Magical Realism : A Comparison of Gabriel Garcia Marquez + Carmen Naranjo
UncategorizedAn impossible experience is had by all of the women in a village, they are certain to be pregnant at the exact same time. Unbelievably, even Old Lady Refugio, grandmother to seventy-five grandchildren and young women, “some of them almost children” join them in this astonishing reality (Narnajo 96). Ordinary village life is transformed with the arrival of a teacher and a farm worker in Carmen Naranjo’s short story “When New Flowers Bloom”. Written over thirty years after One Hundred Years of Solitude, this work of fiction has strong similarities to the writing of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and winks at a segment of the famous novel’s chapter three. In this chapter, following the arrival of a mysterious child, another unexplained medical condition plagues the population of Macondo, insomnia. In both narrations, societal change and the introduction of a new character(s) disrupts the lives of traditional, isolated towns and magical outcomes are felt by all.
The small town of Macondo, submitted to us by Marquez is still in its infancy but shows signs of modernization. Town founder and patriarch, José Buendía, has installed mechanized clocks, the town has zinc roofs and wife, Ursúla, has adopted the artisan craft of candy making for profit. The primitive agricultural town that Naranjo writes about has also seen their share of changes. Young people have emigrated in search of work and mostly elders remain, “Some had stayed: the old ones, old grandparents and great-grandparents a couple of great-great-grandmothers totally committed to God, and the parents who were aged prematurely and disconnectedly by the accelerated changes of the telegraph, the telephone, radio, and television” (Naranjo 92-93). Both towns weighed down with tradition and routine welcome new members to their societies who unknowingly thrust them out of their comfort zones.
The tone and language used by the writers to describe the newcomers hints at the effects they will have on the villages.Rebecca’s arrival is predicted by Buendía son, Aureliano. Her introduction to Macondo is mysterious – the child of an unknown, distant relative, she is surrendered to the care of the Buendía family. She has “greenish skin”, eats dirt, doesn’t sleep and is accompanied by a bag of bones belonging to her deceased parents. Her strangeness borders dark magic or a bad omen, hauling bones around a town that has not yet experienced death (Marquez 45). Rebecca’s entrance is confusing, clouded by death and unusual habits.
In Naranjo’s story, young teacher, Eugenia Maria and José Luis’s arrival is prophesied by the mountain: “And in the summer two very young and ingenuous people will come; however, you’ll never have such an incredible opportunity to rely on such excellent teachers, who will teach you what had been forgotten a long time ago and its necessary to remember so that new flowers can bloom” (Naranjo 92). The lovers installation into Naranjo’s town is presented as an opportunity quite literally perfumed by flowers.
The entire town and the nature that surrounds them becomes influenced by the youthful and passionate love that this new couple shares. “For them the birds were singing, the flowers open, the eucalyptus perfumed, and the day and night began, the clouds filmed a chalky white, the twilights lengthened” (Naranjo 94). The people become obsessed with the displays of love they witness and strange things begin to occur, “The potatoes tasted like yams, the yams like papaya, the papaya like turnips and the turnips like tomatoes, the coffee bean while it was still green smelled of orange blossoms, daisies bloomed from the rosebushes, gladiolus from tulips and bougainvilleas from the Lillies” (Naranjo 95). Disoriented by bizarre flavors and intoxicating flowers the town blossoms “with true passion after years and years of dormancy” (Naranjo 94).
The mountain’s prophecy of new blooms is fulfilled with the arrival of new flowers and a town full of baffling pregnancies.
Rebecca, now adopted by the Buendía family is diagnosed with the Insomnia Plague, “…the Indian woman explained that the most fearsome part of the sickness of insomnia was not the impossibility of sleeping, for the body did no feel any fatigue at all, but it’s inexorable evolution toward a more critical manifestation; a loss of memory” (Marquez 48). Three days later, the entire family contracts the illness. They begin to “dream on their feet” and hallucinate images of deceased visitors. Macondo, becomes infected by candy made in the Buendía home and embraces their new reality. “No one was alarmed at first. On the contrary, they were happy at not sleeping because there was so much to do in Macondo in those days that there was barely enough time. They worked so hard that soon they had nothing else to do…” (Marquez 50). Macondo uses these endless waking hours to improve the town and their relationships.
