Week One

Landing in Akureyri is in a bit of a jolting experience. No matter how many pictures you look at or descriptions you read, nothing can quite prepare you for the type of environment you are so suddenly immersed in when you step off the plane. Looking at a map of the island and comprehending that you are actually here and breathing the air as it arrives from north of the Arctic Circle is still not quite real. This is a picture of Akureyri from across the fjord.


As I arrived an entire week before classes at RES started, I had a little time to adjust. It was nice to meet the other students who arrived as it provided some outlet. We spent some time together walking around the city and exploring the sights as well as getting settled and trying to survive while waiting for some of our luggage to catch up with us. Akureyri struck me as quaint town with a close-knit community. The people seem friendly and eager to help confused foreigners.

Early on we were able to go to the local ski area (which is one the best in all of Iceland) Hlíðarfjall. To our surprise, we were able to get run after run of fresh tracks as most of the other skiers there were more interested in the race course. Here's a picture right before our last run of the night.
A few of us liked it (and the prices) so much that we bought a season pass.

Another early experience was the Icelandic initiation of trying the fermented shark, Hákarl followed by a type of schnapps called Brennivín (aka the black death). I also tried smoked and salted lamb, and sour ram testicles in a kind of jelly block called Súrsaðir hrútspungar. Icelanders don't normally eat these things but keep them around to remember the days when things were not so easy. I had a lot of trouble with everything but the lamb. My stomach was not happy with me. Chef Anthony Bourdain is said to have described the shark as "the single worst, most disgusting and terrible tasting thing" he has ever eaten. Ashlin's reaction says a lot here:

Nevertheless, it was an experience I am really glad I had. My stomach will forgive me eventually.

The initiation ceremony was the Saturday before classes started. We were lucky to have a number of guests as well as a most of the 08/09 students there for the occasion. It was a great event to really put this next year in perspective.

The following Sunday the group got the van, which will be used shuttle a number of students from where they lived to class. We had the day to ourselves and decided to drive to east to see Goðafoss and Mývatn Lake. Just driving through the Icelandic countryside is an experience in itself and to see just a taste of the amazing natural wonders that Iceland has to offer was exciting. This is Goðafoss:


And lake Mývatn:


And "Hell's Kitchen":


Once back in Akureyri, I threw all of my things in my bags and checked out of the hotel as our new home at Skjaldarvik was ready. All that was left was to get ready for class for the next week - RES601: Energy - Past, Present and Future.