Ske #14

1 What’s happening

#14

Perfect Day

On Bæjarins Beztu

SKE plans your perfect day in Reykjavík, peak inside for further details.

A brief, ironic discourse on Iceland’s most beloved hot dog stand.

Ske.is 21.08 2015—27.08 2015

Your free copy Your guide to what’s going on in iceland

“There’s no better place to get acquainted with Icelanders than in the hot pots.”

SKE Speaks with the Mayor

Ske

2

A “Perfect” Day Pt. 14 There is no such thing as perfect. A thing cannot be perfect. But when a thing is sufficiently wonderful we may refer to it as perfect for the sake of emphasis – such a thing is customary. A few days ago, we experienced a day that was wonderful enough to predispose us towards exaggeration, and we are confident that if any traveler were to follow in our footsteps, then they too would feel the same. It was, in all honesty, a perfect day.

1. Elliðárdalur

Central Park 10:00

The Imagination Yesterday, as I was lying in bed trying to calm my convulsing soul, I was struck with a re-piphany; a second insight; a forgotten revelation. My imagination, with its vast, continental shoulders, had hoisted me off my mattress and ran off with me into the dark jungle of some not-too-distant Dystopia. In that hateful and sunless rain forest, I was encircled by a cast of villains: a tax collector in the form of a rabid gorilla; unemployment manifest in a thundering rainstorm; literary failure in the shape of a bloodthirsty leopard; and my fiancé decamping through the vine like a desperate Jane, as I – #Tarzan – was torn to pieces by unconscionable Fate. One by one, my limbs were snapped off my torso like tiny chicken wings, as I screamed, howled and resisted.

Yessirree, Bob: It was a long and drawn-out ordeal – like an Adam Sandler movie. By and by, I gathered myself. I re-summoned my imagination to the bedroom and I enjoined it to stay still. I addressed it with the thunder and conviction of a misbehaving-dog owner and commanded it to “sit”. Then, as it curled up quitely in the corner of my mind, I recalled a lost revelation concerning the imagination that I had experienced a few years past, namely that the imagination is both a benediction and a curse. It is at once man’s most useful tool for survival – but also an inexhaustible silo for unwarranted grief. I made a decision then that I would no longer allow my imagination to wander too far off into the distance. Henceforth, I would command it like a well-trained dog and order it not too to roam beyond today’s horizon. From now on I shall live one day at a time. Like Jesus. Who remarked through Matthew that sufficient for each day is its own badness. Leaf through the pages of our humble magazine, and live life one day at a time. One blazing candle, Tony Robbins, carpe-diem day at a time. Oh yeah ... Culture Night. Don’t miss it.

Ske Editors: ritstjorn@ske.is Advertisement: auglysingar@ske.is Interview & Editorial: Ragnar Tómas Hall­gríms­son Inter­ viewee: Dagur B. Eggertsson Photographs: Allan Sigurðsson Streets of Reykja­vík: Birta Rán Printing: Ísafoldarprentsmiðja Layout: Greta Þorkelsdóttir Design: Hlynur Ingólfsson, Gebo ehf.

Elliðaárdalur Valley has been referred to as Reykjavík’s Central Park (see SKE’s interview with the mayor). It is like Central Park but without the crime and the flighty Asian masseuses. SKE knows of no Icelander who has been mugged there. We know of no Icelander who has been massaged there. Any mugging or massaging that has occurred in the valley has either been selfinflicted or self-indulgent (masturbatory). Besides having been compared favorably to Central Park, Elliðaárdalur Valley is also known for its salmon.

The salmon of the valley have been swimiming in the rivers since the city’s settlement – and like all other things Icelandic – they were at one time the property of the Danes. For 300 years the salmon were owned by the Danes and it was not until 1906 that the city of Reykjavík reclaimed them.

The salmon were delighted. Each summer, over 2,500 salmon swim up the valley’s rivers and celebrate their reclaimed nationality by copulating; about 15,000 smolts leave off to sea annually.

SKE recommends kicking the day off with a pleasant stroll through the valley along with a casual picnic.

2. Árbær Museum

Visions of the Past 11:30

During the middle of the 20th century, the ci­ tizens of Reykjavík were gripped by a feeling of apprehension. They looked around their glorious city and observed an ongoing trend; they noticed that wherever they looked old buildings were being razed and replaced with new buildings; and, extrapolating from this gradual replacement of the new with the old, the prescient citizenry predicted that 50 years hence there would be no trace of their old beloved city. And thus, in the 1940s they began musing upon methods of preservation.

Finally, the Árbær museum was opened in 1957.

Currently, the Árbær Museum is an open-air museum comprised of more than 20 buildings.

These 20 buildings form a town square, a village and a farm, and most of the buildings have been transported from Central Reykjavík to the museum. SKE suggests following your stroll through Elliðaárdalur Valley with a visit to the museum. It is a pleasant window into the past. Also, we have heard the staff is quite well informed.

3. Tuk-Tuk

West-Side Story 14:30 A tuk-tuk is a feat of automotive engineering containing three wheels. It is commonly employed as a taxi. The tuk-tuk possesses as many nicknames as any modern, respectable rapper; it is called a tuk-tuk, a three-wheeler, a samosa, a tempo, a trishaw, and our favorite – a tukxi. The tuk-tuk was recently imported to Iceland and modified and adapted to cope with the unreliable Icelandic climate (during the depressive Icelandic winter

tuk-tuks receive psychological counseling to prevent them from driving off the harbor). Every day, interested parties can book a tuk-tuk tour with the company Tuk Tuk Tours by either visiting the company’s website or booking directly from their downtown locations. SKE has heard good things about the West Side Story. It is a 30 minute tour of Reykjavík’s oldest neighborhood that gives an “insider’s look at the birth of Reykjavík as a city”.

Besides, SKE has always been more ‘Pac than Biggie (West Side!)

4. Búllan (Burger Joint)

Burger and Bernaise 15:30

It was not long ago that our magazine reviewed Búllan (the Burger Joint). We wrote that we knew of “only one Icelandic hamburger that has been good enough to take his show on the road; that has made the transition from the relatively small town of Reykjavík to the Big Smoke (aka London); and that has inspired the likes of David Beckham to utter such profound words as very good burger. And yet, despite this burger’s success, he has remained true to his character; he has not been moved to change his appearance in order to accentuate his triumph; neither has he begun to adorn himself with any unnecessary frills.

The hamburger at the Burger Joint never fails to evoke Leonardo da Vinci’s adage that, “simplicity is the highest form of sophistication. It consists of a white bread bun (sans sesame seeds), tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, a savory beef patty (usually quite pink) and a sauce combination of mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise.” Follow your tuk-tuk tour with a visit to Búllan’s (the Burger Joint’s) flagship restaurant by the old harbor on Geirsgata (See also Q&A with Ómar Swarez).