Both towns under a magical influence are infected with new ideas about life and how they spend their time. Accepting these new conditions without alarm, the societies experience an awakening and transformation. The future is inevitably affected and life cannot return to what it once was. The young Buendía family member and the unborn babies of the mountain town represent the arrival of a new generation for these villages. There is a veiled message about the responsibilities and anxieties that come with parenthood and fresh beginnings.
In Naranjo’s aging mountain town, the elderly realize that their time for romantic passion and carnal love has not expired. As a consequence of this renewed interest in lovemaking, the aging town now becomes too busy caring for babies to notice that the couple and the flowers have disappeared. After being challenged to accept what would ordinarily be biologically impossible, this god-fearing town must impart understanding for the unwed mothers in this new chapter of town life.
In Macondo, facing memory loss as a symptom of the insomnia plague, they must label absolutely everything in order to preserve their names/designations. At the founding of this town “The world was so recent that many things lacked names, and in order to indicate them it was necessary to point (Marquez 1)”. Macondo’s impending memory loss has made it feasible that they could again live in a world without names/labels for the things around them if they do not act fast with the classification of every item in town.
Naranjo writes “She left as if shutting a door, he as if opening one” (Naranjo 96) The two lovers in the mountain town inspired change but also surrendered to it in their own relationship when their relationship had run its course. All of these outcomes remind me of the life cycle, the temporariness of seasons and our adaptive human spirit. Both towns collective consciousness is challenged and they can either embrace these modern realities or deteriorate into their original state. Change is inevitable and the towns will continually open and shut doors to new chapters allowing themselves to be injected with new life/new ideas that will alter the rituals and motivations in their lives, forever and ever.
Work Cited
García, Márquez G. One Hundred Years of Solitude. New York : HarperCollins, 1998.
Naranjo, Carmen. “When New Flowers Bloom”. Sudden Fiction Latino: Short Stories from the United States and Latin America. Edited by Robert Shapard, James Thomas & Ray Gonzalez. W.W.Norton & Co, 2010, pp 91-97.
New Inventory on the Etsy Site!
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Love Songs & Gender Norms
Essay, journal, Uncategorized, Writing SamplesDarwin observed that songs originated as a tool for courtship for birds and noted that
“Love is still the commonest theme of our songs,”
A societies shared values and rules of behavior (culture) are often expressed in popular music, especially in songs about romantic love. “Love has been a dominant theme for popular song for at least a thousand years”. “A recent study of commercial recordings finds that 90% (of love songs) are attributed to men—and most often men in their peak years of sexual activity.” (Gioia) Romantic courtship and the gender roles performed by the sexes has noticeably changed over time. I will briefly analyze songs from different generations and interpret some of the cultural clues found in lyrics.
Winter themed love song, “Baby, It’s Cold outside” was composed in 1944 and first released in 1949. A playful, call and response love song about a man wanting more time with his date during extreme winter weather. This song was considered romantic for many years, now the lyrics are described as “boundary-crossing sexual coercion”. The lyrics, “There’s bound to be talk tomorrow, think of my life long sorrow” bring up the social consequences of spending an unchaperoned night with a man.
“Women were expected to make sure men didn’t cross the line. Her personal reputation and her family’s reputation was on the line. Abortion was criminalized, and contraception was illegal in most states.” (McDonnel)
Rules for dating and consent weren’t solidly established during this time. Preventing unwanted sexual advances was a regular occurrence for single women. “The song is an important historical document because it does represent these constant negotiations. It’s describing an everyday encounter.”(TIME) This song doesn’t stand up in todays #metoo1 climate. These blurred lines of consent has gotten this song banned on some radio stations despite it being a Christmas time classic.
