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We had met a very passionate and passionating book lover and story teller, who pointed out, among other very interesting things, the importance of legends to prevent children from dangers : myths and legends should really be part of the educational process ! Especially as legends appeal for personal creativity and collective identity ! It’s also so incredible that, despite the fact that each society has its own legends and myths, all tend to have the same patterns, suggesting that these stories are a gateway to access the very human nature, as an anthropologist or a philosopher would try to !

Our book lover also insisted on the great poverty of the Icelandic people, which somehow seems, for a majority of persons, to belong to the old time : Iceland gives me the impression of a land of newly rich people, with all the enthusiasm  that tend to feature this recent state. But is it going to last, as inhabitants are probably the first victims of the price rises, due to tourism ?

And to continue on this theme, could tourism be REALLY compatible with nature protection ? Is there any single place in the world where the environment (in a large extent, including people and nature) has not been- on the long term- a victim of the negative externalities of tourism ?

Without even considering pollution of the sites, let’s simply first consider what human should gain from these gorgious and extraordinary settings : is it just a collection of pictures taken in a frenzy way, or is it calmness, freedom, harmony with nature and peace with oneself that one could only experience when being alone in these sites ? I mean…is the very nature of tourism not encouraging even more humans to loose their very nature (both meanings) ? How can Icelandic people can manage to deal with this issue ? I wander…especially as I, at the moment, am a tourist…

For the photo (sorry if it’s not of a good quality), I chose this page of the book about the philosophy and wisdom of Trolls I bought in this book shop we visited this morning : « Work in harmony with nature. If you fight against it, you’ll be on the loosing side »

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It was lovely to meet Bjarni Haroarson and spend time in his quirky bookshop. It was interesting to learn more about the geographical reasons for why stories were written down much earlier in Iceland than in other countries. Through his sharing of information we also learnt about how a German scholar encouraged Icelandic authors to write down their stories which gave value to their cultural stories. A value which continues to this day. It was also interesting to hear more Icelandic stories and to be reminded about how these stories have an impact on environmental protection. Through believing, or not denying, the magic and creatures of the land the Icelandic people show a respect for their environment.

The opportunity to see the amazing Icelandic landscape on the Golden Circle tour this afternoon was just amazing! It was wonderful to see the waterfall at Gullfoss and enjoy the power and beauty of this natural feature. The geysir was spectacular and definitely worth waiting for every few minutes. The effect of the tectonic plates at Thingvellir was fascinating and a great place to visit even in the rain.

Another wonderful day and experiences that will remembered. Iceland has such a wonderfully varied and unique landscape. The Icelandic people should be proud of their desire to care for their environment.

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Another very fruitful day. I found Bjarni’s stories very enlightening. When he pointed out people would meet after a long days work, in the evening to listen to stories . Each individual would be given a craft to do rather than sit idle. I think this is very important as society now is very fast paced with high technology people don’t want to bother with life skills. The Icelandic people has not lost its culture and heritage. If this lesson is learned world wide then we would live in a society where everyone would be respected. I had an awesome afternoon looking at all the landscape that Iceland has to offer.

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The morning started with an enchanting visit to a glorious bookshop belonging to author Bjarni Haroarson. Immediately the charming , quaint store made me feel cocooned like a soft, comfortable blanket. Every nook you looked in held you captive with comfortable seating enticing you to relax and stay. There was a treasure trove of books, old and new in various languages to feed your soul.
We were fortunate to hear Bjarni share his extensive knowledge on Folklore and nature, he described this as oral traditions recorded as evidence that Icelanders are a special race coming from a special place.
As the day progressed and we continued our exploration into folklore and nature, we visited Gulfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir. I am still struggling to digest how breathtakingly magnificent and majestically powerful all these places were. The finest examples of nature if ever there were. In my mind Bajarni’s words rang loud
and clear. Why wouldn’t Icelanders believe they are ‘special ‘ or that their land is ‘special’ when they are undoubtedly the luckiest of people to live in such a wondrous land that demands awe and respect. If the land is so magical who can deny the existence of magical hidden folk. I believe.

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Today started with an informative talk about Icelandic folklore by Bjarni Hardarson. The part about the genealogy of the Icelandic people was very interesting, as was the description of the different types of land spirits. I was particularly fascinated by his description of the trolls, for example I didn’t realise that trolls are mostly female and therefore troll society is very matriarchal.

The afternoon, spent immersed in nature, was just incredible. I was in total awe of  the sights and sounds of the Golden Circle. I loved the power of Gulfoss. Waiting for, and watching, the big eruption at Geysir was truly memorable and something I will never forget.  For me though, the highlight of the day was visiting Thingvellir. Wow. Such stunning scenery, it took my breath away. Even walking in the rain that had thankfully come later in the day, I was transfixed by how beautiful it was. The deep fissures are a stark reminder that nature conquers all and eventually finds a way.

Today was a day that I will remember for a very long time. Thank you, Rita.

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Day 3

For a long time of their history, Islandic people have been living in hamlets, I learnt today. In this scenery of solitude, they got a companion in the membrane: they started writing down things. Maybe they were looking for explanations, maybe they were looking for identity or maybe they were writing for the sake of writing, but what we witness is that their stories mirror the Islandic people's society, beliefs and natural environment.

In Bjarni Harðarson's bookshop a poem with the title Ísland found its way to me.
Here's an approximate translation:

Iceland

Iceland exalted by the wealth of the sun
Iceland locked by the embrace of the ocean
Iceland is the highest of highest
Iceland is now our heart

Iceland as free as the breath of air
Iceland free up to the heart of the land
Iceland as free as the far outside sand
Iceland as free as the mind of a man.

(Bjarni Jonsson, 1916)

I will remember this day forever.