Unamagazine april2011

una

Contents

Dear Reader, Welcome to the second issue of Una! This issue has been created by the volunteers of Worldwide Friends/Veraldarvinir to inform you about just a few of the almost 200 workcamps that are offered in 2010. We will take you on a journey through Iceland‘s scenic south, encountering warriors and fair maidens at the Hafjarfjörðor Viking festival, experiencing a unique kind of community at Sólheimar, and relaxing in the thermal baths of one of the nation‘s top health clinics, Hveragerði.

Dear reader ................................... 2

A day in Reykjavik! ....................... 3 Hverfisgata ................................... 4

Viking festival ............................... 5

Hveragerði .................................... 9

Sólheimar .................................... 13

Una is the official magazine of Veraldarvinir/Worldwide Friends Iceland (WF), a non-profit, non-governmnetal organisation that promotes environmental awareness, peace and cultural understanding. Founded in 2001, it organises international workcamps in which volunteers from all around the world meet to work together in different kinds of environmental, artistic and educational projects. In 2010, Worldwide Friends received over 1400 volunteers and also worked as a sending organisation for Icelanders wanting to take part in similar activities abroad.

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Editors: Elena Hermosa Linda Matejovska Contributors Camilla Alabor Elena Hermosa Ivan Volchykhin Judy Tal Linda Matejovska Sophie Jordan

Publisher Worldwide Friends Iceland / Veraldarvinir Hverfisgata 88 101 Reykjavik +354 5525214 www.wf.is

We have built tables fit for Vikings, plucked weeds from the organic forests of the future, planted celery shoots under the summer sun, and of course, interviewed every volunteer and organiser along the way. We have lived and breathed these workcamps, and just as we have had a little taste of the myriad of workcamps offered by WF over the last two weeks, we hope that you too will gain some insight into the daily life of a WF volunteer.

What we also learned is that workcamps, despite the name, are not just about work. Worldwide Friends arranges numerous excursions throughout the season, offering volunteers the chance to experience the beauty and awe that are abundant in Iceland. But most rewarding are the friendships and memories that are guaranteed to develop when spending two solid weeks with friendly, like-minded people.

We hope you enjoy Una, and that we will see you soon in Iceland (if Eyjafjallajökull will allow it!).

UNA THE OFFICIAL WORLDWIDE FRIENDS’ MAGAZINE

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A day in

! k i v a j k y Re

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s a Wordlwide Friends volunteer, there are heaps of opportunities at your door step in 101 Reykjavik. Experience a hippie-like atmosphere at the famous White House, where a bunch of happy, tired and restless volunteers enjoy barbecues, card games, and the occasional garage concert – and where they come to sleep after a hard day´s work. Sometimes messy and loud, at times all tidy and quiet, the white house seems to have a life of its own.

After a long night in the White House or in one of Reykjavik´s pubs, you might want to relax a bit the following day. You can choose among the many activities that Reykjavik offers.

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Go for a stroll along the seaside and wait until the sun sets (you will have to wait till 3am in summer, though)

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On a rainy day, stay home and grab a book from the ever-increasing White House collection, or hang out in one of the many cosy cafes along Laugavegur

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Take a relaxing bath in the outdoor hotpot at the local swimming pool (free for WF volunteers)

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Get your cultural fill at one of the many museums (free on Wednesdays!) and art exhibitions

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Stroll down Laugavegur to the Town Hall and feed the ducks in the picturesque pond nearby

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On a sunny day, join the many Icelanders sunbathing and picknicking in the park

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Rent a bike on Hverfisgata and explore Reykjavik and its outskirts

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For those who want to do some shopping, the weekend flea market is a place where you can find weird and wonderful (and cheap!) treasures - you are likely to come home with a few kilos more in your suitcase, so beware!

ur. A g í t s u ð r Skólavö ard games, n o Babalu with bo e l o h rations y o b c b e u d c y e t e s cu rs, chee ffee. i a h c z t chin ap co and che

Making a difference on Hverfisgata A wise man once said: "Make no small plans." Here at Worldwide Friends we have taken this philosophy to heart. This is why we have taken up the challenge of revamping Hverfisgata, the once prosperous shopping street. It runs parallel to the forever bustling Laugavegur, the central hub of Reykjavik and reminder of the former glory of Hverfisgata. When the 2008 financial crisis saw the abandonment of plans to commercialise the street, WF founder Þórarinn “Tóti” Ívarsson took matters into his own hands and developed a long-term project to bring the street back to life. "The fact that our accomodations are located in this neighbourhood alone has a positive impact", Toti says. In the coming weeks, WF will open a coffee shop and jewelry store at number 59, in the hopes that it will attract more visitors and support WF´s projects in Iceland and abroad.

