Iceland review - 2016, Page 51

ICELAND REVIEW 49
F O O D
INDOOR CAMPING
Jón’s activities aren’t confined to farm-
ing, though. On the other side of the
vegetable patch is the farm’s campsite.
“It’s been pretty busy. There are sim-
ply too many people at Laugardalur
[campsite in Reykjavík] this year, there
isn’t enough space there. We’ve been
getting Icelanders, too, people who
have been renting out their apartments
or people who just want to leave town
for the weekend,” Jón says. And people
appreciate the surroundings, it seems.
“People come here and tend to stay
longer than they planned,” he adds.
This summer has brought plenty of
sunshine but even if it rains—which the
plants dearly need, Jón points out—he
has the campers covered. Next to the
veggie patch is a new purpose-built
greenhouse for camping. Inside, peo-
ple can pitch their tents on the artifi-
cial grass. A row of potted strawberry
plants lines one side. There’s a picnic
table and cooking facilities. “The idea
came about a few years ago when I had
a group of Italians here in tears. They
had just arrived in Iceland and had
planned on camping but the weather
was terrible. It was cold and raining.
I said ‘Why don’t you sleep in the
Opposite page, clockwise
from left to right: Farmer and market
owner Jón Jóhannsson; Vala Ólafsdóttir,
whose waffles are a hit; potatoes, car-
rots and other root vegetables are most
popular at this time of year; fresh roses
are quick to sell; Nanu Basnet serves
Nepali momos.