Archive for 'Icelandic culture'
Fin whales safe for summer! Posted by hulda on Mar 3, 2016
Whales are in the news now that one of the biggest whalers of Iceland, Hvalur hf., has announced there won’t be whaling of fin whales this summer due to problems in whale meat exporting to Japan (link). The Icelandic market is so tiny and whale meat is no stable dish here that it simply isn’t…
5 points to reading Icelanders right. Posted by hulda on Feb 25, 2016
As more and more tourists pour in run-ins with the local habits and culture are inevitable. One of the big issues I’ve seen foreigners take with Iceland is rudeness, or what’s perceived as rude. I say “perceived” because in many occasions I find the real problem is a culture shock rather than any real…
Tourists shaping Iceland Posted by hulda on Feb 18, 2016
Actions cause reactions. Now that tourists getting themselves deliberately in danger has finally exploded in the media things are being changed to solve the problems recklessness causes – but what kind of changes are taking place and how may they affect your future traveling experience in Iceland? (In case you missed last week’s entry Don’t Die at…
Don’t die at Reynisfjara. Posted by hulda on Feb 11, 2016
At the south point of Iceland, at the little town of Vík í Mýrdal, spreads Reynisfjara, an amazing black sand beach that includes the famous Reynisdrangar stone pillars and a huge basalt column cliff Garðar. It’s easy to reach, just a few hours drive south from Reykjavík along Ring Road 1, and one of the most…
Celebrating bolla-pastries. Posted by hulda on Feb 4, 2016
BOLLA BOLLA BOLLA BOLLA! This is what many parents of small children will shortly hear screamed happily at them while they get beaten up with colourful, decorative wands. Bolludagur, the Day of Bolla (bolla = Icelandic version of choux pastries) is almost here. This year it will be celebrated on the 8th February and the…
Icelandic midwinter feast, Þorrablót. Posted by hulda on Jan 28, 2016
In the deepest winter Icelanders celebrate Þorri, the personification of winter: that’s when traditional foods are served along with strong liquor, preferably Brennivín.The celebration bears the name Þorrablót, a clear reminder of its Pagan roots – a blót is a ritual sacrifice or a feast held to honour a god or gods. The tradition died…
Icelandic names’ gender rules. Posted by hulda on Jan 21, 2016
A new girl’s name has been accepted by the naming committee (link)! Although the word “new” there does not quite describe the name itself, it’s in fact so old it can be found in some of the oldest texts written in Iceland. Everyone knows the lady, she’s a key figure in Norse mythology… but up…