5. Kaldi

Pour Up, Drank, Head Shot, Drank 17:00 It is always a good idea to conclude a long day of eager tourism with a large mug of beer. A large mug of beer is the manner by which all respectable gentlemen and gentlewomen unwind. I have observed many a foolish man and woman attempt to decompress after a long day with a Coke, a coffee or a pint of cranberry juice. But none of them have ever been entirely successful. They have partially quenched their thirst, perhaps, but they have done nothing to quench the unfathomable desires of their souls. As far as large mugs of beer go, Reykjavík offers a generous selection of bars and restaurants. SKE has always been partial to Kaldi, which is situated on Laugavegur 20b and offers a local atmosphere and a fine selection of quality beers. Every day between 16:00 – 19:00 Kaldi celebrates life with Happy Hour, in which beers are sold at a meager 650 ISK. SKE suggests loosening up with beer of the Icelandic variety. In the undying words of contemporary poet Kendrick Lamar: Pour Up: Drank! Head Shot: Drank!

Cheers!

You’re in for a perfect day.

Music

4

What’s happening

Rae Sremmurd

Festivall Fünf

Fresh off a world tour with Nicki Minaj, the American rap duo Rae Sremmurd will be performing next Thursday at Laugardalshöll.

Rae Sremmurd are known for their lively stage performances and the concert will feature many of Iceland’s hottest young artists – in addition to rapper Pell, who is a young up-and-comer.

Festivall Fünf began as a visual arts and music festival at the former Hjartagarður Park during the 2010 Culture Night. Since then, the festival has evolved into a diverse network of artists with an emphasis on German-Icelandic collaboration. This year, the festival celebrates its fifth anniversary with a visual arts and musical feast, which will be held in four cities: Reykjavík, Leipzig, Berlin and Amsterdam.

Festivall Fünf launches in Reykjavík with an outdoors concert at Kex Hostel on Friday, August 21st.

Performers include Berndsen, Hermigervill, Good Moon Deer and East of My Youth. The organizers of the event promise a model atmosphere and summer vibes.

Program: 19:00 Doors Open 19:30 Hermigervill DJ Set 20:00 Herra Hnetusmjör

and Frikki Dór 20:20 Retro Stefson

20:40 21:00 21:30 22:30

Gísli Pálmi Pell Rae Sremmurd Concert Ends

Where: Kex Hostel When: Friday, August 21st, 20:00 Price: 1,800 ISK www.tix.is

Where: Laugardalshöll (Engjavegur 8) When: Thursday, August 27th, 19:30 Price: 7,990 ISK

Pearl Jam – Ten Upp Rís Úr Rafinu The concert series Upp Rís Úr Rafinu (loosely translated as "rise from the electro", sans witty pun), which began in 2013, will take place for the third time this Friday at Mengi. The concert series focuses on young composers who work in different fields of electronic music, both with acoustic instruments and without. This year's series will emphasize experimental electronic instruments.

Participating composers include James Black, Hlöðver Sigurðsson, Ingi Garðar Erlendsson and Þráinn Hjálmarsson, Sigrún Jónsdóttir and Bergrún Snæbjörnsdóttir.

Where: Mengi (Óðinsgata 2) When: Friday, August 21st Price: 2,000 ISK www.mengi.net

Honorary Concert The band Perlusultan will pay tribute to legendary rock band Pearl Jam this Friday, August 21st, at Gaukurinn. For this special concert, Perlusultan will be performing Pearl Jam's classic album Ten in its entirety, along with a few classic hits from the band's illustrious career.

Perlusultan: Magni Ásgeirsson vocals Ágústa Eva Erlendsdóttir vocals Franz Gunnarsson guitar Andri Ívarsson guitar

Kristinn Snær Agnarsson drums Birgir Kárason bass Erla Stefánsdóttir keyboard Where: Gaukurinn When: Friday, August 21st, 23:00 Price: 2,000 ISK

Kolbeinn Hugi Cultural Moment

It's simple: The bands Kvöl and Antimony will be holding a joint concert at Bar 11 this Friday.

This year’s featured guest at Mengi’s Cultural Moment, during the annual Culture Night in Reykjavík, will be artist Kolbeinn Hugi. Kolbeinn Hugi will be taking over Mengi with a new performance-art piece that starts at 18:00 and that may take up to four hours.

Kolbeinn recently studied with Edgar Cayce during an informal dream-trance session.

Kolbeinn dived into psychic divination of time and space.

Usually, Kolbeinn’s work is quite lucid and requires no further explanation. His art speaks to the heart, not the brain.

Where: Bar 11 (Hverfisgata 18) When: Friday, August 21st, 22:00 Price: Free

Where: Mengi (Óðinsgata 2) When: Saturday, August 22nd Price: Free www.mengi.net

Kvöl & Antimony

Music

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What’s happening

Trumpet-Blowing on the Roof of Gamla Bíó

Karnival Klapparstígur

Peter Petersen, the theater director who was responsible for the construction of Gamla Bíó in 1926, commissioned the construction of an apartment at the top floor of the building where he lived. During the era of the opera, the apartment was used as a hangout and a rehearsal room, but has now been renovated and made into a coffeehouse and a bar with an expansive outdoor area providing guests with a fantastic view of Reykjavík’s old neighborhood.

DJ Margeir and Ofur Sound and Lighting will be flexing their dance muscles and sponsoring an all-out dance marathon during Reykjavík Culture Night.

Performers: Lunch Beat Reykjavík Högni Egilsson Uni Stefson Yoga Moves Logi Pedro Reykjavík Dance Festival Saga Sig Sturla Atlas President Bongo

Ásdís María Benni B-Ruff Good Moon Deer Exos Hunk Of A Man Tríó Margeirs Ingólfssonar Árni E. Pop-Up Yoga Reykjavík DJ Margeir

... along with other surprise guests.

Where: Corner of Klapparstígur and Hverfisgata When: Saturday, August 22nd Price: Free www.mengi.net www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is

Exos and Oculus Techno legends Addi Exos and Friðfinnur Oculus join forces this Saturday at Paloma. Guests can expect a jet-fueled evening of hard-hitting tunes.

Performers: Þorlákshöfn Marching Band Samúel Jón Samúelsson 14:00 Big Band This lively marching band, 16:00 which has been active for 31 The SJS Big Band has released years, and released an album four albums, held innumerable with Icelandic musician Jónas concerts around the world and Sigurðsson, has recently reis the official band of Reykjavík turned from Estonia where it city in 2015. placed second in an international marching band competition.

“There’s nobody out there making music like this at the moment.” dustygroove.com

Where: Paloma When: Saturday, August 22nd Price: Free

Where: Gamla Bíó When: Saturday, August 22nd, 14:00–17:00 Price: Free

CHECK OUT THE NEW

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM C O M P R I S I N G 5 TO P M U S E U M S :

Tónaflóð 2015 Árbær Open Air Musem

The Settlement Exhibition

Reykja­ víkur­dætur Reykjavík Maritime Museum

Reykjavík Museum of Photography

Viðey Island

The all-female rap collective Reykjavíkurdætur will be performing at two concerts during Culture Night. First, at Bar 11’s backyard at 15:30, a concert that will also feature Agent Fresco, Emmsjé Gauti, Fufanu and more. Second, at 01:00 o’clock past midnight at Gaukurinn. The concert at Gaukurinn is a part of KvennaKraftur, an event that features women from various artistic disciplines.

