Above 63

I actually know the answer to that question–that doesn’t mean I don’t feel confused.

I’ve been surprised at how much “context and place” is affecting me with this work and play question. I have been doing some work since I arrived and I start teaching and working on research in earnest next week. Still, I feel compelled to play more than work. I think context of being in Iceland is giving me mixed signals. I feel like I should “get up and see things,” “do things,” and “go play.” Still I have work to do–but my head says “play.”

I have a sense that some of this has to do with living in and around a tourist zone in Reykjavik. I also live around the corner from a hotel Kathleen and I stayed at while on a vacation a few years ago. All these tourists are giving me signals to get out and play. The long daylight hours don’t help and play a role in my confusion. Since the sun sets around 10 pm and it is light until around midnight–I feel like I’m wasting daylight and should go out after dinner and see more things! After dinner I feel like I should go out for a long hike because its light out and the the weather is good. There is a nice spot at the end of the street to watch the sunset over the North Atlantic.

I have gotten out and around a fair bit. I’ve certainly done a lot in Reykjavik and I’ve taken a couple of trips out of town to nearby sites like Seljalandsfoss, Gullfoss and Reynisfjara Beach. I’ve been to these places before, sometimes in sideways rain, but they are always good to see.

I do have some things I need to get done as part of the award. Since classes start this week I will have a more normal schedule. I will work soon enough. The daylight is quickly changing and by late September there will be more dark than light. There will be fewer tourists in my neighborhood. I have a sense that the darkness in October, November, and December will mess with me as well.

So now is the time to play more and work less. The reverse will be here soon enough.