Icelandic tales – introduction

We returned from Iceland last Tuesday – actually, by the time we pulled into our driveway, it was in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. I’ve really wanted to update here, but it’s taken some time to get myself unscrambled.

My plan is to upload a series of posts, with batches of photos and memories from the trip. Extending over the holidays. We’ll see how it goes.

I love the sculpture below so much – “The Sun Voyager.” Its setting is so gorgeous, against the mountains, the sea, and the sky. Although it is sturdy and metallic, there’s something fragile about it. All the spaces between the ribs and the tentative grip of its feet (?) on the ground, like a waterbug’s feet. It says something to me about the human endeavor in general – foolhardy and fraught, probably, but bold, enthusiastic, and ultimately victorious at times too. (Kind of like this trip for us!)

We stopped in a very fancy candy store in Reykjavik on our first afternoon. There was a licorice tasting going on. Icelanders are very fond of licorice. A woman also offered us a taste of some fruity hard candy. I like licorice okay, not a fan of hard candy. It was these coasters that really impressed me. The Helm of Awe! A rune for our times “to protect against the abuse of power.” I felt so strongly that this rune is something I need to remember. Later I bought some iron-on patches with the rune. I’m more likely to use them than coasters.

Candlelight was everywhere. It was just so beautiful to see real candles lit in coffee shops and other retail shops. It’s extra work for the staff, extra expense, and probably extra hazardous, but they just have to do it. I’m going to light more candles at home. I’ve gotten out of the habit. It’s just a beautiful way to celebrate the solstice time of year.