Douglas Easton Travel Blog - Douglas Easton Travel

May 11, 2008

Torshavn, Faroe Islands

Midway over the seemingly endless stretch of Atlantic between Denmark and Iceland, our plane finally passes over land as it banks to land. Below us are the eighteen volcanic islands that comprise the Faroe Islands. Home to fewer than 50,000 inhabitants, the Faroes are blessed with a dramatic landscape resembling something out of Lord of the Rings.

Driving from the airport to the capital of Torshavn (via underwater tunnels and lofty mountain passes) we skirt gorgeous inland bays, impressive waterfalls, soaring grass-covered cliffs and brightly painted homes. The landscape is beautiful by any standard.

In the city center, we find buildings (both old and new) boasting sod-covered roofs. Torshavn's postcard-perfect harbor is distinguished by its remarkably clear, pristine water. Overlooking the harbor is the islands' parliament, one of the oldest legislative buildings in the world.

In 2007, the Faroes welcomed Bill Clinton, who had been invited to speak at a business seminar. Not since the Allies built a base during WWII had there been so much excitement at the arrival of a foreign visitor. (We think they were as excited to see us as well, but it may just have been the big box of chocolates John was carrying.) Clinton apparently fell in love with the islands, declaring himself the Faroes' unofficial tourism ambassador. He also took home with him an idea which he hopes to spread throughout the US and the world....sod roofs!

Tonight is our last night in the Faroes, and we're celebrating with a home-cooked dinner by guest-chef Doug, who will be making roast tenderloin of beef with potato puree, braised leeks and sauteed chanterelles; and a chocolate bread pudding with a pistachio custard sauce. Obviously, this trip is all about losing weight!

Tonight also marks the end of our ten-day Svalbard/Faroes tour. To read about Svalbard, located near the North Pole, see our blog entry for May 7, 2007 by clicking on http://douglaseastontravel.com/blog.html?id=24).

We and our guests have hugely enjoyed exploring these unique islands.... seemingly our own private discovery far from the mainland in the North Atlantic.

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