Author: - The Reykjavik Grapevine

With Foreign Unemployment Ballooning, Some Smell Discrimination

by

When Shanice Rogers moved from Jamaica to Iceland in 2001, she got hooked on studying law. She’s now 29 years…

You Can’t Always Go Downtown

by and

Sun peers through the large windows at Hressó on Andri Valgeirsson, shining on his transition lenses and heavy 5 o’clock…

As Crowds (And Sponsors) Multiply, Pride Politics Take A Backseat

by

Even before they reach Iceland’s shore, foreign visitors will feel the gay pride fervour that will sweep Reykjavík August 7…

Cramming Glitter And Glam Into Harpa

by

A drag queen named Jennifer Hudson Obama, clutching a red dildo like a microphone, captured the hearts of judges last…

Guardian Of The Red Sands

by

Every day, Ástþór Skúlason hears the buzz of the electric lift that helps him climb into his tractor. That momentary…

Foreigners On The Frontlines Of Whaling Battle

by

“Quick! We’re missing them!” 22-year-old Jongmi Lim says. A herd of six baby-faced volunteers hustle across the harbour toward the…

Iceland’s Neighbours Turn Up Heat On Declaring Independence

by

In her 2007 electro anthem “Declare Independence,” Björk shouted patriotic lyrics dedicated to Iceland’s neighbours—Greenland and the Faroe Islands. “Start…

Iceland’s Only Baseball Club Looks For A Rally

by

Steindór Steindórsson used to play his home country’s most popular sports, football and handball, but the tall and stocky 16-year-old…

The Negotiator

by

A hulking home computer produced in 1982 sits on Stefán Haukur Jóhannesson’s desk at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in…

Arpeggio Ascending

by

Víkingur Heiðar Ólafsson sees classical music as having too much high brow and not enough high voltage. That’s why he…

The Elves Could Not Be Reached For Comment

by

Member of Parliament Árni Johnsen recently arranged for the transportation of a 50 tonne boulder from the Hellisheiði mountain pass…

The Music Mess Needs To Get Messier

by

I figured a festival dubbed a ‘music mess’ would serve as a nice introduction to the Reykjavík music scene on…