have a travel insurance and some other benefits built into the program. Did you know that in Califronia, a number of the coastal lighthouses are part of the Hostel system?! Can you imagine the cost of staying overmight in SFO? there is a hostel for that!
http://www.hihostels.com/
my stay has been about $30 US a night. I get kitchen priveledges, self cleaning, and fun folks to talk to and meet. I am in a room with a couple others, somehow i missed the booking button for the private room (10 extra a night) but it's all good. Bathroom and shoer in the room, lockers you can rent for anything too valuable to lea ve out, and comfy room and bed. I am just glad i got here early to get a bottom bunk, though anyone i had to sleep above might be willing to give it up!
The one I am staying in is here, and the pictures are pretty spot on;
http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostel026001.en.htm?himap=Y#book
except for the northern lights one, that is waay too dark for this time of year.
The staff has been very helpful, though i think they are used to veteran users of the system. YOu will need to make it clear if you are a hostel virgin so that they tell you all the stuff you need to know!
Many of them can help you book your day trips and arrange your transportation in the area. Look over all the brochures on the system, and the hostel you are at in particular. Ask the staff questions, ask other hostellers questions, donl' be shy. if you want ot stick to yourself then pay extra and stay at a hotel! This is fun,and you really do get to meet people form around the world. Somthing i think more Americans need to do. We are too closed in our culture and view of the world.
So far this week, English, Scottish, French, Swiss, Kiwi's, Icelanders, Canadians, Spaniards, Austrians, and those are just the ones i talked to! Oh,a couple of other Americans too. Some young, high school age, some older. In all a good time and a lot of fun, even if i do not drink alcohol!
http://www.hihostels.com/
my stay has been about $30 US a night. I get kitchen priveledges, self cleaning, and fun folks to talk to and meet. I am in a room with a couple others, somehow i missed the booking button for the private room (10 extra a night) but it's all good. Bathroom and shoer in the room, lockers you can rent for anything too valuable to lea ve out, and comfy room and bed. I am just glad i got here early to get a bottom bunk, though anyone i had to sleep above might be willing to give it up!
The one I am staying in is here, and the pictures are pretty spot on;
http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostel026001.en.htm?himap=Y#book
except for the northern lights one, that is waay too dark for this time of year.
The staff has been very helpful, though i think they are used to veteran users of the system. YOu will need to make it clear if you are a hostel virgin so that they tell you all the stuff you need to know!
Many of them can help you book your day trips and arrange your transportation in the area. Look over all the brochures on the system, and the hostel you are at in particular. Ask the staff questions, ask other hostellers questions, donl' be shy. if you want ot stick to yourself then pay extra and stay at a hotel! This is fun,and you really do get to meet people form around the world. Somthing i think more Americans need to do. We are too closed in our culture and view of the world.
So far this week, English, Scottish, French, Swiss, Kiwi's, Icelanders, Canadians, Spaniards, Austrians, and those are just the ones i talked to! Oh,a couple of other Americans too. Some young, high school age, some older. In all a good time and a lot of fun, even if i do not drink alcohol!
I am a tourist!
Number 5
The golden circle.
After a fine breakfast, I signed up for the afternoon tour of the Golden Circle. An abbreviated bus coach drive up to the Thingviller (yes, that LL gets the Tl sound), the Gullfoss waterfall (yep, that LL to!) and then over to Geysir, say it like geezer and you will have it. The original geysir, the first one to bear the name, is intermittent and they say it wants a couple good strong quakes to wake it up again. It's alright, as there are plenty of smaller hot pots of boiling water to bubble and burp, and one that shoots about 70 feet every four to five minutes. A bit of sulfur in the air, but not like visiting Lassen. While there are bubbly mud pots in some areas, this is not one of them. Strictly water at this location.
It looks like Iceland is just getting going with spring for the number of wildflowers out in bloom. Buttercups, yarrow, and a host of others that look familiar, but not quite what I know them as. Arctic terns out and about along the rivers, and other birds to add to my list. Still trying to figure out if I will get to see the puffins up close, this is the time of year they say, they are on the little islands by the millions, breeding away. Did you know that puffins only have one egg a year?
The Icelandic horses were everywhere in the countryside today, small but hardy and feisty I am told. Likewise the sheep, which roam the countryside and are only herded a couple times a year for tagging and shearing. They kept nestled in the hummocks created by the lava fields, so I am not sure if I was able to get a good picture form the bus or not. I will say that for a country this size, they have an amazing array of landscapes. I don't want to spoil it for your future visits, so lets just say you gotta see this place. And give yourself enough time to really see it. While rental cars can be expensive here, along with the gas, I would really look into the hostel room and car plan if I come back again. The ability to take your time and see what you like is nice. Be warned, the bus was sort of off-roading today, okay so really just not all the roads are paved all the way out yet, and the cars hug the edges when the bus comes along. The driver was great and so was the tour guide. Language lessons in the mix no extra charge!
I have a few souvenirs already, but I am sure I will find a few more before the trip is over. So, Sunday, tomorrow is my check out day at the Hostel, I will call my contact in Hafnafodur (sp) to make arrangements for the rest of my trip, not sure where I will be the next two nights but I am not worried about it. Trying to re-arrange the luggage to not have so many loose bits and pieces to carry as I will likely be taking the city bus service a couple of times with it all, and I want to be able to load fast.
Skype is working off and on, not sure what the hang up is, them or my little machine, but I do get a good talk in with Tory every now and then. The video is off and on, and if we conference call it the video is always off, but hey, it's all good. Time to upload and check the messages, will try to SKYPE in an hour or so.
