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.