4 generations, family of 50

We celebrated Yoshi's birthday at a seafood restaurant in Isafjordur. The restaurant, an old log cabin, had a warm, cozy feeling to it with long wooden tables and benches. There was a big group of Icelanders so we were asked to sit at the table in the corner. An American couple and a Maltese couple joined us and it became the 'foreigners' table'. The two couples were on vacation and we all shared our traveling stories.

The restaurant is the red log cabin

Half way through dinner, one of the Icelanders stood up and started to give a speech (in Icelandic, of course). I guess the man was pretty funny because everyone was laughing (well, except us foreigners). And one after the other, the locals began giving speeches and telling jokes. Then, one guy stood up and said in English, "For those of you in the corner, let me explain to you what's going on. We are having a family reunion to celebrate my late grandmother's 100th birthday. It is an Icelandic tradition for one person from each table to stand up and tell a funny story. So now my friends, it's your turn!" The crowd burst into laughter and the spotlight was on us. I hate talking in front of people, but the Maltese guy gave a nice toast to the Icelanders.

The family was so friendly and you could tell how much they cared for each other. The children told jokes, the men shared old stories, and the women sang songs that have been passed down for generations. It was such a lovely dinner! I think I mentioned this before, but Icelanders are so warmhearted. And this family was no exception. They made us feel so welcome and they even sang Happy Birthday to Yoshi in Icelandic!