The golden circle.
After a fine breakfast, I signed up for the afternoon tour of the Golden Circle. An abbreviated bus coach drive up to the Thingviller (yes, that LL gets the Tl sound), the Gullfoss waterfall (yep, that LL to!) and then over to Geysir, say it like geezer and you will have it. The original geysir, the first one to bear the name, is intermittent and they say it wants a couple good strong quakes to wake it up again. It's alright, as there are plenty of smaller hot pots of boiling water to bubble and burp, and one that shoots about 70 feet every four to five minutes. A bit of sulfur in the air, but not like visiting Lassen. While there are bubbly mud pots in some areas, this is not one of them. Strictly water at this location.
It looks like Iceland is just getting going with spring for the number of wildflowers out in bloom. Buttercups, yarrow, and a host of others that look familiar, but not quite what I know them as. Arctic terns out and about along the rivers, and other birds to add to my list. Still trying to figure out if I will get to see the puffins up close, this is the time of year they say, they are on the little islands by the millions, breeding away. Did you know that puffins only have one egg a year?
The Icelandic horses were everywhere in the countryside today, small but hardy and feisty I am told. Likewise the sheep, which roam the countryside and are only herded a couple times a year for tagging and shearing. They kept nestled in the hummocks created by the lava fields, so I am not sure if I was able to get a good picture form the bus or not. I will say that for a country this size, they have an amazing array of landscapes. I don't want to spoil it for your future visits, so lets just say you gotta see this place. And give yourself enough time to really see it. While rental cars can be expensive here, along with the gas, I would really look into the hostel room and car plan if I come back again. The ability to take your time and see what you like is nice. Be warned, the bus was sort of off-roading today, okay so really just not all the roads are paved all the way out yet, and the cars hug the edges when the bus comes along. The driver was great and so was the tour guide. Language lessons in the mix no extra charge!
I have a few souvenirs already, but I am sure I will find a few more before the trip is over. So, Sunday, tomorrow is my check out day at the Hostel, I will call my contact in Hafnafodur (sp) to make arrangements for the rest of my trip, not sure where I will be the next two nights but I am not worried about it. Trying to re-arrange the luggage to not have so many loose bits and pieces to carry as I will likely be taking the city bus service a couple of times with it all, and I want to be able to load fast.
Skype is working off and on, not sure what the hang up is, them or my little machine, but I do get a good talk in with Tory every now and then. The video is off and on, and if we conference call it the video is always off, but hey, it's all good. Time to upload and check the messages, will try to SKYPE in an hour or so.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Mmmmmm hot Vatn
Now I'm cooking!
Ahhhhhh, a nice soak in the pool, I tried the first one, not hot enough, so I went for the one at the far end, that I could see, it was 42o C which is very nice and hot on my poor tired little body. A nice young man told me where the really hot one was, but it looked like it was under maintenance so this one would have to do. I did about 20 minutes, then got out to cool down in the nice evening breeze, then ambled back in, very tingly hot!.
But I digress. So the Welcome Pass for the bus got me in free, otherwise about 360Isk or somewhere around 2.75 US. There is a counter where you can buy goggles, or nose-plugs of snack/drinks, and even swimsuits if you need one. Get your ticket, pass the turnstiles, and be thankful that the signs are in English too, though Krona is Icelandic for Women. Kronur for Men.
You park your shoes outside the change room in the rack, and there is a locker you can put your valuables into if you like. Then inside to change. More lockers inside, and I found out you could put your shoes into a bag and bring them into your clothes locker if you are going to use one.
Be sure to bring at least 1 or 2 -100 Ikr coins for the locker to give up the key, you get it back when you open up later.
So, strip down and take your towel and swimsuit, cause first you have to shower yer butt before they let you into the pool. Nice warm water and soap provided at the dispensers. Head to toe, and they have little signs to direct you to those special places, like your head and feet, and well, lets just say they want you clean first!
A fine feature is the lovely two drinking fountains that run continuous with nice cold eater to drink before heading out.
Suit up and put your towel into the rack cause it is time to get some swim on!
There it is, a long corridor that takes you to the automatic door of bliss. There is a shallow pool for children, with a small slide for play, and a three story tower, very colorful with a pipe water slide, and general splash zone for the play inclined. Then nearest the doors are about three pools and a big shallow sit around in a stretched out circle and chat sort of pool. Turn left, go along the side of the 8 lane big old pool, all set up for laps, and you see the pools with safety rails lined up with signs giving you the temperature of the water, 30c, 32c, 38c, I went for the second one, too cool, then right on down to the end for the 42c. Ohh baby, that is some nice hot water. And not much sulfur at this point. I am told there is a steam room, but without someone to massage or slap me with birch twigs, what is the point. So after about an hour, it is open until 2230 on weekdays, I moseyed back to the hostel all ready for bed. Almost. I went for a cup of nice hot tea, met some people from France and another young man form England, one form Glasgow who are over on a sort of volunteer conservation crew working on things in the national parks for eleven weeks or so. No pay but they get fed and housed, and they get to see the country first hand and up close.
Headed back to my room, the two young ladies from Switzerland are all dressed up and headed out to party. Lets just say at 3 am local time they are not back yet. I think they will call it a successful evening.
