torshavn - the man with stars in his eyes

This tiny archipelago of islands is unknown to me. A pause between Norway and Iceland that is about to become familiar. 

The capital spills down a shallow hill and towards the ocean in brightly coloured buildings. Grass carpets the tops of homes, each resembling a small enchanted hill. Torshavn has seized my curiosity. It feels as if I have fallen into the animated series, Hilda, and am delighted. I do hope to meet Alfa, and am happy to sign any necessary paperwork beforehand. 

Once again, in the good fortune of fantastic weather, we enjoy 3 of the yearly 800 hours of sunshine here. Streets twist between wooden structures crowned with turf and pull us further in. This town is immaculate and deeply charming, simply being here feels like a full-body exhale. Hills pour down to snug boats in a harbour so clear, a shift in color is the only way to distinguish water from air. 

Walking along a path with an ancient patterned stone, we stop beside a man having lunch. He is generously sweatered and enjoying the day - all the signs of a local. This soul is originally from Minnesota; his eyes dance with magic as he speaks, like they were filled with stars. He visited these islands as an exchange student, and the magic here pulled him back. There are mysteries here, he says, he is still sitting with. If it takes the rest of his life to just be with these secrets of the land, he is happy. 

When I mention Hilda, he lights up, ‘Yes, Hilda is definitely from here.’  

After an unconventional conversation, we move to continue on our way. ‘Wait, you are going the wrong way, I just saw you come from that direction.’ Perhaps he did; time-space is relative. Mentioning this, he chuckles and nods, we continue in our initial direction. 

Flickers catch the corners of the eye, causing questions to arise. What did I just see? After a few hours, we return for lunch and discover other guests are just as captivated by this unique grouping of islands. 

With one day here, we depart at dinner and throw back the curtains to watch as we sail between regal cliffs that conceal Norse deities, giants, and trolls. Strong sunlight casts sharp shadows, and each isle demands respect as they rise proud out of the watery depths. 

The Faroe Islands now in the distance, I do believe if the ship could not depart, we all would be happy to stay and live among these ancient secrets.