Musical performers at KvennaKraftur include Bella Quinn, Bergljót Arnalds, Bríet Ísis Elfar, Tinna Katrín Jónsdóttir and the band Eva. Where: Bar 11 and Gaukurinn When: Saturday, August 22nd 15:30 / 01:00 Price: Free

One of the high points of Reykjavík Culture Night is the annual Tónaflóð concert. Tónaflóð is a huge outdoor concert sponsored by Rás 2 held in collaboration with Vodafone, Ölgerðin and Hljóð X. As usual, the concert will serve up a fresh cocktail of music, featuring many of Iceland's most popular bands. This year's performers include the ice-cold rapper Gísli Pálmi; the energetic rock band Dimma; the popular reggae group Amaba Dama; and last but not least, Iceland's national band, Stuðmenn.

This year's concert, like past concerts, will be held in the heart of Reykjavík by Arnarhóll. The concert area will be spacious enough for people of all ages to come together and listen to music after a fun day in the city. The city of Reykjavík and its collaborators would like to emphasize their wish that the concert be a venue for the entire family to enjoy itself; the program is diverse and everyone should be able to find something to their liking. Music bridges generational gaps and is a force for unity.

The concert is scheduled to begin at 20:00 sharp and will continue until 23:00, which is when the annual Culture Night firework show, sponsored by Vodafone, will commence.

Through the years, Rás 2's slogan has been "first and foremost Icelandic music". It is proud of the fact that it has been uniting Icelanders of all ages with live music at Culture Night since 2003.

The radio station has always endeavored to offer a fresh and fun mixture of musicians and bands, and this year will be no exception to that rule.

Program: 20:00 Gísli Pálmi 20:30 Dimma

21:15 Amaba Dama 22:00 Stuðmenn

Tónaflóð 2015 will be broadcast live on Rás 2. The concert will also be televized live on Rúv and Rúv HD. Where: Arnarhóll When: Saturday, August 22nd, 20:00 Price: Free

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What’s happening

“Culture Night is becoming more and more fun every year.”

to come up with ideas. Neither FógI am in love with Reykjavík city. I have not always been etagarðurinn (The Magistrate’s Square), in love with Reykjavík city – but lately a secret romance What’s happening where KRÁS took place, nor Bernhöftstorfann (Bernhöft’s Sod), where the bahas been bubbling up between us #Seal#TyraBanks. I zaar was, have been in use for some time.

It livens up the city. I have also observed wander through her streets and alleys, plucking petals similar developments in front of Óðinfrom her blooming daisies, trying to determine, by way storg, where I live: how that area has been evolving and developing through of this old French superstition, whether she loves me – or these kinds of projects. loves me not; I speak fondly of her to my friends; I break Reykjavík Culture Night is just around out into long, drawn-out histories concerning this or that the corner. And there’s a diverse pro­ gram ahead. What’s your contribution to monument; and I compose imaginery love letters to her in Culture Night? Höfuðborgarstofa organ­ my mind, in which I silently praise her natural beauty, her izes the event, right?

The city oversees the event, but the whole fresh breath (she chews eternally on a minty, municipal thing depends entirely on the initiative gum) and her temperamental, passionate character of individuals and of companies. People register their events. It has grown from a (plus there’s always Happy Hour at Loft Hostel). I am group of maybe 50 collaborators and an audience of 15,000 people to hundreds of the lovesick Romeo to this urban Juliet. And yet I remain collaborators and an audience of 100,000 uncertain. I remain skeptical. I am a kind of Reykjavík people. During Culture Night, there will be something happening in every other City Pyrrho. Reykjavík loves the businessmen and the garden, house or alley. There’s no way to keep track of all the things that are going bankers, and she enjoys the occasional one-night stand on. Culture Night is becoming more and more fun every year. with the extravagant stranger (i.e. the tourists = Airbnb = insanity), but I remain entirely uncertain whether she It’s one of the biggest cultural events of the year. bears any earnest affection towards me: me, the (almost) Yes, absolutely the biggest. It’s fun to see young, (perspiring) aspiring (hack) artist who was what people come up with. Last year, DJ cheated of all business sense by his Creator – and who Margeir celebrated his 30th birthday by turning Hverfisgata into a nightclub. It currently resides in Hafnarfjörður (TeamHöddiMagg). was spectacular. This year, he’ll be doing the same thing.

Yesterday, I spoke with the mayor of Reykjavík, Dagur B. Eggertsson. I said something to the man at the desk Do you have anything special planned during the day? and went up with the elevator. I walked in the direction My day usually revolves around our anof the mayor’s office and scattered flowerpetals on the nual “tea party”, in which we serve coffee and waffles to the citizens. Between floor of City Hall. I wanted to ask Dagur whether or not two and four in the afternoon. Everyone Reykjavík City loves me. If anyone knows, Dagur knows. is invited and usually around 1,000 people show up. We operate around eight But I was too embarrassed to bring up such things. We to ten waffle irons. And there’s a steady stream of people. It’s a lot of fun – and a talked about other things: good things like Culture Night, little strange, perhaps, as well. The whole Jón Gnarr, Hip-Hop and more. affair takes about two hours. We recruit SKE: There’ve been plenty of things hap­ pening in Reykjavík this summer. What has stood out in your mind?

Dagur B. Eggertsson: There’s just been a good spirit in the city. This has been a colorful and fun summer. Laugavegur and downtown Reykjavík have blossomed, but so have the recreational areas. The city’s alive everywhere. There are more and more people who are using the entire city to keept fit: to run and to bike. This has been a wonderful summer.

Perhaps, also, because the past two summers have been so miserable that one didn’t really have any expectations; one has almost been grateful for every ray of sunshine.

Interview: Ragnar Tómas Hallgrímsson Photographs: Allan Sigurðsson

“One has almost been grateful for every ray of sunshine.”

There’s so much going on in Reykjavík if you keep your eyes open. Not too long ago, I visited downtown Reykjavík on a Saturday, after having worked as a reporter for SKE for a few weeks. I had become so conscious of everything that was going on. I began my day at Ragnar Kjartansson’s exhibition at i8 Gallery, from there to the Reykjavík Photogra­ phy Museum, and over to the KRÁS food market, then to Bernhöfts Bazaar ...

Yes, it’s great. KRÁS and Bernhöfts Bazaar are a part of a project that attempts to revive neglected squares or places in the city. We hired some creative people

volunteers to help us, usually relatives, whom we cook for afterwards. For the past years, this party has defined Culture Night in my home.

I heard somewhere that the folk-music trio Barkinn would be reuniting during this year’s Culture Night (Dagur used to be a singer). Is there any truth to that rumor?

I’m not so sure about that. It’s a famous band in my books because it is the only band that I’ve performed with as lead singer and it continued as an instrumental band without me.

Dagur laughs.

It’s one of the funniest things I’ve heard.

It later adopted the name Skárren Ekkert (Better Than Nothing), right?

Yes, just to humiliate me.

You were a guest on Hip Hop og Pólitík (Hip Hop and Politics, an Icelandic podcast) the other day. There is a tradi­ tion on that podcast of of guests playing some of their favorite Hip-Hop songs.

But you were cheated of that tradition.

Logi Pedro (a member of the Icelandic band Retro Stefson) played a song but not you. What Hip Hop song would you have played?

This summer I’ve been listening to the new record by Úlfur Úlfur (an Icelandic Hip Hop group).

You mentioned that on Twitter.

I probably would have played something

9 from that album. But I have never really listened to a lot of rap music. There is a lot of growth, however, among the bands that are surfacing in the city today. I think that’s great. We try to pay attention.