Okay, I have decided that after breakfast this morning I will have the folks here book me up on the Golden Circle Afternoon tour. A 6 hour tour that leaves at 12:30 to go see Thingvillir park, Gullfoss and Geysir. Oh, and the nice young man at the pool taught me how to say the name of the volcano correctly. Which incidentally is being blamed for the overcast weather as there is still ash in the air, and on everything else a bit as it settles out, and cutting a bit of the sunlight (the double L at the end gets the same Tl sound as the first set- it takes practice)
So, climbing back into bed for another couple hours, then up and at em for the day! Hope you had a good Pizza Friday and said hi to Koby for me!
Ahhhhhh, a nice soak in the pool, I tried the first one, not hot enough, so I went for the one at the far end, that I could see, it was 42o C which is very nice and hot on my poor tired little body. A nice young man told me where the really hot one was, but it looked like it was under maintenance so this one would have to do. I did about 20 minutes, then got out to cool down in the nice evening breeze, then ambled back in, very tingly hot!.
But I digress. So the Welcome Pass for the bus got me in free, otherwise about 360Isk or somewhere around 2.75 US. There is a counter where you can buy goggles, or nose-plugs of snack/drinks, and even swimsuits if you need one. Get your ticket, pass the turnstiles, and be thankful that the signs are in English too, though Krona is Icelandic for Women. Kronur for Men.
You park your shoes outside the change room in the rack, and there is a locker you can put your valuables into if you like. Then inside to change. More lockers inside, and I found out you could put your shoes into a bag and bring them into your clothes locker if you are going to use one.
Be sure to bring at least 1 or 2 -100 Ikr coins for the locker to give up the key, you get it back when you open up later.
So, strip down and take your towel and swimsuit, cause first you have to shower yer butt before they let you into the pool. Nice warm water and soap provided at the dispensers. Head to toe, and they have little signs to direct you to those special places, like your head and feet, and well, lets just say they want you clean first!
A fine feature is the lovely two drinking fountains that run continuous with nice cold eater to drink before heading out.
Suit up and put your towel into the rack cause it is time to get some swim on!
There it is, a long corridor that takes you to the automatic door of bliss. There is a shallow pool for children, with a small slide for play, and a three story tower, very colorful with a pipe water slide, and general splash zone for the play inclined. Then nearest the doors are about three pools and a big shallow sit around in a stretched out circle and chat sort of pool. Turn left, go along the side of the 8 lane big old pool, all set up for laps, and you see the pools with safety rails lined up with signs giving you the temperature of the water, 30c, 32c, 38c, I went for the second one, too cool, then right on down to the end for the 42c. Ohh baby, that is some nice hot water. And not much sulfur at this point. I am told there is a steam room, but without someone to massage or slap me with birch twigs, what is the point. So after about an hour, it is open until 2230 on weekdays, I moseyed back to the hostel all ready for bed. Almost. I went for a cup of nice hot tea, met some people from France and another young man form England, one form Glasgow who are over on a sort of volunteer conservation crew working on things in the national parks for eleven weeks or so. No pay but they get fed and housed, and they get to see the country first hand and up close.
Headed back to my room, the two young ladies from Switzerland are all dressed up and headed out to party. Lets just say at 3 am local time they are not back yet. I think they will call it a successful evening.
Okay, I have decided that after breakfast this morning I will have the folks here book me up on the Golden Circle Afternoon tour. A 6 hour tour that leaves at 12:30 to go see Thingvillir park, Gullfoss and Geysir. Oh, and the nice young man at the pool taught me how to say the name of the volcano correctly. Which incidentally is being blamed for the overcast weather as there is still ash in the air, and on everything else a bit as it settles out, and cutting a bit of the sunlight (the double L at the end gets the same Tl sound as the first set- it takes practice)
So, climbing back into bed for another couple hours, then up and at em for the day! Hope you had a good Pizza Friday and said hi to Koby for me!
I'm in hot water now, or soon anyway...
Blog three, still day two.
The city bus system (still in Reykjavik) is actually easy to understand. As long as I don't forget that the number 14 is the one that goes in front of the Hostel. The bus is 280 Ikr each ride- I think there is a transfer available, but I was not sure what it said on the tag so...All the buses go to their main station, and from there you hop on or off to get to the bus you want that goes to where you want. You can of course do that along the line, but what makes the station nice is you can buy the bus cards there.
Got the “Welcome” card for 24 hours. It lets me take the bus, unlimited trips, get into several museums, get discounts in some of the shops, AND take a ferry over and back to one of the islands in the harbor! The one day was 1600Ikr. Considering th3e two museums I went to today would have been about that in admission, and then the 4 additional bus rides, a good thing to have. Also it means you don't have to carry a ton of change for the bus. Exact change of course, and that means 2 each of the 100 kr, and then a 50 kr, and three 10 kr to get the bus fare.
Tip trip for next time, bring along a badge holder and clip for things like the buss pass, and even the room key!
Museums today: The Culture house, and the Early settlement display. Both downtown, about five blocks apart, (bus stops nearby).
The culture house features some of the early saga manuscripts, though they are loaned out form time to time and replicas or large presentation book duplicates are used then, like today. Sure same luck I had in Toronto with the shoe museum. No pictures allowed form inside the Culture house, so you will have to sue your imagination. In addition to the manuscript hall, there is a rather nice display of photos taken by a local man of families in Iceland. Most of them are rural and show them in their homes and work. Makes one stop and think about all the stuff we have in our lives back home, and how these folks are still pretty basic when you get right down to it. Much of the baggage we drag along in our lives is out of desire, not need. Icelanders do not appear to waste too much of anything. The images included farmers; young ladies who work cleaning fish in the harbor; a Seal hunter and his family; an older farmer who went form fox hunting to tourist guide as his economy changed, an older man who still hunts foxes; and two brothers, self educated scientists brothers who live near the volcano that recently erupted. Alas I do not know if they had difficulties form the eruption or not. Interesting to get a glimpse into the homes and lives of the people of this land. I also had lunch at the Culture house. There is a soup and bread with coffee lunch for 1000Ikr, and you can refill the soup and bread. Sou[p choice was a vegetable, very tasty, and a mushroom. The bread was a very good fresh made roll (actually more of a mini loaf) I started with a bowl of the vegetable, and thought to have a second bowl to try the mushroom, but strange as it seems, I was just right after the single bowl and bread.
