Introduction:
Ebenezer Þórarinn Ásgeirsson (My name really doesn’t work in the Faroe Islands). 42 years old from Reykjavík Iceland, father of two kids and I am a taxi driver (not a priest).
When and why did you move to the Faroe islands?
I moved in December 2015 because of an amazing woman. After living in Iceland for many years we wanted to try living in the Faroes. We are still here and have no plans to leave.
What was your first impression of the Faroe Islands and Faroese people?
I first came here 13 years ago for work and did not see a lot of the Islands. I spent all of my time working or just in Tórshavn. Now I am lucky enough to have my job take me all over the Islands, and my god it is breathtaking how beautiful it is. The Faroese are awesome people who talk funny. Icelandic and Faroese are so close but there are so many words that have a completely different meaning and can cause a misunderstanding. You sleep on the “dýna” (bed/mattress in Icelandic, duvet in Faroese) with the “sæng” (duvet in Icelandic, bed/mattress in Faroese) on top of you. You need to fix this misunderstanding you have about which is which.
What’s the best thing about the Faroe Islands and Faroese people?
The amazing landscape takes my breath away every time. When I take tourists around I am right there besides them taking pictures as well. The best thing about the people is how friendly they are. It is also so safe. Iceland is safe but you people are on another level. I do not think I will ever get used to people just letting themselves into my house or people expecting me to just walk into their house without knocking. Like if something does not fit in the mailbox the mailman just puts it inside your house. If he did that in Iceland he would probably get arrested or at least fired.
What’s the worst thing about the Faroe islands and Faroese people?
Hmmmm, how to answer this one without getting into trouble? The absolute worst thing about the Faroe Islands is the weather. There is just one season and it is autumn, a long extended horrible autumn. It is never too cold and it is never too warm, but my god does it rain.
But having an umbrella is a waste of time because it is always too windy to use one. So yeah, the weather!
The worst thing about the people is they wake up way too late on weekends.
What are the differences between the Faroe Islands and your home country?
Cheaper houses to start with. It is like the housing market in Reykjavik had a 50% off sale. Everything is a bit more relaxed and a little bit slower here and it makes no difference if your clock is 15 minutes off.
Do you like Faroese music? If yes, what are your favorite bands?
Yes, I love Faroese music. I do not listen to a lot of it but I know a few really good performers. Jens Marni and Janus Mortensen, amazing voices! Danny and The Veetos, their music just makes me smile. Eivör is of course amazing and some of her collaborations are just pure genius.
Do you like Faroese food? If yes, what are your favorite dishes?
Well, you do some pretty strange things here , but not all of it is good! I like skerpikjöt (sheep meat) but ræst kjöt (fermented meat) is something I think you got from Satan himself! We Icelanders eat some pretty horrible food but ræst kjöt is the winner of all things most horrible. And what is the deal with sauce? Everything gets turned into soup when it falls victim to half a liter of sauce ! And why does pizza need dressing? My favourite is pancakes with skerpikjöt. Could eat that every day.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Right here complaining about the weather!
What are your strengths/weaknesses?
You probably need to ask someone else about that!
What is top on your bucket list?
I do not have a bucket list.
What’s your favorite quote?
“Don‘t panic”
Which other countries have you been to?
You want all of them? USA, Canada, Mexico, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, England, Scotland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Latvia, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Israel. I am probably forgetting some, but I have lived in some of these countries as well.
Favorite book?
Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy.
Favorite movie?
What about Bob?
If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?
Had to think really hard on this one and I couldn’t think of anything. I have an amazing girlfriend, fantastic kids and a stupid dog. Don‘t need to change a thing.
What would you do if you won one million DKK?
Pay down the loan on my house, anything else would be stupid!
What advice would you give to foreigners who plan to move to the Faroe Islands?
Bring waterproof warm clothing!