A few words from Toti, the director of Worldwide Friends
INDEX 1. Past
A few words from Toti Editorial Antonio’s story
4. Icelandic themes
2. Present
Why we came to Iceland; motivations of work camp 122 A meeting with the 10000th volunteer hosted by WF Vik’s warm welcoming host Cultural shock ICE-Fricans Iceland Experience I felt that calling from Iceland
3. Future
A little bit more than 13 years ago I and my brother Steindor
First volunteering family in WF Did you know this happens in Iceland? Volunteer in Iceland if, don’t if
decided to start a voluntary organization with the focus on short term projects in Iceland. Andrés Ramon one of our friends joined us shortly after and the three of us made the ground ready for Veraldarvinir. For the first two years we used the English name “Oneness friendship World“. We decided to stop using it because most people did not understand the name. Today the organization is very well known in the field of volunteering as Worldwide Friends Iceland or WF Iceland. The main aim of the organization has always been to bring people from different origin
3 songs to make your feel awesome in Iceland Rescue misson in the wilderness Whale is making its way back onto the menu Gabriel’s visual interview Territory of fantasy, territory of cinema
together to make friendship. We believe
Editors Photos
1.100 projects all around Iceland –related to
that friendship is a very important step for a peaceful life and understanding without
environment, agriculture, art, culture, education, renovation and other topics. We have cooperated with most local communities in Iceland and with partners from all corners of the World. Today the volunteer number 10.000 is doing her project here in Iceland. This is a big number of volunteers for organization from such a small nation. I want to thank all the volunteers from the past for participating, our staff for organizing and running the programs, the partners in Icewe’ll fix it! land for hosting our volunteers and the partners all around the World for sending all those great people to Iceland. I am proud of Veraldarvinir and I hope that I will be still around when volunteer number 50.000 will arrive to our island.
prejudices and this is exactly what we want to achieve with our work. Through the years we have made more than
Photo by Ellen Kane
Graphics by: Ksenia
on s s r a v I ” oti T – “ r n i n n i i r v a r r a o Th rald e V f d o n a r l o e t c c I e r s Di end i r F e d i Worldw
Editorial Dear reader, in this issue of UNA magazine we are celebrating a special event: Worldwide Friends Iceland is welcoming the 10,000th volunteer in Iceland. Since the organisation was founded in 2001, people from all over the world have come to the island – planting trees, renovating houses or, as in this case, producing UNA magazine. This issue will offer an insight into the history of the organisation and also deal with different issues that have arisen in the past 13 years.
What to expect? This year’s UNA will be divided into four sections: in THE PAST, camp leader Iva explains in an interview how the work with WF as a volunteer and a camp leader has impacted her life. In THE PRESENT, you will get a glimpse of what volunteers are doing in Iceland today. This section will explore how and if the goals of WF Iceland have changed since day one. Social and cultural manager Antonio Perez explains how peace, prejudices and volunteer work are connected.
THE FUTURE will shed light on possible improvements and changes that Worldwide Friends will be implementing. If you are interested in going to Iceland as a volunteer, this section may inspire you to go and be part of it. Besides this main topic, this issue of UNA will explore other Icelandic themes like whaling, the Icelandic rescue team, and interesting facts about movies that were filmed in this country.
Enjoy! Or, as the Icelanders would say,
Skemtid ykkur!
Antonio’s Story Once upon a time a 19 years old Spanish boy named Antonio Perez started his life journey, leaving his family and friends with an adventurous soul, looking to explore himself and this world. He made his first stop at France but started volunteering in Northern Ireland where he fell in love with the thought of helping people, communities, and learning from different cultures. Since then, he has volunteered in 39 countries.
