It’s not something I ever considered back when I was writing The Tricking of Freya. I was just hoping to maybe find a publisher. Mainly, I was just praying I would finish the manuscript someday… A book tour in Iceland was far beyond my imaginings.
On my first trip to Iceland in 1998, I went by myself and didn’t know a soul. I traveled the island in a daze of wonder, meeting relatives for the first time, visiting my grandfather’s farm, exploring lava fields…
Now, embarking on my fourth trip, I’m accompanied by my dashing fiancé and official book tour photographer, Oliver. I’m looking forward to reunions with relatives, seeing the amazing volcanoes and glaciers and waterfalls again, soaking in hot pools, and hopefully surviving the terrifying Icelandic roads.
And the book tour itself! I’m so thrilled – and a bit nervous – for the chance to engage with Icelandic audiences, some of whom will already have read the Icelandic translation of my book, Freyjuginning.
For my book events, I will actually be reading out loud a section of the book in Icelandic. I’ve been practicing madly for weeks trying to get my accent right. I’m much more nervous about whether I’ll be able to pronounce “hrjóstrugum” in front of a live audience than about whether the volcano will disrupt our flight. My ability to roll my R’s is maddeningly inconsistent. Sometimes I emit a perfect trrrrrrrrill, other times a flat old American R pops out.
Our itinerary is becoming more packed by the minute; media interviews are getting scheduled and distant cousins are popping out of the woodwork. This will be my first trip back in nine years. One thing I’m very curious about is what changes I will see related to the economic collapse. It will certainly not be the same Iceland it was before.
Our trip will be just over two weeks long, with four book events around the island. First stop is Reykjavik, with two book events, some family dinners, an excursion to Thingvellir, and an afternoon for Oliver on the lava-edged golf course of Hafnarfjordur, a town famous for its large population of Huldu Folk (elves). And lots more. Then we’ll start our journey East, hoping for a view of the volcano en route.
So please join us, dear readers and friends. Lean back and enjoy some armchair travel, Icelandic style…
Christina & Oliver
Milo looks like he can't wait for y'all to leave!
How does one view a full moon under midnight sun?
Goodspeed and remind your dashing companion to use a tripod!
Posted by: Hugo Von Schwanenflugel | May 27, 2010 at 07:54 AM
How exciting!! Take lots of pictures!
Posted by: Kei | May 27, 2010 at 01:19 PM
Happy lava trails to you both!
We look forward to your stories and your pictures.
(Does Oliver know how to say "FORE!" in Icelandic?)
Myra
Posted by: Myra | May 27, 2010 at 07:48 PM
I believe "FORE" is the same in any language....
Our hosts are wonderful folks and all is right w/the world!
Posted by: ~ok~ | May 28, 2010 at 04:46 PM
Tell us how you have gone? You'll probably like it!
Posted by: Kira Bark | November 07, 2011 at 08:02 AM