After the Free Love and Feminist movements of the 1960s and 70s, sexuality was much more openly explored and discussed in popular culture. People dated more casually and had sexual experiences before marriage. Cutting edge music in the 1980s included androgynous artists like David Bowie and Prince. Men more frequently show sensitivity and express romantic feelings, opposite of the masculinity performed in previous generations. Traditional gender roles are challenged with fashion; men wearing long hair, makeup and women’s clothing and accessories.
One of the top Love songs of 1983 was by London rock band – The Police, “Every Breath You Take”. Written during a marriage separation, song writer, Sting described it as being a songs about “jealousy, surveillance and ownership”. A celebrated love song, the lyrics excessively depict obsessive stalker behavior (Nguyen) that would warrant a restraining order today. Domestic violence and intimate partner abuse during the 1980s was still considered a private matter. Stalking, a form of emotional abuse is an example of irrational love is romanticized in the lyrics. (Brogaard) “Lust, Infatuation and dependency represent orientations that are often confused with love.” (Scheff 105). Obsessive surveillance from an ex romantic partner would likely decrease a persons overall happiness or well-being. (Broggard)
Neo Soul artist, D’Angelo is one of the best-known sexual icons in U.S. popular culture after “Untitled (How does it Feel)” is released in 2000. (Watson) “The opening lyrics provide a picture of foreplay and seduction that rely on a fairly predictable performance of black male sexuality in contemporary black popular music and culture. Confidently declaring his ability to satisfy his lover’s needs, D’Angelo states that he “can provide everything that u desire.” (Eilis) “Hailed a musical genius of his generation by music critics and his peers for bringing out hip hop soul’s brooding complexity and melancholic sensuality”.
“The video is a display of black masculinity that’s affectionate but confident, and delicate but strong. A middle ground between Tupac’s infamous bathtub photos and the first 30 seconds of Prince’s “When Doves Cry” music video.” (Watson).
The song and accompanying music video challenged traditional black male masculinity. Instantly turning him into a sex symbol, the music video sexually objectifies the recording artist during a time when music videos were primarily made to satisfy a male gaze.
The first two songs I analyzed reveal a power struggle in their lyrics. In The Police song, the woman is described as his property and even though she is released from the relationship she is subject to surveillance. In the song, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”, the man won’t take NO for an answer. “In sum, the man gets the girl drunk amid her protestations so he can take advantage of her” (McDonnel) In both songs, the man expresses authority and power over the relationship. These are contrasted by the D’Angelos song lyrics that focus on female pleasure.
Progress in gender equality has normalized casual dating. Financially independent women feel less urgency when it comes to finding a husband or life long partner. This is expressed by women artists regularly through popular music, exposing the new cultural norms. 2019 Grammy Winner, Lizzo sings about women’s freedom and body positivity. In her song “Cuz I love You” she sings;
“Never been in love before, What the fuck are fucking feelings yo? Once upon a time, I was a ho, I don’t even wanna ho no mo’. Got you something from the liquor store, Little bit of Lizzo and some Mo, Tryna open up a little more” –
Lizzo is in control of the intimacy, she’s buying the gift and is the gift. These lyrics expose a sexually dominant woman and the rejection and reversal of traditional dating roles.
My preference is to listen to love songs from the 1990s, artists like Mariah Carey and TLC. I find that as a collection of music, there is a nice balance to the messages found in the lyrics of 90s R&B. Women are allowed to be both powerful and feminine. I appreciate that today younger populations are more accepting of different artists and different kinds of relationships. Artists like Lizzo sing about self love and challenge the western ideal of feminine beauty by loving and flaunting her plus size figure. Queer love is mainstream thanks to singers like non binary artists, Sam Smith and Lil Nas X. New Zealand band, Tame Impala sings about lovers from previous lives – implying reincarnation. We are so lucky that ideas about love and relationships have transformed in such a positive way and been channeled into a more inclusive spectrum of music.
Cited Work
Brogaard, Berit. On Romantic Love : Simple Truths about a Complex Emotion, Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2015. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/ lib/pccol/detail.action?docID=1865700.
Created from pccol on 2020-02-21 12:21:41.
