The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End

Editor's Note:We did a lot of tapping and shaking of Jonas' kitchen table in this episode which makes for a rumbly listen but let's be honest, y'all aren't listening for the excellent sound quality and editing.Yes, it's been almost a year since the last episode but their chaotic recording and uploading schedule is just part of their charm. Catch up with Lydia and Jonas' shenanigans as they deal with rising crime levels, play D&D, dodge tourists and mispronounce Icelandic words in a brave new post covid Iceland. Spoiler alert: It's just like pre covid Iceland, only with more tourists than ever before and a rising number of covid infections. Yay! Outside, there is horizontal rain but inside there are yummy baked goods at these fine establishments in downtown Reykjavík and the KEX Hostel Pub Quiz almost every Thursday.Baka Baka Bankastræti 2101 ReykjavíkTides RestaurantReykjavik EDITIONAusturbakki 2101 ReykjavíkKEX HostelSkúlagata 28101 ReykjavíkTHIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review.Get your very own The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End merch. Check out Threadless if you're in the US and Spreadshirt for our Little Raisins in Europe.GO NUTS WITH OUR GOOGLE MAP (WE MADE IT JUST FOR YOU WITH ♥︎)FOLLOW US:Subscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on Stitcher

Jonas and Lydia spend yet another summer on The Rock but still manage to keep themselves entertained, visiting the newest most trendiest place in Iceland, Sky Lagoon, and exploring the Eastfjords. And no, you're not losing your hearing, that high pitched whirring sound is just Lydia's refrigerator.THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review.Get your very own The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End merch. Check out Threadless if you're in the US and Spreadshirt for our Little Raisins in Europe.GO NUTS WITH OUR GOOGLE MAP (WE MADE IT JUST FOR YOU WITH ♥︎)FOLLOW US:Subscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on Stitcher

Jonas and Lydia munch on blue berries, talk knitting, Lydia's crazy cat lady potential, the c-word (no, not that c-word), and the latest on the volcanic eruptions in Iceland.Links mentioned in this episode:Lydia's scarfFoxes Afloat YouTube channelLink to live feed of the eruptionMBL (Icelandic newspaper, not major league baseball) time lapse of the eruption taken on a camera that was eventually swallowed up by the lava flow.Sounds of the eruptionBarbra Streisand sings Somewhere (From “West Side Story”)Get your very own The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End merch. Check out Threadless if you're in the US and Spreadshirt for our Little Raisins in Europe.THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review.GO NUTS WITH OUR GOOGLE MAP (WE MADE IT JUST FOR YOU WITH ♥︎)FOLLOW US:Subscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on Stitcher

Jonas and Lydia talk about the recent volcanic eruption near Fagradalsfjall in Geldingadalur (Castration Valley), Iceland opening its borders to tourists once again, explore the wonders of knitting and provide their live and direct commentary on the music video for Iceland's 2021 entry for Eurovision, 10 Years by Daði og Gagnamagnið.Featured in this episode:Sound of SilenceWednesday Morning, 3AMSimon and Garfunkel196410 YearsIceland- Eurovision 2021Daði og Gagnamagnið202110 Years music videoLink to live video feed of the eruption in GeldingadalurTHIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review.Get your very own The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End merch. Check out Threadless if you're in the US and Spreadshirt for our Little Raisins in Europe.GO NUTS WITH OUR GOOGLE MAP (WE MADE IT JUST FOR YOU WITH ♥︎)FOLLOW US:Subscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on Stitcher

They're ba-ack! Just like the ghosts that kidnapped little Carol Anne in the movie Poltergeist. Jonas and Lydia review what went well and what went terribly wrong in 2020, all the while trying desperately to remain positive despite the bad taste 2020 and the first seven days of 2021 have left in their mouths. Explosive diarrhea can have that effect. And as expected, everything eventually comes back to drag, ‘wrastling,' books and cheese. Can't get enough? Check out Lyd the SBW's podcast.THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review.GO NUTS WITH OUR GOOGLE MAP (WE MADE IT JUST FOR YOU WITH ♥︎)FOLLOW US:Subscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on StitcherOur WebsiteFacebookHandy dandy Google MapInstagramPinterestTwitterEmail: raisinandhotdog@gmail.comTakk, takk and bless, bless y'all! 