I’ve heard you say, especially in the foreign media, that the strength of Rey­ kjavík City has a lot to do with its music.

Yes, exactly. I don’t think we realize that what we consider mainstream here would be considered alternative in other countries. I think that’s because our musicians have access to a very small market and they have such an intense passion for what they’re doing. As it turns out, people appreciate that. So music that would be considered alternative elsewhere becomes so much bigger here in Iceland.

Icelandic music has become this stamp of quality.

“I don’t think we realize that what we consider mainstream here would be considered alternative in other countries.”

Not long ago we participated in a stag party and part of that delightful fiesta was a work­ out program with Ingvar E. (Icelan­ dic actor) on the roof of Sundhöllin (Reykjavík’s oldest swimming pool). I noticed a kind of twinkle in the mayor’s eyes when he looked over the city and saw all the cranes towering above it.

Dagur laughs.

Is Reykjavík City flourishing?

No other aspect of our economy was hit harder by the economic crisis than construction, besides the banks themselves.

It was a long and cold winter in the construction business. And so there has been a growing need for new housing.

This is why I’ve emphasized increased investment in this sector of the economy, especially in terms of smaller and medium-sized homes. But I’ve also been pleased to see that the construction has begun. It was very important during the time when the unemployment rate was higher. The City of Reykjavík, in some sense, led the way out of the financial crisis. Sometimes we forget how important Reykjavík is to the economy.

“Sometimes we forget how important Reykjavík is to the economy.”

What’s on your mind these days regarding Rey­ kjavík?

Housing has been on my mind. Also, the importance of encouraging diversity. We shouldn’t fixate on a single solution but try instead to focus on diversity. This is why we’ve been collaborating with the University and with individuals from the film business trying to find ways to nurture our creative industries. Of course, we’ve been working closely with the tourist industry as well, which has been growing so rapidly that we’ve really had to work hard to steer that development.

This tourism boom brings about many positives, like stores and restaurants, but we need to be careful. I think we’ve been really successful in the old harbor area.

We have reacquainted ourselves with the harbor. I like that kind of development – that kind of organic expansion of the city.

10

What’s happening

The Grandi neighborhood is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting neigh­ borhoods in Reykjavík today.

“Instead of tearing everything down and rebuilding we can add to what’s already there.”

Absolutely. Instead of tearing everything down and rebuilding, we can add to what’s already there. And we can do something fun and interesting. There are a lot of things to consider.

Your predeces­ sor, Jón Gnarr, was a dedicated fan of The Wire.

During his elec­ tion, he joked that he refused to work with anyone who had not seen the series. If you had to make a similar demand, what TV show would you choose? ... Dr. House? (Dagur trained as a doctor).

Dagur laughs.

E.R. … No … I don’t know. I’m not one to make such demands.

You’ve said that you learned a lot from Jón Gnarr. Could you elaborate?

Jón had a greater impact on politics than most people assume, generally. There was this sense of mistrust, and there still is. But he managed to gain people’s confidence after a very difficult time in the city. He did it with a kind of bluntness. I think that this taught me something. I won’t pretend and say that I try to walk in his shoes in this regard, but I think that this tone, this honest tone, is really important.If I were to introspect than I think that there was a time when I caught myself sort of going through the motions politically.

Someone opens the door to the office and announces the arrival of our photographer.

It was about learning and un-learning certain bad habits that I had adopted.

You’ve mentioned that during the elec­ tion campaign in 2010 that you were a little grave and perhaps, in some sense, a different version of yourself.

“That was a very It was a truly strange life exstrange perience. It was like walking in experience. very thick mud. I couldn’t seem to It was like move forward. People would say to me, walking “I hear what you’re saying and I agree, in very but I just can’t vote for any of these thick mud. parties.” It was a truly very strange I couldn’t life experience. seem to I mention the documentary Gnarr, move which revolves around Jón Gnarr’s forward.” political campaign

in Facebook posts: tags that are some­ times positive and sometimes negative.

What’s your policy regarding social media?

I try to answer as often as I can. I don’t necessarily choose what I reply to according to the pleasantness of the person who is addressing me. I just feel that it’s important to respond and try to give an answer. Of course, sometimes someone writes something that is beneath contempt, but those kinds of comments usually answer themselves. And then there are times like now; we’ve been busy renovating at home and so there’s little time for Facebook.

My favorite building in the city is the Einar Jónsson Museum. It’s a fantastic place. Do you have a favorite building or place in the city?

Not in terms of a building. I was raised in Árbær and so the Elliðaárdalur Valley has always been close to my heart. It’s a beautiful place. I used to stand on the other side of the fence when Fylkir (a soccer team based in the Árbær neighborhood of Reykjavík) was playing on the old gravel field and hope that the ball would be kicked into the river because then you were awarded a Coke and a Prince Polo (chocolate bar) if you retrieved it.

I laugh.

I can name several places but Elliðaárdalur Valley comes first to mind.

Central Park Reykjavík.

There aren’t many cities in the world that boast a lively salmon river.

That the Danes owned for 300 years ...

If you were to advise visitors of the city, what should they do in Reykjavík?

There’s no better place to get acquainted with Icelanders than in the hot-pots (hot-tubs). And so I recommend visiting the public pools. Not everyone knows about the Nauthólsvík geothermal beach. It’s free in the summer.

People can relax in the hot-pots and go swimming in the ocean. Finally, I recommend renting a bike while staying in Reykjavík, or any other city for that matter. It’s a great way to explore a city. You can cover a lot more ground and it’s a different experience.

“There’s no better place to get acquainted with Icelanders than in the hot-pots.”

I agree with Dagur on this point and make reference to a pleasant stay in Berlin a few years ago, in which me and the bike were one.

These things come to my mind first, and then people should go to a concert. It doesn’t have to be a big concert, and often times the smaller the better. There’s always something fun happening.

in 2010, and my love of that particular film.

As a medical student you wrote the biog­ raphy of former prime minister Steing­ rímur Hermansson. Do you think you’ll write more books?

You’ve said that it’s important for you, as the mayor, to be accessible to the people.

I’ve noticed that people regularly tag you

I’m not sure. Yes, maybe. But that’s not something that I’ve been working towards. It was a good experience. And a

lot of work.

Three volumes, right?

Yes. I couldn’t bear to look at another biography after that, for many years.

in terms of organizing yourself, like what I’m doing now: planning ahead for the winter, but also six or ten years into the future, so as to prevent the day from filling up with little annoyances from all sides. You have to prioritize those things that matter most.

We laugh.

So you really must be quite organized?

You finished your quota.

For the time being.

What’s the most boring part of being mayor?

It’s actually a pretty fun job. It’s very diverse. I don’t actually feel bored, but sometimes I would prefer to have a little more space to delve deeper into certain issues. But the city is just such a big corporation, with such extensive operations, and so diverse, that there’s really no room for that. Sometimes I miss that.

I’m a bit of a nerd in that way. Digging deeper into things that are important to me can bring me great joy.

You’ve mentioned this. As mayor, you know what you’re day will look like, and perhaps what you’re week will look like, but you can’t see much further than that.

The job is that diverse.

You really need to work quite hard. Both

I have a lot of great colleagues, politically and in terms of those people who work in the office, and there are a lot of people who are a true joy to work with. I’m fortunate to be given this opportunity.

