Adopt an Icelander

Hollywood Listens

Tue, 26 May 2009 13:42:13 -0400

According to The Iceland Review, Hollywood is taking my advice about making Iceland the new Canada.

Goodwill From One Tiny Island To Another (If Australia Can Be Called Tiny, Or An Island For That Matter)

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:48:00 -0500

hello and thank you for your work…..
i am an australian boy reading about the Icelandic girl “magga sigga”
i dont have much money or work either, but i do have an overly large heart coupled with a wider than wide smile…. pls send a chunk to her on my behalf. as for the others in the icelandic populace, i send good vibes to all… sure that wont fill their bellies, or their pockets, but hopefully that might fill their souls with joy once more.
yours sincerely,

janes from reykjanesridge

Interview with an Icelander: Magga Sigga

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:57:00 -0500

When I posted a letter from a French guy offering his apartment to a French-speaking Icelander while he was traveling the world, only one person responded. Her name was Magga Sigga. She didn’t take the apartment (perhaps she thought it was too good to be true… or maybe she wasn’t totally fluent in French), but she did agree to an interview.

Adopt an Icelander: Comment ça va? Just kidding. How are you?

Magga Sigga: Im fine, merci, haha. Im just getting ready for school tomorrow and getting back to gear after xmas holidays. Its harder than saying so.

AAI: There is no “dottir” at the end of your name. How did you get out of that one?

Magga: Magga Sigga is just my nickname, my real name is 3 names - long names - and for foreigners seems to be impossible to pronounce, so i just keep it simple.

AAI: You were the only Icelander so far to express interest in the apartment in France that an “Adopt an Icelander” reader so graciously offered while he is abroad. Were you already thinking of going to France, or do you simply just need to get anywhere out of Iceland?

Magga: Yes, I was already thinking of going to France, im currently looking for a job there for next summer, and since the crisis I want to move even more out of the country. Some products that we used to have are not available in the country anymore and food is more expensive. But my plan has been for some time to go to school in belgium. I hope that will come true since the crisis is making it harder for me moneywise, schools are double than they used to be and everything more expencive.

AAI: Anything in particular drawing you to France? Why not Great Britain, Gordon Brown’s home? It is closer.

Magga: Well my boyfriend is in France, but London sounds good too, I mean the language is not a hindrence at least. It basically depends on which is cheaper for me. Who bids lower?? Im a little bit afraid of being in London, I somehow feel safer in Paris and more relaxed.

AAI: So the financial problems in Iceland aren’t a huge factor in your deciding to leave?

Magga: My first thought about leaving iceland was because of school abroad, then it became a coincidence because of my boyfriend. I dont own a house or anything like that so personally I have no financial problems about loans and stuff (In Iceland many people have 100% loans from the bank, and they raised so high in the crisis loans are higher than the house actually costs.) Im just renting a place with others. I owe the bank some overdraft, thats my only debts. But I want to leave Iceland because I know things are gonna get worse.

AAI: Is there a feeling in Iceland now that as tempting as it is to leave, the proper thing to do is to stay?

Magga: Yes of course. I want to be close to my family and I know if i leave Iceland I will come back sooner than later, because its really good to live here and safe. Staying in Iceland and dealing with the crisis here is a great challenge, I admire all the people who meet in front of the goverment to protest how the goverment is dealing with the crisis and etc. The crisis brings people more together here it seems. When things come to an end, new opportunities arise. And I think that iceland should concentrate in their own product and do more of it.

AAI: Iceland is European, but not in the EU. Is there a labor agreement between Iceland and the EU that makes it easy for Icelanders to work in other European countries? If not, will it be difficult to find work elsewhere?

Magga: There is an agreement called Schengen, which has work visas and stuff so I shouldnt have any problem with working in France or Europe.

AAI: How has the crisis affected you?

