However I couldn't bring myself to go to the Faroes due to their annual dolphin slaughter. Blacklisted for me. As are Malta and Cyprus for the millions of songbirds they 'harvest' every year with their 'glue-on-a stick' trapping.
Thanks Kevin! I know that they catch (and eat) whales as in Norway and Iceland. I would never eat whale and I would clearly prefer if they would stop hunting whales.
But on the other side there is a very long tradition in these countries for this.
And one could argue that the practice there is not that much worse than hunting deer or even killing a pork or cow, which is quite common in many other countries. I don't want to defend their behavior but for me it's not a black-and-white issue.
Bobu wrote:
Thanks Kevin! I know that they catch (and eat) whales as in Norway and Iceland. I would never eat whale and I would clearly prefer if they would stop hunting whales.
But on the other side there is a very long tradition in these countries for this.
And one could argue that the practice there is not that much worse than hunting deer or even killing a pork or cow, which is quite common in many other countries. I don't want to defend their behavior but for me it's not a black-and-white issue.
Anyone not interested in listening to me step up onto my soap-box should skip the rest of this post !
I agree with your sentiment re. Norway & Iceland and the worst offenders, Japan (this doesn't apply to Greenland for me because these animals are still virtually the only way many of the Inuit people can exist there and even in Iceland the tide has turned), however it is very different with the Faroes since they claim it is a tradition, except actually it never was (they were whalers but this slaughter was not part of their cultural inheritance).
Everyone should be free to make their own decision on whether to visit the Faroes or not however they should at least be aware of the facts before making that decision. I know many people aren't, where Faroe Isles are concerned.
There are literally hundreds of groups, and the media, that protest this every year and of course it's a national embarrassment to Denmark who have so far failed to influence any control over it. The animals; pilot whales & dolphins, are herded into a bay (very similar to the annual slaughter at Taiji Cove, Japan, which seems to get more media attention) and whole families are then butchered alive, there is nothing humane in the slaughter so therefore to claim it as a 'whaling tradition' is clearly a falsehood.
Sorry for the rant ! I don't mean to put a downer on your thread and I hope your photos receive the attention they deserve but this is a cause close to my heart and I just feel people should know the dark side of the Faroes before making a decision to add it to their bucket lists.
Wonderful job here! I am envious. I was going to go here next to scout shoot and potentially lead workshops, but I have gotten too busy so far. Looks like you had an incredible shoot! Beautiful images!
Lots to admire about the whole series. As a Batis 18 owner I clearly see the Batis 18 image is the best ( ha ha--just joking). Seriously, all the images are a wonder to look at. Well done!
Beautiful captures! I must agree, the Batis shot is the standout for me. The Faroes are admittedly not as awe-inspiring as Iceland but they are plenty dramatic in their own right. I would very much like to visit again with some better gear...but first I need to follow your footsteps to Lofoten, haha.
@kalenrobb:
Other than what Boris has already showed, the Leitisvatn lake is always stunning, and Slaettaratindur mountain should have great views on a clear day. Also, the islands of Bordoy and Vidaroy are interesting, while Mykines and Sandoy should be rather unique.
P.S. - If you end up on Nolsoy, Maggie's is a nice bar with live music all the time.
@irrevesible/kalenrobb: if you plan to go to Mykines, Sandoy or some of the other remote islands which can be accessed only by boat or helicopter very carefully check the weather forecast before you go. It happens often that you are stuck on these islands due to bad weather.
On our last trip to the Faroe Islands we met a woman who did a day trip to Mykines without any luggage and could not leave this islands for three days due to a storm.
That's the reason why I so far only explored the islands which a reachable by a bridge or tunnel.
By the way the same strom led to 7m waves and a rather uncomfortable trip with our ferry from Denmark to the Faroe Islands. Luckily the Norrøna is built for theses conditions.