Ellis, Aime J. “Singing Love Songs to Mr. Death’: Racial Terror and the State of Erection in D’Angelo’s ‘(Untitled) How Does It Feel?” African American Review, vol. 43, no. 2-3, 2009, p. 295+. Gale OneFile: Fine Arts, https://link-gale-com.libproxy.pcc.edu/apps/doc/A253059561/ PPFA?u=pcc&sid=PPFA&xid=8c5c7a6a. Accessed 18 Feb. 2020.
Gioia, Ted. Love Songs : The Hidden History, Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2015. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/pccol/detail.action? docID=1896213.
McDonell-Parry, A. and McDonell-Parry, A. (2020). ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’: A Brief History of the Holiday Song Controversy. [online] Rolling Stone, https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/ culture-news/baby-its-cold-outside-controversy-holiday-song-history-768183/ Accessed 21 Feb. 2020.
Nguyen, San. “Why ‘Every Breath You Take’ Is the Most Misinterpreted Song.” Medium, Medium, 21 Jan. 2020, medium.com/@sannguyen/rethinking-the-surveillance-through-every- breath-you-take-c80326fd5b58.
Scheff, Thomas J.. What’s Love Got to Do with It? : Emotions and Relationships in Pop Songs, Routledge, 2011. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/pccol/ detail.action?docID=4185932.
WATSON, ELIJAH C. “There Will Never Be Another Music Video Like D’Angelo’s ‘Untitled (How Does It Feel)”.” Okayplayer, 24 Jan. 2020, http://www.okayplayer.com/music/dangelo-untitled- how-does-it-feel-video.html.
Blackwell 6
Urban Dictionary is Obscene
Essay, journal, Writing SamplesFinding offensive material on Urban Dictionary is easy. This web site crowd sources definitions for slang terms and allows users to redefine common words, names and events in popular culture. In some ways, this site encourages communication and understanding between generations by providing the context and nuances of terms that would normally only belong to/be understood by one population. Alternatively, the website encourages and is host to derogatory, sexist and racist material submitted anonymously by some of the ugliest minds you can find on the internet.
Young people are are exposed to violence and sexually suggestive material at earlier and earlier ages through television, music and internet. For this reason, people are generally desensitized when it comes to ‘vulgar language’. It has become increasingly difficult to find ideas or words that shock and offend people in younger urban populations. I will discuss nine different words/terms that I found on the site and why, in my opinion, they have no place in society or social interactions.
The first two terms I found mildly problematic were – Office Mattress and Mecretary. Of all of the words I considered, these were the least offensive to me but still a reminder of the misogyny and sexism that exists in office culture. Office Mattress is defined as the woman/person in the office that everybody sleeps with (or on)”. Mecretary is defined as a male secretary. This kind of language might be playful between peers but could never be used in a professional office setting.
The next two terms I found were: Swamp Donkey and Moobs. Both of these terms are meant to fat shame the persons they are used to describe. Swamp Donkey, is defined as “a very ugly, fat girl who hangs around bars to sexually assault males who are too drunk to defend themselves”. Moobs, simply put are an obese mans breasts. Again, these terms might be used casually and playfully between peers with similar styles of humor. However, polite culture would suggest that you should never address an overweight persons physical body in a disparaging way, ever.
Like the term Swamp Donkey, there were two others words/terms that I found extremely problematic because they have to do with sexual consent. Being Turned Out is “the process by which a male inmate through violent coercion is transformed into a female-typical or passive sexual role”. Crimson Switch is “the act of replacing one’s fingers in a woman’s vagina with one’s member (penis) into said woman’s vagina.”. All three definitions describe some form of rape or “unlawful sexual activity against a persons will or with a person incapable of valid consent”. It is revolting that terms like these could be and are used in casual conversation or jokingly because what they are describing is sexual violence and it is illegal. Could never, would never be joked about in my circle of friends.