Take a vicarious virus-free vacay with the Raisin at the Hot Dog's End as your fearless hosts explore this ghost town of an island (cue tumbleweed) after the tourist pipe got shut off in this two-part episode. So dust off your virtual luggage and come take a trip with us around Iceland.In Part 2, Jonas and friends explore the northern and southern reaches of Iceland, including the Sardinia of the North (if you kind of blur your eyes), Ólafsfjörður, and Iceland's very own volcanic (and Morman-loving) darlings, the Westman Islands. Lydia and Jonas both visit the island of Hrísey but with two completely different perspectives.Places mentioned in this episode:HvammstangiÓlafsfjörðurSiglufjörðurDalvíkLaugarbakkiHríseyVestmannaeyjarTHIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review.GO NUTS WITH OUR GOOGLE MAP (WE MADE IT JUST FOR YOU WITH ♥︎)FOLLOW US:Subscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on StitcherOur WebsiteFacebookHandy dandy Google MapInstagramPinterestTwitterEmail: raisinandhotdog@gmail.comTakk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

Take a vicarious virus-free vacay with the Raisin at the Hot Dog's End as your fearless hosts explore this ghost town of an island (cue tumbleweed) after the tourist pipe got shut off in this two-part episode.Part 1, in which Jonas and Lydia do some light, requisite whining about the locals' distaste for following rules set out to combat Iceland's second Covid wave. But changing gears they regale you with the details of their extravagant, extensive travels this summer on the island that Covid forgot (for the most part, at least until August). But there's trouble in paradise when the gear gods throw a wrench in Lydia's ride and the old Isuzu is put to the test.Places mentioned in this episode:SeljalandsfossGljúfrabúiSkogafossSkogar MuseumIcelandic Museum of Transport and CommunicationDC3 Wreck at SólheimarÞakgil campsiteParadise caveTHIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review.GO NUTS WITH OUR GOOGLE MAP (WE MADE IT JUST FOR YOU WITH ♥︎)FOLLOW US:Subscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on StitcherOur WebsiteFacebookHandy dandy Google MapInstagramPinterestTwitterEmail: raisinandhotdog@gmail.comTakk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

Turmoil is still the watchword of 2020. Lydia and Jonas give updates on how things are going in Iceland during this turbulent time, including the local media's shitty coverage of the fire that claimed the lives of three immigrants, how Black Lives Matter (and don't) on the island, a little Iceland pride month stocktaking (spoiler: meh) and what the Netflix film “Eurovision: The Story of Fire Saga” gets right and wrong about Iceland. All Things Iceland with JewellsErlendur MagazineHin ReykjavikTHIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review.GO NUTS WITH OUR GOOGLE MAP (WE MADE IT JUST FOR YOU WITH ♥︎)FOLLOW US:Subscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on StitcherOur WebsiteFacebookHandy dandy Google MapInstagramPinterestTwitterEmail: raisinandhotdog@gmail.comTakk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#25 MAYBE THE SHEEP ARE TOO PICKYWell, shit, 2020 sure took a turn for the worse, but Jonas and Lydia soldier on. Iceland is approaching Covid-19-free status and gasoline has been thrown onto the dumpster fire that is their homeland (that's the US of A). With all of that in mind, in this episode, they dig in to what's really been happening in Iceland. Has Iceland beat the pandemic? Is it because the prime minister is a woman? How many black people actually live in Iceland? Is racism a thing in Iceland? And most importantly, what color is Iceland's parachute? Cause the total dependence on tourism thing is not working. Now if we could only monetize those sheep...THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review.GO NUTS WITH OUR GOOGLE MAP (WE MADE IT JUST FOR YOU WITH ♥︎)FOLLOW US:Subscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on StitcherOur WebsiteFacebookHandy dandy Google MapInstagramPinterestTwitterEmail: raisinandhotdog@gmail.comTakk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#24 IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE AGE OF THE PLANEJonas and Lydia are hunkered down for winter and in Iceland, winter never seems to end. The weather is shit, there's little to no sunlight and sickness is inescapable. The hopes and dreams of the new year are dashed having barely taken their first breaths. The winter wonderland effect quickly wears thin once the smoke from the fireworks clears. But there are upsides. There's the Winter Festival and the Lenten season with it's cream puffs and bean soup. Actually, just don't look behind the curtain and we promise it has absolutely nothing to do with the age of the plane...most likely. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL.Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. GO NUTS WITH OUR GOOGLE MAP (WE MADE IT JUST FOR YOU WITH ♥︎) FOLLOW US:Subscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on StitcherOur WebsiteFacebookHandy dandy Google MapInstagramPinterestTwitterEmail: raisinandhotdog@gmail.comTakk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

Hear more about the Icelandic Christmas Spirit in episode 16 Jólin koma.Intro: "Winter Wonderland" by Bing CrosbyOutro: "Christmas Time is Here - Vocal" by Vince Guaraldi TrioThe song Jonas is singing and wanted to make the intro but Lydia forgot to add in while editing (oops): "Jólin jólin" by Svanhildur JakobsdóttirThe Swedish Christmas tea Jonas picked up while visiting Daniel in Sweden is called rooibos julknäck.The hand lotion Lydia got at Hrím is No. 195 Grapefruit Leaf by L:A Brucket.L:A Brucket Euro store link: https://www.labruket.com/p/hand-cream-gfl-30-ml-195-grapefruit-leafL:A Brucket US store link: https://www.labruket.us/p/hand-cream-gfl-70-ml-195-grapefruit-leafGrab some SoRaHD merch and listen to our Christmas playlist.THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review.GO NUTS WITH OUR GOOGLE MAP (WE MADE IT JUST FOR YOU WITH ♥︎)FOLLOW US:Subscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on StitcherOur WebsiteFacebookHandy dandy Google MapInstagramPinterestTwitterEmail: raisinandhotdog@gmail.comTakk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#23 GENDER SNAPS/CRAMPONS BY CRAMPAX Jonas and Lydia bring you the signs of Icelandic winter to come and discuss how they prepare for the impending Christmas mirth and post holidays gloom. Along the way they delve into Swedish and Danish (languages and food packaging), gender havoc, etymology, Jonas' favorite tea and sprinkle in some ASMR treats. Hashtag ASMR (that's how hashtags work right?). Flowers commonly used in blooming/flowering green tea: globe amaranth, chrysanthemum, jasmine, lily, hibiscus, and osmanthus. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL.Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. GO NUTS WITH OUR GOOGLE MAP (WE MADE IT JUST FOR YOU WITH ♥︎) FOLLOW US:Subscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on StitcherOur WebsiteFacebookHandy dandy Google MapInstagramPinterestTwitterEmail: raisinandhotdog@gmail.comTakk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL.Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. GO NUTS WITH OUR GOOGLE MAP (WE MADE IT JUST FOR YOU WITH ♥︎) FOLLOW US:Subscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on StitcherOur WebsiteFacebookHandy dandy Google MapInstagramPinterestTwitterEmail: raisinandhotdog@gmail.comTakk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#22 THE TROOF HURTS In the light of some pretty schlocky "guides to Iceland" we've seen in some publications that could do better (we're lookin at you, Guardian!) Jonas and Lydia give you their no-holds-barred, behind-the-scenes, boxing-gloves-off guide to Iceland! No quaint bistros and museum tips here. Your favorite Texans-on-ice get down to the nitty-gritty: the good, the bad and the insular Nordic. Jonas and Lydia share their top 10 (and bottom) in a messy, not-so-listicle style, with you sweet, sweet little Raisins. So put on those noise cancelling headphones or fancy schmancy airpods and listen to your favorite immigrants hash out the real things you're gonna love and hate about this volcanic hunk of rock floating in the North Atlantic. We go deep in this episode so it's a little longer than usual and even though we get a little critical we make sure to end on a positive note.THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL.Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. GO NUTS WITH OUR GOOGLE MAP (WE MADE IT JUST FOR YOU WITH ♥︎) FOLLOW US:Subscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on StitcherOur WebsiteFacebookHandy dandy Google MapInstagramPinterestTwitterEmail: raisinandhotdog@gmail.comTakk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#21 THICKLY SETTLED On a beautiful day in sunny Reykjavík, Iceland, Jonas and Lydia talk whale carcasses, the effectiveness of tourism boycotts, Eurovision, abortion bans and what it really means to be thickly settled. Summer 2019 is off to a simply smashing start! THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. GO NUTS WITH OUR GOOGLE MAP (WE MADE IT JUST FOR YOU WITH ♥︎) FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Stitcher Our Website * Facebook Handy dandy Google Map * Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #20 #20 Too Sexy For Your Eagle Happy anniversary little raisins! It's been one year since Jonas and Lydia first plugged in the old Snowball mic and let you listen in on their therapy sessions cleverly disguised as a podcast. You're welcome. On this week's episode they talk Iceland's disproportionate glut of holidays (First Day of Summer and 2nd Day of Easter followed by an all-you-can-Feast of the Ascension), the country's grand plan to save the world, cars (they're terrible) vs. pedestrian streets and the sexy trouples of the avian world. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Stitcher Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #19 #19 Everything is Fine Spring has sprung in Iceland but the spring spirit has yet to take hold. Jonas and Lydia are a bit down in the doldrums but there are some bright spots, some metaphorical crocuses if you will, peeping through the dirt that is everyday (sometimes shitty) life— good food and literary festivals. Read a book. Happy Easter? Iceland Writers Retreat Reykjavik International Literary Festival Höfði Mathöll THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Stitcher Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #18 #18 Beyond Björk Don't get us wrong, Björk, Sigur Rós, GusGus and Of Monsters and Men are great but there's a lot more to Icelandic music. In this episode, we'll begin our journey into the Icelandic music landscape and introduce you to some classics, what the kids are listening to and sprinkle in a touch of techno BDSM. We're hoping to make this a recurring topic of discussion so don't be dismayed if you're not into or are already hip to the music we talk about this go around––we'll circle back to this topic on the regular. A little of our musical taste/background to give our listeners a sense of the filter through which we're listening to and critiquing the music we'll be sharing on today's episode. Our first and/or favorite: 45/LP Lyd - I Want You Back by the Jackson 5 and Control by Janet Jackson J-Mo - Neil Young Harvest Cassette Lyd - Word Up by Cameo J-Mo - My friend Augusta's mix tapes which were mainly Magnetic Fields, Belle and Sebastian and Saint Etienne CD Lyd - Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest J-Mo - Vibeology by Paula Abdul Mp3 Lyd - Crazy in Love by Beyonce J-Mo - Song Against Sex by Neutral Milk Hotel What's on heavy rotation now Lyd - The Carters and 80s/90s R&B J-Mo - Van Morrison - Astral Weeks ###Our playlists of the songs featured on this episode: Spotify YouTube ###Songs mentioned in this episode: The Ballad of the Broken Birdie Records - Múm (Ruxpin Remix II) Heyr mína bæn - Elly Vilhjálms [aka Eurovision Song Contest 1964 - Winner: Non ho l'eta (I'm Not Old Enough) by Gigliola Cinquetti] Vegir liggja til allra átta - Elly Vilhjálms Ocean is Amber - Gróa Downward Dog - Gróa Into the Dark - Between Mountains Little Sunny Flowers - Between Mountains Just a Friend - Biz Markie b.o.b.a. - JóiPé, Króli Í átt að tunglinu - JóiPé, Króli Ég vil það - Chase Anthony, JóiPé Hatrið mun sigra - Hatari Glaðasti hundur í heimi - Friðrik Dór Particles - Island Songs VI - Ólafur Arnalds, Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Stitcher Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #17 #17 The Year of Joy (no tidying necessary) Happy New Year and Gleðilegt ár! It's a new year and Jonas and Lydia are all about doing things that bring them joy. Find out how they (and Icelanders) ring in the New Year and their plans for The Raisin and the Hot Dog in 2019. Get excited Little Raisins! As usual, they veer off on a tangent or ten but it's part of their charm. Check out the links below to communicate with J-Mo and Lyd via the social media (they've both completed four decades on the planet and, as is required, now use "the" with reckless abandon). FYI Bill Withers is still alive and kickin' at 80-years-old. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Stitcher Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #16 Jólin koma Jólin koma (Christmas is coming) and so is murder, mayhem, monstrous trolls and classist felines. It's Christmastime in Iceland. Jonas and Lydia explore the figurative and literal darkness of winter, the aggressive, angry mirth of Icelanders and how to get your Yule on. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. SHOW NOTES In this episode we mention a few places to visit. Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) Other links YouTube video on Grýla - Pretty lo-fi production, but fun nonetheless. Icelandic Christmas Horror Flick "Unholy Christmas" - Great awful short flim, a horror story about one of the Icelandic Yule Lads "Meat Hook". In Icelandic the film is called "Örstutt jól" or "A very brief Christmas". Honestly, the trailer is probably about as good as the whole thing if you're not willing the cough up the £1 to watch it. Nordic Noir - Wiki page on Nordic Noir. You know, in case you've been living under a rock. Icelandic book flood - Great blog post from the Icelandic Weather Report on the Christmas book flood and all the havoc it wreaks downstream. Yule Lad Literacy - The quintessential Christmas book that everyone reads to their kids about the Yule Lads on the nights before they leave treats in their shoes. Our favorite Christmas market way out in the boonies! - It's an absolute clusterfuck to park there with only one little dirt road in and out, but if you can manage to ditch your car someplace, this has got to be one of the most charming Christmas markets around. It's set up in a series of historic farm buildings with the market itself in an old stone barn. Some of the vendors are a little puff-paint craftsy and some are a little woo-woo dreamcatcher and crystal power, but there are plenty of nice designers and clever makers there too. Outside there is a big xmas tree that the kids dance around and in the café they have music and authors come to read from their xmas books. It's a great time. Just tell yourself that as you hunt for parking. Check out our map for directions. FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Stitcher Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #15 THANKSGIVING Christmas trees and lights are popping up all over Reykjavík, office Christmas parties are in full swing and children are whispering in delight, “jólin koma”...and it's still November. Back in the old country, Christmas talk doesn't really get going until, say, the week of Thanksgiving. But in Iceland, Christmasing begins well before that and we think that may be in large part due to the lack of a November holiday and the crushing darkness but it all feels a little rushed to us. We haven't given ourselves over to the Icelandic Christmasy-ness just yet. We're holding on to Thanksgiving, reflecting on the things we're thankful for and sharing the minutes, if you will, from the latest Gorgeous American Ladies in Iceland meeting. It's a hoot...strike that...it's a gobble-gobble. Happy Thanksgiving and bless, bless y'all! THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #14 BACK TO THE DARK SIDE The shadow of the cold, clammy hands of winter's dark is falling across Iceland and getting Jonas and Lydia in the mood--not that kind of mood, get your minds' out of the gutter--in the mood for scary stories. Jonas brings us the tale of a Deacon who is a little too determined to keep his date in "Deacon of Dark River/Djákinn á Myrká" and Lydia gets to the root of all evil in "Drangey Consecrated." Bless, bless and Happy Halloween y'all! THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. SHOW NOTES In this episode we mention a few places connected to the stories. You can find more info on the show's Google map as well as at the other link's below. Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #13 The Isms We're back from our summer break and ready to dig into a meaty topic as we launch season two of The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End. We're talking -isms. Lydia and Jonas have lived in the American South, New England and Iceland, and if there is one thing we know for sure it's that where there be humans, there be isms and phobias. No place on earth, where humans live, is Mary Poppins level perfect, that is, practically perfect in every way, for those of you who somehow missed the motion picture starring the ever fabulous Julie Andrews (looking right at you, Jonas). We're members of three of the top five traditionally marginalized groups (totally just made up the top five thing but it's probably true, Google it), The Blacks, The Women Folk and The Gays and at times, that leads to having not so great experiences--even here in Iceland. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. SHOW NOTES Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Stitcher Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Mini Episode #01 How to Vote While Living Abroad Visit the website for FVAP (Federal Voting Assistance Program), which will give you more specific instructions for your state and district. BUT DO NOT WAIT! Some state cut-off times to register are in early October and the process can take a while. So visit FVAP today and get 'er done! On the right hand side of the screen will be a red box and inside the box is a pull down menu where you may select your voting residence state. You'll be redirected to a page with the requirements and such for your state. Some require mailing in the forms the old fashioned way but some also allow for fax (who still faxes anymore?) and email. VOTE The midterms will be held on Nov. 6 and most states cut off their absentee registration sometime in October. That means you've got to get those apps back to the registrars' offices before that cut-off date. Some go by postmark, but some hard-ass states like Texas say they have to have received it in their hot Texas hands by October 9, postmarks be damned. So do not delay. Go to FVAP today, get your forms filled out and printed, pop them in the mail and take them down to the post office to make sure you have enough postage on it. You can't always do the whole thing online. It won't work that where everywhere. In many places, you can download the forms online but you can't always submit them online. A lot of jurisdictions make you mail them. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. SHOW NOTES Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Stitcher Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #12 Reykjavík Night Life or Black Death and Fire Wine If Jonas and Lydia know anything, it's that a night on the town in Reykjavík doesn't have to include drunken debauchery cause, you know, they're too old for that shit. But if that's your thing they totally know about some places where you can debauch away–always with consent, #druslugangan–and then go for brunch after. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. SHOW NOTES Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Stitcher Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #11 Hidden Gems Jonas and Lydia talk hidden gems, sights to see off the beaten path and sing old American TV show theme songs. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. SHOW NOTES Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Stitcher Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #10 #NOTALLICELANDERS We're into the double digits folks and now it's time to get down to the nitty and the gritty. This time we're taking off the gloves and talking Icelanders and their idiosyncrasies. NB: We're making sweeping generalizations about an entire nation here, which is why we have (lovingly) called this ep “#notallicelanders, as these are our impressions and there are plenty of Icelanders who break the mold! So why talk about this? Because moving country and adapting to a new culture can make you feel like you're being gas lighted or you're in the Twilight Zone (go ahead and Google Rod Serling, children). Up is down, 2+2=1, the people are doing weird shit and you seem to be the only one not in the know. It's an odd experience and one worth talking about. Here we go. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. SHOW NOTES We don't have any notes for this episode (gasp), but you can still get your fix with out map... Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Stitcher Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #9 GOING MEDIEVAL ON YOUR SNÆFELLSNES Snufflegrass? Schnozzlefat? Snookerflip? No, it's Snæfellsnes week! Lydia and Jonas get real with the story of Guðríður the far-traveller, a 10th-century bad-ass Snæfellsnesian lady who went through husbands like kleenex, summered in Greenland, wintered in Manhattan, dropped in on her friend the pope in Rome, probably met an alien, and definitely pulled some legendary party tricks involving a freaky-deaky fortune-teller, some cat-skin gloves and a bowl of "goatmeal" (that's oatmeal with goat's milk, in case you're wondering). Later in the episode: Lydia and Jonas discuss what to do when visiting Guðríður's old stomping ground, Snæfellsnes peninsula. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. SHOW NOTES In this episode we mention a few places to visit. Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) Other links Guðríður Þorbjarnadóttir Wiki page on Guðríður - Just the facts, ma'am. Somehow this page misses all the fun parts of her life. The Vinland Sagas - If you're interested in reading the sagas of the first Norse people who traveled into America, this is a great translation. Don't get it confused with the Japanese Manga series by the same name (which could actually turn out to be a happy little accident if you're a Manga fan). Top 5 Vikings listicle according to MHM - Although she wasn't really a Viking and this is a really terrible "artist rendering", big ups to Military History Monthly for giving their #1 viking slot to a bad-ass lady. Visiting Snæfellsnes Peninsula FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Stitcher Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #8 LAMB'S HEAD AND LICORICE AND HOT DOGS, OH MY! The food gauntlet has been thrown down. Who dares accept the challenge? Lydia and Jonas introduce you to the sometimes delish, often repulsive, but entirely unique world of Icelandic gastronomy. The all-you-can-listen buffet is open. Tie on your bibs, break out your puke buckets and bon appetit, y'all. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. SHOW NOTES In this episode we name-drop a lot of Icelandic foods and eateries. The food we talk about below. But in lieu of having a Google Map list dedicated to this episode, we're just going to start an Eateries & Food Markets list that we'll add to as our waistlines expand over time! Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) Other links & info Wiki page on Þorrablót - Weirdly, this page doesn't link to the disgusting star of the Þorrablót, þorramatur (the food of þorri) Fun video on Þorrablót - Put together by the Icelandic computer game company CCP and narrated by Ólafur Darri, quite possibly the most Icelandic sounding and looking man to walk to the Earth. Dill Restaurant - Iceland's only Michelin-starred restaurant, and they like to let you know. The food is extremely precious and extremely expensive. Go get a hot dog afterwards. Low-brow Icelandic picnic - 1) flatkaka bread smeared with butter + sliced cheese/hangikjöt, 2) beikon snakk, 3) Húsavíkur jógúrt, and 3) washed down with a kókómjólk or maltöl High-brow Icelandic picnic - skonsur bread smeared with rhubarb jam + Auður cheese, 2) blueberries + Arna plain Greek yogurt (the one in the purple container) and 3) finished off with a Prince Polo chocolate bar Relatively tame Icelandic foods to try ástarpungar - literally "love scrotums", like a hushpuppy doughnut with raisins harðfiskur - air-dried fish which Icelanders think tastes good smeared with butter, but they're wrong (it tastes like old, chewy, fishy fish no matter what you smear it with) hjónabandssæla - pastry with a coffeecake-style topping, literally means "marital bliss" but also sounds like you're saying "marital vomit" leading to endless jokes Icelandic hot dog - available literally everywhere (say "eina með öllu" to get the works) kleinur - twisted doughnut—no shit, the best ones are at the IKEA bakery served hot a crispy kókómjólk - Iceland's chocolate milk, which Icelandic kids guzzle down by the gallon (Klói, the cat dude on the box, is telling you "Kókómjólk gives you power!", which is an important life lesson) plokkfiskur - white fish casserole and Iceland's original comfort food pönnukökur - Icelandic pancakes, super thin, normally served with cream and jam FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Stitcher Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #7 WAY OUT WEST, WAY UP NORTH Lydia and Jonas take to the road this episode—Lydia to the Westfjords and Jonas to Akureyri—and discuss the trials, tribulations and pastries they encountered along the way. What dangers lie in the mountains and valleys of the Westfjords? What secrets does the sleepy town of Akureyri hold (hint: they bring local food to a whole, new, gruesome level)? And what is this ferming ritual you've heard so much about? Your endearing diamonds in the rough—Jonas and Lydia—answer these questions and more. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. SHOW NOTES In this episode we mention a few places to visit. Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) Other links Westfjords Official tourism page for the Westfjords Region - We only talk about a teeny-tiny part of this region. There's lots more to see and do. We'll probably circle back to this region sometime soon. Info on Þorskafjarðarheiði mountain pass - This is the mountain pass where Lydia and her mountain man got stuck. Djúpidalur no-poop farm accommodation - There are lots of Djúpidalurs all over the country, but this is the one in the Westfjords and is clearly sign-posted as a do-not-poop-on-the-ground facility (see our Instagram feed for a picture of the sign). You can stay here in your sleeping bag and get a chance to see a working sheep farm. What you can't do here is poop on the ground. Djúpidalslaug pool + hot tubs - This site is actually a great resource for finding hot tubs and pools, but the interface is a little busted. It's hard to link to a particular pin, but here you can typically find GPS info and a picture. Akureyri Official tourism site for the town Indian Curry Hut - Have no idea what the food is like, but this place is cute as a button! Safnasafnið - The Icelandic Folk and Outsider Art Museum - Unfortunately their webpage is entirely in Icelandic, but once you get to the museum, their exhibition notes are available in English. The important info is that it's open daily from 10a - 5p from mid-May through August. Admission is 1200 kr. and worth every króna. Check out our Instagram feed for some examples of the work on display. Bláa Kannan Café - Very cool interior. We weren't too crazy about our lunch, but according to TripAdvisor if you stick to the baked goods and coffee you won't be disappointed. Kaffkú / Cowshed Café - Bizarre farm café where you can eat burgers while watching the cows who have yet to become burgers. If you can look beyond the somewhat disconcerting menu options, the food is actually quite good. You don't have to go full-sadist while you dine. You can also get bagels, soups and homemade pastries if you're not feeling cruel for lunch. FERMING / CONFIRMATION A somewhat bleak take on traditional Icelandic confirmations A more positive take on traditional Icelandic confirmations Info on civil confirmations in Iceland - Although a lot of kids have a traditional Christian confirmation (and the laptop or pile of cash that often waits on the other side of it), a growing number opt for a non-religious ceremony. A popular choice is the civil confirmation put on by Síðmennt, an association for ethical humanism in Iceland, where kids forego the Lutheran catechism in favor of discussing bad-ass topics like media literacy, critical thinking, consumer culture, privilege and the like. FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Stitcher Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #6 LAMBVISION In this week's episode, Lydia and Jonas talk about their weekend adventures including exploring the politically charged weirdness that is Eurovision, lambing season, bad swimming pool etiquette, Icelandic film and the Christian calendar. Oh boy. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. SHOW NOTES In this episode we mention a few resources. Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) Other links The Secret History of Eurovision - A great little doc looking at the roots of this bizarre phenomenon and why still people love to hate it, hate to love it and tune in regardless. Iceland's performance in the Eurovision 2018 semi-finals - "Our Choice" performed by Ari Ólafsson was a legendary FLOP this year. Sweden's performance in the Eurovision 2018 semi-finals - "Dance You Off" performed by Benjamin Ingrosso was perhaps the Eurovisioniest song of the whole enchilada. Sweden has this shit down. Israel's performance in the Eurovision 2018 grand finale - "Toy" performed by Netta. Great Eurovision song. But many people around Europe are horrified at celebrating Israel's win on Saturday as the following Monday, the country's army massacred unarmed Palestinians who were protesting the US embassy's move to Jerusalem. In Iceland there is a petition (with over 24,000 signatures as of May 18) to encourage Iceland's broadcaster RÚV to boycott next year's competition. 