Torshavn, Faeroe Islands
Morning and the ship is docked in Torshavn, the capital and largest city in Faeroes. The rocky peninsula that juts into the harbor, right next to the National Geographic Explorer, was the site of the main Viking parliament or Ting beginning in the 10th century. There was probably no settlement here, at that time, since the Viking held their Tings on neutral ground. In the summer, on the warm flat rocks, the Vikings would talk and trade, mix, and make alliances and love.
No talk for us this morning, as most choose to go to sea on local boats, either sightseeing or fishing. Both excursions were successful. The waters were calm and the air warm and clear. I heard glowing reports from the sightseers of high cliffs, caves, masterful boat handling and the cries of many birds. The fishermen were also smiling but they would not talk size or numbers, strange secrets for their kind.
In the afternoon the National Geographic Explorer began its eastward passage to the Orkneys, like so many ships before her. And like them, we too encountered the giants of the sea… whales! We lustily approved when they were identified as fin whales, second largest of all living animals. There she blows! We spent some time amongst them and, like always, headed over the horizon.