One of the most offensive definitions that I found on Urban Dictionary site was for the term Ethnic Cleansing. The second definition on the site reads as; “The inevitable bout of flaming hot diarrhea that occurs after eating certain ethnic cuisines. Thai and Indian cuisines are notorious for this. After ethnic cleansing, the entire digestive system is vacant, or cleaned out”. Sadly, our culture has not evolved past racist humor such as this. I find this problematic for two obvious reasons. One, the very real global occurrences of ethnic cleansing, where “ethnic, racial and/religious groups are systematically removed from a region”. This is nothing to joke about, very real human suffering has occurred. Two, this definition suggests that there are health consequences to enjoying ethnic foods. It positions Indian and Thai foods below other types of cuisine and infers that they are unclean or dangerous for consumption.
Another hideous definition on Urban Dictionary is one of the definitions for Aboriginal. The word Aboriginal officially means “inhabiting or existing in a land from the earliest times or from before the arrival of colonists; indigenous”. Aboriginals are the indigenous people of Australia, victims of genocide and ethnic cleansing on the continent. The racist and abusive definition on the parody site reads, “an Indigenous Australian that tends to waste all of the governments money with their drinking habits and shitty life choices”. It’s clear that the person who submitted this definition has xenophobic tendencies, probably an Australian commoner with European heritage. Only racist persons could find this definition humorous or acceptable. The word Aboriginal can be used in conversation with respect to its true meaning. The likelihood that the word be used with the Urban Dictionary definition intended is very, very improbable.
The final term I came across was Ghettobilly which is defined in two ways; “a mildly offensive term for a poor white person living in urban areas. Like a redneck for city folks” and “an individual who resides in a rural/country area that has ghetto tendencies/qualities. Essentially, a hillbilly that wants to be ghetto”. The word Ghetto has Italian origin and was used to describe the neighborhoods that Jewish persons were restricted to. During the Holocaust, Jewish people were placed in Ghettos before they were further exploited and murdered. Early racial segregation in the United States pushed large populations of low income African Americans into confined neighborhoods that were coined “ghettos”. The word Ghetto carries negative connotations and is used as a (derogatory) blanket term meaning poor and black.
Ghettobilly is a combination of the words, Ghetto + Hillbilly. Hillbilly originated from Scottish dialect, meaning “Hill Folk”. The definition of Hillbilly is “an unsophisticated country person, associated originally with the remote regions of the Appalachians”. The word hillbilly is often used in a derogatory way to describe a poor white subculture of people. And so, my problem with the term Ghettobilly is that it is violent towards two poor minority populations. It stereotypes people in the urban population and proposes that “ghetto tendencies/qualities” are traits that can be imitated and adopted for ‘street credit’ by white persons. It degrades persons in both categories, suggesting that they are ‘unrefined’ or less than because of their socio economic status. The word sounds harmless but is offensive on so many levels.
Urban Dictionary website publishes harmful racist and sexist stereotypes alongside wholesome content. The anonymous contributors have turned it into a place of hate speech and violence towards women. It’s not a safe web space for most. For the purpose of searching popular culture slang terms, I think it’s useful, maybe even important for intergenerational communication. Like any site that is crowd sourced, we should be critical of the content and perhaps demand creators more carefully examine the messages they are spreading on the internet.
Vintage Dog Illustrations
art, etsy shop, Photo Journal, vintage books, vintage illustrationFor thousands of years already the dog has been the faithful companion of man.
Dogs were held in such high esteem in Ancient Egypt that tens of millions were mummified alongside their owners.
One of my favorite things about collecting old books are the vintage style illustrations.
If you love dogs, or love drawing dogs – this is a fun book for your collection.
Small but mighty, this miniature encyclopedia covers over 100 different breeds.
Printed in the Netherlands in 1951. This book is available on my Etsy site, linked here.
Looking for more books like this? Check out the Blackwell Habitat Book shop.
Tribeca and Bushwick : An Ethnographic Comparison of Two NYC Neighborhoods
Essay, journal, travel, Uncategorized, Writing SamplesWhile visiting New York City for the Winter Jazz Festival I was able to get to know two very distinct neighborhoods. Tribeca, located in Lower Manhattan and Bushwick in the Brooklyn borough. Tribeca is where my hotel was located and most of my entertainment was planned during this trip. A desirable location with celebrity residents and rent averaging about $6,000 a month for a two bedroom apartment. I am comparing this high end, commercially developed neighborhood with rapidly the gentrifying Bushwick, Brooklyn – an area we visited four different times during this trip.
