Pylsuspjall: Iceland’s Love Scene - 1. Hot Dog Chat 2. A Brief Conversation Held With Strangers Holding Sausages

1. Hot Dog Chat 2. A Brief Conversation Held With Strangers Holding Sausages

Today’s Topic:
Iceland’s Love Scene

Welcome to our fourth edition of Pylsuspjall, a feature in which we accost strangers at the Bæjarins Beztu hot dog stand and ask them questions. This time we were there at 3 AM to catch people finishing their night out on the town.

What’s your name?

Bjarni Grétar

Where are you from?

Reykjavík

What do you do for a living?

Programmer

What do you think makes these hot dogs so good?

The right amount of pig intestines. It’s so good. And you can double it up. It’s called a “shotgun.”

Describe Iceland in three words.

Beautiful. Expensive. Double-barrel-hotdog.

Are you in a relationship?

Yeah, with her [points to the brunette who doesn’t want to talk to me]. We’re practically married.

How serious is it?

We’re engaged.

Where did you two meet?

A high school dance.

From your experience, what sort of dating culture does Iceland have? Or is it more of a hook-up culture?

It’s a hook-up culture. Nobody goes on dates in Iceland. Nobody.

Well, why is that?

It’s just not in our culture.

Is it because of so few people, or…

No, it’s just that nobody does it. You go to the bars, you hook up.

— —

What’s your name?

Óskar Hallgrímsson

Where are you from?

I’m from Reykjavík.

What do you do for a living?

I’m a carpenter.

What do you think makes these hot dogs so good?

They boil it in beer. Actually in Pilsner because it’s less alcoholic, 2.25%.

Describe Iceland in three words.

Beautiful. Cold. Drinking. [Laughs]
Are you in a relationship?

No, I’m not. I was in a relationship, but it didn’t work out.

So, have any luck tonight?

I wouldn’t be here talking to you if I did!

Where did you go out tonight?

Hressó and Húrra.

What do you think of the hook-up culture here?

I don’t know, man. We don’t know anything else. Other places try dating, like London or Spain. We just get very drunk and hook up with girls.

— —

What’s your name?

Daði Marínóson

Where are you from?

Reykjavík

What do you do for a living?

I cut whales. I cut the fucking corpses up, big time. I love it, man.

What do you think makes these hot dogs so good?

It’s probably just the location. Everybody loves it. Gotta have some to end the evening.

Describe Iceland in three words.

Twat. Sunrise. Kingdom.

Are you in a relationship?

Yes, with her. [Points to Þóra Karólína Ágústsdóttir who is standing next to him.]
How long have you been in it?

One and a half years.

How serious is it?

It’s serious.

How did you two meet?

It was at a nice hotel.

How does the hook-up culture work here if there’s no dating?

This is a small community, so it’s mostly surfing familiar waters. A friend knows a friend who knows a friend who knows a friend. That is the Icelandic way. It’s like a group of friends surfing the same waves. It makes it easier to hook-up.