Photography and Story by. Vanessa Karel
Antonio started an organization in Spain in 2003 which was part of an international movement called "Youth action for peace" formed by many volunteering organizations where they hosted two annual meetings for everyone involved. It was in one of those meetings from this organization in Rumania,Transylvania where he made the first connection with WF director “Toti�. Antonio's first reaction to the word "Iceland" was confusing and also intrigue in his heart, so Toti immediately invited him over to discover the wonders of this place. Three years later Antonio finally came to Iceland as a camp leader. His first camp was in the North of Iceland were he built paths in a natural reservation where birds come to nest. He stayed for three months for the first time and led five camps altogether, the magical pureness, the extreme isolation and nature brought him back again until (good for us), he finally stayed!.
WORK CAMP WF 122
Challenge ourselves and expand beyond our comfort zones
Vanessa
Improve current and learn new photography and journalism skills
Baira
Ksenia
Meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures
Indulge in Iceland's unique landscape and nature
Amina
Arnau
Juli Seyeon Elena
Marcella
Ellen
SP
L A I EC
A meeting with the 10000th volunteer hosted by WF! Her name is Sofia Nieto Salas. She's from Cambrics, Spain. She's a 19 year old student in Autonomous University of Barcelona. Unfortunately she lost her luggage in the airport coming to Iceland but still she's OUR 10000th VOLUNTEER. She heard about Worldwide Friends through a friend who told her about Cocat, a Spanish WF partner organization. As almost everyone here, she chose Iceland thinking it's a beautiful country with breath-taking landscapes and mysterious nature. Well, it is. She's passionate about photography and wanted to experience something new.
Sofia is part of the "Farm project" which is about renovating a farm situated about 30km away from Reykjavik. She has been welcomed by a very nice, warm and friendly group from all over the world. Her experience has been wonderful so far. In only 4 days, she has already tried delicious typical dishes from France, Spain, Germany, Russia and Korea. How lucky is she! Spending her days painting, gardening, renovating then sharing a room with 9 other people is a completely new experience for her. Sofia doesn't know if she should feel special for being our 10000th volunteer. But now, yes, she is almost a star. Everyone was waiting for her, and especially our WF122 members. Now that she is here, Sofia sees Iceland as a beautiful country with crazy weather. But well, it’s one of the most expansive countries in the world. So thanks WF for making it possible for us! Text & Photography by Hiba Boujnah
WARM WELCOMING HOST Why did you join Worldwide Friends? I heard about them through my father, who has been working with them since they arrived 10 years ago and they have been coming every summer since then. I joined the organisation 2 years ago after they approached me for hosting volunteers in my guest house.
idur r g i S g i olve r is a 28 S ’ a l l o ‘L tti o d s r a n Gun old icelandicik, years , living in V h womanllaborating witt and coas a local hos WF
What has your experience been with this organisation? My best experience has been when volunteers have offered my boyfriend and I to go out with them and enjoy their company. We have had many funny times with the volunteers and I have stayed in touch with several over the internet; I truly do have worldwide friends. However, I have had some poor experiences with some of the volunteers group who have partied a lot and our children struggled to sleep. Some volunteers do not understand the importance of the places that they stay at or the principles of WF.
Yes, for example we had a couple from Vik (population ~300) that volunteered in Spain three years ago following their voluntary work with Worldwide Friends. A local girl has also travelled to Africa with the intention to voluntarily teach children. If my children had the chance I'd want them to volunteer as I like to see how people connect exactly even though they are from so many cultures. In fact, if I had the opportunity there would be no question and I would volunteer myself to get to know the different people and cultures.
What improvements would you like to see in the Worldwide Friends organisation? When the volunteers first arrived 10 years ago they were more willing to interact with the locals, for example they used to host multicultural parties which involved cooking their traditional food and partaking in an Icelandic cultural exchange. Some of the groups really want to get to know the village of Vik but are unsure how to contact the locals. It is possible to re-introduce these meeting again by contacting the local mayor or promoting the event in a local newspaper which will reach all of the local villagers. It was so much fun and us
Do you feel volunteers were giving the impression of a volunteering culture or coming for a low-cost vacation? Most groups come for the experience of volunteering but some of them did come to travel cheaply and therefore acted lazy.
Worldwide Friends is expecting their 10,000th volunteer this summer, do you feel the impact of WF growing in Iceland?
