Atlantica - 01.11.2000, Page 66

64 A T L A N T I C A
If friends from abroad visit Iceland, what sights do you show
them?
The panoramic view of the ocean and mountains surrounding
Reykjavík is a magnificent place to start. The magical waterfalls are
also breathtaking, like Gullfoss and Gódafoss! But most of all, I
enjoy the summer sunsets.
What is your favourite gallery or museum in Iceland?
Kjarvalsstadir Flókagata [part of the Reykjavík Art Gallery], which
displays some of the work of Jóhannes S. Kjarval, a well known
Icelandic artist. I have only seen it on the internet because I have
zero time for much else other than soccer, work and visiting family.
If you were a visitor, what souvenir would you take back home?
I love shopping so I would take home something that displays the
mark of Icelandic fashion. I would also pick up some of the various
Icelandic chocolates. And I would take back a piece of lava rock.
What person in Iceland today sums up all that is Icelandic about
Icelanders?
Omar Ragnarsson is everything I love about Iceland. He is a well
known news reporter. He represents what I most love about
Icelanders: radiance and a passion for life and the land.
What is your favourite bar/restaurant in Reykjavík?
I love the lamb and beef entrées at Argentína Steikhús, as well as
the lobster appetiser and lamb entrée at the “Red River
Restaurant”. I had dinner at Jónatan Livingston Mávur with my
team after we won the championship. I have fond memories of that
place.
What music would you play to entertain a visitor from abroad?
Icelanders listen to the same mainstream music, but I would
introduce visitors to Sálin hans Jóns míns (John’s Soul).
What is your favourite shop in Iceland?
My favourite “shop” in Iceland would have to be all the places on
almost every corner where you can get literally anything to eat no
matter how late. You can get candy, chocolates and probably any
snack food you want, especially Icelandic hot dogs.
If you were cooking a typical Icelandic meal, what would be on
the menu?
I love lamb and Icelandic fish, especially ýsa (haddock). I only eat
fish from Iceland. It’s like a treat that I save for myself for when I
come home.
Visitors are often asked by Icelanders, “How do you like
Iceland?” How do you respond to this question?
I am blessed to be a part of the Icelandic and American cultures.
I live in Atlanta, Georgia where I’m surrounded by trees. When I
come back to Iceland I marvel at the openness. The cleanliness of
this country and it’s natural resources are something I hope never
to take for granted. I love the taste of Icelandic water. It’s so
refreshing.
With which nation other than Iceland do you most identify?
I would have to say the United States. I was born in California and
later moved to the South. I now live in Atlanta, Georgia. It has
moulded me and shaped the person I am today.
The Atlantica
INQUISITION
Rakel Björk Ógmundsdóttir is one of Iceland’s
premiere lady footballers. Born in the US, she
was a key player for the University of North
Carolina, which won two NCAA national cham-
pionships in her four years at the university.
This summer, Rakel Björk returned to Iceland
to lead Club Breidablik to the championship.
She’s now setting her sights on the newly
formed, US professional league.
i-site❍
Compiled by Edward Weinman
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