Þórarinn “Tóti” Ívarsson, President of WF (right) and Antonio Perez, Social and Artistical Manager

The WF Shop at #59

As well as their projects in Iceland, WF is coordinating workcamps in Tierra Bomba (starting in July 2010), a small island off the coast of Colombia. This project is aimed at providing educational workshops for the youth of the island. The recently opened shop on 59 Hverfisgata which sells handmade (by volunteers) jewelry, crafted from pieces of lava and stones found on Icelandic beaches will contribute to funding their projects in Iceland and abroad. Antonio Perez, who has worked with WF for three years, feels a special connection to Tierra Bomba: "Life is not easy there poverty and crime are reigning in this island; children are lucky to get basic education and adequate care. We would like to improve the quality of life for the local residents and offer alternate paths for the youth."

UNA THE OFFICIAL WORLDWIDE FRIENDS’ MAGAZINE

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he Vikings settled in Iceland around the year 874 and Icelanders are very proud of their Viking heritage. This is why a group of dedicated Vikings started a Viking Festival fourteen years ago in Hafnarfjörður, a sea side town some ten kilometers south of Reykjavik. The week-long festival takes place each June, and consists of different activities such as Viking fighting, dancing as well as market stands which sell jewelry, handmade Viking paraphernalia and food.

Volunteers participating in the Viking Festival workcamp help to set up the festival before it starts, and assist the organizers to run it throughout the week. Volunteers perform different tasks, such as controlling the venues, working in the stalls, helping the other Viking volunteers and staff in the kitchen or serving meals - they even get to dress up in traditional Viking dress!

Staying true to their roots, the modern Viking community doesn't care much about borders, with followers coming from places as diverse as Scandinavia, England, Hungary, Romania, even Canada. They come together to fight, dance, sing and - of course - drink the local Viking beer. It is this sense of community and brotherhood which keeps them traveling all around the world. Just as it does for the Vikings of today, the Festival at Hafnarfjörður will leave you yearning for the magical charm of a time long gone by.

Viking Festival UNA THE OFFICIAL WORLDWIDE FRIENDS’ MAGAZINE

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An afternoon as a Viking

Judith Nork, Germany, 26 - Looking forward to the Viking atmosphere Judith participated in the Viking Festival as a Worldwide Friends volunteer. Having already visited some Celtic festivals in the Netherlands, she has come for the whole Viking atmosphere and is looking forward to wearing the traditional dress at the Festival. Apart from the Vikings, the reasons for coming here were to meet new people from all over the world, to have fun, and of course to get to see some of Iceland. The happy look on her face seems to say that she got what she came for.

Hafsteinn from Iceland is a trained Viking warrior, he practices twice a week and his blue eyes are full with passion when he speakes about Viking culture and the warriors life style. "We fight in free style", he says "and our helmets are without horns". He is aware of the common belief about the brutality of the Viking fights, but believes that it is mostly a result of ignorance.

Hafsteinn admires the old Viking tradition and community life that stays alive for centuries thanks to the ongoing practice of people from Germany, Belgium. The Netherlands, Africa, Indonesia and the US. He participates in Viking festivals on a regular basis, and keeps connected with the community and their typical activities: story telling, dancing, wrestling, joggling, and fighting.

Hafsteinn draws our attention to another activity much cherished by Vikings: it is called “Bimbling” and it means hanging around and doing nothing. “Doing nothing with a purpose” he says with a cheeky grin.

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Theodor Arni Hansson, Iceland, 28 - Viking Festival Better than Christmas Theodor is a long-time participant in the Festival.

He fell in love with the scene four years ago, when he went to see a Viking fight training session. It fascinated him so much that he decided straight away to take part in fight training. But if the fighting is important to him, it is only a small part of what being a Viking is all about. Theodor makes his own Viking clothes, helmet and shoes and uses authentic Viking patterns and material for their design. Besides the fighting and designing of Viking material, it is the feeling of community that matters most. “Because this is what it is,” Theodor stresses, “a community, a brotherhood, where everyone looks out for one another and where it doesn't matter one's origin or political views.”

Indeed, Theodor smiles, he's looking forward more to the Viking Festival than Christmas. "During the Festival I meet my friends and people from all over the world", he says. And of course, there will be the chance to practice fighting techniques against warriors of many different origins.

Walking into the Viking festival was like stepping back in time: women and men in linen garments and animal skin coats stroll through the market, and the ancient sounds of drums and flutes fill the air.

Three lambs roast on a large open fire, tended to by long haired, bearded men who seem to have stepped straight out of an Icelandic saga.