Tribeca stands for “Triangle below Canal Street”, coined by city planners in the 1960’s. We chose to stay in this neighborhood because of the proximity to the night clubs where our entertainment was scheduled. Architecture included gorgeous historic stone buildings and warehouses developed into luxury condos, commercial office spaces, upscale retail and restaurants.
The 2010 United States census recorded that 66% of Tribeca’s residents are white. Bordering China Town it has a 22% Asian population. This Asian population is still visible in the neighborhood with some remaining independent restaurants and family owned store fronts. A major McDonalds location sign is partially written with Chinese Characters (hanzi). One of the most expensive neighborhoods to live in, apartments are priced at an average of 4 million dollars on the low end and up to 22 million dollars. The Tribeca population is considered high income, most earning over $100,000 per year.
Bushwick comes from the dutch word Boswijck meaning ‘neighborhood in the woods’. Affordable rents has attracted persons with creative professions as well as food service industry workers and low income families. Apartment rent averages about $2,000, condos can sell for $600,000 and up (Zillow). Although this area is often described as becoming ‘white washed’ and ‘gentrifying’- it still has about a 70% hispanic population. Once a predominantly Puerto Rican neighborhood, there is now a Mexican, El Salvadorian and Dominican presence. Walking around this neighborhood you still see Hispanic Grocers, Bodegas and dueling Mexican Food trucks next to the natural wine bars and small batch coffee roasters. One of the most noticeable physical features of Bushwick are the large murals and street art. Organized and celebrated by the community, the murals are updated regularly. Tourist visit Bushwick often to be photographed in front of this public art.
I let my friends know in advance that I was preparing a short paper about NYC neighborhoods. Without having to ask, they flooded me with information about Bushwick during one of our walks. Dominique is a professional Tailor, through an agent she is contracted to work with designers during events such as NY Fashion week and with major celebrities for things like award season and magazine commissions. She introduced me to two other creative freelancers who were unaware of my school project. Sarah, a professional backdrop artist, who lives in Tribeca but works in Bushwick and Helen, a fashion stylist who lives in Bushwick and works all over NYC.
In casual conversation I was able to learn about their politics and socio economic status. While driving past a beautiful hispanic child on the street, Sarah volunteered information about cultural makeup of Bushwick. Helen in her early thirties had just returned from a trip to NZ and invited us to see her apartment and shared about what it was like to live and work in Brooklyn. People are excited to talk about where they live. In this instance, everyone I spoke to had genuine love for their communities and planned on staying put. Without using interview style or discussion prompts I was able to uncover much of the information needed for this paper.
The high rents in Tribeca make it nearly impossible for many to work and live in the same neighborhood. Especially persons working office and service related jobs. Often unrelated adults share homes to help with the cost of housing but most commute from other areas of NYC. Tribeca has priced out the average person but still provides employment to many. Bushwick is affordable and attracts both the average and the affluent but raising rents are pushing out lower income, long time residents. Getting to see physical home and work spaces in relation to the areas rent average was interesting. Sarah, a Tribeca residents, art studio was more than three times the size of Helen’s Bushwick apartment. Famously, NYC has always been known for small apartments and intimate restaurants. Upscale Tribeca restaurants were noticeably larger then some of the trendy Bushwick eateries that we visited. Visually, Tribeca with its historic and modern architecture is sterile compared to the colorful spray painted buildings of Bushwick.
A 2009 study found that 75% of Bushwick children were born into poverty, while Tribeca is home to some of the most affluent families in the country. There is an undeniable class difference between the residents of the two neighborhoods. It is easy to conclude that New York City is one of the most diverse and one of the most expensive places in the United States to live. Comparing the two neighborhoods I am convinced that Bushwick’s changing demographics has put the original immigrant community at risk, Tribeca will likely remain the same.