Magga: Made it more difficult for me to get an education abroad moneywise, I lost a part time job, cant buy Burda magazine anymore, strawberries are double price, im a terrorist because of britain’s stupid decision to use terrorist laws against Iceland, I went to Paris over new years and I couldnt allow myself the same things I used to do before because of the currency, everything is double, including buying things on the internet. On the other hand, I’m in a pretty good status; as long as i have a roof over my head, education and food, I’m great.

AAI: What was the part time job you lost?

Magga: Cleaning an office for an imported furniture company slash imported coffee chain company, 1.5 hour a week, good easy money. They had to reduce costs and save money, so my job flung out the window.

AAI: Do you know other people who have been hit worse?

Magga: Worse than me? Yes, a lot of people. Everyone that owns something is paying more for their loans, too many people losing their job and their houses as well. Unemployment is increasing, the situation is going to be very screwed in march. But they say this year is going to be tough, and then will get better again.

AAI: Do you know other people who are leaving Iceland?

Magga: Not exactly, a friend of mine returned back home to Iceland from her education in London because of the crisis. I actually dont “know” anyone that is leaving Iceland because of the crisis, but I know alot of foreign people that were here because of work are returning back to their homes.

AAI: If you do leave Iceland, what will you most miss?

Magga: My family and friends, the pure water, short distances, NATURE!

AAI: What about Bjork?

Magga: I saw her last summer at the nature concerts, the third time ive seen her in concert. I didnt really start listening to her music until about 3 years ago. She is the sjissnit (awesome).

AAI: How has the weather been in Iceland lately?

Magga: Over the xmas it has been very warm, up to seven degrees, raining a lot, but now it’s just below zero.

AAI: To me, one of the coolest things (of many cool things) about Iceland is that it has puffin, whale and rotten shark meats, none of which you can get in the states. But it doesn’t seem like too many Icelanders eat any of that. What is your favorite of those three rare delicacies?

Magga: I think i would say whale, out of these three, but yes you’re right, we dont eat a lot of that. Its a kind of food I would only eat very occasionally. After we started to import all the foreign food and traditions, people tend to forget their own. Im not even sure how to cook whale or puffin the icelandic way…. On special season in february we eat all kinds of traditional icelandic food, sour sheepballs, sheepheads, the tounge and the eyes… Not my favorite food, but its great to get to taste some of the history of Iceland.

AAI: Thanks, Magga Sigga!

You Know it's Bad When "Sound of Music" Sales Are Up

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:35:54 -0500

You Know it's Bad When "Sound of Music" Sales Are Up

Is Whole Foods an Icelandic Company?

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:38:00 -0500

I always thought Whole Foods was an Austin, Texas based company. But doesn’t this:

look like a disguised version of:

It could be a coincidence, but… come on.

AFP: Iceland whale meat to arrive in Japan: report

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:52:14 -0500

AFP: Iceland whale meat to arrive in Japan: report:

Score one for Iceland. Japan (the Iceland of Asia) is going to start importing whale meat from Iceland (the Japan of Europe). This will be great for both countries. Iceland gets valuable yens while Japan gets perhaps the most delicious meat in the world without releasing the tsunamis of blood. The article doesn’t mention this, but I’m sure Japan is looking to get some of that puffin action too.

Do Icelanders Have Anything to be Thankful For?

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:27:00 -0500

Thanksgiving is one of those holidays like President’s Day that probably doesn’t mean too much to people outside of the United States. But that doesn’t mean that other countries don’t have anything to be thankful for.

Canada is thankful for its proximity to The United States (now that Obama won). Mexico is thankful for its burgeoning reputation as the go-to country for Pentobarbital. Ireland is thankful that “Falling Slowly” from the Irish movie “Once” won the Oscar for Best Original Song this year. Great Britain is thankful that its burden of empire is over. Germany is thankful that it wasn’t entirely wiped off the map after WWII, as some still argue it should have been. Greenland is thankful for global warming. Japan is thankful for being one of the coolest countries in the world. And Norway and Switzerland are thankful to not be in the EU.

It seems every country (at least, every country that I’ve heard of) is thankful for something. But with everything she’s suffering, does Iceland have anything to be thankful for?

