The Icelandic Canadian - 01.06.2004, Page 24

170
THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
Vol- 58 #4
we had landed in Iceland. We boarded the
flight - and listened to many comments
from other people describing their time in
Iceland. Soon after, a meal of chicken and
shrimp, coffee and tea was served. We were
on our way back to Canada.
Oli Narfason greets everyone again
and leads the passengers in a ‘sing song’
Gunnar Thorvaldson then took the inter-
com and shared a few jokes. The group was
reminded of the time change - and to adjust
their watches.
Looking back on the previous two
weeks, I thought about the demeanour of
all the people we met. Having been treated
so well when visiting someone else’s home
was wonderful. However, what amazed me
the most was how well the Icelanders treat-
ed each other. There were times when I
witnessed siblings hugging each other as if
they had not seen one another in years.
Then, I was stunned to learn that they live
just down the road at the next farm and
visit often. I am miffed about these actions
for two reasons: (1) that in my entire life-
time, I have rarely seen open affection
amongst anyone on either side of my fami-
ly and; (2) because these Icelanders are peo-
ple who have descended from the Vikings
who, in the old sagas, used to chop some-
one’s head, arm or leg off for some minis-
cule reason. I think about my Afi - and
how he seemed to have become younger
with each day we were in Iceland. From the
moment he stepped off the plane in
Iceland, he did not seem like a visitor, but
rather a resident. He now had more energy
and had developed an extra jump in his gait
that I had not seen before. He would talk to
total strangers at a museum, a harbour, a
convenience store - just anywhere and
introduced himself as Oli GIslason, bondi,
from Canada. He would continue talking
with a wide grin, as these new found
friends of his competed for his attention.
Having been in Iceland sparked an
interest for me in my heritage that I now
wish had been stirred much earlier. It has
also made me wonder what life was like in
the 1800’s that would make people aban-
don their homes and property in this beau-
tiful country to go on a dangerous voyage
to a future of uncertainty. One can read a
number of books on the reasons why peo-
ple left, but it is intriguing to think of what
exactly was going through their minds and
what hardships they endured before their
decision to leave.
Almost back in Canada, I ordered
myself a Bailey’s, tilted my chair back a
couple of notches and continued to think
about the wonder of it all - the special time
to have shared this trip with my Afi.
Editors Note: Blair Swanson wrote a
wonderful story about his 1998 trip to
Iceland with his Afi, Oli Gislason. He
wrote with more detail and humour than
the edited version you will read here. It is
with some regret that all of it could not be
published for reasons of space. I have done
my best to highlight the message of his trip
without too much change in the context. I
hope that you enjoy his travel experience
where he has captured many special
moments and memories. Sadly, Blair’s Afi
passed away December 8th, 1999. Oli and
his wife Jonina operated a dairy farm at the
Geysir farm on Highway 68 near Arborg,
Manitoba. His Amma Jonina continues to
live on the farm and is now 84 years of age.
- Edit by Evelyn Thorvaldson
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