really, school?

So, we had our first studio today. Started working on the Documentary. Pretty much all of the footage we took so far will most likely be unused. It was more or less testing out the cameras anyway. Friday, we are going to be meeting with a film producer here in Reykjavik who is going to help us with developing some filming techniques.

I walked downtown by myself today and found the Salvation army, but I don't think its the kind where you can go in and buy things. It was an awkward visit.... I did find an antique store which had a TON of stuff in it, but nothing too interesting. Mostly overpriced stuff.

I hear rumors of a flee market that occurs every weekend and will have to check that out soon! Someone from my trip has already tipped me off and said it was worth a visit.

Finally got to the small work-out facility/gym on the university campus. Its small.

Still don't have internet access at my place and have been taking my computer everywhere in case I have the chance to get online! I've just been bored when we are not out on excursions and such. There is really only so much you can do in Reykjavik to keep yourself entertained. We need to walk everywhere, and nothing is within good walking distance, other than the ocean. So far, its been more of a peaceful/relaxing time here. I have had a lot of alone time. Most of which has been a mix of good and bad. I have been reading a lot. I am close to finishing "Angels and Demons." It a very exciting thriller. But I have also been doing a lot of walking, and running, and sitting in the sun to enjoy the ocean/mountain view.

I got an Iceland cell phone so I can keep some tabs on the group. Quite a few people got phones so we have good contact now among the group. Basic communication. Still, I feel a little lonely sometimes not getting to hear much from everyone back in the states. Oh well, only a month to go!

Its strange, now that I am shopping more at the fish market, and stores... I have been eating mostly tuna/fish/and a yogurt and cheese. All of these things are very inexpensive, but I realized I haven't had any meat since the first day we got to iceland... not even chicken. I feel really good like my health is getting better and better. Not that I'm intentionally turning into a vegetarian or anything, Ive just been eating more fish/vegetables and healthier food.

Anyway, I think we are going to the beach later. Yes, we are in the arctic circle and the water is cold... however, they have such an abundance of hot water here (the country is literally on a volcano) that they pump hot water into the beaches so people can swim. They also fill large pools with water thats warm as a hot tub. It will be quite awesome. I think this weekend, we might be going to visit some natural hot springs in the country. Next week I believe, is our large camping trip. I can hardly wait.

Been hard getting to sleep, I will leave you with this picture showing the time I have been getting up in the morning and how light it is... this is about as dark as it gets now... and thats with clouds.

Just don't fall off mountain man...

Day 1:

We drive for what feels like hours (20 min) to be dropped off in a foreign land to fend for our lives. I was able to candidly snap this photo for a bread trail to find my way home.

Day 2:

We are abandoned at base of what feels like a mountain (Mt. Esja) The task to reach the summit feels daunting. I just hope my small amount of provisions (cheese/crackers, carrots, and banana) last me on this endless journey.

Day 3:

I am astonished by the lush greens and small amount of foliage. I will not have much shelter, but will have to make due with what I have.

Day 4:

Find others that must also make the trek and hate having their sweaty face documented by pictures taken candidly over my shoulder.

Day 5:

We choose a leader, Orri, aka "mountain man," to guide us to the top!

Day 6:

I look back to see how much distance I've covered. At this pace, my edibles will be gone soon. I should pick up the pace.

Day 7:

I encounter stairs of the most vicious kind. But must push onward.

Day 8:

The world gets smaller, and nearly disappears into the landscape.

Day 9:

I find water and am relieved by its beauty.

Day 10:

I start to fall behind the leader because I am taking so many pictures.

Day 11:

I meet Julia, she hates her pictures taken, and must approve of them after every snap. We find that we must work together in order to catch up, saving time by taking pictures of each other and dividing the load.

Day 12:

The leaders are well off in the distance, but we always can identify by Johns bright yellow bag. We must adjust to the new and strange terrain.

Day 13:

I must document my existence, in case I fall off the mountain, get eaten by a polar bear, or pass out from lack of nourishment. At this point I am incredibly weary and ready to give up.

Day 14:

We are almost to the base of "the rock." We catch up to our fearless leader who allows us to take a small rest.

Day 15:

Looking up at the top of the rock, I wonder how in the hell I am going to reach the top with little mountain climbing experience. We are told "just dont fall off." Best words of advice yet.

Day 16:

I document a few more pictures of my surrounding and existence before I start the rigorous and deadly ascent to the top of the mountain.

Day 17:

I start the climb, but wonder why there are no paths to the top. I guess I have to find my own way.

Day 18:

I've lost Julia, I hope she didn't fall off the side. But I must keep going.

Day 19:

I find John holding on to for dear life, watching ever step as to not slip and perish.

Day 20:

The edge is near. I must put camera down and concentrate on climbing.

Day 21:

I catch up with "mountain man" who says if I want to reach the top, I need to climb up these rocks. I shit my pants, but luckily I brought a spare pair.

Day 22:

I must brace myself for the imminent fall of others. We are all weak with exhaustion.

Day 24:

I reach the summit, have some food, and take some pictures of the others that were able to survive the nearly impossible trek to the top.

Day 25:

We begin the descent, and I must help Julia after "abandoning" her, and "making" her get stuck on a rock and being forced to wait a number of hours for another group of pilgrims to rescue her from probable death.

Day 26:

The decent down proves to be slightly easier than before, but I still must be careful to watch myself from face-planting into the rocks as others have done before me.

Day 27:

I find a stream from which I can refill my water bottle with crisp and clean glacier water.

Day 28:

I fall to my knees and nearly fall into the ice-cold stream, I am angered... but must keep going.