Yes, some things. Iceland is thankful for geothermal warmth, which guarantees hot water no matter how cold it gets above the earth’s crust. She’s thankful that even though she discovered North America first, she didn’t stay there; if she had, she’d be dealing with a major stock market crash and recession right now. Like Norway and Switzerland, she’s thankful not to be in the EU, even though she knows she may have to eventually. She’s thankful for Geysir, which will always be there (even if inactive) no matter how little the krona is worth. And maybe some Icelanders are even thankful for Adopt an Icelander, which hasn’t set up any actual adoptions yet, but at least has its heart in the right place.

Happy Thanksgiving, Iceland!

EU mulls early warning system for threats linked to terrorism, organized crime

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:18:53 -0500

EU mulls early warning system for threats linked to terrorism, organized crime:

Great Britain isn’t going to like this. The EU is considering a warming mechanism for suspects linked to terrorism, and it’s going to be based on the Schengen Information System, “a secure database used by 27 European countries — 24 EU member states plus Iceland…”

No doubt Gordon Brown is going to wonder why an unrepentent terrorist state is involved in a terrorism warning system.

Visit Iceland -- It's On Sale - Forbes.com

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:35:12 -0500

Visit Iceland -- It's On Sale - Forbes.com:

If you didn’t know, Iceland is cheaper for foreigners now.

FT.com / UK - Iceland's rescue package flounders

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:33:27 -0500

FT.com / UK - Iceland's rescue package flounders

Travel | Viking ingenuity Iceland's best asset | Seattle Times

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:30:00 -0500

Travel | Viking ingenuity Iceland's best asset | Seattle Times:

“My first view of Iceland, through my porthole, was of a group of isolated, whitewashed buildings, hunkered down against the wind and rain, on a hill overlooking Reykjavik harbor. All of the romance of the Viking sagas, Leif Ericson, ruthless and determined to build a settlement on this inhospitable volcanic island was, for me, represented in these humble, strong and starkly beautiful buildings.”

“Now, Iceland is facing national bankruptcy. I am confident that a country that can raise animals on a glacier and subsist on fermented shark will recover. Icelanders will hunker down against this economic tempest, and that same Viking ingenuity and tenacity that settled this country will see them through; the same way it has for 1,000 years.”

BBC NEWS | Scotland | Icelandic overfishing 'scandal'

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:27:07 -0500

BBC NEWS | Scotland | Icelandic overfishing 'scandal':

Now Scotland shakes its fist at Iceland. You would think fellow lands would be more understanding of one other.

Iceland’s new currency: the Doddsson — The Iceland Weather Report

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:12:29 -0500

Iceland’s new currency: the Doddsson — The Iceland Weather Report

World's Healthiest Countries - Forbes.com

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:22:02 -0500

World's Healthiest Countries - Forbes.com:

Forbes names Iceland the world’s healthiest country. Anything that tastes as foul as rotten shark has to be doing something for you.

Any French Speaking Icelanders Who Need to Escape?

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:35:43 -0500

If you are an Icelander who is currently in Iceland, you speak French and are looking to escape the financial chaos, a French gentleman who has contacted me may be able to help you. He is going to be away from his apartment in the suburbs of Paris for some time and would like to temporarily lend his appartement to an Icelander in need. But for it to be possible, you must be able to parles français (if you can read that, you can probably speak French). Comment to this entry or send me an email, and I will put you in touch with him.

Iceland is still a great place to party - Times Online

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:37:05 -0400

Iceland is still a great place to party - Times Online:

“Now that Iceland is nearly bankrupt, what does nearly bankrupt even look like? Tonight, it’s wool capes with brooches and heels, pin-neat hair and skin dipped in sunlight. When everyone is so stylish, it’s hard to believe that something very bad is happening.”

Interview: Dana Young on Iceland

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:50:00 -0400

New Yorker Dana Young - singer for the band The Hidden People, and perhaps Iceland’s biggest fan - got back from her third trip to Iceland on Sunday. Don’t call her an opportunist, though: she planned this trip long before the economic crash.

