Winter Lights Festival and Meeting the Natives

I've mentioned before that Icelanders didn't seem to be in any hurry to take down their Christmas lights. I discovered a potential explanation for this when I learned of the Winter Lights Festival. For one weekend in February, the city lights up again to celebrate the winter darkness.

Friday night was museum night, where entrance to most museums was free.  I went to the Settlement Exhibition to see the Medieval manuscripts of Icelandic sagas and try my hand at calligraphy. 

My best attempt at imitating the masterful calligraphy was to write, "I don't speak Icelandic."

A couple of weeks ago, I went to The Tin Can Factory's Meet the Natives, a three hour event where two Icelanders tell of the history, language, and culture of the country.  There was also time to sample Icelandic foods and drinks, as well as make traditional Icelandic pancakes.  While my mom was visiting, I took her back and, since I referred someone, I was able to attend again free of charge.  I definitely recommend this session to the start of a trip in Iceland!