Reykjavík Grapevine - jún. 2023, Blaðsíða 39

39
The most special co!ee
from specialists
in speciality co!ee.
Co!ee & Sandwiches Hafnarstræti 11 ka"_o_le
WORDS Catherine Magnúsdóttir
IMAGE Art Bicnick
WHAT'S A DAY LIKE IN THE
LIFE OF ICELANDERS?
Well, first we start the day of course
being woken up by the caw of the
raven. Then we partake in a healthy
meal of hafragraut and kaffi while
listening to RÚV on the radio. On
our way out we greet the sheep and
dodge the odd overeager cyclist.
No point in dressing for the weather,
the car is our preferred suit attire on
tires. We drive to work (which is five
minutes away) in one of our gigantic
Jeeps and spend 36 minutes look-
ing for a parking spot. For lunch
we get some skyr and hangikjöt-
salad and wave at the fisher-people.
Once the work day is done at 15:00,
we head home for some quality
time in the hot tub and to read the
Sagas before making some cod and
pota toes for dinner. One episode of
a Nordic crime drama later, and it’s
off to bed to begin anew.
WHAT TIME IS IT?
What time indeed. Who’s to say at
this point? The sun refuses to leave.
The light deceives us. Mother Nature
is a liar. The birds chirp and trill at all
times. Lost souls wander the streets
at midnight, thinking they’re on their
way to get groceries before the
stores close. Only to discover that
the doors were locked hours ago.
Reality is crumbling around us. We
don’t know when to sleep. How to
get a good night’s rest, when there
is no night?? I can’t recall the last
time I’ve been securely taken to the
halls of Morpheus. Has it been a
day? Two days? Is it 3 a.m. or p.m.?
I don’t remember the stars…
WHAT IS THE MEANING
OF LIFE, THE UNIVERSE
AND EVERYTHING?
Instead of taking this as an oppor-
tunity to showcase my nerd
cre den tials – I know it’s 42. You
know it’s 42. We all know it’s 42.
It always has been, always will
be 42. Hold my towel – let’s maybe
wonder at the meaning of the ques-
tion again. More specifically you,
yes you, and the joy you found in
asking this ques tion. This universal
question that fits everywhere. The
conversation starter. The evidence
of sci-fi literacy. Is it even about the
answer? What answer could I even
give you that would satisfy you more
than my engagement with the ques-
tion in the first place? What meaning
does the question of life, the uni-
verse and everything hold for you?
Yes, you, I’m writing to you. I see
you. I’m the one asking the ques-
tions now! Answer me!
Well, You Asked “Life. Don’t talk to me
about life.”
The Grapevine answers your most burning questions
Last Look IMAGE Art Bicnick