Where in the world?

Here is a photo of the capital of a mystery country. Can you guess or do you know where it is and which languages are spoken there?

Photo of mystery town

Comments (12)

Jason FrostApril 29th, 2007 at 6:55 pm

It’s Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands! I’m so excited that I’m going there this summer for their language program at the university.

Jason FrostApril 29th, 2007 at 6:55 pm

I just realized that I didn’t really answer the questions. They speak Faroese primarily, but mostly also speak Danish.

BenjaminApril 29th, 2007 at 9:22 pm

Heh, my first thoughts were “scandinavian” and “Danish”…
I couldn’t narrow it down any further anymore, though.

ColmApril 29th, 2007 at 9:48 pm

“It’s Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands! I’m so excited that I’m going there this summer for their language program at the university. ”

I hope it will be on. I have read that recently those programmes have been cancelled due to lack of interest. Enjoy!

Jason FrostApril 29th, 2007 at 10:01 pm

Colm,

Indeed. I applied last year, but I was told that the program was cancelled due to a lack of applicants. I was very surprised this year when I received a letter of acceptance and a rough itinerary.

It’s unfortunate that there aren’t many who are interested in the Faroes or have even heard of the language. I’m in the process of designing a website that will hopefully be a valuable resource for anyone who may be curious about the language and culture. Of course, my trip there this summer will be the highlight of and steam behind this endeavor.

James KApril 30th, 2007 at 3:58 am

Jason,

I too will be heading to the Faroes this summer, staying for two weeks. I toyed with applying to the language program, but it didn’t quite fit with my work schedule (I am a teacher). But I’m excited to go, and hope to pick up some Faroese!

Jason FrostApril 30th, 2007 at 5:06 am

James,

I’m glad to see such interest in the Faroes. I have an Icelandic friend who will be following me there for Ólavsøka. Will you be there for that? Where do you plan on visiting?

James KApril 30th, 2007 at 12:23 pm

Jason,

I also will be there for Ólavsøka, though it will be toward the end of my trip. Though I don’t know our full itinerary yet (I’m also traveling with a friend), I do want to explore Eysturoy and some of the Northern Islands. If possibly, I like would travel to Mykines and down to Suðuroy. Anyway, perhaps we could meet at the festival!

Jason FrostApril 30th, 2007 at 1:33 pm

James,

I’d like to explore as much as possible, too. I’ll just have a few days before Ólavsøka to visit other islands before I have to be in Tórshavn for the program. Feel free to keep in contact via e-mail (frost [at] learnfaroese [dot] org) so we can arrange for Ólavsøka and possibly more!

PollyApril 30th, 2007 at 3:57 pm

Benjamin

Heh, my first thoughts were “scandinavian” and “Danish”…

I was late to the game. I was going to say exactly the same thing. It’s those picturesque, toy-like houses.

renatoMay 1st, 2007 at 3:33 pm

If it’s Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands, it is interesting to see that the houses looks, strongly, as Iceland houses in Reykjavik.

SimonMay 3rd, 2007 at 8:47 am

Renato – it is indeed Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. The name means ‘Thor’s Harbour’ and the town was founded in the 10th century. The photo comes from this site.