Exchange students tried out fermented shark
The Þorrablót (traditional Icelandic midwinter feast) for exchange students took place last weekend and was a great success. Marteinn Lundi Kjartansson was the driving force behind the organisation, and he has been a mentor for international exchange students since spring 2023. The Þorrablót was organised in collaboration with Reykjavík University’s International Office.
I signed up to step outside my comfort zone and strengthen my social life. I saw it as an opportunity to meet new people and different cultures. Although that was my original reason, I have continued because the work is incredibly rewarding.
Marteinn Lundi says he has gained a lot of experience in public speaking and communication in general through the role. At first, he was quite shy in a new, large school, but the mentoring role pushed him to start talking to people.
It is a valuable experience to learn about new traditions and to see Iceland through the eyes of students who are coming here for the first time; it reminds you to appreciate your surroundings. I highly recommend this. If I were new in an unfamiliar place, I would be very grateful for the kind of welcome we provide.
The traditional Icelandic food served at Þorrablót was provided by a catering service, with tasting portions offered rather than a full meal. Marteinn Lundi says the reactions were mixed. He says most people liked the dried fish, salted meat, and smoked lamb, but the fermented foods were less popular. However, he says he was surprised by how many people could eat the fermented shark.
Marteinn Lundi says that he and Jenný put a lot of effort into the preparations and, among other things, both wore national costumes at the celebration.
I borrowed mine, but Jenný owns hers and sewed it herself, which I find admirable! We organised a ‘tasting game’ instead of traditional entertainment. The food was numbered on plates, and guests had to guess what they were eating based on multiple-choice options. The game was very popular, and one team even achieved a perfect score. We have received fantastic feedback, and I think it was a great success, just like last year.
Concludes Marteinn Lundi.
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