Iceland Travel Blog with National Geographic
I am so excited to bring a new journey across the world to you! Stay tuned. The adventure begins shortly!
Today, we disembarked the boat, and Mr. S. had to say, "goodbye" to the National Geographic Explorer. It was a lovely 3 days with the ship. I was amazed that many of the staff remembered me - waiters, cleaning people, reception. I am sad to leave them at this moment. Before getting to our hotel, we had a full day of scenic drives and touring of 3 museums in Reykjavik. I am pleased that I am now able to spell the name of Iceland's capital city without looking at something! I guess after a week, you can almost do anything. Scenic Drives
Historical Open Air Museum of Arbaejarsafn.
National Museum of Iceland
Saga Museum
Trolls versus Fairies - what is the deal? They are very different. From what I can best gather, the fairies are very small. I think they have wings - but I am no expert. The trolls are much larger and stronger than humans. As for now, I am getting more information from the local folk on the trolls. Will keep asking about fairies though. Some Troll History So, trolls were living alone and in total happiness in Iceland before the Vikings came. When that happened, their world was turned upside down! The Vikings were not very nice; they were very aggressive. Because of this, the two groups (trolls and Vikings) were not really compatible island-mates. When the first trolls happened upon the new Viking settlers, they found weapons (axes, swords, etc.) that they never had a need. Because the trolls are nocturnal, their initial meetings happened at night when they Vikings were around a camp fire in the dark of night. You can imagine how frightening this was for the Vikings! Their reactions to the trolls was less than peaceful. This initial meeting and manner of interacting with the Vikings really resulted in the reluctance for trolls to come above ground ver much - if at all. And, this remains to be the way in which they live to this very day, even though Vikings behaviors and methods are long gone.
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ArchivesAuthorMr. Szymanski is a First Grade Teacher at Walt Disney Magnet School in Chicago, IL. He is a 2014 National Geographic Grosvenor Teaching Fellow. Last December, he traveled to Antarctica and shared the experience with his students through his Antarctica Blog. Categories |