Day Thirteen - Torshavn, Faroe Islands Thursday 24 July 2014

 

I got up about 7:15 am -- Phil had been up and out for hours -- we had breakfast about 9:00 am --- expecting to arrive in Foggy Torshavn about Noon.

Torshavn is the capital and largest town (pop: 20,000) of the Faroe Islands which are part of Denmark.  

We dock in a very active commercial port so are required to take a shuttle bus to the port entrance where one of the information centers resides.  I pick up a map and find out that there is a bus that travels around Torshavn in a 30 minute loop.  The bus is free to all and is the route for the locals but also gives one a good overview of this port. 

Phil among the Parliament Buildings.

Phil and I head to the Parliament Buildings in the Tinganes section of old town Torshavn, These beautiful red buildings were built in 900 AD when this  parliament--thought to be the first in the world--began meeting.    These buildings are still active government buildings -- including the Prime Minister's Office.

More Parliament Buildings!

 Continuing on into the Reyn section of old town Torshavn -- are small black residential buildings dating back to the same period -- this is where the workers lived.   In both sections grass roofs are still in use --- wending our way through the small streets that wind around the houses we eventually find  The Cathedral Havnar kirkja -- established in 1788 -- completely rebuilt in 1865 when it got the look it has today.  

Worker Cottages!

The Cathedral

Leaving the Church on our way to the harbor --- what do I see but a Red Cross Thrift Store -- I was so excited -- this is the first thrift store I have seen on our trip.   I went in and browsed around a bit -- but since I don't have any Danish Kroner I just enjoyed looking.   I did notice that a young mother was in the shop -- but had left her baby outside the shop in a carriage in front of the shop.    As we walked around -- I saw clusters of baby carriages outside shops with babies in them -- apparently common practice on this island. 

Inside the Cathedral!

Thrift Shop w/Baby in Carriage outside.

Phil and I continued on to the pedestrian street with all the shops -- even an antique mall and another thrift shop.   I spotted the free bus and took it --- planning to meet Phil at The Irish Pub on the waterfront after my tour.    The driver was Orloff -- I hope I have spelled that correctly.   I sat up front and for most of the ride I was his only passenger so we had a nice chat.  

 I mentioned to Orloff the baby carriages left outside shops -- he said, "Oh, yes, we have no stolen babies here."   He said he never locks his doors or his car --- it is a very safe and friendly community.   Orloff grew up in Torshavn, but moved to Copenhagen for 4 years -- but came back because his grown children live in Torshavn as does his Dad.   Orloff looks to be in his mid- 40's.    When we got to the highest point outside town, he stopped the bus for his seven minute break -- he had a cigarette.  I took a couple of photos -- but the fog limited what I could see.

View of Torshavn from highest point -- too bad about the fog!

 Orloff told me about the upcoming holiday on Monday (28 July) -- St. Olaf's Day -- a huge celebration all over the Faroe Islands.   Back in town -- I thanked Orloff for my "tour" -- and headed to the waterfront to find The Irish Pub -- noticing all the preparations being made for the St. Olaf's Day celebrations.   I found the pub and Phil and was pleasantly surprised to see that they had wi fi -- Phil stayed for another beer --- I was able to get my postings up on the blog.

As we walked back to the port area -- we observed more lights going up -- and staging areas being erected.   It will be quite the party.

Pat at the Harbor in Torshavn.

 Not to let a good wifi signal pass me by -- I stayed in the port area to finish up the blog postings before boarding the shuttle bus back to the ship.

Torshavn was my favorite port so far -- it had a nice feel to it -- reminding me of Cape Cod -- a comfortable low-key atmosphere.   Or -- maybe it was all those thrift stores and the antique mail.

Thanks for Reading.

Pat