Tórshavn
Our excursion today took us along a rocky peninsula where we gazed at two fjords on one side and a picturesque valley on the other. The twisting roads allowed us to see the green, green grass with grazing sheep of every color. Torshavn has no trees because of the sheep, so the newer houses are built with cement. The older ones were built with driftwood that floated into the harbor from Siberia. This driftwood was entire trees. Today, the roofs of wealthier people’s homes are covered with sod, primarily for insulation. No, they don’t mow it. The weather in winter takes care of that. In the past, sod roof coverings defined poorer residents, while wealthy home owners used tile or metal.
We stopped in town to visit an old Lutheran Church (not a cathedral). It was made of wood, small, no gold or stained glass. It had 2 chandeliers and a Viking ship hanging from the ceiling. There was a balcony where the organ was played and an alter in front. You could just feel the serenity in this peaceful place. The church is full every Sunday and our guide was obviously proud of it.
As we continued on, we saw many hand-hewn stone salmon ladders leading into Lake Leynar. They also build stone fences, with gates, to keep the sheep out of these areas. Because the sheep are outside all year, the gates are closed when the salmon are running, fall/winter, and open in the spring/summer. Rhubarb and potatoes and their main staples, along with fish.
After our excursion, we decided to walk the town which is fairly hilly and immaculate. The stores seemed very sterile to us and very expensive. There is no crime. The harbor was filled with boats and there are lots of restaurants and cafes. About five years ago, pizza and MacDonald’s came to town. We also spotted a Burger King but no Starbucks. Torshavn is a beautiful, colorful village that is perfect for other people to live in.