All Things Iceland8 Feb 2020

Life on a Sheep Farm with Pálína Axelsdóttir Njarðvík: Ep. 52

The Icelandic sheep farm is pretty much as old as the country because the first settlers from Norway in the 9th and 10 centuries brought sheep with them. As a native New Yorker that was completely disconnected from raw nature, such as the kind found in Iceland, I find it fascinating and difficult to imagine what it would be like to grow up and work on a farm.

When I came across Pálína’s Instagram account (@farmlifeiceland), I just knew that I had to interview her for the All Things Iceland podcast.

We talked about a variety of things regarding this way of life. Her perspective on life on a sheep farm in Iceland is what is most intriguing.

What I especially love is that she has a unique bond with some of the sheep on the farm. On her account, she documents her relationship with them. It is touching and delightful to see her interact with them so closely. If you have ever tried to interact with an Icelandic sheep, you are probably aware that they normally keep their distance from humans.

Along with showing the fun side of working and living on a sheep farm, Pálina also shows the challenging parts. Her feelings about the lamb slaughtering season is one that really stuck out to me. It was interesting to hear her talk about that in the interview.

I hope you enjoy listening to this interview just as much as I enjoyed conducting it. If you are on Instagram, I recommend checking out @FarmLifeIceland.

Questions I Asked Pálína About Life on an Icelandic Sheep Farm

What was it like growing up on an Icelandic sheep farm?
Why did you decide to start an Instagram account about life on a sheep farm?
During a previous episode, the lambing season was brought up, what’s it like during that time of the year?
What is something about farm life in Iceland that would shock people who are unfamiliar with that lifetstyle?
You show a lot of pictures of Sunna and Brynja, two sheep on the farm. What is your relationship with them?
Have you observed any strange habits of sheep on your family’s farm?
I emotionally connected to one of your Instagram posts, which talks about the most horrible time of the year for you. It happens right after Réttir. What happens during that time and why do you dislike it?
Have you encountered any challenges navigating between city and farm life?
What is your favorite Icelandic word or phrase?

Let’s be social! Here is where you can connect with me:

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Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta (og að lesa) og sjáumst fljótlega

Thank you kindly for listening (and reading) and see you soon!

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