Our first Canadian summer is over, but the impressions and adventures we’ve had will warm us till next spring with memories and pictures. I am happy to share them with you, so enjoy the bright colors of Manitoba.
During the long weekend of August, Gimli – a small rural community situated on the west side of Lake Winnipeg invites guests from across Canada to participate in the Icelandic Festival. Even the name of the town reminds its visitors of the fantastic adventures of a dwarf warrior from Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” and we were waiting for this event with great excitement. Two hours’ drive from Winnipeg and you arrive in a friendly and picturesque Gimli.
The Viking village opened its doors to everyone. All these workshops introduced us to a daily life of Icelandic ancestors. Authentic clothes and food, weapons and toys looked incredible. When you smell the food cooking on the open fire and see the men making arrows or tools you understand how history is important. You could even buy a warrior shield or a unique jewelry, take it with you and then tell everyone that your great grandfather was a viking too.
The first Icelanders who settled here would be proud to see how carefully their descendants follow the traditions. And the children will carry on these traditions as well. Look with what pleasure these kids participate in the events.
Picture by Trevor Hagan
To be a real Viking you need a helmet. Viking helmets didn’t have horns, but the fellow who sold us this horny plastic helmet assured us that they did.
This guy wanted to look as much like a real viking as possible. But now we know this is an example of a fake Viking, though he looks so scary. Shhhhh! I hope he won’t hear us… Anyways we all felt ourselves as Vikings. To tell you the truth I know this guy and his father was an Icelander, so you see appearance is also important.
Now this is what you really need! This helmet is historically accurate and extremely protective. This buddy is ready to join the viking club. Ready for the battle?
Picture by Trevor Hagan
Than the Village Warfare Tactics and Demonstration is for you. You will see the battle, the true story of honor and justice. The performance looked so real that when a little girl saw a man pretending to be killed on the field she burst into tears. Poor thing!
But Gimli is not only an Icelandic Festival. Its beautiful harbor invites you to discover new lands as vikings did hundreds of years ago. The boats look different of course, but the sense of adventures will follow you for sure. And who cares that it’s just a lake and not the sea, our imagination has no limits. Simply pretend yourself on a viking ship…
If your imagination doesn’t go as far as that, there is another and maybe even a more entertaining way to enjoy yourself. Close to the harbor, on the warm beach you can relax, build a sand castle or try how a car boat works!
Everyone, children and adults, can find interactive, educational or just fun activities in Gimli. Join us next year! And see you there.