Finally, what’s next after your time as mayor? Do you see yourself returning to medicine?

Yes, I can see that. It’s been some time since I last practiced, but it exerts a certain pull on me. It was a fun job. But completely different.

You worked at the emergency center and in Ísafjörður.

Yes, I spent some time as a doctor before I was led astray into politics.

Dagur laughs and on that note our conversation ends.

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Exhibitions

12

What’s happening

Reykjavík Dance Festival and Lókal

Grrrrrrrls Reykjavík Dance Festival and Lókal Grrrrrrrls is a powerful choreography by Ásrún Magnúsdóttir, winner of the DV Culture Awards in 2014. Concerned with what female solidarity can mean for a group of teenage girls today, Ásrún searches for answers among a crew of reallife dancing teenage girls. What does it mean for these girls to speak as one and what should they say? What does it mean for them to stand together and how should they stand? What does it mean for them to be together, to back one another up, to be all for one and one for all? Dancing through all these question and some more, Grrrrrls looks to provide some answers.

Where: Gamla Bíó (Ingólfsstræti 12) When: Saturday, August 29th, 15:00 and 19:00 Price: 2,900 ISK www.midi.is

Kári Sverrisson Photography Exhibition

It's safe to say that Reykjavík has come alive with art, dance and culture – in all its color and glory. This Saturday, from noon until midnight, Reykjavík City's annual Culture Night will celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The Night's program will feature a cross section of the city's cultural and arts community.

All of the events taking place during Culture Night are free, affording every resident the opportunity to enjoy culture and companionship from noon until midnight.

From August 25th to August 30th, Reykjavík Dance Festival (RDF) and Lókal (International Theater Festival) will be collaborating on a wonderful event under the name Everybody's Spectacular, which is dedicated to the newest currents and styles in the genres of dance and the performing arts. Guests are invited to experience 17 shows during six fantastic days, including many brand-new foreign shows; also, a few local artists from the contemporary theater art scene will be debuting their work. Don't miss this unique cultural event.

Photographer Kári Sverrisson recently completed a Master’s degree from the London College of Fashion. In August, Kári will be exhibiting 12 photographs on Skólavörðurstígur 8 in collaboration with his alma mater.

Kári drew inspiration for this exhibition from his day-to-day environment. The 12 photographs on exhibition touch upon sensitive social issues and fashion as well.

Where: Skólavörðustígur 8 When: August 22nd–September 14th Price: Free

The House at Eyrarbakki

THE HOUSE AT EYRARBAKKI Árnessýsla folk museum is located in Húsið, the House, historical home of the Danish merchants built in 1765. Húsið is one of the oldest houses in Iceland and a beautiful monument of Eyrarbakki´s time as the biggest trading place on the south coast.

Today one can enjoy exhibitions about the story and culture of the region, famous piano, shawl made out of human hair and the kings pot, are among items. Húsið prides itself with warm and homelike atmosphere.

Opening hours: May 1st - September 30th daily 11.00-18.00 or by an agreement Tel: +354 483 1504 & +354 483 1082 | husid@husid.com | www.husid.com

Kynleikar Kynleikar is a collaborative exhibition of 15 artists that is held in celebration of the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in Iceland.

In their work, the artists focus on the many sides of feminism and their experiences as beings in a feminist context. The boundary between the body and the self are explored, as is the idea of the individual in a society that is constantly shaping the genders in one way or another. The artworks are created with different media: performance art, video art, drawings and paintings.

Curators are Heiðrún Gréta Viktorsdóttir and Sigríður Þóra Óðinsdóttir.

After the opening, the exhibition will be ongoing from August 23rd – August 29th,between 16:00–18:00.

During the exhibition’s opening a performance art piece will be shown.

Performers: Andrea Ágústa Aðalsteinsdóttirr Anton Logi Ólafsson Arnar Birgisson Bergrún Anna Hallsteinsdóttir Camilla Reuter Elísabet Birta Sveinsdóttir Freyja Eilíf Logadóttir Guðrún Heiður Ísaksdóttir

Halla Birgisdóttir Heiðrún Gréta Viktorsdóttir Hildur Ása Henrýsdóttir Nikulás Stefán Nikulásson Sólveig Eir Stewart Sunneva Ása Weisshappel Viktor Pétur Hannesson

Where: Ekkisens (Bergstaðastræti 25B) When: Saturday, August 22nd, 17:00 Price: Free

Parallel Line Up Through her art, artist Jenny Brockmann explores her environment, its activity and its reciprocal connection to man. In her work Parallel Line Up, she explores volcanology and geology, which both deal with the birth of new landscapes or the destruction of old landscapes.

The focus of Jenny’s work is exploring how scientific data is gathered. She also explores the effect that this gathering and its visual presentation has on the observer. With this as her frame, Jenny embarked on a research trip to Naples, Italy in the beginning of 2015. In Naples, she collected data concerning Vesuvius at the Osservatorio Vesuviano, Italy’s National Institute of Geology and Volcanology.

During Jenny’s time in Iceland, she was inspired her to visit east Iceland and Breiðdalsvík, where

she was affored the opportunity of continuing her work at Breiðdalssetur – research and heritage center. The center aims, among other things, to honor the work of geologist George P.L. Walker, who made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of volcanology. His research, reports, drawings, books and maps, provide an insight into how he solved the mystery of geology in east Iceland. Subsequently, Jenny studied Walker’s research and mapped his findings, ultimately connecting it to the experiences of the residents, during her time as the visiting artist of Skaftfell – Center for Visual Art in Seyðisfjörður.

Jenna’s exhibition, which builds upon this approach, will be taking place at Breiðdalssetur from August 16th to August 26th.

The exhibition will feature three

sculptures along with drawings, photographs and texts. Her work on paper were made with ink on see-through paper and they are copies of the original drawings, maps and texts by George Walker, which Jenna found at Breiðdalssetur’s archives. The map of Iceland is marked with all of the seismographs that are to be found in the country and the photographs are of all of the various sensors that the Icelandic Weather Center has installed around the country to measure earthquakes and the weather.

On Tuesday, August 25th, Jenny will be discussing data collection and its local and global effects.

Where: Breiðdalssetur, Gamla Kaupfélagið (760 Breiðdalsvík) When: August 16th–26th, open daily between 11:0 –18:00

FESTIVAL OF SACRED ARTS Hallgrimskirkja - August 14 - 23 2015

FIRE FROM HEAVEN

Friday August 14th 12.15-13.45 pm and 5 pm

Monday August 17th 9 pm

Friday August 21st 5 pm and 8 pm

12.15 pm KING SOLOMON: A MICROFORUM

NEW DIMENSIONS OF THE KLAIS-ORGAN

KING’S MEN CAMBRIDGE

The microforum takes place in relation with the performance of Handel’s oratorio Solomon at the Festival of Sacred Arts 2015, consisting of three microlectures in Icelandic. Free admittance and everyone is welcome to attend.

Young electronic musicians explore the magnificent Klais organ, using it’s new technological equipment and it’s 5273 pipes to create a musical experience.

5 pm Evensong with King’s Men.