Photography: picture above Elena Pautina, next page photographs Vanessa Karel Written by: Elena Pautina and Ellen Kane Edited by: Vanessa Karel
As of today WF has not changed the core beliefs it has only shaped its concept for improvement and quality "I always want to improve our service for the volunteers, I always feel bad when something goes wrong or the expectaalways room for improvement." - Antonio mentioned in our interview in the harbor house
Antonio
where they host short and long term volunteers from all over the globe. The long term volunteers are greatly important because they are the heart and warmth of the organization and also the leaders of the work camps. WF has 70 partners in 40 countries and also a partnership with the "Alliance of European Voluntary Organization".
Written and designed by: Vanessa Karel Graphics: Ksenia Bezorchuk
“World Wide Friends� was founded on the cores of practicing the protection of Icelandic nature, promoting peace by creating friends, and by immersing young and old people in different cultures so to create and motivate love and communication within countries and most importantly to break stereotypes.
The interesting point is that both Chukotka and Iceland are located in zone of eternal frost. So, these places are very alike. You cannot find any trees in these areas, the weather is windy most of the time, towns are surrounded by picturesque views of sea and mountains, there are no traffic jams, noise, and northern lights are very usual. Being able to live surrounded by locals, and having the ability to explore touristic and non touristic places gave us a really big picture about Icelandic culture and we learned to appreciate it and understand it better than our "Iceland tourist books". One of the best things about Iceland is that people really appreciate what they have, they utilize their resources and most importantly they respect them. There are a lot of areas with similar characteristics to Iceland in the world, but most of this places don’t have as high living standards as here. Let us consider Chukotka for example, which is in the region of Russia. As you can guess, Russia is a really huge country, which has a lot of different areas with totally different conditions: weather, quality of life, GDP etc. Moreover, throughout the country you can face various nationalities, religions, traditions, and Chukotka is one of these areas, which is the most northern one of the country. Written by: Amina Mikhaylova and Vanessa Karel Designed by: Baira Balchinova and Vanessa Karel Photography: Amina Mikhaylova and Vanessa Karel Graphics: Ksenia Bezovchuk
But at the same time you can find really big differences between these places. So, what can it be? It's human attitude to their motherland, of course. Icelandic people are very careful about where they live, they do not live in places too close to dangerous areas like volcanoes and glaciers. On the other hand “Chukchi” (Russian) people do not care as much and also haven’t realised the potential this land has for tourism, for restoration work camps, and volunteering opportunities don’t exist there yet. Iceland is a very young country and they are definitely doing something right, starting from how they educate children to be eco-friendly and to spend a lot of time outside hiking and enjoying the amazing views. This is why WorldWide Friends invites volunteers to create hiking paths, clean nature areas and help locals. Can you imagine how great and beautiful an environment your homeland could be if we had the same attitude?
On the other hand, and very hard to believe, is how safe this place feels but don’t get us wrong of course we are scared of big “Katla” having an eruption. But when you are coming from another so beautiful but troubled country like Mexico, the contrast you see feels very surreal. Mexico has some of the most beautiful places in the world and all kinds of landscapes from deserts, jungles, forests to amazing beaches and coral reefs but, the living conditions are an extreme opposite from here. People live afraid of their own police officers, corruption and criminal activity is happening on a daily basis. Some of the things we experienced in Iceland as volunteers was “Hitch hiking” from town to town, it is an experience that teaches you that sometimes it is really okay to trust strangers, to talk to random people and make friends everywhere, this is definitely something that can’t be done in any country. Not to talk just flowers, but Iceland is an example for humanity and it really makes you happy to know this way of living is possible, and we hope to spread this feelings and way of thinking everywhere we go.
