Okay, I must admit, I haven’t had a busy schedule by anyone’s standard - but you’re always a bit relieved and happy when you get certain things out of the way for a while. Like Paperwork for instance.
Getting registered with school, registered at the city, opening a bank account, ordering train tickets, signing up for a german phone number…. It’s all out of the way for now. And not a moment to soon, because the sun is here and it’s time to chill out. The kreuzberg canal is definitely a good place for that.
Today was a prime example of the fact that a good day doesn’t have to be very complicated, intricately planned or packed with activities. Nothing but sun, some music, a shawarma made by an old turkish lady, a few friends and a grassy riverbank.
And I can enjoy it with a clean conscience fort he next few days. Because the days of bureaucracy are over - for now.
I’m going to Holland on the 9th of april to meet a few fantastic friends. Leiden, Rotterdam, Amsterdam. It’s going to be nice. After that, school. Until then, sun.
The transformation of this website into something decent is always on the horizon. When I will muster the energy and enthusiasm to do it though, remains to be seen. But it’s soon, and the laws of nature predict that with every day that passes, the moment draws closer, as all moments do.
It’s really weird how the weather can affect even an urban environment. The Berlin I’m staying in today is in no way the Berlin I came to 2 years ago. The difference between March and July is absolutely staggering. Don’t get me wrong, I do like it now, people are just a bit more subdued and weary at the moment. But I think being here for the transformation into bustling-larger than life-berlin is great actually, I wouldn’t want to miss it.
Since last time, I’ve experienced some pretty interesting cultural events, such as the tacheles breakcore/dnb session that totally messed with my head. Most of the stuff there was not really for me, but the experience of witnessing it was in itself enjoyable. I had a nice time with some icelandic pals, and got myself into a football group here! I’ll meet up with them on saturday for some refreshing exercise, I can’t wait really.
I’ve mostly been just resting and getting my energy levels up for what lies ahead, and getting familiar with the layout and the infrastructure. I love the U-bahn, I’d think if we had a U-bahn from downtown Reykjavík to Hafnarfjörður, Kópavogur, Garðabær, Breiðholt and Mosfellsbær, I’d actually go to these places once in a while. To do what I don’t know - maybe just to explore them. They are the unexplored regions of Reykjavík for me, and I couldn’t imagine going there without a very valid reason in today’s transportation system.
Considering that Reykjavík calls itself a city, it does a pretty lousy job of fulfilling that title.
By the way, german pronounciation is the devil.
So, my first night in Berlin was probably a bit stereotypical - a few minutes after I put down my bags, I was rushed out to a minimal techno club. It figures. And although the club itself wasn’t spectacular, there was just something immensely refreshing about participating in the mindless drone activity that the night life is in a new setting. New faces, new surroundings, new DJ’s, all that.
The partying didn’t hold a candle to the simple experience of just walking through streets you’ve never been in before, though. I’m sorry Reykjavík, but there’s nothing left for me to see in you. The next few weeks, as hazy and unplanned as they might be, will in all probability be a refreshing process of self-discovery and self-reflection, without routine and free of judgement.
What bugs me the most is not speaking the language. It hit me in the chest as soon as I came here. You don’t mind when you come here as a tourist, but when you know you are going to stay here for five months it matters from the start. I want to understand and be understood, and although I could kick myself in the knee for not doing what was planned and learning the basics before I came here, I won’t. I’ll just buckle down and try to get it as soon as possible.
I’m going to check out a permanent room in an hour or so, I hope it works out. But at this moment, I have no worries and no obligations, and it’s energizing.
I’m pondering the idea of going alone to Tacheles on the other side of town tonight to see icelandic experimental electronica band Einóma play in what is quite a fantastic location. I checked it out last time I came here during the day, I can’t imagine what it will be like in full-blown party mode.
Hi! It’s been a while. I haven’t blogged since I came home from my trip to Europe in 2007 - but it’s a great time to start again. Since I doubt any of the people who read my blog back then remember it more than vaguely, and also because this blog is in english but not icelandic like the old one, I’m going to start off by introducing myself.
I am Björgvin.
A more detailed introduction will be published here when I get the actual site up. This is just a temporary measure, so I can get the ball rolling. Because tomorrow, I am moving abroad for the first time in my life. And the destination is the fantasticy city of Berlin. I will stay there for the next five months, studying at Universtitat der Kunste Berlin, and enjoying all that the city has to offer.
This website will, in the coming days and weeks, be turned into my portfolio, accompanied by a very professional blog where I will discuss important matters. Until then:
Suck on this, Reykjavík!
Björgvin