48 Hours in Reykjavik
journal, Photo Journal, travelA 48 hour itinerary that includes museums, craft beer, fine dining and Icelandic street food.
Flying direct from PDX on IcelandAir we enjoyed a quick visit to Reykjavik before heading to Netherlands for my birthday. With only 48 hours to explore we decided to stay in the city both days and purchased flybus tickets at the airport. The buses run regularly and we were dropped off at the main bus station located walking distance to downtown.
Hotels amenities are nice but airbnbs are no fuss, inexpensive and enhance any travel experience. We landed SUPER early in the morning and couldn’t access the apartment until much, much later – so we stored our luggage at the bus station and went straight to the visitor center.
The visitor center opens at 8AM and is located in the City Hall. We purchased the 48 hour ‘City Card’ which had tremendous value to us since our itinerary was mostly museums and in town attractions. With this card you get access to all of the museums, main attractions, Reykjavík’s thermal pools, hot pots and saunas. Public transportation is included along with other savings and offers.
DAY ONE
1. Breakfast at Bergsson Mathús
Danish Breakfast at Bergsson Mathús
Walking into this warm and cheery cafe after such a long travel day was like hitting the jackpot. They deeply care about the ingredients that they use and are vegan/vegetarian friendly. PLUS, freshly baked bread!!! The menu changes daily + I read on their website that they offer 2 for 1 items between 4-7 to cut back on food waste. LOVE! The restaurant was packed with locals and other tourists but we were able to find space after only a few minutes. Counter service was friendly and efficient. I didn’t want the caffeine jolt of coffee so I ordered black tea and the simple Danish Breakfast spread.
2. Viking Settlement –
The Settlement Exhibition
Built around the actual remains of a Viking longhouse, our first stop following breakfast was the fascinating, Settlement Exhibition Reykjavík 871±2. This site examines the the earliest evidence of human settlement in the city and discusses the Viking Age History of Iceland. It’s only about a 30+ minute time commitment and has interactive technology around the perimeter of the room. There is a very cool collection of artifacts from other excavation sites around the city centre. The exhibition gives a clear picture of the people and their way of life at this time. There was even a small viking play area with dress up equipment for smaller children.
Oldest Street in Reykjavik.
In early September the weather was cold and rainy. I wasn’t prepared for the chilly day and had to wear BOTH a jean jacket and rain coat for warmth, my shoes were soaked by the time we made it to the airbnb. Lucky for us, many of the museums/attractions are only a short walking distances from each other.
3. AÐALSTRÆTI 10
Around the corner from the Viking museum is Aðalstræti 10 , this museum only recently became open to the public. Built in 1762, this is the oldest and one of the city’s most important houses. Antiques and artifacts are stored in glass cases that line the wall of the first floor. Upstairs a photo exhibit of early Reykjavik settlers.
This year (2018), Iceland celebrated 100 years as a free and sovereign state.
4. REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM –
Our third and final museum for day 1, all of which we used the ‘City Card’ for entry. A few different exhibits, Icelandic themes. Impressive modern collection of art with a cafe and a very cool museum gift shop. We spent most of our afternoon here.
check out my soaking wet sneakers.
Did you know that Iceland was beer-free until 1989?! Also, this country has the highest alcohol taxes in Europe. We discovered Session Craft Bar while walking down the main street. The selection was impressive and the prices were reasonable. We were the only customers and the barman was super friendly and willing to answer all of our questions about Reykjavik – he even taught me about nose tobacco and their government spirits (I tried both). I had a Sour Beer flight from local brewers RVK. James tried a few of the other drafts on tap.
6. Dill
We were lucky enough to secure reservations at Dill, a New Nordic restaurant in downtown Reykjavik. The very first restaurant in Iceland to be awarded a Michelin Star, if you can get a reservation – it really is a must! Delicious + Unique methods for preparing native Icelandic fare and gorgeous plating. I recommend the wine pairings, they are perfectly selected to highlight the best part of each dish. A meal runs about 13.900kr per person for this 7 courses pre fixe (extra for wine). After an entire day walking in the rain it was nice to spoil ourselves with such a beautiful meal.