Fortified and ready for more museums, I went outside to catch the bus tot he settlement house. The bus driver did not laugh at me out loud, but he did look surprised when I pointed on the bus map where I wanted to go. He looked at me and pointed like “It's just over there, why don't you walk it?!”
I tried to tell him that I have no idea where “over there” is, so he shrugged and took me to the nearest stop to where I wanted to be. It was still a bit of a task finding the signs and going the right direction to get there, oh, and still a two block meander more or less to find it. The bonus? Getting to see an area of Reykjavik I might not have, I think I passes a casino with slot machines, and possibly a leather bar, but hard to tell with everything in a language I cannot read very well.
So the story goes that they were moving an older house, or trying to, in order to relocate it for another museum type place, in order to build a hotel and parking garage. Back in about 2001. They found the foundation outline and bits of artifacts form a longhouse of the settlement era. The museum staff estimate that there are more than a few of these under many of the buildings in Reykjavik. Newspaper accounts wee, one hears, rather hot and heavy with the fight over halting the garage, or saving the history. They opted for the history, built a frame and building over the site after stabilizing things, and additional building above that. I would guess that a clever engineer might have found a way to have the lowermost level of a multi-story garage be the history set aside, but what do I know!
Anyway, they have a few artifact fragments, and a nice layout of the foundation, post-holes, and layout of the site. Pictures were allowed, though the lighting and layout of the foundation make it hard to get anything good from that.. A most interesting place to see, at least from a re-enactor perspective.
I did stop into a number of gift stores while I was downtown, but nothing really jumped out at me, except the sealskin goodies, and the arctic fox, but I don't want it captured at customs for cities violations. There were rather large candles in the shape of the Great Auk, but I considered the logistics of safe travel for them and passed. What sort of things to bring home for people.....still looking!
Made it back to the hostel on the buses safely, still amazed at being able to ride the bus alone!
So, it is now about 8:30 in the evening, and i am going to go soak in the pool just up the street, it comes with the bus pass admissions, which expires at ten or so in the morning. Seems a shame to waste it, and my feet hurt form all that walking today...THAT'S my story and i am sticking to it. The swimming pool has adjascent small pools where the water is hotter by degrees, the whole thing is heated form the geothermal source......ooo i get to become volcano stew!
next post in the morning after the soak and sleep! Have a good day back home, we reached about 68f degrees today in Reykjavik, it got a little bit warm!
I need a soak NOW!
The city bus system (still in Reykjavik) is actually easy to understand. As long as I don't forget that the number 14 is the one that goes in front of the Hostel. The bus is 280 Ikr each ride- I think there is a transfer available, but I was not sure what it said on the tag so...All the buses go to their main station, and from there you hop on or off to get to the bus you want that goes to where you want. You can of course do that along the line, but what makes the station nice is you can buy the bus cards there.
Got the “Welcome” card for 24 hours. It lets me take the bus, unlimited trips, get into several museums, get discounts in some of the shops, AND take a ferry over and back to one of the islands in the harbor! The one day was 1600Ikr. Considering th3e two museums I went to today would have been about that in admission, and then the 4 additional bus rides, a good thing to have. Also it means you don't have to carry a ton of change for the bus. Exact change of course, and that means 2 each of the 100 kr, and then a 50 kr, and three 10 kr to get the bus fare.
Tip trip for next time, bring along a badge holder and clip for things like the buss pass, and even the room key!
Museums today: The Culture house, and the Early settlement display. Both downtown, about five blocks apart, (bus stops nearby).
The culture house features some of the early saga manuscripts, though they are loaned out form time to time and replicas or large presentation book duplicates are used then, like today. Sure same luck I had in Toronto with the shoe museum. No pictures allowed form inside the Culture house, so you will have to sue your imagination. In addition to the manuscript hall, there is a rather nice display of photos taken by a local man of families in Iceland. Most of them are rural and show them in their homes and work. Makes one stop and think about all the stuff we have in our lives back home, and how these folks are still pretty basic when you get right down to it. Much of the baggage we drag along in our lives is out of desire, not need. Icelanders do not appear to waste too much of anything. The images included farmers; young ladies who work cleaning fish in the harbor; a Seal hunter and his family; an older farmer who went form fox hunting to tourist guide as his economy changed, an older man who still hunts foxes; and two brothers, self educated scientists brothers who live near the volcano that recently erupted. Alas I do not know if they had difficulties form the eruption or not. Interesting to get a glimpse into the homes and lives of the people of this land. I also had lunch at the Culture house. There is a soup and bread with coffee lunch for 1000Ikr, and you can refill the soup and bread. Sou[p choice was a vegetable, very tasty, and a mushroom. The bread was a very good fresh made roll (actually more of a mini loaf) I started with a bowl of the vegetable, and thought to have a second bowl to try the mushroom, but strange as it seems, I was just right after the single bowl and bread.
