Showing posts with label Iceland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iceland. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Monday, July 6, 2009
World Light - Book 60
World Light
by Haldor Laxness
To read Icelandic literature means visiting the work of Laxness, considered to be their greatest writer and the winner of the Nobel Prize for literature in 1955. It seems the strength of his writing is in making broad statements about society/life, without explicitly coming to definitive conclusions. Anotherwords it is left to the reader to mull, debate, and contemplate their own place in life through the work. On a specific note we did have the great pleasure to visit the Haldor Laxness museum while in Iceland. He built a beautiful home and when he died his wife turned over the house as is with contents to the historical society. It is interesting to walk through, a life size time capsule, and see were he wrote his books and lived. Below are some pictures from our visit.
World light is the story of a young, feeble, unloved, poor, and abandoned boy who despite his circumstances gains an insight into the world of poetry and beauty. The story is broken into four sections, each detailing different points in his life, from beginning to end. While never fulfilling his truest desires, he never gives up trying to reach them. So I am of two minds; it is a sad book and yet it is a story of hope. Unfortunately the protagonist tries to stay aloof from the dull routine of the real world; the real world will not leave him alone. So we see a lot of hardship in his life as he blindly follows his passion without regard to what is considered proper, ultimately going to jail for sexually assaulting an underage girl.
What is the message to be obtained? For me, and I am open to debate on this, I see a man can pursue his vision of truth and beauty regardless of his circumstances in life. That is because beauty comes from within and it is not dictated by the world. That said, the book does provide some sobering lessons on those who chose to completely ignore the world.
Who should read it? Those of you who want to read a “classic” that is not American or English; or wants to experience Icelandic literature and culture. Having been to the country helps fill in the details that the brief descriptions provide within the text. If you only read one book by Laxness though, Independent People is considered to be his best – UNLESS –
Mormon Mentions: None. But Laxness did have great respect for the church and had many kind things to say about it. Furthermore he did visit Utah three separate occasions and spent years researching and writing another of his significant works, Paradise Reclaimed. It involves an Icelander who joins the faith and travels to Utah, only to become disillusioned and return home. It is in my to be read pile and might be a better choice if Mormon things interest you and you want the one book option.
by Haldor Laxness
To read Icelandic literature means visiting the work of Laxness, considered to be their greatest writer and the winner of the Nobel Prize for literature in 1955. It seems the strength of his writing is in making broad statements about society/life, without explicitly coming to definitive conclusions. Anotherwords it is left to the reader to mull, debate, and contemplate their own place in life through the work. On a specific note we did have the great pleasure to visit the Haldor Laxness museum while in Iceland. He built a beautiful home and when he died his wife turned over the house as is with contents to the historical society. It is interesting to walk through, a life size time capsule, and see were he wrote his books and lived. Below are some pictures from our visit.
World light is the story of a young, feeble, unloved, poor, and abandoned boy who despite his circumstances gains an insight into the world of poetry and beauty. The story is broken into four sections, each detailing different points in his life, from beginning to end. While never fulfilling his truest desires, he never gives up trying to reach them. So I am of two minds; it is a sad book and yet it is a story of hope. Unfortunately the protagonist tries to stay aloof from the dull routine of the real world; the real world will not leave him alone. So we see a lot of hardship in his life as he blindly follows his passion without regard to what is considered proper, ultimately going to jail for sexually assaulting an underage girl.
What is the message to be obtained? For me, and I am open to debate on this, I see a man can pursue his vision of truth and beauty regardless of his circumstances in life. That is because beauty comes from within and it is not dictated by the world. That said, the book does provide some sobering lessons on those who chose to completely ignore the world.
Who should read it? Those of you who want to read a “classic” that is not American or English; or wants to experience Icelandic literature and culture. Having been to the country helps fill in the details that the brief descriptions provide within the text. If you only read one book by Laxness though, Independent People is considered to be his best – UNLESS –
Mormon Mentions: None. But Laxness did have great respect for the church and had many kind things to say about it. Furthermore he did visit Utah three separate occasions and spent years researching and writing another of his significant works, Paradise Reclaimed. It involves an Icelander who joins the faith and travels to Utah, only to become disillusioned and return home. It is in my to be read pile and might be a better choice if Mormon things interest you and you want the one book option.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Vacation of the mind
I have been on vacation both physically and mentally. Upon returning from Iceland I have spent all my time on Facebook playing silly games (bouncing balls) and Mafia Wars (I am level 20 and Parker is too). I do have about 100 pictures loaded up from Iceland on my profile page so please friend me if you want to see more (david michael peters), and please friend Parker as he is always open to meeting new people (parker peters)**. Though to be honest, Parker has some perverse interests in bodily functions and photographs of dogs in compromising positions.
Who knows, you might beat my high score on bouncing balls, or maybe even my good friend Sharon’s score, though I am pretty sure she made some sort of pact with the evil one to do so well.