ICE
fricans
From Mama Africa, and more exactly from Tunisia, to the upper side of Europe, Iceland; the trip has been far with miles and very different with minds. Volunteering in Iceland, a rich country, when you are African, a silly idea? We can change your mind about this, through our experience here. Coming to Iceland is seeing your childhood dreams coming true, at least, concerning environmental issues. Iceland, this beautiful face you don’t dare to harm. An experience here might change your behavior back home forever! Hiba & Taief, first Tunisians hosted by WF.
is an ) F W ( s d n Frie Worldwide our stuff g n i k c a p et. After g r o f to drive r r e e v v i e r n d l s ’l u u e yo r lovely b u a few o g experienc n m i o v r a f h p t u u icked t witho o n – d n we were p s we a l e e g c I a f p o w t e s f a E xt us into the the island. In the ne travelf d o n e u c o n r e a i r stops ur expe o u o y w o nalism, r h s u o o J t t d n n a a w graphy o t o h P “ h ound all t r a l e v a ling wi r t 22”. We 1 p from m d a n c a t k s a e Wor west to m o r f ase, b d r n u a l o s s i a e w h t ifjördur k s E . t s e agazine w m s i h t east to e t we wro e r e h w , p cam eading. r e r a u o y that
Reykjavik
Iceland
Is the capital of Iceland but also a really cool town. We met each other in the WF’s house just to get to know each other and do some games to introduce ourselves and explore our cultural differences. We did an interview with Antonio, the President of the social and cultural activities of WF, about the ideas and history of the organization. Furthermore, we were lucky enough to meet a local professional baker – the food was delicious! After a night stay at a Boy Scout house we set off for our journey across Iceland.
Experience
photo by: Arnau Romani
Eskifjördur
Eskifjördur – a fishermen's village in the East of Iceland – hosts about 40 volunteers which came here to do enviromental or cultual work for WF. Similar to big youth hostels, each individual group works on different projects throughout their stay; we for example spent most of the day discussing and practising ideas to prepare the articles and design for the magazine "UNA". After finishing our work we walked through the beautiful scenery, among high mountains and waterfalls next to the sea before the 20 minute walk to the showers in the swimming pool.
FIfTH STOP: The Glacier lagoon of Jokulsarlon
is outstanding; you can be convinced by the huge number of cars parked there reflecting the significant interest to this area. All these people came to see the stunning views of the glacier lagoon and the seals moving freely within the waters. Despite the fact that there are many visitors there you will undoubtedly find this place calm and relaxing. Iceland ensures you have a lot to look forward to: the sound of the waves lapping, smell of the fresh air, picturesque views and the list goes on!
FIRST STOP: SELJALANDSFOSS
We stopped off at “Seljalandsfoss”, a waterfall often inundated by tourists due to its majestic nature. Some of us were overwhelmed by the great view we had of the water spring. Our group was pleasantly surprised by the presence of a musician, playing the most impressive Icelandic music, which re-established the wonder and harmony that stood in the place before us.
THIRD STOP: VIK
SECOND STOP: SKOGAFOSS
Written by: Juli Zucker Edited by: Arnau Romani Photos: Vanessa Karel
This waterfall offers you two choices: walk 432 steps up toward the head of the waterfall or simply sit down on a bench and talk to Icelandic people before the waterfall; in both cases you’ll be happy in this spiritually-uplifting landscape.
The housekeepers we met in Vik, a town of a mere 300 people, are not just a family with several children but in fact embrace the Icelandic traditions of hunting too; a topic many of us were fascinated with. Our work-camp stayed overnight in their gym, enjoyed the public swimming pool before relaxing on the black beach. True to the friendly nature of Icelandic people, they eagerly showed us a tour of the Puffin nests within the cliffs above the beach; unfortunately no sightings of real Puffins materialised but we were happy with the Puffin toys in the Woolshop nearby.
FORTH JÖKULL
STOP:
SKAFTAFELLS-
Along the horizon we inevitably saw the vast mountain range surrounded by glaciers, eagerly walked along the trail covered by green moss and rocks toward these gifts of nature. Unanimously we felt like we were visiting another planet, with nothing but silence, the occasional bellow of wind and a fantastic atmosphere. The temperature may have been freezing but it was the shock of the great scenery that left us shivering in excitement!
“I felt a calling from Iceland” What motivated you to join Worldwide Friends organisation?