Fortified and ready for more museums, I went outside to catch the bus tot he settlement house. The bus driver did not laugh at me out loud, but he did look surprised when I pointed on the bus map where I wanted to go. He looked at me and pointed like “It's just over there, why don't you walk it?!”
I tried to tell him that I have no idea where “over there” is, so he shrugged and took me to the nearest stop to where I wanted to be. It was still a bit of a task finding the signs and going the right direction to get there, oh, and still a two block meander more or less to find it. The bonus? Getting to see an area of Reykjavik I might not have, I think I passes a casino with slot machines, and possibly a leather bar, but hard to tell with everything in a language I cannot read very well.
So the story goes that they were moving an older house, or trying to, in order to relocate it for another museum type place, in order to build a hotel and parking garage. Back in about 2001. They found the foundation outline and bits of artifacts form a longhouse of the settlement era. The museum staff estimate that there are more than a few of these under many of the buildings in Reykjavik. Newspaper accounts wee, one hears, rather hot and heavy with the fight over halting the garage, or saving the history. They opted for the history, built a frame and building over the site after stabilizing things, and additional building above that. I would guess that a clever engineer might have found a way to have the lowermost level of a multi-story garage be the history set aside, but what do I know!
Anyway, they have a few artifact fragments, and a nice layout of the foundation, post-holes, and layout of the site. Pictures were allowed, though the lighting and layout of the foundation make it hard to get anything good from that.. A most interesting place to see, at least from a re-enactor perspective.
I did stop into a number of gift stores while I was downtown, but nothing really jumped out at me, except the sealskin goodies, and the arctic fox, but I don't want it captured at customs for cities violations. There were rather large candles in the shape of the Great Auk, but I considered the logistics of safe travel for them and passed. What sort of things to bring home for people.....still looking!
Made it back to the hostel on the buses safely, still amazed at being able to ride the bus alone!
So, it is now about 8:30 in the evening, and i am going to go soak in the pool just up the street, it comes with the bus pass admissions, which expires at ten or so in the morning. Seems a shame to waste it, and my feet hurt form all that walking today...THAT'S my story and i am sticking to it. The swimming pool has adjascent small pools where the water is hotter by degrees, the whole thing is heated form the geothermal source......ooo i get to become volcano stew!
next post in the morning after the soak and sleep! Have a good day back home, we reached about 68f degrees today in Reykjavik, it got a little bit warm!
I need a soak NOW!
the SAGA continues
Day Two and look out Reykjavik!
I slept rather well last night, two young ladies from Switzerland arrived late to the room while I was out blogging, and one of the roomies knew about the blind for the window, I had closed the curtain but was not aware of the roller blind, it made the room much darker and sleep was easier! Yaay!
About quarter to two back home, and quarter to 9 in the morning here, I am still a tiny bit sleepy, but then nine is still a tiny bit early for me if I am honest!
Colors on the wrapper of a chocolate bar will help you decide, if you pay attention.
There was one last night form the machine that was yellow and black. I know the word for chocolate, but it was hiding a long large stripe of black licorice inside...blech! So, I had to go buy another one that was edible. Such a sensitive palate I have. Thank goodness that the snickers bar has a distinctive wrapper. What is fun is that so far the vending machines I have seen all will take your credit-card.
There was a “cereal” bar, some puffy grains, flavored with banana and a nice layer of chocolate.
I guess I will be taste testing the chocolate bars while in Iceland, as the options for other snacks is a bit limited. Apples were 500 Ikr a kilo, or about $2 a pound, I may have to get a few of them for snacks and cooking with.
Still on the fence about doing the fishing or not, and thinking what the heck, they have a bulletin board, if I catch anything I will just cook it up and offer to anyone who wants some for dinner tonight.
Well, no more flavored skyr for me, it does not taste right. I will pick up some of the plain stuff today and give it a try. The good side of the flavored stuff is the spoon inside the lid for you to eat it with. It is a plastic shovel shape, that folds in half in the middle, and snaps into place. It can be unsnapped to fold back up. I now have two of them. Cute and clever!
I now have a map of the buses and places I want to try and see today, so we will see if I survive the system to return and actually get the blog up-loaded tonight allowing for the further adventures.
NOTE the Lupine is considered a weed, and imported, likely by the US from the base. It gets used for some erosion control, but now i looks like they are trying to get rid of it, disruptive to the native plants in a big way.
I slept rather well last night, two young ladies from Switzerland arrived late to the room while I was out blogging, and one of the roomies knew about the blind for the window, I had closed the curtain but was not aware of the roller blind, it made the room much darker and sleep was easier! Yaay!
About quarter to two back home, and quarter to 9 in the morning here, I am still a tiny bit sleepy, but then nine is still a tiny bit early for me if I am honest!
Colors on the wrapper of a chocolate bar will help you decide, if you pay attention.
There was one last night form the machine that was yellow and black. I know the word for chocolate, but it was hiding a long large stripe of black licorice inside...blech! So, I had to go buy another one that was edible. Such a sensitive palate I have. Thank goodness that the snickers bar has a distinctive wrapper. What is fun is that so far the vending machines I have seen all will take your credit-card.
There was a “cereal” bar, some puffy grains, flavored with banana and a nice layer of chocolate.
I guess I will be taste testing the chocolate bars while in Iceland, as the options for other snacks is a bit limited. Apples were 500 Ikr a kilo, or about $2 a pound, I may have to get a few of them for snacks and cooking with.
Still on the fence about doing the fishing or not, and thinking what the heck, they have a bulletin board, if I catch anything I will just cook it up and offer to anyone who wants some for dinner tonight.
