Arrive Isafjordur
Posted by at 6:00 PM,
September 9, 2003
Arriving in Isafjordur we slowly sailed into the fjord, surrounded by
mountains and in the company of birds following us on our path to meet the
3,000 inhabitants in this west coast village. This community has a long
whaling tradition, and when we pulled into port fishermen and whalers were
waiting for us on the quayside.
Curious and a little shy as we approach them inviting them to join us on the
ship, have a walk around and speak their thoughts about Iceland and whaling.
Words exchanging, positive feedback, complaints about why we are trying to
change Icelandic traditions, and national politics - they see the whaling as
any business of outsiders (even though minkes migrate as far as Antarctica).
A whaler came to the ship on his lunch break, thanking us for engaging in
dialogue and for our effort to listen to what they have to say. Earlier, a
school class showed up. They had prepared a song for us that they performed
on the quayside, which created bravos and applauds from the crew and other
visitors.
Tonight we will have a debate onboard with the mayor of Isafjordur,
representatives from the tourism industry and local people.
All in all, Isafjordur is a beautiful place with beautiful people in the
west fjordlands of Iceland. It will remain in our hearts for a long time
ahead.
-- Erika