4 2 s i c i s Iva Ta ld and an years o tional ReInterna student lations elgrade from B ). (Serbia
Previously I had only travelled with friends, family and agencies and therefore had never had the opportunity to travel alone. I had applied through the agency “Young Researchers of Serbia”, which has links with WF, and immediately felt a strong connection after working with the WF organisation. Once aware of the environmental issues I went on to work with them for the next 5 years.
work camp was based on visiting old peoples' homes and raising funds for the Red Cross. I thoroughly enjoy the programs WF offer and will no longer travel with friends or family but rather I travel alone now. Discovering volunteering with WF has changed my life. After my experience with WF in Iceland I have gone on to volunteer in Spain, Serbia and Slovenia. I believe volunteering makes a change.
Why did you return to Iceland this year? I enjoyed the country the first time I came: Reykjavik night life, the locals' mentality and I felt a calling from Iceland. I wanted to come back and see what was happening after five years.
What has your experience been like with WF?
What challenges, if any, did you face during your time with WF?
You're now a camp leader for WF, what are the main differences between being a camp leader and a volunteer?
I was only 19 when I visited my first work camp in December 2009. My first camp was working with children in Reykjavik. I was only due to stay for 2 weeks but stayed in Iceland for one month in the end as I enjoyed myself so much in the first work camp that I went on to volunteer in another work camp afterwards. This second Christmas
During my first work camp my parents funded my travels and were happy for me to extend my stay but it was my first experience of feeling independent as a person; for example I was dealing with new people and faced with unfamiliar situations.
Being a leader involves significantly more responsibility but I really enjoy doing both roles. Even though sometimes organising can prove to be a problem I am happy to be a leader and willing to be a volunteer again with WF. Written by: Ellen Kane and Hiba Boujnah
Did you know this happens in For the first time since the launch of Worldwide Friends a family with two children, aged four and five, have been invited to volunteer with the us in Iceland. Worldwide Friends proved to be the only non-governmental organisation to eagerly respond and welcome this volunteer family within a three month time-frame, despite applying to a wide range of NGOs across Europe. This open-minded family from Slovakia ensured they embraced Worldwide Friends and Iceland without preceding expectations to avoid their experience being overshadowed by assuming prospects that lie ahead. The environmental principles of Worldwide Friends rang true for this family who intend to grasp the sentiments of the organisation and ultimately change the lives of themselves and their children over the next to three years. Following their voluntary work in Iceland they aim to continue their travels to other countries and embed the principles of volunteering into their children to ensure their children continue volunteering in the future.
S T E E N A G ER
ICELA N D?
H AV E
DURING W E F R U C NO E! S U M M ER T IM
SAME A B E ER C O S T S SO A S A B U R G ER , E C ID E YO U H AV E TO D WA N T W H E T H E R YO U
O R TO TO G E T D R U N K G ER S TO P YO U R H U N
YO U C A N F IN D A
F U L LY E Q U IP P E D H O U S E IN T H E M ID D L E O F
N O W H ER E A N D
E V E N S L E E P IN IT ( K E YS
A R E IN C LU D E D !)
PE OP LE ACTU AL LY LIK E TH EI R PR ES ID EN T
( IN FA CT , TH EY DO N ' T LE T HI M GE T AWAY FR OM TH E GO VERN ME N T )
T IM E D U R IN G S U M M ER CH T H ER E IS N O S U Y IN G AT T R A P S A G IN H T S E IT ' S N IG H T T IM E C A U HT A L WAYS DA Y L IG
A N TS , T H ER E A R E N O G S IN S N A K ES O R F R O
I CELA ND
T H ER E IS A T H E O R Y T H AT IC E L A N D WA S N A M E D T H IS WA Y S O T H AT A N N O Y IN G TO U R IS T S W O U L DN' T COME H ER E ( B U T YO U ' R E S T IL L W E L C O M E ) ;)
IC E L A N D ER S
I N E SKIFORDUR FISHING IN A BOAT MEANS
T F O R G OT TO P A IN URCH! T H E IR TA L L C H
" JELLYFISHING "
(ACTUALLY THEY ARE ONLY SUPPOSED TO BE IN WARM WATERS, SO WE' RE STILL CONFUSED ABOUT IT)
O N LY TO U R I S TS W E AR HIKING B O OT S I N R E Y K JA V I K 1. Written by: Hiba Boujnah, Elena Pautina and Vanessa Karel 2. Designed by: Vanessa Karel
3 songs to make your feel awesome in
Iceland!