5 pm OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL

Tuesday August 18th 8 pm

Opening of a new exhibition of the Icelandic painter Helgi Thorgils Fridjonsson, Baroque group-dancing to music by Handel, The Hague International Baroque Orchestra and the Hallgrimskirkja Motet Choir, conductor Hordur Askelsson. Free admittance.

The celebrated Icelandic baroque group Nordic affect with Ian Wilson recordist from London and Tuomu Suni violinist from Finland and three Icelandic singers.

Saturday August 15th 7 pm Sunday August 16th 16 pm SOLOMON by G. F. Handel - Oratorio in three acts Performers: Robin Blaze countertenor, Solomon.

Thora Einarsdottir soprano, Solomon’s queen and first woman.

Sigridur Osk Kristjansdottir mezzosoprano, Queen of Sheba and second woman.

Benedikt Kristjansson tenor, High priest Zadoc and messenger.

Oddur Arnthor Jonsson bass, Levite.

The Hallgrimskirkja Motet Choir.

The Hague International Baroque Orchestra, lead by Tuomo Suni, Finland.

Conductor: Hordur Askelsson

Sunday August 16th 11 pm HIGH MASS

BAROQUE CONCERT- “HANDEL AT HOME”

8 pm Concert with King’s Men. The King’s Men sing a varied program, conducted by Stephen Cleobury, renowned conductor of King’s College Choir, Cambridge.

Saturday August 22nd 3 − 9 pm REYKJAVÍK CULTURAL NIGHT - FEAST OF HYMNS

A program showing a more subtle side of the composer G.F. Handel, as opposed to the magnificence of the oratorio Solomon.

Various Icelandic and foreign choirs and soloists, electronic artists and more, including King’s Men Cambridge, Schola cantorum and the Hallgrimskirkja Motet Choir.

Wednesday August 19th 12.00 – 12.30 noon

Amongst other a premiere of 5 new psalms by 10 Icelandic women composers and poets in connection with the 100 years celebrations of Icelandic women voting rights this year.

LUNCHTIME CONCERT: HEAR HEAVEN´S MAKER Schola cantorum chamber choir of Hallgrímskirkja.

Conductor: Hordur Askelsson.

Thursday August 20th 8 & 10 pm DOUBLE CONCERT AT THE KLAIS ORGAN 8 pm The world famous Olivier Latry, organist at Notre Dame in Paris, plays a solo recital.

10 pm Olivier Latry plays a four-handed version of Stravinsky’s Le Sacré de Printemps along with his wife Shin-Young Lee.

Sunday August 23rd 11 am and 17 pm 11 am HIGH MASS The bishop of Iceland, Agnes M. Sigurdardottir, and King’s Men, the Klais organ and more.

5 pm FINAL CONCERT: DEO DICAMUS GRATIAS Chamber choir Schola cantorum, conductor Hordur Askelsson.

Amongst other the premiére of Missa semplice for solo soprano, harp and mixed choir by John A. Speight.

Schola cantorum, chamber choir of Hallgrimskirkja, conductor Horður Askelsson, The Hague International Baroque Orchestra and the Klais organ.

Sponsors: Hallgrímssöfnuður, Reykjavík Reykjavíkurprófastsdæmi vestra Kirkjumálasjóður

Ticket sale in Hallgrímskirkja s. 510 1000 - midi.is kirkjulistahatid.is, scholacantorum.is

14

Q&A

What’s happening

Q&A with Ómar Hauksson graphic designer, filmmaker and occasional emcee

Name? Aliases? Nicknames?

Ómar Örn Hauksson aka Omar Swarez

Age?

40

Occupation?

Graphic designer

What’s On Your Mind These Days?

A lot. Among them: how to get rid of this government; how can my family have it better; and how can I improve my burger.

You recently designed the deck for the first completely Icelandic skateboards (Mold), which are also handmade. How did that project get started?

My friend and bandmate Steini was already involved in the project. He asked me to do the graphics for the first run of decks.

Since I’ve never done skateboards before and always wanted to, I jumped at the chance.

Where did the idea for the design come from?

The idea is to be punk, shocking and to speak to the target audience, which are teenagers. Teenagers tend to be wannabe rebels and they tend to do things to shake up their parents. Plus, we wanted to the design to be both specifically Icelandic and a parody of some established thing that all of us grew up with.

We hear you’re a rather capable chef. What’s your favorite Restaurant in Reykjavík?

While I don’t have a favorite place per se, I do like a couple that have always been pretty solid. Grillmarkaðurinn, while touristy as hell, has really good food. K-Bar has great chicken wings. Kex Hostel has a tasty burger, ‘though the best burger is Búllan (The Burger Joint) down on Tryggvagata. Snaps is pretty solid as well, great for brunch and casual dining.

What are you listening to these days?

Run The Jewels is pretty much on repeat these days, along with RiFF Raff, Action Bronson, Kurt Vile and Beach House.

But I’m also listening to a lot of old movie soundtracks lately, specifically low budget B-movie soundtrack reissues. Then there are guys like Umberto who make fake ‘70s and ‘80s soundtracks that are awesome.

Favorite TV show?

Stuff that I can watch over and over again: The Larry Sanders Show, Futurama, The Mighty Boosh, QI, Ultraman, The Cleveland Show (a highly underrated show BTW).

Favorite Film?

Night of the Creeps: all time classic. Nothing beats space slugs that turn you into a zombie.

What Do You Recommend Tourists Do In Iceland?

Go east, it’s beautiful and don’t poop in people’s yards.

What’s Best in Life?

My wife and my daughter.

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Food tips

18

What’s happening

Osushi – The Train The Finest Locomotive in all of Iceland We once observed that, “Osushi is a restaurant that is called the train. It is called the train because of the conveyor belt that runs through each restaurant’s table and transports sushi to its customers. In our opinion, the train is the finest locomotive in all of Iceland.” And we stand by our words. Whether you’re in a hurry or are looking for a nice evening out, Osushi is a great place to visit. Each Osushi location has a stylish, simple decor, and it is always fun to sit down and watch the dishes roll your way on the Osushi conveyor belt: There seems to be no end to the possible combinations of sushi. SKE revisited the train and sampled some truly fantastic bites: vegetarian rolls with sweet potatoes; avocado or cucumbers; sashimi with salmon or tuna fish; goat-cheese rolls; deep-fried sweet-and-sour shrimp; wakame salad; and even raw horse fillet. Osushi is the kind of place that you visit over and over again. It is located in three places: in downtown Reykjavík on Pósthússtræti; in Borgartún; and in Hafnarfjörður.

Try it for yourself.

Words: Laila

REYKJAVÍK CENTRUM

Elegant bistro menu Service with a smile Cozy atmosphere Great location

www.cafeparis.is

Hornið Cosmo Kramer Last week, SKE visited Hornið (The Corner). Hornið is a restaurant that most Icelanders are familiar with (Icelanders are familiar with Hornið in the same way that they are acquainted with northern winds and improvident bankers). Hornið opened in 1979 and since then – almost nothing has changed. For 36 years, it has remained faithful to its original character. It has an air of timelessness about it. It is like a vampire: a kind and friendly vampire who is in the habit of serving choice Italian cuisine and who smells of blooming rosebuds. Over the years, Hornið has been most known for its savory pizzas. In a game of word association, 83% of Icelanders respond to the word "Hornið" with the word "pizza". The other 17% twist their faces into a kind of pretzel and say "uhhhmmmmwwewwellll" (Unverified statistics). But we were in the mood for something different. Browsing through the menu, we decided on the Penne con Salame e Funghi. Penne con Salame e Funghi is foreign for penne pasta with pepperoni and mushrooms (possibly Italian, possibly Esperanto). But it was a non-exhaustive description. It was served also with tomatoes, cream and chili. As we waited for the pasta to arrive, we stared out the window. We tried to muse upon worthwhile and meaningful topics like global warming, inequality and the miserable state of Syrian refugees. But our mind bent naturally towards other things. We wondered what kind of shenanigans Cosmo Kramer would get into if he were to find himself in this particular restaurant. Anyhow, the pasta arrived before too long. It was perfectly cooked and quite delicious.