My outfit for our Dill reservation.
Located in the same building as Dill, this is the perfect place for pre/post imbibing. BIG fans of craft beer and everything Mikkeller, we visited this location THREE times in the two days. The bartenders I loved the circus theme and private room upstairs (ask to take a look if it’s closed off the patrons).
“This four floor building was designed and built by a doctor called Guðmundur Hannesson in the summer of 1910. The house used to be his family’s residence but has also housed Reykjavík’s first X-Ray clinic and the Icelandic Women Shelter.”
DAY 2
Our apartment was directly in Reykjavik City Square – above a restaurant and across from a karaoke/sing along bar. One thing to remember is that Reykjavik stays up late on the weekends! Singing bar patrons kept us awake singing outside of our window until FIVE AM!
There are lots of young people and tourist enjoying vacation. Be sure and consider this before booking accommodation in tourist heavy areas. We chose our location out of convenience and distance to the other in town attractions.
We started the day by visiting the inside of the City Library downtown. The exhibit was small and on the top floor of the building, there is some art displayed in the stair wells as well.
2. Souvenir Shopping
I love visiting souvenir shops even though I rarely buy anything from them. There are plenty of these downtown if you have time to shop for gifts.
3. The National Museum of Iceland
“The museum offers a variety of fascinating exhibitions and one permanent display illustrating lavishly the story of Iceland’s past, from the medieval days of Viking settlements to current contemporary culture. The main exhibition has over 2,000 artifacts discovered in various parts of the country.”
One of the larger museums we visited. Beautiful viking and religious artifacts, interactive displays. Entrance Fee is included with the City Card, I’m so glad we made time for this one.
For lunch we wanted something casual and inexpensive. A family owned restaurant, Icelandic Street Food had such a welcoming atmosphere. We began with the Fishermans favorite, a fish stew of Icelandic cod, potatos and onion in hollandaise sauce. Served like a dip/spread with Rye Bread. We also shared a bread bowl with a traditional Icelandic lamb stew. Free refills were available on both, they make sure no one leaves hungry. Around the room were plates with complimentary cookies and pastries. It was such a fun and delicious experience!
5. BURRO
For dinner, Mexican food in Iceland! Because of my heritage, there is nothing more comforting to me than food wrapped in a tortilla. I knew it wasn’t going to be authentic so I went with an open mind. Fun, cocktail bar atmosphere downstairs and more of a cozy southwestern vibe upstairs. Small plates/tapas style dishes were colorful and delicious.
6. Micro Bar
Cozy, basement atmosphere with an excellent selection of beers, including brews from house brewery, Gæðingur brugghús. This place was recommended by the bartenders at the other craft beer spots we visited and had good reviews on the internet. Packed with tourists and locals, the counter service was friendly and the beer was cold.
7. Gaukurinn
We love seeing live music when we’re abroad, so we finished the night at a venue/bar in downtown Reykjavík. Iceland is increasingly becoming recognized for its vibrant and growing metal and hardcore scene. This night we enjoyed BLACK METAL being played to a medium sized crowd. The tickets weren’t expensive and the g+t’s were strong. Non gendered bathrooms and the friendliest head bangers I’ve ever encountered. Concerts, drag shows, standup comedy + karaoke parties are booked here regularly.
MORE Golden Guides
art, Environment, Photo Journal, vintage, vintage books, vintage illustration, vintage shop
Golden Guides
art, Environment, Photo Journal, vintage, vintage books, vintage illustration, vintage shopThe Golden Guides, originally Golden Nature Guides, were a series of 160-page, pocket-sized books created by Western Publishing and published under their “Golden Press” line (primarily a children’s book imprint) starting in 1949.
These books were written by experts in their field and illustrated in a simple straightforward style. Intended for primary and secondary school level readers, the first books were field guides illustrated by James Gordon Irving.
Packed with information, maps, charts and beautiful photographs.
Golden Guides are collectible and make great gifts for nature lovers.
You can purchase Vintage Golden Guides on both of my Etsy sites. Links Below.
See more titles and cover variations here!