Being in Iceland without listening to Icelandic music? No way!! Björk, Sigur Rós, Ólafur Arnalds... you’ll always find your style. Not as well known as Michael Jackson? No worry, their creativity would take you to a different world.! Sigur Rós - Hoppípolla
Written by: Seyeon Lee Photography and Edition: Vanessa Karel
Here is the most popular band in Iceland. It may sound creepy and crazy like a dinosaur’s crying, but super cool and magical if you focus more. This beautiful song is a must while hanging around Icelandic beautiful nature. Don’t think twice, you are already on
m
your way to heaven.!
Of Monsters and Men - Lakehouse This song might seem weird, nothing new for Icelandic music, but nothing better than finally understanding its english lyrics! From guitar notes to cheerful rock music, this sweet folk song would be your best companion during your drive on Iceland’s long but nice road.
Ólafur Arnalds - Ljósi This is Icelandic classical music based on piano. If you focus with the title, you would notice that Ljósi means ‘light’ in Icelandic; piano notes and lush string sounds, make it sound like a shining lullaby; simply perfect to chill and stroll down a peaceful path. Enjoy fully this perfect moment in Iceland...
Rescue mission in the wilderness
The Icelandic landscape is as beautiful as it is dangerous.The ragged mountains and majestic glaciers draw tourists and locals alike. But exploring the wilderness is not a walk in the park.
Picture on left: Alexander Benjamin Thorolfsson Photograph: Taief Agroubi
When Lolla Sigga talks about her experiences with lost travellers, she has some gruesome stories to tell. Just recently, she recalls, “two women got lost while hiking, one was found dead on the first day after they went missing. Her hiking partner almost a month later was also dead. They probably fell into a river and drowned.” Lolla is 28 years old, the mother of two small children – and a volunteer on the Landsbjörg rescue team. When somebody gets in trouble near her home town Vik, in the south of Iceland, she sets out on a rescue mission with a team of locals and all the equipment that is needed, be it ropes and harness or snow shoes.
er h d n a Lo l l a re a d n a husb t of the ar p h t bo eam t e u re s c
Photograph: Marcella Märtel
Tips for travellers
Every town has their own rescue team There are rescue teams all over Iceland. In every town some of the locals are trained for rescue missions in the mountains, the glaciers or in the water. Their tasks depend on the region. Alexander Benjamin Thorolfsson (22) is a member of the rescue team in Eskifjördur in the east of Iceland. While Lolla still remembers vividly the volcanic eruptions of Fimmvörðuháls and Eyjafjallajökull in 2010, and the weeks of hard work that followed it, Alexander and his team mates usually collect people lost in the mountains or get cars out of the snow in winter. Volcanic activity is rare in the east. But every mission, no matter if it’s rebuilding a bridge that has been ripped away by a mudslide or finding a single person freezing in a sudden snow storm, requires full concentration and professional distance. “One thing that I have learnt is to be two people”, Alexander says. “When I’m rescuing people, I put my mind in a rational state, I don’t get emotional.” No matter what the team encounters in the foggy heights of the mountains, anxiety, frustration or panic are not supposed to be part of it.
“If I get hurt because I’m not focussed, I cannot help anyone, after the mission is finished, I will have to deal with it. But in that moment, I need to be rational.” -Alexander
*The rescue team does not charge
the patient or helpless person for the rescue. Still, accident prevention is the safest course. When out in the wilderness in Iceland, travellers should keep at least the following five points in mind:
*The weather changes fast. When
going out into nature, it is necessary to have adequate clothing for very cold temperatures, even in summer.
