Cometsgirl

Yesterday – Tuesday – had the kind of weather I had feared when we decided to come to the Faroe Islands in October.

It was wonderful to have glorious sunshine, cool temps, and calm days for the previous days. Not this day.

Tuesday was wind, rain and wind gusts! I came close to being blown over a couple of times. Especially while we were trying to pump gas. I literally was blown into my friend, shouting the whole time. Shouting when startled or falling has become a trademark of my response to “suddden” in my life.

Of course we began our day at our coffee cafe. We lolled long enough to make plans – yes, in spite of the threat of nasty weather; and to write postcards.

Then it was off to the police department where one pays parking fines. The parking near our coffee place is good for 30 minutes, so there is a lot of running out to move the car a space or two, and reset the clock which is found in a corner of the windshield. I miss-set it.

Then we drove to the island of Vagar, where the airport is located. I needed to take proof of having paid the fine so the rental car agency would not pay it again. We were to leave too early the next morning to take care of this before the flight. Anyway, the day was lovely, if brisk.

As we drove to Vagar, the winds picked up some waterfalls were falling up.

Still, it was such a gorgeous drive.

One drives to Vagur via an undersea tunnel. One with an art installation!

Vagar was windy!!

I took photos from the car, with the windows down. Wind gusts made it unsafe for either of us to move about.

One minute I had this view…

The next moment this.

The rainbow was a nice touch.

It was a super windy drive back to Streymoy. I clinched the steering wheel all the way.

Later, we dined out. We took a taxi.

We dined at Toscano’s. A couple we met at the Joel Coel exhibit recommended it. It was delicious! A real treat on the last night of our stay.

Blustery, yes. But gifts of rainbows in the midst.

Yesterday – Monday, we stayed on our “home” island, Streymoy.

After a leisurely morning of coffee, and then a bit of wandering around the town of Torshavn, we headed just about straight north.

Before long, we veered west. The road gradually took us north near the west coast on the North Sea. Our endpoint was Saksun.

I loved the drive. Every mile brought new beauty.

We have seen so many small groups of geese along the byways.

Every turn brought a new vista.

After arriving at Saksun, we turned around and drove back to where we had headed west. We then made a left turn and began the drive north to Haldarsvik, again driving on an angle forward toward the top of the east coast.

Always sheep along the way.

I am drawn to the many small and uniquely beautiful structures found along the way. .

At the top you can see across the sea to the Rock Stacks located at the top of Esteroy.

After having driven a large Y, we returned to Torshavn where we enjoyed a dinner of fabulous assortment of Danish cheeses and accoutrements.

Another awesome and awe-filled day.

I’m reminded of the time I was moving from Texas to Georgia when my 4 year old grandson asked, “is is faaar faaar away?” In his world it was.

My best friend and I went far, far away yesterday.

We drove from the island of Streymoy at sunrise

through the undersea tunnel to Esturoy where we

attended the 11am service at Glyvra Kirkjygarður Lutheran Church. The music – hymns sung by the congregants and accompanied by organ – was worship for me. Then we

drove through an undersea tunnel to Bordðy where we watched a tug boat steer a ship out to sea

and traversed two tunnels to a bridge which crossed

over to Vidoy

where we picnicked near a gathering of Highland cows,..

overlooking Fugloy Island.

We intended to drive to the top of the island but an issue with a tire losing air over the past several days was worrisome. We kept adding air but this day it was not holding the added air. We ended up in someone’s driveway. The owner used a pump device that, once it was plugged into the cigarette lighter, pumped the tire back up. Then a nail in the tire was spotted. Oh no!

We made one more stop on Vidoy Island before traversing all the aforementioned islands home.

We made it safely home, with one stop in Eysturoy for a quick bite to eat and, more importantly, FaceTime with my younger son on his birthday.

Upon returning to the hotel, I asked the front desk to contact our car rental company. It was soon set up for a replacement car to arrive just after 8am this morning. It did, and just like that, we were on our way to another great adventure.

Yesterday’s Sabbath Day was an extraordinary day of island hopping faaar, far away.

The Faroe Islands consists of 17 islands. Sixteen can be accessed by plane (the international airport) or ferries or bridges or tunnels. The 17th requires a helicopter.

Everyone flies into Vagar International Airport on Vagar Island, and most travel to other islands from there. Vagar is a destination as well.

We are staying on Streymoy Island, in the town of Torshavn. This is our third trip to the Faroe Islands and we always stay at the Havgrim Hotel.

Yesterday our travels took us to Eysturoy Island, just a tunnel’s drive to the east. It’s a relatively new tunnel that costs a lot but saves over an hour travel time. It is under the Tangafjørðut sound. A fun feature is the art work at the round-about in the middle. We’ve been known to go around and around before exiting just to see the art.

Exiting the tunnel, we were greeted by rainbows.

We stopped at NAVIA, a specialty yarn shop. Also clothing, limited to sweaters, socks, jackets, and raincoats. I needed a new raincoat so… coat number 3. It’s a good thing I packed a lightweight duffle, just in case.

Then we were off on a scenic drive. As we drove higher and higher, we passed many sheep, too numerous to count, but always fun to see.

The drive led to an abundance of wind turbines. They are so graceful and captivating to watch. A special viewing seat just for me.

Of course I couldn’t resist a high-point-ish attempt.

Success!

