Midway-thoughts from Hvammstangi. I ask myself: what makes us spend our holiday in July in this tiny icelandic village, waking up early every morning to a shower smelling like eggs, walk through the cold fog to do manual labour in the garden of Hvammstangi – VOLUNTARILY?Maybe it has to do with the charm of being on the bumpy road with Arnar or one of our other local friends driving towards a hot spring or getting close to the local seals, while the (maybe not existing) traditions of kissing on the cheek is eagerly discussed on the backseat between the french and japanese.

It could have to do with the satisfaction of pulling off a big piece of grass, which has been really stubborn, from the hidden rocks underneath, in the garden where we work? Or just to be between people working enthusiasticly in that garden to make it look nice for the inhabitants of Hvammstangi?To meet the bartender Þorvaldur over a local drink and hear about his life and work on a Saturday night…?It also has to do with the relief and happy expressions in the faces of any nationality, when we finally understand what we are actually talking about!What about the beauty of the sunset over the mountains in the horizon, the sight of a whale (which I missed – damn!) or the landscape around here with its green hills, waterfalls, horses and yellow flowers?The possiblity to get to know Brynja and Binni, our local hosts, who make us feel so welcome, teach us about icelandic food and life and make sure that we are definately not hungry after the day’s work?It may be the bubbling and busy activity of festival planning: creative ideas being hatched and curious questions for the locals being asked?

Maybe the reason why we’re here is the eagernes to enjoy and share experiences with this international group as well as the people here in Hvammstangi who are also working hard to realise the festival bringing life and new input to town.Most of us have a cold and will definately not suntan this summer, but so what?This is the whole Hvammstangi-experience. By Tine from Denmark