Sumardagurinn Fyrsti: Spring arriving slowly.. April 22

April 22, Sumardagurinn Fyrsti. That means First Day of Summer in Iceland, a day free of work, celebration of life. It always falls on Thursday, in the end of April. Why is it so early? Because in old times there were only 2 seasons distinguished, summer and winter. And it is so. Winters were so though and people so poor, therefore since that day you could already say that you had survived one more winter. Age used to be counted in winters, also n Poland, remember?

And there is a strong connection to Icelandic sagas (mythology). It is first day of month Harpa..

Going back in time, April 22, I went to see Martin working at Science Centre, just few minutes walk from our place. It was an open day, free access for everyone. He was finishing the light box all previous evening. A lot of fun to play mixing colours and learning how it works. I took my camera with new lens, just to give it first go in Iceland. Air was so cool but it was quite sunny though. Then I went downtown to see what was on. A lot of events going on, mostly for families with kids, as Icelanders generally tend to have many kids, 2, 3, 4 or more ;)

Today is May 22, exactly one month has past and full summer has not arrived yet. It's so late this year. Trees are not green yet, just small green leaves appearing slowly, only early spring flowers in the gardens. Not fully green yet and trees are still to bloom, hopefully soon. This is a huge surprise for me because last year spring burst out in the end of April.. Patience, more and more patience is required this year, let's try to be zen and don't expect too much, and all the good things will come in the right moment, just wait for a while ;))))

(all the pictures publish in this post were taken on April 22)