Well, no more flavored skyr for me, it does not taste right. I will pick up some of the plain stuff today and give it a try. The good side of the flavored stuff is the spoon inside the lid for you to eat it with. It is a plastic shovel shape, that folds in half in the middle, and snaps into place. It can be unsnapped to fold back up. I now have two of them. Cute and clever!
I now have a map of the buses and places I want to try and see today, so we will see if I survive the system to return and actually get the blog up-loaded tonight allowing for the further adventures.
NOTE the Lupine is considered a weed, and imported, likely by the US from the base. It gets used for some erosion control, but now i looks like they are trying to get rid of it, disruptive to the native plants in a big way.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
first "night" in Iceland
at one am, it is still light enought outside to do just about anything except maybe read a book. After about four hours of solid sleep, i think i can share some of today's thoughts and observations.
I tell you, can the US pick a site for an airbase or what! Talk about the middle of nut'in', Keflavik is bleak to say the least. I have noticed that the Icelanders have a fine appreciation for art though, and you will see it in may unexpected places.
It was cloudy as we flew in today so i did NOT see the great mall from the air.....i cannot confirm or deny that it is shaped like a giant p-nis.
There are some colorful sculptures at the airport, and even on the drive to Reykjavik, there are interesting rock cairns along the road. Some of them look to be memorioals or grave markers, but some look like a multi hunk constructed tower that has the look of the big heads from Easter Island. Give credit, they have a LOT of rock here, and they use it! I mean, these chunks are just laying around on the ground, and if they get scarce, I think the gods wake up and Surtr tossed more from the mountains to them!
Most of the folks in the hostel are down for the night, but there are a few 'kids' still up and making a bit more noise int he room areas than might be nice. There are plenty of common areas for that sort of thing, but hey, kids will be kids. There is a group of HSer's from So Cal here, what are the odds! I do have a roomie for tonight, a woman from Canada who will leave tomorrow for the 10 day ring tour with friends who opted to stay inthe $170/night hotel a few blocks away.
Oh, back to the art! The city abounds with bits of art tucked into numerous little green spaces among the houses and buildings. I plan to see more later today as the museums open up. There is a bit of graffitti around town, but after all, i am in the urban area. small bits of litter on teh streets, wrappers and such, but overall a very clean city. Rather a fair number of vacant businesses were seen while i was out walking to the market, and on the bus, so the economic issue is hitting everyone and everywhere.
Must remember that when someone says "yao" to me, it means hello! I keep saying hello back, so much for trying to learn a bit of the language and actually USE IT!
I tried to ask for red cabbage on my hot dog earlier YESTERDAY, and th elady looked aty me like i was from the moon. oh well, who would have thought that ruthkal would not sound right when i said it!?
Too many excursions to think about for things to do. there is NO shortage of trips to be able to take, from snorkeling in a warm spring by Thingvillier to caving in lava tubes...knowing me I would get stuck, so i will try to go easy this trip...
So far plans are for a trip to the city center later today to see the museums and take many many pictures. I will also be looking fo rhte Icelandic wool coop folks for some wool to bring home, and then maybe the boat ride to see the puffins. I would LIKE to go on the fishing trip, but when they mention you might get a giant halibut, i got nervous about how much fridge space that would take up, you only get a little basket of space in the community fridge, and i have no idea if the fellow travellers at the hostel would want a fish BBQ. I am looking at one of the bus tours to the Gullfoss falls, and the geysir, as well as Thingvillier plain as a finiswh uypi excursion.
10/11 store, a mini mart liek the 7-11 back home. I found the personal bits i needed, shampoo, and toothpaste, my hambuirger kit- 4 patties and 4 buns in the package. PRices are a bit high, but not really for a convenience store. I will try to find the Bonus groacery store while here. There was a little market next door with frozen meats, skyr, fresh vegetables, and some local goods like home-made soap, Icelandic tea- of cours i bought some! The produce so far is very limited, I saw celery, though mostly the tops, not the stalks. Salad mix was not what we would think of,and a 100 g bag was about 4$ US if i did th emath right. One was what looked to me like lambs quarters, though the label said arugulam, the other was more like a spring mix fo leaves i have not seen before. Tomatoes were about 400 Ikr a Kilo, so that is about what i pay in the store at home, though these are greenhouse ones for certain. Plenty of fresh herbs, and herb plants, even a pony pack size of salad plants for the windowsill harbvesting i guess.
I did see a nyumber of plants that are not being used just growing as weeds along the walks and lawns, dandelion, huge ones, and plantain- not the bananna sort. One sort of odd observation is that the roadside and small hills are covered with Lupine, great purple masses of them in bloom! /also saw what i think were buttercups, and great hummocks of a type of bunch grass. hazrd to say from the bus!
More later, as this is getting long winded and i have a burger to cook! (AT 1:30 IN THE MORNING!)
I tell you, can the US pick a site for an airbase or what! Talk about the middle of nut'in', Keflavik is bleak to say the least. I have noticed that the Icelanders have a fine appreciation for art though, and you will see it in may unexpected places.
It was cloudy as we flew in today so i did NOT see the great mall from the air.....i cannot confirm or deny that it is shaped like a giant p-nis.
There are some colorful sculptures at the airport, and even on the drive to Reykjavik, there are interesting rock cairns along the road. Some of them look to be memorioals or grave markers, but some look like a multi hunk constructed tower that has the look of the big heads from Easter Island. Give credit, they have a LOT of rock here, and they use it! I mean, these chunks are just laying around on the ground, and if they get scarce, I think the gods wake up and Surtr tossed more from the mountains to them!
