So I’ve been a bit slack on my blog the past month. Things were a bit hectic getting school sorted and actually getting “officially” accepted into the country (for about the 3rd time) but alas, things have come right and I’ve had a good chance to experience some cool stuff around Reykjavik.
The first week after Snaefellsnes brought three nights of mayhem, that being Oktoberfest. The first night featured the act Of Monsters And Men. I’m sure most of you have heard the song “Little Talks” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Dw8qdmT_aY) this was definitely the highlight of the three nights. The second night was all about the traditional German drinking culture. The woman were all in their bar maid outfits and a brass band played virtually all night. The final night was a compilation of Icelandic bands and DJ’s that were all awesome as well.
On the topic of music concerts, just yesterday I purchased my ticket to the Iceland Airwaves festival coming up in a week or so. The event in the past has attracted names such as Fatboy Slim (I wish) and Ratatat. This year there aren’t any huuuge names (that I know of) but I’m sure it will be 5 awesome days of Icelandic music. Here’s a list of the bands, just in case you were curious http://airwaves.pronasty.com/. I don’t know too many of them, so if you know of any you think I should see (looking at you Hamish Anderson) then let me know! I have also booked a ticket to see Bjork play in early November.
The Fjallid group (They’re kind’ve like Ensoc/Ocom but much cooler) are a soc/group that I’ve just recently joined here in Reykjavik. Every Friday they organize “science trips” to various business’ around the city. The business aims to recruit students to work for them by offering up a short presentation (in Icelandic), followed by excessive amounts of beer and pizza. I don’t understand the Icelandic, but the beer and pizza communicates in a language we can all understand. This is a really cool way to meet the locals as the trips I’ve been on so far have been very much Icelander dominated, with just a few internationals.
For those of you that keep asking if it’s cold here; it’s getting colder by the day, it’s rained every day for the last 15 or so days straight, I can’t remember what blue sky looks like and we’ve lost about 5 hours of daylight since I first got here about a month and a half ago. Stop talking to me about how warm it’s getting in NZ. I don’t want to hear it.
Earthquakes under the Katla volcano just to the south-east of Reykjavik signify (in my view) an imminent eruption in the next month or so. Keep an eye out on your kiwi TV for “Icelandic geological correspondent” Jack Ensor with exclusive, up-close, breaking footage as the crisis unfolds. If you want to see me standing on the volcano as the eruption happens here’s a live stream for your viewing pleasure http://live.mila.is/katla/
In other important news, supplies of marmite are dwindling, the heinz baked beans just aren’t cutting the watties mustard and ketchup just has nothing on tomato sauce (sorry Americans but you suck), especially the watties.
I understand everything’s pretty all go with the footy world cup and I’ve been watching every All Blacks live on Icelandic TV, I’m pretty sure even without Dan Carter we still look like eaaaasily the best team in the tournament. Wales is our biggest contender I personally think and I’m guessing that’s who we will meet in the grand-final after dispatching of Argentina (comfortably) and Australia (slightly less comfortably).
PS. If you're in America from mid December - end of January get in touch with me about where you will be and when you will be there. AT ALL TIMES.
I’m going on a trip this weekend to the north of Iceland so I’ll endeavour to get my next blog entry up (with plenty of photos) in the next week or so.
Stay tuned.
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