Words: Thomas Jefferson Snodgrass

Design

20

What’s happening

Beardcap Design: Vík Prjónsdóttir Classic Beardcap knitted from 100% Icelandic wool (available in two styles: The Farmer and The Gentleman).

Swan Shorebirds

Design: Finnsdottir Beautiful ceramic light with a glazed finish (comes with a socket and a cord).

Design: Sigurjón Pálsson Beautiful decorative birds made from solid oak.

Vík Prjónsdóttir is an Icelandi c company that designs and produces creative, high-quality wool products. www.vikprjonsdottir.is

Sigurjón Pálsson graduated from the Danmarks Designskole and has been employed as a designer ever since. Sigurjón has also written crime fiction. In 2012, Sigurjón was awarded the Blóðdropinn prize for the best Icelandic thriller.

Finnsdottir is a Danish design company founded by the Icelander Þóra Finnsdóttir and the Dane Anne Hoff in 2007. www.finnsdottir.dk

www.epal.is

Wooden Spectacle Frame

Ruffled Scarf Design: Steinunn Sigurðardóttir A beautiful ruffled scarf from Steinunn made from 100% merino wool. One size. Colour: black.

Steinunn Sigurðardóttir is the person behind the fashion label STEiNUNN. She was the first Icelander to graduate from the renowned Parsons School of Design in New York and has designed for world famous fashion houses, such as Calvin Klein, Gucci and La Perla. www.steinunn.com

Anchor Necklace Design: Orri Finn Silver necklace with large silver anchor pendant.

Orri Finn is a jewelry brand founded in 2012 by Orri Finnbogason and Helga Gvuðrún Friðriksdóttir. Together, Orri and Helga have designed the Akkeri, Scarab and Flétta collections. www.kaupstadur.is

Design: Har Eyewear A wooden spectacle frame handmade in Iceland.

The wood that is used is all legally sourced and comes from sustainable forestry. Har’s collection comes in maple, walnut, oak and birch burl. Due to the diverse patterns and colors of wood, each frame of Har eyewear is unique.

Based in Hafnarfjörður Iceland, Har eyewear produces premium, hand-made eyewear out of wood.

Gourmet Experience

www.facebook.com/hareyewear

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We proudly present our latest collection. The Icelandic designed Tradition watches are stylish and are available in a range of color combinations. See the whole collection on michelsenwatch.com.

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Things to do

22

What’s happening

Sterna Travel – Full Circle Passport The Icelandic Symphony KRÁS Flea Market Orchestra and Ari Eldjárn The Icelandic Symphony Orchestra invites guests to two concerts in Harpa during this year's Culture Night. Both concerts will be free and everyone is invited. The first concert is a children's concert: a musical adventure about Tobbi Túba, with narrator Barbara the clown and tuba soloist Nimrod Ron. The second concert will truly be a stand-up performance, in which the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra takes the stage with comedian Ari Eldjárn. This concert will focus on classical music that has been featured in many of the world's most popular films, including Beethoven's 7th Symphony, which was featured in the King's Speech; dance music by Offenbach featured in the Red Mill; and a sublime section of Elgar's Enigma Variations featured in Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Through the years, Ari Eldjárn has been making Icelanders laugh with his sparkling performances while holding up a comedic mirror to contemporary society. The concerts will take an hour.

Where: Harpa When: Saturday, August 22nd, 17:00–18:00 Price: Free

This Saturday, August 22nd, the KRÁS flea market continues on Culture Night. At KRÁS 12 well-known restaurants in Reykjavík will bring their chefs and serve food on the street, presenting street-style variations to their usual dishes.

The KRÁS flea market will offer live music, wine and beer, along with a lively atmosphere throughout the day. Everyone can find something to their liking, whether young or old. It is the perfect venue for enjoying summer.

Where: Fógetagarðurinn (On the corner of Aðalstræti and Kirkjustræti) When: Saturday, August 22nd, 13:00–16:00 Price: Varies

Buses are not only for rock stars and football players. They are also an affordable and safe way for prudent travelers to cover large distances and discover new landscapes. This summer, Sterna's Full Circle Passport has been highly popular among travelers in Iceland.

The Full Circle Passport affords travelers the opportunity of circling around Iceland's 1,300 km ring road in comfortable conditions – whether in two days or two months, clockwise or counter-clockwise. Invest in a passport and visit true treasures like Goðafoss, Mývatn, Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón.

Besides the Full Circle Passport, Sterna also invites you along one of its many other fun tours. Hop aboard one of Sterna's quality buses and visit the Blue Lagoon; the Golden Circle; or discover the city of Reykjavík with Sterna's City Sightseeing tour, which leaves on the hour every hour from the Harpa Concert Hall and features an English speaking guide.

Sterna Travel is Iceland's premiere bus tour operator. Not only is Sterna Travel a fully registered travel agency, but a proud member of Safe Travel as well.

Where: Harpa Concert Hall (or online at sternatravel.com) When: From June 22nd–September 4th Price: 35,100 ISK

Welcome to

Einar Ben In the heart of Reykjavik

Reykjavík Marathon 2015 The first Reykjavík Marathon took place in 1984. 214 runners from eight countries participated. Last year, 20 years later – 15,552 runners from all over the world participated. This year, the Reykjavík Marathon, sponsored by Íslandsbanki, offers six different races.

Everybody should find a suitable distance.

Marathon (42,2 km) 18+ and over Relay (42,2 km) 2-4 people run a marathon relay 12+ and over Half Marathon (21,1 km) 15+ and over

Veltusund 1 Ingólfstorg

einarben.is

tel: 511 5090

einarben @einarben.is

10 km Run Not recommended for children under 12 3 km Run For people of all ages Lazy-Town Run For children 8 years and younger Where: Laugardalur When: August 22nd, 08:40–14:40 (varies depending on the race) Price: 1,600 ISK–12,500 ISK

Ske

24

What’s happening

Happy Hour!

On Bæjarins Beztu The Bæjarins Beztu hot-dog stand was founded in 1937, which makes it as old as Morgan Freeman – and it is equally beloved.

On the road to citizenship, this is the tollbooth through which every Icelander must pass: must either confirm his nationality by consuming a hot-dog – or pass around it – and live life as a foreigner among his own countrymen. The business has been owned by the same family for four generations and has gradually evolved into a kind of hereditary nobility; to be born into the family is to be born into royalty. It is to be the lifelong beneficiary of hot-dog money, which in Iceland is almost as enriching as being the life-long recipient of KFC money.