Earlier this week, we heard from a couple of Icelanders who said what they want us to believe is happening over there. But now it’s time to hear the bloody truth about Iceland as only an objective die-hard American patriot can dish it. Just kidding. But there was blood:

Adopt an Icelander: What is it about Iceland that keeps bringing you back there?

Dana Young: Ok. well, #1: it’s only 5 hours from here and that’s a great weekend trip since americans have shitty vacation time. but really i think it is the most beautiful place in the world. it is like an ancient place brought into the future. the landscapes and natural elements are ancient, as is the language and culture. and it is all just so shamelessly honest about what it is. when i am there i feel like i have come home.

AAI: Would you ever consider living in Iceland for a long period of time, especially now with the more favorable exchange rate?

Dana: I would love to live in iceland if i could afford it. i haven’t looked into housing prices yet. but yeah, preferably in the summer i think, but only if there continues to be vegetarian food.

AAI: Would you adopt or sponsor an Icelander if there was one up for adoption?

Dana: Aww yes, as long as i didn’t have to feed them sheep, or puffin… or rotten shark fin……

AAI: When you heard about the economic crash in Iceland, were you apprehensive about your trip, or did it make you even more intrigued?

Dana: I was really apprehensive. partially because i care about the country, but really more nervous that the people might be angry with us for being American… seeing as our country is dragging the rest of the world into a financial black hole.

AAI: Were they mad at you for being American? There have been a couple of anti-American comments on this blog, but they’ve been of the generic “Americans suck in general” variety, nothing of the “it’s your fault this happened to us” sort.

Dana: Not at all, actually. i was surprised because i usually get that in general when i travel, even when we aren’t destroying the universe. i did make a point when people asked where we were from to say “New York City” - maybe that helped. And i told a good amount of people that i was embarrassed about being American… which i am… pretty much all the time. though that might change after this election, i hope.

AAI: What makes you embarrassed to be American? Is it the near limitless freedom? The unstoppable powerhouse of an economy? The crushing popularity of Hollywood films all over the world? That we call it “soccer” instead of “football”?

Dana: Well, firstly, our foreign policy sucks. And also because i think that it is very clear that what’s been going on in this country for the past 8 years proves that our nation is made up of mostly idiots.

AAI: Did anyone ask about the American election over there? If so, did there seem to be a preference for either Obama, McCain or Bob Barr? Any Hillary devotees there? Are Icelanders itching for a Palin/Huckabee GOP ticket in 2012?

Dana: Nobody asked at all! i was surprised.

AAI: What was different about this trip compared to your previous trips (Both your itinerary, and what Iceland was like)?

Dana: Well, for one thing, the weather was amazing. never before have i traveled to Iceland and not had rain. it was sunny the entire time, not warm, but sunny. Because of the weather, the tours that I have taken in the past were much more impressive this time around, and I also went on some new tours. I walked on a glacier, which i have done before elsewhere, but Iceland’s glacier was more beautiful. also because i was traveling with a friend, we partook in much more of the weekend nightlife. that was great.

AAI: What was the nightlife like?

Dana: the nightlife was calm until about midnight friday and saturday when it picked up and went crazy. lots of dancing and attempted pickups… and then there was one big fight at 4 am, which yielded a lot of blood.

AAI: Oh, man, I have to ask about the fight. Any clue what it was about? How many people got involved? Was it Icelanders vs. Greenlanders? Did there seem to be an equivalent in Icelandic for “Fight! Fight! Fight!”?

Dana: I actually completely missed the fight. some people i made friends with saw it, so i couldnt really say what the details were. i will say that people were waiting in a big line outside, and when i went out with a friend to smoke, they all tried to get past the bouncer, or at least shove cameras in to take pictures… even though cameras aren’t allowed in that bar. it was very strange.

AAI: What was the main bar you went to?