The rest of the afternoon was wonder-filled scenic driving. Waterfalls. The sea. Beautiful structures.

Driving home to Torshavn we realized that if we hurried, we could drive up above the town to see the sights of wind turbines in the sunset. They are so awe-filled.

We wrapped up the day with fish ‘n chips takeout, enjoyed in our car.

A full day. Full tummies.

Yesterday – Friday – was the big day. The Joel Cole art exhibit opening.

But wait… there was a large day to be had first.

Of course, coffee to begin the day. We chose Paname Cafe. It was a delicious delight.

Then off to a slice of the West coast of the island Streymoy for stunning sights.

From this beauty place we traveled back to Torshavn for the exhibit opening. Held at the National Gallery of Faroese Art, it did not disappoint.

Joel Coel’s pieces were breathtaking.

The late-afternoon event began with a large gathering of friends and family. And us.

A singer/songwriter sang ahead of introductions. He was great.

Joel was introduced and spoke briefly, and then opened the exhibition for all to enjoy.

I had the opportunity to meet him and chat for a time. Our conversation ended with an invitation to visit his studio which happens to be on the grounds of the prison. That’s a whole other story for another time.

It was a wonderful encounter and a stunning exhibition. I’m so glad my travel and his exhibition coincided!

A bonus of the retirement celebration trip is that it coincides with an art exhibit that opens today.

Joel Cole, an artist whose medium is wood, will show his recent work. I’ve loved his work since my first trip to the Faroe Islands. I have several small pieces.

He was honored a year or so ago with Faroese stamps.

I’m really looking forward to the exhibition and to meeting Joel in person.

Yesterday morning we began the day with a return to our favorite coffee cafe, Brell.

We had a day of wandering around town, enjoying coffee and small meals. Just a pokey day.

Noodle soup for lunch, in the place we learned about 2 yrs ago when I had to get my head stitched up. The doctors raved about it and it was good for my healing.

A bit of drive around town time.

A late afternoon treat.

Oh, I shopped for a coat to keep me warm.

I bought a second coat too.

Last daylight image of the day. Surf will really be up in the morning.

Let’s see. Planes, train, automobiles, carts and one wild wheelchair ride. We arrived in the Faroe Islands last night. Highways, small roadways and tunnels to Torshavn and the Havgrim Hotel. Yay!

A last glance at Copenhagen-

to Vagar on descent.

Sunrise over Nolsoy Island.

First stop of the day. Brell cafe.

Today will be a pokey day. Surprisingly I’ve no jet lag. Still, after the long travel to get here, there’s little reason to do more than poke.

I may buy a new coat. It’s chilly-cold here.

Now seated on Lufthansa for the 9-hour ride to Frankfurt.

I’m flying in a 747! I was so sorry when 747’s were discontinued by most airlines. But tonight I’m on one – complete with a bed. Oh my.

I love the shimmy-shimmy the 747 does on takeoff. There was substantial shimmering today. Fierce bumps thrown in for good measure. I’m not sure how it happened, but I’m not so bothered by the bumping around as I used to be.

Take a look at the sight outside my window. God was painting with clouds today.

Later as we turned our chairs into sky-beds.

Thirty-eight years ago i began flying again. I had grounded myself because of fear. One day I chose to remove my fear and soon I was freed. My third flight was on a 747 to Zurich!

It’s dawn now and soon we will be in Frankfurt.

And I have my hot towel to great this new day.

Guten Morgen!

Awesome descent to Frankfurt airport. Such smooth turns in the 747.

Cool sights.

Quite a slog through the airport. Long-ish walks for me. A serpentine line through passport control. I did catch a ride on a airport passenger cart. But then my friend and I got separated. Suffice it to say, when you want to find your friend in a chaotic terminal, you can!

Now seated in the Lufthansa lounge, getting some “food” for the trek to the departure gate.

Two sky-chairs down. Two to go.

Traveling mercies.

I’ll soon take my chair in the sky once again. It feels like I just got out of a sky-chair. Nonetheless, I’ll soon be back in my chair once again.

I found this image just now. I’m not familiar with Mingus Dynasty, but I like the image.

I’ll spend a good bit of time in sky-chairs as I make my way to the Faroe Islands.

Today my route was Atlanta to Houston. Tomorrow Houston to Frankfurt. The day after is Frankfurt to the Faroe Islands via Copenhagen. I count four chairs. We’ll get there eventually.

This is my best friend’s retirement trip. Faroe Islands here we come!

“Good company on a journey makes the way seem shorter.” Izaak Walton

Traveling mercies.

Today I return home.

I feel so fortunate to have been asked to come walk alongside my son as he journeyed down a road of pain and regret.

It was time I’ll always carry under my heart.

My grandson was a big part of giving care while adding humor and his unique perspectives on life.

Now as I sit in my chair in the sky, I’m thinking about what I will miss.

My son and I will watch our sports teams play in different cities, different time zones.

My grandson will have to be a car mechanic without my oversight.

Macrina’s and Ken’s revenues will drop.

Puzzle time will move to virtual puzzling.

I’ll walk a different route, but I’ll walk because I found out I can walk well.

My son will continue to heal; in body, mind, and spirit. It won’t be overnight, but it will be.

He already stands tall with determination to stand even taller.

I’m grateful for time together no matter the circumstance. Oh, and I learned how to play poker – Texas hold’em!

Traveling mercies.