*Before going on a trip, travellers
should inform somebody of their intentions. Where will they go and at what time are they supposed to be back? In case of accident, they will be missed and a searching party can be sent out.
*Hiking paths are there for a reason and it can be dangerous to leave them.
*When there is fog, there is a high risk of getting lost. Therefore one should stay in place until visibility improves again.
Carelessness can be dangerous! Of course, the rescue team is not above annoyance, or even anger. “We do ask ourselves why tourists – and locals, too – are so careless sometimes”, says Lolla. But these emotions have no place in a rescue mission and they don’t stop this Icelandic woman from wanting to help people. “If I were in the same situation, I would be happy to have a rescue team to help me”, she explains, and it is clear from her expression that her heart is in it.
Info box:
The Landsbjörg rescue team is responsible for national rescue and accident prevention. The organization was founded in 1999 and is one of the largest volunteer organizations in Iceland with about 18000 members. The training of the active members and all the equipment is financed by membership fees, sponsoring and the sales of fireworks, organized by the local rescue teams. In case of an emergency, calls to 112 are being directed either to the police, ambulance, firefighters or the rescue team, or more than one of the above depending on the situation at hand. www.icesar.com www.landsbjorg.is
Written by: Marcella Märtel Designed by: Vanessa Karel
Whale is making its way back onto the Menu When people think of Iceland, vast greenery, snow-capped mountains and winding waters spring to mind. Those waters are home to majestic animals such as dolphins, seals and whales. Whale-watching is a very popular tourist activity, yet at the same time whale hunting for meat, oil and export shows no sign of slowing down. Iceland's economy faces a troublesome future as tourists may eventually be looking out to a bleak and empty ocean with no tales to tell about the Whales whose population is continually decreasing. At the same time the exporting of Whales to other countries is heavily relied upon as an income and ultimately tax payment. Fact file: Iceland Pioneered spear-drift whaling in 12th Century Introduced modern explosive harpooning early 19th century Amount of Whale killed between 2008-2014: 5,500 tonnes
“I see no problem with Whaling because Iceland would never kill species that are endangered,” -Alex,
a local from Eskifjordur, claims. Icelanders have been Whaling for thousands of years and believe sustainable whaling should be an accepted practice. In 2010 whaling alone brought in US$94 million in taxes. The Fisheries Agency defends whaling, stating: “No one has the right to criticize the food culture of another people.” Japan's market received 95% of Iceland's catch in 2010. Neither Minke nor Fin Whales are considered endangered but Minke is seen as “threatened”. Iceland hunts both species.
As tourists load onto whale-watching boats, taking photos of these intelligent animals and boasting to friends and family of their adventure, somethings often slips their minds: the “exotic Icelandic food” that over 40% of them are likely to eat during their stay is in fact Whale - the very animal they are in awe of.
The whale-watching is a sustainable income and Iceland is under more pressure than ever internationally, such as from New Zealand and the UK, to focus on this industry rather than hunting. The answer to this debate may seem clear to some people, being whale-watching. But the whale hunting demand from Japan is proving too attractive for Icelanders to turn down. It is clear that Iceland is stuck between a rock and a hard place and the debate between the supporters and protestors of whaling may continue for some time.
Written : Ellen Kane and Elena Pautina Sketch: Ksenia Bezovchuk Edited by: Seyeon Lee and Juli Zucker
Gabriel is a local Icelander “World Wide Friend”
what do you think of nightlife in Eskifjordur?
from Eskifjordur. He has made friends from all over the
how many times do you come to the “old school” a week?
world without leaving his hometown, he has been coming back for a year, and
always comes back!
how does the rotten shark taste like?
what do you think of volunteer girls coming to Iceland?
Do Icelandic people like tourists?
what do you feel about volcanoes being so close?