The real show begins in the evening, the Viking men first marching through the festival carrying their weapons and shields. A patch of grass has been converted to a makeshift battlefield, and the war begins.

Their weapons may be blunt and their system based on honour (if you are hit you fall to the ground), but the passion and the energy of the fighters is real.

An Englishman and an Icelander are the last to remain, and it is clear who the victor will be. “He’s not gonna win!” heaves the Englishman, clutching his side and searching for his weapons which have been lost in the battle. His proclamation is in vain, however, and soon enough Hafsteinn of Iceland stands tall amongst the many fallen warriors. And now the fun – if it can so be called – begins.

The Vikings, having miraculously recovered from their battle wounds, stand to partake in what can only be described as barbaric games. Cheek pulling, pillow fighting, one legged circle wrestling and a combination of acrobatics and tug-of-war ensue, and I am left thinking that the Viking games were perhaps even more brutal than their battles.

UNA THE OFFICIAL WORLDWIDE FRIENDS’ MAGAZINE

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Hveragerรฐi

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he Rehabilitation and Health Clinic in Hveragerði has earned high reputation both in and outside Iceland as The Capital of Hot Springs. It belongs to the Natural Health Association of the country, and provides diverse programs and services to approximately 2,000 rehabilitating patients each year. Hveragerði can be translated as ‘hot springs garden’ and for good reason, for this small town, not far from Reykjavik, is located atop an active geothermal field.

Since its establishment in 1955, the Clinic´s ideology has been based on improving patients’ quality of life through natural remedies. The Clinic and Spa are operated by 120 staff members and two dozen volunteers from all over the world. With its rich natural resources, the Clinic in Hveragerði offers mud baths, herbal baths, acupuncture and various massages, and a high standard of organic food prepared from vegetables that are grown in their on-site greenhouses.

"Volunteers are always welcome here" says Olafur Sigurdson, Executive Manager of the Clinic.

"Their support in the greenhouse, gardens and the forest is most appreciated." In return, the Clinic provides meals (vegetarian, of course) and lodging to those who come to volunteer and allows free access to the geothermal swimming pool, hot tubs and gym.

Those who choose to volunteer in Hveragerði benefit from its location: in the vicinity are many spots of interest, including the famed Golden Circle - a must-see for all visitors to Iceland. Along with the opportunity to meet and make friends with volunteers from different parts of the world, volunteers will often meet with students from Europe and the U.S. who participate in academic internship projects.

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Workcamp leader Paulina from Berlin, Germany. She just came back from the fields where she, along with other volunteers, planted rows of celery, and now takes a short break before hiking to the hot river, some five kilometers away.

“I wanted to be involved in social and environmental projects, and this one in Iceland was available at once”. She didn’t know much about Iceland before she came here, but now after a week in the workcamp she feels “at home”, and is most happy with the clean and friendly accommodation, as well as the food, especially because she is a vegetarian. This workcamp has paved the way for future volunteer projects for Paulina, “It’s a pleasure for me to stay with people who give from themselves to others. I believe I’ll join other workcamps in the future.”12

S贸lheimar

Pioneers from the outset

It‘s hard to imagine the humble beginnings of Sólheimar back in July 1930. Just a few tents and less than a dozen children and teachers settled in a small valley about an hour’s drive from Reykjavik (though it should be noted that there were no roads at the time!). Established by Sesselja Gismundsdottir, Sólheimar (‘home of the sun’ in Icelandic), started of as a small school with a big message, and received large amounts of attention - often negative in its early years - for its unconventional practices. For Sólheimar is a unique place, a community that is made up of people with special needs and people without special needs, all living and working together - and eating, singing and dancing. There are some 120 people living in Sólheimar, of which 50 have special needs, while the rest is made up of volunteers, people who work in the village, as well as a couple of families. The volunteers live in a building across the street, where a mix of languages and laughter can be heard from far away. Young people from all over the world live together, cook, play cards, teach each other languages and argue about who has to clean the kitchen. It feels like a little 'Auberge Espagnole', with the slight difference that the set is located in Iceland and not in Barcelona - and that the sun never sets in summer.

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Volunteering pays at Sólheimar Since its first day back in July 1930, volunteers have worked and lived at Sólheimar.

The village offers a broad range of opportunities for volunteers, with placements lasting from two weeks to one year. Work options include planting and packaging in the green house, weeding and planting in the Forestry, assisting in the guest house or in the Bakery, or working with wood, candles, clay and paint in one of Sólheimar’s workshops. It is possible to combine these different activities, although long-term volunteers normally choose one main branch to work in. Long-term volunteers also have the possibility to take an Icelandic course for free (beginner courses from September to December). The Icelandic volunteers on place will also be happy to teach you some words and songs in their language.

