Me with Guðrún, Sigríður & Arny (left to right, 3 generations)
This evening, we were invited for dinner to our first time in an Icelandic home for a meal. Mary Nesbitt (91) in SK, Canada lived in Iceland 50 yrs ago and put us in touch with each other. The daughter, Sigríður (18), picked Alexis, Kai, Niall & I up in their car as they live a little outside the Reykjavik area. Arny cooked a traditional Icelandic meal: roast lamb, potatoes from her garden, salad, ice cream & coffee which we enjoyed together with her husband, Kartjan and Sigríður & Guðrún. They had rabbits outside for Niall to play with. Guðrún introduced us to Opal licorice, a new licorice to fall in love with!! She kiindly gave Niall a prized box. Guðrún didn't speak english, but translation helped. There's always something new and fun to try! They were so kind and it felt good to be in a family home, to practice the language, get to know them and their lives. Mary (in Canada) and Guðrún (in Iceland) have stayed connected & written letters to each other for 50 years! Was special to be included in their connection and friendship.
By the way, in Iceland people's last names don't keep a traditional family name. Last names are a combination of their father's name with son (sson) or daughter (dóttir) for the ending. For example, these women's names all have a different last name. Grandmother: Guðrún Einarsdóttir; Mother: Arny Johannesóttir; and daughter: Sigríður Kjartansdóttir. By looking at their last name, you know immediately their father's name and whether it's a son or daughter. Cool, eh.
By the way, in Iceland people's last names don't keep a traditional family name. Last names are a combination of their father's name with son (sson) or daughter (dóttir) for the ending. For example, these women's names all have a different last name. Grandmother: Guðrún Einarsdóttir; Mother: Arny Johannesóttir; and daughter: Sigríður Kjartansdóttir. By looking at their last name, you know immediately their father's name and whether it's a son or daughter. Cool, eh.