It was a little drizzly, and not so cold – 10C, and we decided to walk into the little town – Hammerfest is very far north, and contests with Honnesvag for the title of most northerly town on the European mainland. A pleasant walk brought us to the few shops – mostly inside in a warm shopping complex the winters are so cold and dark, most shops are all in here together. The library was shut – it is Saturday, and this size town would not warrant opening. We spoke to a local who described winter in this northern part of the world. He described it as murkita (sic) or dark place – and this is more than the physical darkness for a couple of months, but the psychological issues of depression and sadness that can affect the locals and visitors.
A nice little place which seems quite content with its own quiet existence, where many are happy to spend their days and years .
We are now en route for Murmansk in Northern Russia – we have extensive directions on what paperwork we must have with us to go ashore – we do not have visas, so are limited to guided tours, which are strictly controlled – understandable and accepted.
More soon
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