Dana: Kaffibarinn is my favorite. it’s kinda chilled out and bohemian early in the evening and then turns into a giant party. a lot of icelandic celebrities frequent it and it has both locals and tourists. oh and they make coffee behind the bar.

AAI: I know you didn’t see much of the nightlife before, so you can’t really compare it, but did the nightlife seem muted at all? Or are the parties even harder now?

Dana: Well it certainly wasn’t muted… although i have always heard that the icelanders party hard on the weekends, so it is a little hard to say. i would judge without really knowing that it was pretty much the same.

AAI: How did Icelanders seem? Were they relatively down compared to the previous times you went, or was the mood the same?

Dana: They seemed fine! Icelanders seem to be really nice people in general, actually. the only evidence the entire time i was there that the Króna had fallen was one tour bus guide saying “now that the Króna has fallen, it is a good time to come to iceland for you tourists.” and the tip cup in the bar saying “TIPS: the Króna is not worth shit anyways.”

AAI: How much cheaper was everything? I’ve heard that it’s all half off compared to before. Is that about what you found?

Dana: Well yes, but seeing as our dollar sucks as well at the moment it wasn’t like i could buy designer clothing there. although i certainly considered it more than i would have previously.

AAI: Is the crash going to make it easier for your band to play in Iceland eventually?

Dana: Hmm maybe, but probably not easier to get paid.

AAI: Would you have stayed in a nicer hotel had you known about the crash beforehand?

Dana: Hahaha that’s a good question. i want to say no because i saved money and liked my guesthouse, but in reality i probably would have i guess.

AAI: Iceland can’t really import food at this point, and there were worries about potential shortages. Did you notice any of that? (Especially as a vegan, since without imports, Iceland will eventually have to rely more on Icelandic food, which isn’t too vegetarian friendly.)

Dana: Not at all. I ate at my favorite restaurant three nights (first vegetarian restaurant - probably my favorite in the world), and it seemed to be doing just fine. I was feeling a little nervous about the future for them, having heard that and seeing the quantity of sheep bred there… it might not be so vegetarian friendly in the future.

AAI: You went with a friend who had never been to Iceland before. What did she make of the experience?

Dana: She was completely awed. hard not to be. and she was relatively happy with the amount of money spent… we didn’t even realize how low it was at the time.

AAI: Are you planning on going to Iceland again any time soon?

Dana: i might look into going in may. one of the tour guides told me that you can ski in the midnight sun in may there, that would be cool. not any time real soon though… cheaper it may be, but not cheap enough for me to go again too soon.

Bjork Speaks Out On Iceland's Struggles

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:35:55 -0400

Bjork Speaks Out On Iceland's Struggles

Dóra Svavarsdóttir on Running a Vegetarian Restaurant in Iceland, After the Crash

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:02:00 -0400

Last week I interviewed Dóra Svavarsdóttir, chef and owner of Á Næstu Grösum (First Vegetarian). This restaurant is famous for being Bill Clinton’s and Quentin Tarantino’s favorite restaurant in the world. Or, at least, for having an advertisement that jokingly states that.

With Iceland only able to import limited amounts of food now, I thought Iceland’s vegetarian restaurants would be the first to suffer, since homegrown Icelandic food doesn’t seem to be very vegetarian. Let’s take a trip to Á Næstu Grösum and see how it’s holding up.

Adopt an Icelander: When did you start Á Næstu Grösum?

Dóra Svavarsdóttir: Me and the other owner have had this place since 1999, but it was founded in that same location 1975.

AAI: Back then, was there a strong demand for a vegetarian restaurant? Or was it an anomaly at first?

Dóra: In 1975, it was the post-hippies who started it, but it seems to have survived through the years, and now we have been fairly popular with business men and women, instructors and students alike.

AAI: So the restaurant grew more popular with time?

Dóra: Fortunately, yes, but sometimes veggies places are more in fashion.

AAI: Are your customers mostly vegetarians, or non-vegetarians who like to eat vegetarian food?

Dóra: The Icelandic crowd is mostly non-vegetarians (I wouldn’t survive if my only customers were local vegetarians - they are not that many). The foreigners are probably 50/50.