But Sólheimar is about much more than planting trees and baking bread; indeed it offers a completely different way of life, one which many volunteers find rewarding and enjoyable. “I felt instantly relaxed” says Angel, a Boston-born student participating in Sólheimar’s internship programme. It is easy to share Angel’s sentiments; the atmosphere and location of Sólheimar create a unique experience for every visitor, of which there are approximately 30,000 per year.

What makes Sólheimar so different is the fact that disabled and so-called able people live and work together.

Thus, volunteers should be prepared and willing to interact and take advantage of this opportunity, which can be both a challenge and a very enriching experience. Or, as Valgeir Backman, Responsible for Social Affairs, puts it: “One has to be ready for a change in mentality.”

Sólheimar, then, is about community and doing things together. It starts in the morning with the daily meeting at 9am, when all inhabitants come together for a short reunion to share their news and thoughts and sing a song to greet the day. After that, everyone goes to their workplace, which could be in one of the village’s workshops, in the green house or in the forestry. For lunch, everyone comes together once again to enjoy the good vegetarian (and non-vegetarian) kitchen and then returns to their flowers, tomatoes - or art ateliers. After all, Sólheimar is not just about growing things ecologically and planting trees, but also about being creative and expressing oneself through art. With the tomatoes picked and packaged, the flowers planted and the art work finished, it is time for some rest before the activities in the evening start. Throughout the week, different activities are organized, such as singing or dancing, which volunteers are invited to join. For those who prefer to work out, there is also a small swimming pool as well as a gym - and a pingpong table for combining fun and exercise.

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The carpentry in Sólheimar has been managed since 1998 by Laurus. “I was attracted to Sólheimar for two reasons: my interest and involvement with anthroposophy and Rudolph Steiner’s theory, and my interest in musical instruments that I learnt to build from wood.”

Five people with special needs work in Laurus’ workshop, but most of the difficult and dangerous work is performed by him and by volunteers (he would love to have more of them, if he only could support them). “When the workers were younger, some of them were carving, but the community is aging, and very few newcomers join us.” In the past, the design was done by an artist who lived in the village, but now very little new design occurs.

Toys and carved sculptures are sold in the shop to partly cover the community’s needs.

In his free time, Laurus uses the carpentry to design and build very special musical instruments; beautiful liras and harps. While he finds working and living in Sólheimar is quite challenging, he feels satisfaction in being part of such a community and ideology.

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In 2008, Mira joined the community in Sólheimar for long term volunteering. She came from Finland, and it was her second stay in the village.

She took up Icelandic lessons and soon enough she spoke the language fluently (Icelandic and Finnish have much in common). Mira became member of the community and made many friends in Sólheimar. After one year of general volunteer work, in September 2009, she accepted the offer to run the weavery, and very soon she became an expert on the weaving machines.

“Working with disabled people is nice and fun” she says, “they are friendly and easy going”.

The weavery produces table runners, rugs, small bookmarks and pillows to be sold to visitors in the local shop. Some of the workers in Mira´s workshop are knitting with wool that is bought by the village, while most of the materials are donated to the community.

“Our workers are talented and skillful, but naturally they can’t cover all the production duties - this is where the volunteers’ support is most needed.” Mira adds that when she gets help with the regular production she has the opportunity to teach her workers and widen their breadth of knowledge.

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Get Get involved!! involved!

Sustainability – the catch phrase in action at Sólheimar It’s the buzz word of the day, a sometimes elusive concept which seems to have entered our daily vocabulary. Come to Sólheimar, and you will see sustainability in action. The village is completely powered by natural resources, be they hydroelectric, geothermal, solar or wind based. All waste is recycled or composted, and the organic forestry and farming practices are among the best (and only!) in Scandinavia. But probably of greatest importance in terms of sustainability at Sólheimar is the Sesseljuhus, a house named for Sesselja Gismundsdóttir who founded Sólheimar some 80 years ago. The house, which was opened in 2002, was the first in Iceland to be planned and built with sustainable practices: recycled wool was used for insulation, driftwood for building and limited use of chemicals throughout the construction. And it doesn’t stop there; the house is used as an environmental education centre for students from Iceland and abroad. Many other sustainability projects are underway at Sólheimar, under the guidance of urban planner Alex Benediktsson. The village is collaborating with a large Icelandic engineering company to establish sustainable building codes in Iceland, as well as smaller organizations in an attempt to promote environmental education.

To sum up, working in Sólheimar is not only about gaining practical experience and living together with other volunteers, but also about changing our perceptions of people and learning to interact with people one would not normally get to know. It is an opportunity for open-minded people who look for something different, far removed from the lively streets of Reykjavik.

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