Most of the folks in the hostel are down for the night, but there are a few 'kids' still up and making a bit more noise int he room areas than might be nice. There are plenty of common areas for that sort of thing, but hey, kids will be kids. There is a group of HSer's from So Cal here, what are the odds! I do have a roomie for tonight, a woman from Canada who will leave tomorrow for the 10 day ring tour with friends who opted to stay inthe $170/night hotel a few blocks away.
Oh, back to the art! The city abounds with bits of art tucked into numerous little green spaces among the houses and buildings. I plan to see more later today as the museums open up. There is a bit of graffitti around town, but after all, i am in the urban area. small bits of litter on teh streets, wrappers and such, but overall a very clean city. Rather a fair number of vacant businesses were seen while i was out walking to the market, and on the bus, so the economic issue is hitting everyone and everywhere.
Must remember that when someone says "yao" to me, it means hello! I keep saying hello back, so much for trying to learn a bit of the language and actually USE IT!
I tried to ask for red cabbage on my hot dog earlier YESTERDAY, and th elady looked aty me like i was from the moon. oh well, who would have thought that ruthkal would not sound right when i said it!?
Too many excursions to think about for things to do. there is NO shortage of trips to be able to take, from snorkeling in a warm spring by Thingvillier to caving in lava tubes...knowing me I would get stuck, so i will try to go easy this trip...
So far plans are for a trip to the city center later today to see the museums and take many many pictures. I will also be looking fo rhte Icelandic wool coop folks for some wool to bring home, and then maybe the boat ride to see the puffins. I would LIKE to go on the fishing trip, but when they mention you might get a giant halibut, i got nervous about how much fridge space that would take up, you only get a little basket of space in the community fridge, and i have no idea if the fellow travellers at the hostel would want a fish BBQ. I am looking at one of the bus tours to the Gullfoss falls, and the geysir, as well as Thingvillier plain as a finiswh uypi excursion.
10/11 store, a mini mart liek the 7-11 back home. I found the personal bits i needed, shampoo, and toothpaste, my hambuirger kit- 4 patties and 4 buns in the package. PRices are a bit high, but not really for a convenience store. I will try to find the Bonus groacery store while here. There was a little market next door with frozen meats, skyr, fresh vegetables, and some local goods like home-made soap, Icelandic tea- of cours i bought some! The produce so far is very limited, I saw celery, though mostly the tops, not the stalks. Salad mix was not what we would think of,and a 100 g bag was about 4$ US if i did th emath right. One was what looked to me like lambs quarters, though the label said arugulam, the other was more like a spring mix fo leaves i have not seen before. Tomatoes were about 400 Ikr a Kilo, so that is about what i pay in the store at home, though these are greenhouse ones for certain. Plenty of fresh herbs, and herb plants, even a pony pack size of salad plants for the windowsill harbvesting i guess.
I did see a nyumber of plants that are not being used just growing as weeds along the walks and lawns, dandelion, huge ones, and plantain- not the bananna sort. One sort of odd observation is that the roadside and small hills are covered with Lupine, great purple masses of them in bloom! /also saw what i think were buttercups, and great hummocks of a type of bunch grass. hazrd to say from the bus!
More later, as this is getting long winded and i have a burger to cook! (AT 1:30 IN THE MORNING!)
day one Iceland
Iceland day one
If you have been to Iceland before, skip this post!
Iceland in general can be found in many places on the web. Go there for the particulars, size of Kentuky, population , etc.
If you have never been, a few things about the airport....
There are some nuances to be aware of, first, the International flights, Icelandair, come into the the old Keflavik AFB airport, about a 40-50 minute bus ride from Reyjavik proper. There is another airport in Reykjavik, which is the one used for flights around Iceland and I think to Greenland. Not the same place when planning your trip!
The ONLY Planes I saw at the Keflavik airport were the Iceland air fleet. After deplaning, you go downstairs, get your passport stamped, then board a shuttle bus that takes you to the luggage. From there you go to the customs stop, Green line if you have nothing to declare, Red line if you have something that might be an issue. You know me, so I went to the red line. I must say, they were much nicer than the Canadians about things.
So, customs cleared and ready to get to the big city, note that the airport has duty free shops, a bank with ATM machine- put your card in strip down and to the right to get the menu choice of English- and a place for currency exchange. It is to the left as you exit the customs area. To the right is the kiosk for traveler information, and the line to get your bus ride to town. They take VISA/MC/AmEx, which is a good thing, as I understand that the bus ticket, in cash, takes exact money, and I have no idea what that is! Cost today was about 35 US, and that was for a round trip. You get a discount if you get the round trip at purchase time, and it is open ended. Once on board, they bring you to a downtown station, tell you if you need to go to a mini bus, or stay on the big one while they make the rounds of the hotels and hostels. Don't be afraid to ask and show them your paperwork, our American tongues will mutilate their language all too easily!
The Hostel itself- note that check in time is usually two PM, and the bus will get you here at about 9:30 or 10 AM....lucky for me, there is a comfy couch in the lounge area for power napping. In the room, I have to myself, for a small surcharge, there are 5 beds, in bunk and trundle style, a set of hooks, some mini lockers that lock up nice and safe, and a private shower/toilet and sink. With hostels it is bring your own bedding, or you can rent it form them. Do bring your own towel. Very basic, but dry, warm and with plumbing, not bad for about 30 US a night. They do have a breakfast option, but then again, you can cook in the common kitchen area.
