* c h a n g e *

It's been a while since I posted, and yet so much has happened since then. The last three months have been a whirlwind, but now that we are more or less settled I thought it was time to start posting again. So back in July I decided to accept a new job offer abroad ...which meant that we had to move to Germany. Or more precisely, to Frankfurt. That was, of course, a huge change for us.

We've been here for a little over a month now and I can say it's been a really good experience so far. I'll try to write more about our first weeks here later on (they were quite surreal sometimes), but for now I'll leave you with a few photos of our new home in beautiful Sachsenhausen.

And although I haven't posted much lately you can also find me on Instagram now (@tania.ho). I decided to create an account to share photos from our trip to the Açores back in June (another trip that I must blog about, it's become one of my favorite places now), and now of our adventures in Germany.

d o t t i e s

My second knitted pair of socks ever. The first were these, back in 2008, and although I started several pairs during the last years I was never really able to finish them.

But I love anything with dots, so I guess that's what kept me motivated this time :) The pattern is very easy, although I made some changes:

- Fish Lips Kiss Heel - I really loved this heel construction and plan on using it whenever I can. Very easy to knit and no visible gaps or holes afterwards.

- Reduced number of stitches to 60 

Pattern: Dotties

Yarn: Schachenmayr Nomotta Merino Extra Fine 120 (light grey) + Zitron Trekking XXL (slightly variegated dark blue)

Needles: 2.5 mm

Ravelry project page here

sabonete de camomila + alfazema

Primeiro sabonete feito cá em casa depois do workshop da Ana. Está quase, quase, a terminar o tempo de cura pelo que daqui a uns dias já devemos poder experimentar.

boardwalk

This is a beautiful pattern by Heidi Kirrmaier. I particularly found the construction of the cap sleeves very interesting, and this yarn (a gift from a Danish friend) was the perfect match for it.

Pattern: Boardwalk, by Heidi Kirrmaier

Yarn:  Isager Strik Højlandsgarn (Highland Yarn) , 2.5 skeins

Neeldes: 3 mm

Size: 32''

Ravelry project page

02::driving to the Westfjords (from Reykjavik to Isafjordur)

On our second day in Iceland we picked up our rental car early in the morning. We rented a Dacia Duster from Blue Car Rental this time, and we had a really good experience with them. They dropped the car off at our apartment (and at the end of the trip picked it up there) and the car was in very good condition. I've seen lots of people asking on forums if a 4WD is really needed in Iceland, but I think it depends. If you're only driving the Ring Road then probably not, but if you're planning to go in any F-roads then definitely do. We weren't planning to drive any this time, but even so we found some tricky roads which made me glad we had the Duster.

Our morning was spent shopping - we drove to the Everest store to get a new backpack carrier, and decided to get some waterproof pants from the nearby Regatta store as well (quite cheaper when compared to the other outlets around, especially 66º North and such). Also there was a Bonus supermarket on the corner so we stocked up on food to last us the following days as well.

We left Reykjavik much later than expected, almost at lunchtime, and drove directly to Isafjordur, the capital of the Westfjords.

This drive is a long one, especially once you enter the Westfjords and must drive all along the coastline, so we only arrived there around 9 PM.

We probably drove slowly, because the scenery is breathtaking and after each curve we'd stop to take photos. Also, gradually the day turned from rainy to almost sunny, and when we arrived in Isafjordur the clouds were hanging low and the sunset colours were everywhere.

 

 

01::Iceland once again (aug 2014)

(Finally, the long promised posts about our trip to Iceland last year... I haven't been having much time for the blog, which is why it took me so long to post these, but I'll try to write about as many details as I can remember)

I can't believe it took us 6 years to go back to Iceland. We were completely blown away by it the first time we visited, and drove all around the Ring Road. It is one of the most amazing places we've been to, and doesn't compare to anywhere else when it comes to nature and beautiful landscapes.

Last year we finally decided to go back and visit the Westfjords, the one place we didn't have time to explore on our first trip. It's not on the Ring Road, so fewer tourists visit this area, but we had read that it was definitely worth a visit, and it surpassed our wildest expectations.

We stayed in the area for a week, and I'd definitely recommend staying more than just a couple of days since there's so much to see, especially if you're into hiking. Also, we were incredibly lucky with the weather - it only rained a couple of days - but as they say in Iceland, if you don't like the weather just wait 5 minutes ...

Day 1

We arrived in Reykjavik on a rainy day, and waited a couple of hours at the airport for one piece of luggage that never arrived. We think it was Gatwick Connect's fault, since another passenger also had the same problem with them. Luckily all our clothes came, and also our hiking poles, but not our backpack carrier for S. We did eventually received it in Isafjordur 5 days later, but by then we had purchased another one or we wouldn't have been able to take S. hiking as we had planned. 

So when we arrived at the city center we were not so happy, but our mood brightened considerably after a walk around downtown Reykjavik - even in the rain I was reminded of how much I enjoyed this quirky city. I love that main street, very nice shops, cafés and restaurants everywhere. Also, our apartment at Rey Apartments (conveniently located at Grettisgata 2) was as nice as expected. We walked all the way to the harbour where we found the popular Icelandic Fish and Chips restaurant and had the best fish and chips in a long time. There's a choice of 2 or 3 different fresh fish everyday, and their batter is made of spelt. Also, the sauces/dips are excellent as well as their desserts (I had the chocolate cake and A. had the skyr, both very good) and the price is also quite affordable for Reykjavik (around 50 EUR for 2 adults and a child's menu)

 

Restaurants: Icelandic Fish & Chips



Accomodation: Rey Apartments