**Please note I will unfriend anyone who abuses friend lists (i.e. people whose only goal is a high friend total), write disparaging comments abou tme (no matter how true they are), or are militant supporters of the United Way.
Some Photos
Grey Goose
Who knows, you might beat my high score on bouncing balls, or maybe even my good friend Sharon’s score, though I am pretty sure she made some sort of pact with the evil one to do so well.
**Please note I will unfriend anyone who abuses friend lists (i.e. people whose only goal is a high friend total), write disparaging comments abou tme (no matter how true they are), or are militant supporters of the United Way.
Some Photos
Grey Goose
Icelandic Horse - Cute and Delicious
Glacier Bay - Think Tomb Raider & Die Another Day
Words Cannot Express
Iceland is a natural wonderland - Geyser
Literally 100's if not 1000's of towering waterfalls
And of course, Cool American flavor
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Stupid American Tourists
We went to the store for one last shopping trip as we are packing for tomorrow's trip home. Lisa bought $80 worth of Candy, Cookies, and Mustard. They use a special mustard on their Pylsur (Lamb Hot Dogs) and Lisa wanted a supply. We also can get a lot of unique candy and English cookies (HOB NOBS!!) very cheaply. Anyways the pretty blonde Icelandic cashier was looking at all our purchases and how much we spent and you can tell exactly what she was thinking - "Stupid American ..."
They are blonde and beautiful here, but as anywhere some are more beautiful than others. Getting ready for today's independence day celebration they were landscaping the past week. In the all the side roads they had crews of scraggily teen boys, but in the center of town at the main traffic round about they had four of the most stunning blonde Icelandic beauties working away in matching head bands and traditional swaeters. You can't tell me that was an accident.
They are blonde and beautiful here, but as anywhere some are more beautiful than others. Getting ready for today's independence day celebration they were landscaping the past week. In the all the side roads they had crews of scraggily teen boys, but in the center of town at the main traffic round about they had four of the most stunning blonde Icelandic beauties working away in matching head bands and traditional swaeters. You can't tell me that was an accident.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Every Turn
Every time we turn around there is a new waterfall or stunning landscape. This country is like every national park crammed into a tiny island. This is the place to be if you want an outdoor vacation to beat every vacation you have ever had.
It is very expensive and I have figured if it weren't for Rick & Eileen (free room and vehicle) we would have spent about $10,000 on this trip.
It isn't all good though, the sun never sets which really wrecks havic with your internal clock. It looks the same outside whether it be noon or midnight. We never know what time it is, so consequently we are not sleeping enough and getting run down.
Luckily a local member has taken pity on Lisa and I and is letting us use their spare bed. Sleeping on the floor with deflating air mattressess was killing us.
It is very expensive and I have figured if it weren't for Rick & Eileen (free room and vehicle) we would have spent about $10,000 on this trip.
It isn't all good though, the sun never sets which really wrecks havic with your internal clock. It looks the same outside whether it be noon or midnight. We never know what time it is, so consequently we are not sleeping enough and getting run down.
Luckily a local member has taken pity on Lisa and I and is letting us use their spare bed. Sleeping on the floor with deflating air mattressess was killing us.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Things Eaten
Sheep (Lamb)
Whale
Various Seafoods
Horse
Sheep Head
Some sort of deep fried fish skin.
Still need to find Puffin
Whale
Various Seafoods
Horse
Sheep Head
Some sort of deep fried fish skin.
Still need to find Puffin
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Island Paradise
Yesterday we did a driving tour of one of the Western peninsulas. I may have my Icelandic wrong but I believe it is called 
Technically it is spelled Snaefellsnes.
Anyways it was very pretty with waterfalls, ocean views, and fjords everywhere. We saw Icelands natural mineral spring (not that impressive), climbed a Waterfall, and went down to a beach. Along the way we went through a town called Grundarfjordur which is wonderful. It is defintely one of those places you could just live in for its beauty alone. Though Rick said during the winter the sun doesn´t rise for months at a time.
Candy bar experiments: I have told the boys we are not allowed to buy anything we can get at home. If I wanted that we would have stayed home. Anyways we had a lovely chocolate bar whiched turned out to have a liquorice center running the length of the bar. We have determined that Lakkris is liquorice in Icelandic.
Snuffleupagus
Technically it is spelled Snaefellsnes.
Anyways it was very pretty with waterfalls, ocean views, and fjords everywhere. We saw Icelands natural mineral spring (not that impressive), climbed a Waterfall, and went down to a beach. Along the way we went through a town called Grundarfjordur which is wonderful. It is defintely one of those places you could just live in for its beauty alone. Though Rick said during the winter the sun doesn´t rise for months at a time.