Also of note, the hot water from the tap does have a high sulfur content and the requisite odor. Cold water is another thing entirely! Let it run a moment to clear the line and you have that wonderful stuff we buy in the bottles back home! From the tap! FANTASTIC!
So, other than being dead tired from only about two hours of any sort of sleep in the last 25 or so, I will blog up, head for the grocery store for some food stuff, and then likely sleep until about noon tomorrow! Unless I get up for that fishing trip I want to take while I am here...we will see!
Tomorrow, the ride from the airport and local observations!
If you have been to Iceland before, skip this post!
Iceland in general can be found in many places on the web. Go there for the particulars, size of Kentuky, population , etc.
If you have never been, a few things about the airport....
There are some nuances to be aware of, first, the International flights, Icelandair, come into the the old Keflavik AFB airport, about a 40-50 minute bus ride from Reyjavik proper. There is another airport in Reykjavik, which is the one used for flights around Iceland and I think to Greenland. Not the same place when planning your trip!
The ONLY Planes I saw at the Keflavik airport were the Iceland air fleet. After deplaning, you go downstairs, get your passport stamped, then board a shuttle bus that takes you to the luggage. From there you go to the customs stop, Green line if you have nothing to declare, Red line if you have something that might be an issue. You know me, so I went to the red line. I must say, they were much nicer than the Canadians about things.
So, customs cleared and ready to get to the big city, note that the airport has duty free shops, a bank with ATM machine- put your card in strip down and to the right to get the menu choice of English- and a place for currency exchange. It is to the left as you exit the customs area. To the right is the kiosk for traveler information, and the line to get your bus ride to town. They take VISA/MC/AmEx, which is a good thing, as I understand that the bus ticket, in cash, takes exact money, and I have no idea what that is! Cost today was about 35 US, and that was for a round trip. You get a discount if you get the round trip at purchase time, and it is open ended. Once on board, they bring you to a downtown station, tell you if you need to go to a mini bus, or stay on the big one while they make the rounds of the hotels and hostels. Don't be afraid to ask and show them your paperwork, our American tongues will mutilate their language all too easily!
The Hostel itself- note that check in time is usually two PM, and the bus will get you here at about 9:30 or 10 AM....lucky for me, there is a comfy couch in the lounge area for power napping. In the room, I have to myself, for a small surcharge, there are 5 beds, in bunk and trundle style, a set of hooks, some mini lockers that lock up nice and safe, and a private shower/toilet and sink. With hostels it is bring your own bedding, or you can rent it form them. Do bring your own towel. Very basic, but dry, warm and with plumbing, not bad for about 30 US a night. They do have a breakfast option, but then again, you can cook in the common kitchen area.
Also of note, the hot water from the tap does have a high sulfur content and the requisite odor. Cold water is another thing entirely! Let it run a moment to clear the line and you have that wonderful stuff we buy in the bottles back home! From the tap! FANTASTIC!
So, other than being dead tired from only about two hours of any sort of sleep in the last 25 or so, I will blog up, head for the grocery store for some food stuff, and then likely sleep until about noon tomorrow! Unless I get up for that fishing trip I want to take while I am here...we will see!
Tomorrow, the ride from the airport and local observations!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
BEYOND VINELAND
So today begins the journey to Iceland.
I am using a new netbook for this trip instead of the palm, the typing should be a bit better, though the keyboard is tiny for my fingers and HS learned typing method, so excuse any extra letters in words that i might miss!
The volcano has settled ( did i mention I knew it would) and I look forwArd to seeing a new land and meeting many new people.
The Sacramento airport is still nice, despite their effortsa to build a single big terminal. I sort of like this one. Security was nice enough, and they all were friendly and helpful, be nice to the cattle for they provide your pay! three hours early they want you to check in, it took 10 minutes to get through security, so i get to sit for three hours with my carry on stuff waiting, and watching the poor little finch that is stuck inside the terminal looking for an opening at the big windows. One presi=umes from the lack of concern on the part of the employees and staff that it is a common occurance here.
first stop ois Seattle, then on to Keflavik airport, and the bus to Reykjavik!
In preperation i have set my watch to GMT, or Zulu hour, mostly so i do not miss the return flight, i will be 7 hours ahead of you all back in California, it will be like time travel, seeing into the future! The SKYPE will be in use on this trip, so I will be able to let you all know how it is for phoning home from afar!
next instZllment will be form the land of Fire and Ice!
I am using a new netbook for this trip instead of the palm, the typing should be a bit better, though the keyboard is tiny for my fingers and HS learned typing method, so excuse any extra letters in words that i might miss!
The volcano has settled ( did i mention I knew it would) and I look forwArd to seeing a new land and meeting many new people.
The Sacramento airport is still nice, despite their effortsa to build a single big terminal. I sort of like this one. Security was nice enough, and they all were friendly and helpful, be nice to the cattle for they provide your pay! three hours early they want you to check in, it took 10 minutes to get through security, so i get to sit for three hours with my carry on stuff waiting, and watching the poor little finch that is stuck inside the terminal looking for an opening at the big windows. One presi=umes from the lack of concern on the part of the employees and staff that it is a common occurance here.
first stop ois Seattle, then on to Keflavik airport, and the bus to Reykjavik!
In preperation i have set my watch to GMT, or Zulu hour, mostly so i do not miss the return flight, i will be 7 hours ahead of you all back in California, it will be like time travel, seeing into the future! The SKYPE will be in use on this trip, so I will be able to let you all know how it is for phoning home from afar!
next instZllment will be form the land of Fire and Ice!
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