bits and pieces from the northern island.
These images were taken early on Christmas morning, at around 5 AM, in the midst of a snowstorm and while everybody was sound asleep after the celebrations for Christmas Eve. Despite the cold and the crazy weather, it was a magical moment, in a way. One of the best Christmas presents I have ever been … Read the full article →
Yes, you guessed right: it’s time for the yearly festive wallpaper. This year no dangling heads and nasty Santas. It’s just an innocent origami puffin with some crook’d — and pretty much in need of ironing — text. Since there is shortage of actual puffins these days (shortage of the real thing , that is; … Read the full article →
Oh Reykjavík, you can be lovely in the winter. Your days sometimes start with a snowfall and end with the sigh of the wind, while others nothing in the world will break the day-long quiet. Footprints unnoticed form and disappear. Your streets smell of grilled fish and cookies. Your windows never go to sleep; they … Read the full article →
Yes, it’s that time of the year again. Christmas/Yule is approaching fast and snow and weather is helping to create just the right atmosphere. Yule is one of the biggest things in Iceland, although perhaps differently from what you would expect. In Iceland, Yule has still a lot to do with tradition. People of course … Read the full article →
Due to the stormy weather that in the past days hit the whole country, bonfires traditionally held on Threttándinn — that is, “the Thirteenth” day in Christmas festivities or, if you prefer, January 6 — had been postponed. Today, as we were around walking the dog in the afternoon, we encountered crowds of Icelanders celebrating … Read the full article →
Last but not least! Kertasníkir (Candle Beggar) arrives just in time for Christmas celebrations, on December 24. Be careful: this Lad is perhaps one of the wickedest of the gang. The thirteenth was Candle Beggar – ’twas cold, I believe, if he was not the last of the lot on Christmas Eve. He trailed after … Read the full article →
Another Yule Lad, another story of gluttony. Oh boy, aren’t these dudes a little repetitive? This time is Ketkrókur’s (Meat Hook) turn. He comes down from the mountains on December 23, Saint Thorlak’s Day. Meat Hook, the twelfth one, his talent would display as soon as he arrived on Saint Thorlak’s Day. He snagged himself … Read the full article →
So it’s been almost two months that we are exposed to massive pre-Christmas agony. I’m happy it will be over very soon because honestly, I cannot stand it anymore. I know this entry is completely irrelevant and also very stupid, but I am sure my brain is going to be severely affected by this state … Read the full article →