AAI: What is the usual ratio of foreigners compared to Icelander customers?

Dóra: In the winter time, 70 percent Icelanders and 30 percent foreigners. In the summertime, it is the opposite.

AAI: Is it difficult for traveling vegans and vegetarians to get a true taste of local cuisine when they go to a new country? For instance, could someone who can’t eat animal products get a real sense of what Icelandic food is like?

Dóra: There are no traditional Icelandic veggie dishes besides rutabaga mash and potato mash, rhubarb jam and similar things.

AAI: Are there vegetarian restaurants in Iceland outside of Reykjavik?

Dóra: There is one in Akureyri that is purely vegetarian, and more restaurants are becoming veggie friendly.

AAI: Does your restaurant still have a lot of customers, or has the economic crisis changed that?

Dóra: Everything is slower now, people have less money on their hands. Lots of people had loans in foreign currency, and now the payments each month have doubled in a year, some cases even more. But the good thing is, finally it is possible for tourists to come to Iceland; it is half price compared to last year, so come on up.

AAI: In some cases, vegetarian food is cheaper than meat, and thus an economic crisis would force more people closer to a vegetarian lifestyle. But that may not be the case in Iceland. Do you think this crisis will be good or bad for vegetarianism in Iceland?

Dóra: I don’t know yet. It has happened really quickly, so it remains to be seen. At this moment, we don’t really know what our krona is worth, so we have no idea how much things cost once they have been transferred to Iceland.

AAI: Are you having trouble stocking supplies?

Dóra: All imports are on halt at the moment, so yes. Now I’m calling my wholesalers, asking what they have got available. Some did stock up, others are worse. The problem is that even companies that have the money, kronas, can’t exchange it to euros or dollars to pay their suppliers overseas. And all our money transfers are stuck somewhere. Having the Brits use their terrorist act to freeze all Icelandic money hasn’t helped at all… but that is a long and complicated story.

AAI: So Iceland will have to rely more on its local foods? Does that include much vegetarian food?

Dóra: We do grow potatoes, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, lettuce, cauliflower (even though early frost has finished that off for this year), barley, some paprika and herbs. That is about it. One of the things that has been bad for our horticulture is that imported veggies were so much cheaper. The cost of growing is more (seeds being more expensive, as well as fertilizer, and so on). So now finally they can compete in prices. Our typical Icelandic food is fish and lamb. We farm chicken, beef and pigs as well, and are nearly self sufficient there.

AAI: Do you like Icelandic food?

Dóra: I’m a chef because I love food - all types.

AAI: Are you worried about your restaurant? Will Á Næstu Grösum survive this crisis?

Dóra: I’m concerned about my restaurant, yes. Every little aspect of its running has to be reviewed, and I can only get through this by keeping up the hard work and doing my very best, along with my fantastic staff. There will be spring after this hard, hard winter.

AAI: What about the rest of Reykjavik? Is there less partying now on the weekends? How has the economic crisis affected the Rúntur?

Dóra: People are partying a lot. Loads of entertainers are throwing free shows just to get a more positive attitude into people. And according to the sound of spinning wheels outside my window last weekend, then no, it’s not affecting the Rúntur.

AAI: Otherwise, what is the mood in Reykjavik?

Dóra: It is strange, but two weeks ago was Airwaves, a very big music festival held all over downtown, so that was a good party and lifted the spirit up somewhat. People are in a shock, but everybody is in the same raft. If we are going to get through this, we have to stay positive. We have seen earthquakes, avalanches have wiped out whole villages, and we have survived all that. After all, this is only money.

Call for Interviews With Icelanders

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:39:26 -0400

As an American who has been to Iceland for a total of four days, I only have so much to say about the place. If you are an Icelander who wants your chance to speak your mind to the world, NOW IS YOUR CHANCE. Email me with a short bio of yourself, and then prepare to be questioned.

And of course I am always looking for Icelanders who wish to be adopted/sponsored.