hello from ísland

Writing currently from my guesthouse in Egilsstaðir - a town in the east. I’m just over halfway through my trip driving around the whole country. I could have easily already burned through all the film I brought over with me. But I’ve had to exercise the strictest self restraint. My bank account is already not happy with me…

I started driving from Keflavik, where the airport is, earlier this month. I had to get used to driving on the other side of the road in my little jimny (absolute gas guzzler). Every five minutes I’m finding myself pulled over (safely) to make some film photos. I brought my leica and rolleicord along with me to document the land of fire and ice. I also have with me a variety of black and white films, of course.

I’ve found myself going in a clockwise direction on the ring road. I also did the Snæfellsnes peninsula along with the Westfjords.

The roads here may be 90 speed limited but people drive like absolute speed demons. I’ve seen how much the fines for speeding are here and I’m gladly driving like a grandma… The roads are generally in very good condition but I have to check an app daily to make sure they haven’t been closed for some reason. It’s called Færð & Veður, so handy with little cameras you can check in key spots also!

The landscape is extremely diverse and I’ve been really lucky to witness some amazing moments with wildlife. I hope this is apparent in the images I have been creating. Though it’s pretty impossible to capture a whale or an Icelandic sea eagle with a 28mm lens…

My favourite place so far has been the Westfjords, particularly Flateyri. I stayed at the Fisherman guesthouse where Catrina was the host/manager of the hotel, originally from Spain. She was very warm and so hospitable. The rooms were amazing and the breakfast spread was just the perfect way to start a day. We exchanged stories and gave me recommendations of places to visit in the area. I was actually quite sad to leave there, she sent me off with a very nice warm hug.

Most people speak English, I’ve had one or two instances where I’ve had to use google translate. I did try to learn a few Icelandic phrases. They’re basic and I’m constantly scared of butchering the pronunciation. It’s such a hard language.

Catrina was telling me that some words don’t always translate across accurately either, so that really made me wary!

Incase you were curious.

Anyway, I’m off to rest before another big day on the roads. Seen about a billion waterfalls and an active volcano today which I was so stoked about.

Hoping to catch some puffins and see diamond beach in the coming days.

Hoo roo.