seasonal shopping

Grocery stores here are an entirely different creature in the summer than they are in the winter. The wares this time of year are almost entirely camping-focused, aside from your household staples like harðfiskur and toilet paper. In the fridge section, the shelves bloom with hot-dog selections, from cheese and jalapeno flavored to "French" and "Italian" varieties (note that they are NOT quite a replacement for my beloved hot Italian sausages but they do somewhat approximate the flavor... it'll do in a pinch).

The ends of the aisles are stacked high with single-use barbecue grills, and the banana tree display is accessorized with a box of Mars bars. This initially was an illogical pairing to me but after trying this Icelandic camping delicacy, I have no further questions. Kids, you can do this one at home, and here's how! Take one banana per camper, lay on its side, and slice along the curve (no peeling!)almost through the other side- leave the skin on the bottom intact. Break up chunks of Mars bar, or peppermint-filled chocolate (Pipp works well), or Sírius Konsum bittersweet. Set on the grill, cover, and let sit until the bananas have gone soft and the chocolate is melted. Eat with a spoon. I'm historically not a banana fan but this is TOO good- hot, melty, and almost too sweet. Try it. For extra credit, I'm told a shot of Grand Marnier or other liqueur adds a certain something.

If you stray from the edibles, there's also every kind of portable goody you could imagine. When I went camping a few weeks ago, we had a tent so large we could all stand up together in the vestibule, two tables, chairs for everyone (seven diners plus table fit comfortably), a stove, a heater, a bright gas lamp, air mattresses for all (and a pump that plugged into the car lighter so you didn't go all dizzy trying to inflate their hugeness), quick-light firelogs and plenty of cheerful plastic and tin cups, plates, and wine glasses. One wants for nothing!

Ship sighting: I went for a short inspectional stroll down to the harbor last night to admire an immaculate fishing ship at the main dock, in from the stunning-looking Faroese town of Klaksvík. Next to it, the cruise ship Princess Danae was tied up, her Portugese-speaking crew lounging around the gangplank (the ship is registered in Madeira). Inside I could make out some tables of people finishing up their supper in the restaurant. Why, I ask you, were these people eating on board when the the town's best hotdogs are available a street away? Also, I would love to see a ship that's not all Prince this or Queen that. How about a ship called Janitor Jim? I'd like that.