The reputation of Bæjarins Beztu rests primarily with its dogs, which are divine, savory and transcendent – and which have made many a pessimist renounce his nihilism. Former US president Bill Clinton made the place famous after eating a hot-dog here in 2004; a few years earlier he had done the same for Monica Lewinsky – although she was the one eating his hot-dog. Even though most things that require a line are bad, the queue at Bæjarins Beztu is always worth the wait; It is like waiting in line for salvation, and discovering that Jesus is a hot-dog vendor, who charges a reasonable fee for an edible piece of Heaven.

You know what time it is Prikið, Bankastræti 12

All weekdays from 16:00–20:00 Beer–500 ISK

Vegamót, Vegamótastígur 4

Thursday till Saturday from 22:00–01:00 Beer: 750 ISK Wine: 750 ISK

Stofan Café,

Aðalstræti 7

All days from 17:00–20:00 Beer: 750 ISK Wine: 950 ISK

Kaldi Bar, L

augavegur 20B

All days from 16:00- 19:00 Beer: 650 ISK

Hlemmur Square, L

augavegur 105

All days from 17:00–21:00 Beer: 600 ISK Wine: 600 ISK

Slippbarinn, Mýrargata 2 All days from 15:00–18:00 Beer: 500 ISK Wine: 500 ISK

Public House, Laugavegur 24 All days from 14:00–19:00 50% off draft beer and wine

Smurstöðin Restaurant, Austurbakki 2 All days from 16:00–18:00 Beer: 500 ISK Wine: 600 ISK

Barber Bar, Laugavegur 66-68 All days from 16:00–19:00 Beer: 650 ISK Wine: 650 ISK

Loftið, Austurstræti 9

All days from 16:00–23:00 2 for 1

At Public House Gastropub we put an emphasis on serving fun dining along with some quality ambience.

We use Icelandic ingredients but we add some japanese flair to our dishes because we like to have fun with our food and drinks.

TRY OUR PHGP TASTE OF ICELAND

I‘M TRAPPED Slow cooked LAMB SHANK doughnut | Apricot jam

LOL Cured PUFFIN with liquorice | Cherries | Blue cheese sauce

SENBAI Thyme smoked ARCTIC CHARR on a senbai cracker | Dill mayo | Chimichurri

TATAKI REINDEER TATAKI with Icelandic blue cheese | Smoked sour cream | Amazu ponzu

PUBLIC HOUSE GASTROPUB Laugavegur 24 | Tel. 555 7333 publichouse@publichouse.is #publichousegastropub publichouse.is

26

Fashion What’s happening

Una Valrún

Fashion design student

Síta Valrún Artist & stylist

PATTI SMITH

In order to celebrate the fact that Patti Smith is visiting Iceland, me and my sister would like to raise awareness of just how stylish and cool she is.

Last Monday (August 17th), she held a concert in order to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her debut album Horses.

40 years is a long time. But during that time Patti Smith has remained a true icon. Patti Smith is timeless. Somehow she consistently manages to reach a new generation of people through her music and through her effortless sense of style.

She often wears gender neutral, casual clothes: long coats, white shirts, t-shirts, oversized blazers, hats, rough boots and

ripped jeans. She says that she wears her clothes until they start falling apart.

In this way, Patti Smith should be our collective role model. We should all buy fewer clothes and wear the clothes that we have longer. Patti Smith has said in interviews that fashion is important to her. She has said that the clothes that she wears give her energy, whether on the streets or on stage. This applies especially to clothing designed by her friend and designer Ann Demeulemeester.

Patti Smith says she never goes on stage without wearing at least one article of clothing designed by Ann.

565 6000 / somi.is

Eat Out in Iceland.

Check out our menu Enjoy Sómi sandwiches and wraps on your travels, Iceland’s favourite take-away!

Fresh every day!

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EXPERIENCE The Golden Circle Treat yourself to Iceland’s most popular pizza.

Call us at 58 12345, we deliver right to your room!

TEL. 58 12345

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JURASSIC WORLD

What’s happening

AMY

LAUGARÁSBÍÓ | ÁLFABAKKI

HÁSKÓLABÍÓ

IMDB: 7,3 ROTTENTOMATOES: 71%

IMDB: 8,0 ROTTENTOMATOES: 97%

SHE’S FUNNY THAT WAY

1001 GRAMS

SMÁRABÍÓ | LAUGARÁSBÍÓ

BÍÓ PARADÍS

IMDB: 6,2 ROTTENTOMATOES: 36%

IMDB: 6,6 ROTTENTOMATOES: 87%

HITMAN: AGENT 47

MAGIC MIKE XXL

ANT-MAN

SMÁRABÍÓ | SAMBÍÓIN EGILSHÖLL | HÁSKÓLABÍÓ | SAMBÍÓIN KEFLAVÍK | BORGARBÍÓ

ÁLFABAKKI | KRINGLUBÍÓ | SAMBÍÓIN EGILSHÖLL | SAMBÍÓIN AKUREYRI | SAMBÍÓIN KEFLAVÍK

LAUGARÁSBÍÓ | ÁLFABAKKI | KRINGLU­ BÍÓ | SAMBÍÓIN EGILSHÖLL | SAMBÍÓIN AKUREYRI | SAMBÍÓIN KEFLAVÍK

IMDB: 6,2 ROTTENTOMATOES: 6%

IMDB: 6,3 ROTTENTOMATOES: 64%

IMDB: 7,9 ROTTENTOMATOES: 79%

SOUTHPAW

THE GIFT

TRAINWRECK

SMÁRABÍÓ | HÁSKÓLABÍÓ | BORGARBÍÓ

LAUGARÁSBÍÓ | SAMBÍÓIN KEFLAVÍK | SAMBÍÓIN AKUREYRI

SMÁRABÍÓ | LAUGARÁSBÍÓ | BORGARBÍÓ

IMDB: 7,6 ROTTENTOMATOES: 95%

IMDB: 6,8 ROTTENTOMATOES: 85%

PAPER TOWNS

THE GALLOWS

MINIONS

HÁSKÓLABÍÓ

ÁLFABAKKI

IMDB: 6,9 ROTTENTOMATOES: 56%

IMDB: 4,4 ROTTENTOMATOES: 16%

ÁLFABAKKA | KRINGLUBÍÓ SMÁRABÍÓ | LAUGARÁSBÍÓ | HÁSKÓLABÍÓ | ÁLFABAKKI | BORGARBÍÓ

IMDB: 7,8 ROTTENTOMATOES: 59%

IMDB: 8,6 ROTTENTOMATOES: 54%

OH, HI! Stop by for some fresh JUICE, yummy SHAKES, tasty SANDWICHES and awesome COFFEE.

SMÁRALIND | KRINGLAN | WORLD CLASS LAUGAR | KEFLAVIK AIRPORT

Enjoy the freedom of riding ÍSHESTAR offers horseback riding tours through the spectacular Icelandic landscape. Whether you join our tours into the wilderness of the remote highlands, through the lush countryside or, all year round, for a short ride from our Riding Centre near Reykjavik, riding with Íshestar is a great experience.

For further information check out our website www.ishestar.is, call +354 555 7000 or be our friend on Facebook.

For over 30 years Íshestar has given people an opportunity to ride the Icelandic horse, the most versatile gait horse in the world. Horses are our partners and our passion.