Grundarfjordur
Gunnar and I had heard legend about how beautiful Icelandic women were supposed to be. For the most part it seemed like any other place until we stopped for a drink and candy bar experiment in a gas station in Lynghagi. You two girls behind the counter when you read this (they might google Lynghagi one day), you did your country proud and have kept the legend alive.
Candy bar experiments: I have told the boys we are not allowed to buy anything we can get at home. If I wanted that we would have stayed home. Anyways we had a lovely chocolate bar whiched turned out to have a liquorice center running the length of the bar. We have determined that Lakkris is liquorice in Icelandic.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Things forgotten
I realized this morning I forgot shaving cream, and my back up plan failed as Rick uses a electric razor. I did learn that you can have a decent shave with hand soap.
But the best is illustrated by this conservation*** from Saturday morning's packing.
Me: Hey, Lisa, where is my card reader for my camera?
Lisa: I packed it already.
Me: Where? I usually pack it with my carry on with my camera.
Lisa: (Said in an EXTREMELY condescending tone) I Packed it in my video camera bag so all the rechargers and readers are in one place. If I left you responsible for anything we would never have anything. Thank goodness that I, the GREAT Lisa, is here, or NOTHING would ever get done. By the way, you are an Idiot for even asking - loser!!!!
Me: What about my battery recharger?
Lisa: WHAT DID I JUST SAY BUTTHEAD!!
Fast forward to about 4 hours into the flight, somewhere over Greenland.
Lisa, popping up from a nap: I forgot the camera bag.
Then somehow she made it into my fault for not packing my own stuff.
***Even though I am pretty convinced this is a word for word conversation, Lisa seems to think it was slightly different. To be fair I will admit I removed the profanities she used when answering me, just because I love her too much to show the rest of you the unvarnished truth.
But the best is illustrated by this conservation*** from Saturday morning's packing.
Me: Hey, Lisa, where is my card reader for my camera?
Lisa: I packed it already.
Me: Where? I usually pack it with my carry on with my camera.
Lisa: (Said in an EXTREMELY condescending tone) I Packed it in my video camera bag so all the rechargers and readers are in one place. If I left you responsible for anything we would never have anything. Thank goodness that I, the GREAT Lisa, is here, or NOTHING would ever get done. By the way, you are an Idiot for even asking - loser!!!!
Me: What about my battery recharger?
Lisa: WHAT DID I JUST SAY BUTTHEAD!!
Fast forward to about 4 hours into the flight, somewhere over Greenland.
Lisa, popping up from a nap: I forgot the camera bag.
Then somehow she made it into my fault for not packing my own stuff.
***Even though I am pretty convinced this is a word for word conversation, Lisa seems to think it was slightly different. To be fair I will admit I removed the profanities she used when answering me, just because I love her too much to show the rest of you the unvarnished truth.
Iceland Observation #1
Hot water means HOT!!
Given this is a volcanic island the water comes out of the ground practically boiling. Consequently they do not have hot water heaters. Rather you spend your time managing the cold water flow in the shower to prevent scalding.
The downside is the sulphur smell. A small price to pay for unlimited and extremely cheap hot water. All of us could take showers in the morning, right after each other, and still have plenty of hot water.
Given this is a volcanic island the water comes out of the ground practically boiling. Consequently they do not have hot water heaters. Rather you spend your time managing the cold water flow in the shower to prevent scalding.
The downside is the sulphur smell. A small price to pay for unlimited and extremely cheap hot water. All of us could take showers in the morning, right after each other, and still have plenty of hot water.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
More Later
We have arrived safely, but jet lag sucks pretty bad right now. We have had a short nap and now we leaving for church. Two hours of Icelandic - that should be easy to stay awake!!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Story of My LIfe
My vacation is quite possibly ruined even before I have left.
According to the Iceland Review, the government is taking steps to ban strip clubs AND prostitution!!
According to the Iceland Review, the government is taking steps to ban strip clubs AND prostitution!!
It is a little ironic they are trying to shut down probably one of the few businesses that is actually making money.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
A Must Read for all Travellers
The Travel Detective
by Peter Greenberg
A great book that takes the time to explain through clear examples how air travel works. I simply thought I booked a seat, went to the airport, and rode to my destination. There is a lot more going on behind the scenes and it is well worth the read if you want to have a better, and more importantly, a cheaper flight. He also spends time on car rental, cruises, hotels, luggage, and most other travel related topics. I will probably read all his books to be prepared for our vacation in June.
by Peter Greenberg
A great book that takes the time to explain through clear examples how air travel works. I simply thought I booked a seat, went to the airport, and rode to my destination. There is a lot more going on behind the scenes and it is well worth the read if you want to have a better, and more importantly, a cheaper flight. He also spends time on car rental, cruises, hotels, luggage, and most other travel related topics. I will probably read all his books to be prepared for our vacation in June.
The funny stories and the secret to using your frequent flier miles are worth the price of admission alone.
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