Photography and Interview by: Vanessa Karel
Iceland: Territory of fantasy, territory of cinema
If you are into action movies, you might also recognise this scene
The north of Westeros in the 'Game of Thrones' series, the "lake" in Tibet in which 'Batman' fights against an old man, the "japanese" volcanic island Iwa Jima that you can see in the movie 'Flags of our fathers' - if you appreciate these scenes you have to stay in Iceland.
filmed here in the Icelandic mountains: the fight between the immortal 'James Bond' (Pierce Brosnan) and his Korean enemy in 'Die Another Day'.
Iceland is a natural paradise. Few people
Oblivion
Oblivion
know how rich and varied this country is, with landscapes that appear to belong in fairy tales.
Prometheus
However, in the recent years the cinematographic industry has realized that Iceland is the perfect location for shooting their
The impressively pure and refreshing nature of Ice-
movies and series - particularly to represent
land is reflected in scenes in the 'Journey to the
sci-fi concepts.
centre of the Earth', Batman Begins', 'Tomb Rider', 'Oblivion' and 'Prometheus', which are also filmed in Iceland; the former film is based on Jules Verne's novel which revolves around highlighting the most One of the most popular series in contemporary times 'Game of Thrones' is thoroughly making the most of this dream area; for those who follow the series: you will recognise everything that is taking place in the scenes of the north of the wall within the territory of Iceland.
pure areas of the Earth. It is increasingly clear that Iceland offers fantastic and unique views to be shared and enjoyed around the globe through the world of cinematography. Sources: HBO, Adventure.is, Guide Location Written by: Arnau Romani and Ellen Kane
EDITORS 6 years volunteering experience. “Chill!” (CAMP LEADER)
Dentistry Student. “Trust me, I can be your DENTIST!” (CAMP LEADER)
Student of Film, TV & Multimedia. Looks like a child in Iceland.
c Student of Media Communication and working on Newspaper and Radio. "The best way of knowing about life is learning about the others. That's why I love children and people from all over the world."
Student of Bachelor's Fine Art and Photography at Academy of Art University of San Francisco. About her time in Iceland: "Many times I had to put my camera a side, and breath in this surreal place”
Student of Linguistics University. Student of Creative Writing and Culture Journalism in Germany. Loves twinkeling Enjoys being a volunteer and is sure that this is the best way to travel to other cultures. her eyelids.
Student of Japanese language and literature at Moscow State University. Likes being carried over a river by a real viking.
Student of Economics. Likes Icelandic people and buses.
Newspaper editor. Has a secret life as a
Student of Geography at the University of Glasgow. Loves her time as a volunteer. "It has opened my eyes to the endless opportunities and I have caught the travel Bug!!"
Student of World Economy in Russia. Hardcore tea drinker.
FUTURE Many things in the organization are evolving, this summer WF organized more teenage camps, and received their rst volunteer family!. This month is very important for the organization because of the number of volunteers will reach10,000
WF has started workcamps in Colombia since 2010 and its growing every year!
Which country will be next?
This is the special edition celebrating the arrival of the 10.000th volunteer, so far we have had people from 64 countries how long will it be until we reach the whole world?
Photo by Argoubi Taief
Photo by Argoubi Taief
Photo by Argoubi Taief
Photo by Argoubi Taief
Photo by Argoubi Taief
Photo by Argoubi Taief
Photo by Elena Pautina
Photo by Elena Pautina
Photo by Juli Zucker
Photo by Juli Zucker
Photo by Ksenia Bezorchuk
Photo by Ksenia Bezorchuk
Photo by Ellen Kane
Photo by Ellen Kane
Photo by Marcella M채rtel
Photo by Marcella M채rtel
Photo by Marcella M채rtel
Photo by Arnau Romani
Photo by Arnau Romani
Photo by Arnau Romani
Photo by Arnau Romani
Photo by Arnau Romani
Photo by Vanessa Karel
Photo by Vanessa Karel
Photo by Vanessa Karel
Photo by Vanessa Karel
Photo by Vanessa Karel
Photo by Vanessa Karel
Photo by Seyeon Lee
Photo by Seyeon Lee
Photo by Amina Mikhaylova
Photo by Amina Mikhaylova
Photo by Amina Mikhaylova
Photo by Amina Mikhaylova