Day 29:

Almost die in avalanche. Stream saves us.

Day 30:

Must cross stream to make it back to base!

Day 31:

I am relieved to make it back to safety. I am sore, tired, and obviously lacking hygiene. At this point, I am wearing tatters for clothing, and shivering... But I did it. I hated every second of the horrible torture I had to endure, but am one step closer to making it home.

I love Iceland.

Climbing a Mountain today, be back later...

Me sitting in front of Mt. Esja

So, we got an e-mail last night saying that instead of climbing Mt. Esja on Saturday... We are going to be climbing it today! So, just thought I would let you know that I will update later, I am going to be kind of busy today =)

Random Pictures and a Monday and Tuesday Update!!!

A taste of Sweden? ... yeah, I'm not sure either.

Bridge and View of Copenhagen from Sweden

Malmo, Sweden - Public square.

Malmo, Sweden

Malmo, Sweden

Sweden - Old Castle/defense post

Sweden

Sweden

Me in Malmo, Sweden

Sweden - Lund University Library

Sweden - Lund University Building (photoshopped)

Sweden - Church

Sweden - Random car in garage.

Christiania, Denmark - Interesting and eclectic architecture.

An all woman's metal shop. They make very amazing artwork.

Christiania is know for their artistic skills. Here are some wood stoves.

A view across Christiania

Tower

Architecture Model made of legos. Notice Elisa for scale.

Apartment complex in suburbs of Copenhagen

Apartment complex in suburbs of Copenhagen

ICELAND - A poor view of the mountain we are going to climb on thursday

Iceland - Our first day downtown in the park having a beer.

On our walk to downtown Reykjavik

Monday may 18^th

Hi Hi (Icelandic greeting)

Got in to Iceland late last night… found my apartment, which is really nice. I put my stuff down and was asked by my professor to drive back the rental van+trailer at 3am because apparently I am the only one that could “kind of” drive a manual transmission. After stalling more times than I would care to count, I made it to the car rental drop off place. Orri dropped me back off at my apartment and I met with Adam from my studio, who’s person didn’t know he was coming Sunday night and hadn’t moved out yet. So he crashed on my couch and we easily fell asleep due to exhaustion, despite the fact that it never really got dark out.

Its strange, around midnight to 1am, it looks like dawn or just after sunset. That’s about the darkest it gets and then it just gets light again. It’s almost 10pm as I am writing this, and it looks to be about 6pm or 7pm back in Michigan. Strange, but I think I will get used to it. It will be nice if I want to do a late night run.

Anyway, I got to sleep in a little bit this morning and we all walked about 20min to downtown Reykjavik to meet our professor for lunch at this nice little café. I got a garlic burger and it was amazing. We took a small tour of the downtown area of where we can get some stuff. Saw the fish market, bakery, liquor store, and Orri took us into the grocery store to point out what to get and what to avoid. Shopping for things is a bit more difficult when you cannot read what you are getting. All meat, produce, and dairy are locally attained. So, when you go to grab meat, you really don’t know what you are getting… I was looking for roast beef and asked someone and they said that they probably don’t carry it. So, I got what I think was ham. It tasted ok. Im not dead yet…

I cannot get on the Internet in my apartment yet, but some of the other people on my trip can get on. So, I need to figure out how I am going to get it, either in my room or where I can go on campus to get it.

The scenery is beautiful. You can see mountains and Glaciers in every direction you look. The weather is fantastic right now mid 50’s all week and crystal clear blue skies. When stepping off the plane, I noticed there is slight smell of sulfur in the air. Yes, a very faint smell of rotten eggs. The whole city is heated by hot water and its completely free. No one in Reykjavik pays for heat. And the hot water also smells like sulfur. So taking a hot shower is somewhat interesting. I am noticing the smell going away as I am getting used to it.

It’s a little less busy here as opposed to Copenhagen, but I like it. Its a large town, with a small town feel. There are a lot of cars and things are pretty spread out. Walking isn’t impossible, but there is no way I am taking the bus because it is way too expensive.

Most things here are not that expensive though. I am finding that most things if they are not equally as expensive as in Michigan, than they are cheaper to buy. There are only a few things that are imported that are expensive. I haven’t been shopping yet near tourist shops, but I would assume they are overpriced like anywhere else.

It seems like we are going to get a lot of time to explore the city. I took a few pictures of my first day here and thought that I would share. They are not the best, but I snapped them on our way downtown for lunch today. I am still getting used to the time change again!! We went back 2 hours from Copenhagen, so now I am only on a four hour difference rather than 6. We are four hours ahead of Michigan time.

Tomorrow we have some logistical class things to cover, a little bit more of an orientation around town… and some other minor things. I will hope to set up some Skype times when I know we have a little better of a schedule, but it looks like I am going to start getting into one soon.

Tuesday, May 19^th

Today we had a short class and debriefing about Copenhagen. We discussed projects and who was doing what, and I think that I might be changing from the documentary to the Mountain Scali. I just do not feel like working with 5 people on a documentary where absolutely no one really knows what they are doing. If two of the girls decide to work on another project with each other, then I will probably go back to working on the documentary. Guess it is still up in the air.

We are still getting the Internet access worked out with the University, so I don’t have it yet… But soon I will have better access. I’ve just been stealing it from whoever has it whenever I can.

We took a small tour of campus today. We had class in the engineering building and got to see the student center and workout facilities. I will be checking those out really soon.

I just went for a run along the Ocean and it was the most amazing thing ever. next time I will bring my camera and hope to get a picture of the Glacier off in the distance. Its huge and white and probably one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. I cant wait to go for a run tomorrow. Its a great way to start to see Reykjavik.