Days 15-17

We visited the Burfell Power Station to witness hydroelectricity being produced. There are many issues with hydroelectric power, according to our teacher, Dr. Steinberg. Because of his background, he is very aware of the ecological damage dams cause.

Pauli and Rosi accompanied us to Islenski Bæarinn, an Icelandic farmhouse that was restored by an artist and architect named Hannes, who looks very much like David Byrne from the Talking Heads. Hannes is part of Hleðslu Skolinn, the Icelandic turf builders guild. The building we stayed in has a grass roof and makes use of driftwood salvaged from other building projects. We spent an entire day building a wall from sod we tore up from the ground in the pasture.

Hannes´ wife, Christine, told me how they plan to incorporate marble donated from a destructed house into the new house they are building. She also showed me a table made from discarded oak. Like me, Christine is a big fan of recycling.

We also went to the Floi Nature Reserve for bird watching.

Last night, we went to another farm to witness the birth of a black sheep. We slept in a pen beside dozens of ewes and lambs. I had a very distinct smell until we returned to Solheimar . . .