24,000 may not sound like that many people in some countries, but in Iceland that's over 7% of the population. Stay tuned to see how this plays out! FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Stitcher Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #5 ICELANDIC 101: BIBBIDI-BOBBIDI-BOO Icelandic is just another Nordic language (like Swedish, Norwegian and Danish). But instead of moving into the modern era like its neighbors—with ABBA, minimalist design, open-faced sandwiches and all that—Iceland has a crazy death-grip on its ancient tongue. Sir Jo-Jo and Lady Lydz give us the lowdown on what it's like living in their personal, linguistic renaissance fair: masochistic grammar, survival phrases, the world's most entertaining phonebook and much more. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. SHOW NOTES In this episode we mention a few resources. Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) Other links The Little Book of Icelandic - Alda has a whole series of "little" books, all of which are fun reads brimming with keen-eyed observations on various aspects of Iceland. This one focuses on the language. This book is absolutely not for language-learning (see below if that's that you want), but it is wildly entertaining if you want more quirky insights into the Icelandic language (and the people who speak it). Icelandic Online - Free online course in Icelandic put together by the awesome, amazing teachers in the Icelandic-as-a-Second-Language program at the University of Iceland. A great first step if you're interested in Icelandic for beginners. FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Stitcher Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #4 A TRIP TO THE DARK SIDE: HAIR-RAISING STORIES FROM ICELAND Now that the days are finally getting longer, Jonas & Lydia feel it's safe to tell some dark stories from Iceland without hurling themselves into a deep depression. Lyd uncovers a grizzly chapter from the history of the Westfjords wherein the locals hunted down and mutilated a group of Basque sailors. And Jonas regales us with the bloody story of Iceland's only serial killer (with the exception of mayonnaise-induced heart disease). THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. SHOW NOTES In this episode we mention a few places connected to the stories. You can find more info on the show's Google map as well as at the other link's below. Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) Other links Basque massacre Wikipedia article on the massacre Article from the Post - breaking news when Iceland repealed its law that permitted people to kill Basques on sight… in 2015. Info on the memorial to the massacred Basque sailors - In 2015 (along with the timely repeal of the law above) Iceland erected a memorial to the Basque sailors in Hólmavík. Axlar-Björn, Iceland's serial killer Wikipedia article on Axlar-Björn Roadside info sign - This is the info sign posted on route 574 (also called Útnesvegur on some maps) near the site of Axlar-Björn's murder farm. Wikipedia article on Laugarbrekka farm - This is the site of Axlar-Björn's gory execution but also the home of Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir, the badass 10th century Norse explorer who was the first European woman to bear a child, Snorri, in North America (the little statue of the woman and child at the farm is of Guðríður and Snorri) FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Bonus #1 ONE RING ROAD TO RULE THEM ALL! Traveling along the Ring Road (Route 1) is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Iceland. It takes you around the entire country, with the exceptions of the Westfjords and Snæfellsnes peninsula and you can do it in less than two weeks. If Jonas and Lydia can do it, so can you. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. SHOW NOTES In this episode we mention lotsa places to visit along the ring road. You can find more info on these places on the show's Google map as well as at the link's below. Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) Links to places mentioned (listed on the ring road going counterclockwise from Reykjavík, i.e. South Coast first) Veragerðin web site - Check road conditions here before you go. Conveniently, the URL is just "road.is" for the English version of the site. Hveragerði town - The little town you see when you're coming down from the mountain pass from Reykjavík. There's a lot of geothermal activity around town (which is why there are so many greenhouses), so it's not a bad stop. Eyrarbakki - Cute AF seaside village. But what they DON'T say on the tourist web site is that this little piece o' heaven is also home to Litla Hraun maximum security prison. It's not exactly Sing Sing, but it might be worth a drive by. Stokkseyri - Eyrarbakki's partner in crime (pun intended) is this adorbs little village. More historical homes on the seashore. But instead of the max sec prison, this place got a cute little restaurant called Fjöruborðið where they specialize in Iceland's teeny-tiny lobsters (they look like crawdads, folks). But they serve 'em by the pailful here with boiled potatoes so it's a fun place to have dinner. Seljalandsfoss waterfall - The parking lot will probably be full. Just figure it out, Francis! Just park the damn car. Skógafoss waterfall - Yes another stunning, life-changing waterfall. Again, parking is going to be a nightmare unless you visit at midnight in the dead of winter. Just make it work, Mary! Get the damn picture. Plane wreck at Sólheimasandur - Park on the roadside and walk down to the wreck. Nothing is marked, so just look for a gravely area and an opening in the fence with a cattle guard. It's a 4-km hike, so give yourself about 45 minutes to get there. If Justin Bieber can figure it out, so can you. Because nothing is marked, use our Google Map to find your way. We dropped pins for the parking area and the wreck and we've also got a walking path marked in. I know, I know. You're welcome. Vík village - Vík used to be a wide spot in the road (albeit a jaw-droopingly beautiful wide spot), but with the boom in tourism the village has really swollen—and I mean that in mainly a "infected and swollen" kind of way. The shop in town has gotten criminally expensive and it with all the clamor for tourist money, the village has lost its charm somewhat. Nevertheless, its swimming pool is fantastic and the locals are still very kind. Reynisfjara beach - Stop the car. Bring your camera. It's just the black volcanic sand beach and columnar basalt formations to make all your Instagram followers jelly. Don't miss the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and the Dyrhólaey arch. It's all right there on the coast. Skaftafell National Park - Just super gorgeous and windy. Right there under the glacier. If you are not carried off by the gales, then don't miss Svartifoss waterfall and all the columnar basalt insanity happening around it. Djúpivogur village - Good pit stop with little hobbit huts. Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon - Simply one of the most stunning things you'll see in Iceland. You can pay through the nose to take an amphibious vehicle or zodiac out on the lagoon, and if you can afford, it's a pretty great experience. These days you have to book those trips way in advance, so don't wait until the last minute, y'all. Atlavík - Pretty great camping spot with… TREES! Like, an actual forest-type situation. You're also right next to gorgeous Lagarfljót lake. Hallormsstaðaskógur - The largest forest in Iceland, which, honestly, is not saying much. But it is woodland wonderland if you care to make a day of it. Fjarðabyggð (the villages of Reyðarfjörður, Eskifjörður, Neskaupstaður, Stöðvarfjörður, Fáskrúðsfjörður and Mjóifjörður) - Really super cute group of little villages in the East Fjords. Some of the street signs Fáskrúðsfjörður are in French since back in the day some French sailors got stuck there at some point and just decided to stay. Borgarfjörður eystri - Very remote but also very beautiful. The slogan for the village is literally "better than you expect", but it really is a remarkable place to stop of you've made it all the way out east. Dettifoss waterfall - Iceland's big daddy waterfall. It doesn't get any waterfallier than this. Kind of a pain in the ass to get to—you probably need a 4x4 and the road is closed in the winter and spring. But if you have the wheels, you won't regret the side trip. Lake Mývatn - While the lake is called Mývatn, the region that surrounds it also goes by the same name. There is lots to do here like all kinds of hiking, some crazy volcanic craters and Mývatn Nature Baths (the poor man's Blue Lagoon, and by poor man's, we mean only slightly more reasonably priced). Lots of little flies and lots of duck poop. So watch your step and keep your goddam mouth closed! Akureyri - Iceland's second largest city (and when I say city, I mean around 18,000 people, so keep your MetroCards in your wallets). Hrísey Island - This is like the Newport of Iceland. Anybody who's anybody has a summer house on Hrísey. Catch the ferry from Árskógsandur and don't forget your steamer trunks, egg cups and scullery maids. Grímsey Island - This is Iceland's northernmost point and the only part of Iceland that's actually above the Arctic Circle. It's a very small community and heart-stoppingly beautiful. Catch the ferry from Dalvík or fly from Akureyri. We skipped two large regions in the west—the Westfjords and Snæfellsnes—in these notes since they're not on the ring road, but we'll probably come back to them in later episodes. So fast forward to though the west all the way to Borgarnes. Borgarnes - Great little town just north of Reykjavík. If you have time visit the Settlement Center with its two museums. The museums are small and really well done. The exhibitions are a little old, but some of them include these amazing screwed-together, rough-hewn wooden sculptures. Audio guides are well narrated too. And whatever you do, do not miss the frikin' amazing buffet at the museum restaurant—especially if you're a veggie. Some of the best food and not just in Borgarnes, but in the WHOLE GODDAM COUNTRY. And it's only like 2000 kr. for insanely good vegetarian food. If only it were closer! Hvalfjörður and the tunnel - If you just haven't had enough of all Iceland's frickin' amazing natural beauty, you can extend your trip by an hour on the last stretch into Reykjavík by driving Hvalfjörður fjord instead of taking the subterranean tunnel (which is kind of rad in its own right). FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #3 UP, DOWN & THROUGH ICELAND, PART 2 This is Lydia's first time living in Iceland and Jonas' second time. They've both lived here for almost a year now and are both married to Icelanders so they've visited often and have travelled up, down and through Iceland. They have recommendations, do's and don'ts and tales of adventure to share. These are their stories. Insert Law & Order sound here. We had so much to say we had to split it into two parts (episodes 2 and 3). And then we still weren't done, so we served up a hot plate of bonus episode on our tips and recs for the ring road. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. SHOW NOTES In this episode we mention lotsa places to visit. You can find more info on these places on the show's Google map as well as at the link's below. Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) Links to places mentioned for nature lovers (con'd) Icelandic horseback riding - tons of riding companies—some better than others—but you can check out reviews and other info on TripAdvisor Réttir sheep round-ups - great activity for the fall that happens all over the country, sheepy smells, lots of sweaters and sinning, a good time for families with kids (but know that drinking happens and some people get tipsy). This links to an Icelandic page with all the regional roundups (click on the map) and their dates (scroll down to the list). Unfortunately it is all in Icelandic and all for 2017, but you can at least get in idea of where they are and when they might happen. Seljavallalaug pool - We think we might have mistakenly called this "Seljalandslaug" in the show, but the correct name is Seljavallalaug. This is one of those "secret" pools that everyone actually knows about and is, ipso facto, very heavily trafficked and a little grody because of it. Also, the water temps are apparently not always dependably warm. Hrunalaug natural pool - Not gonna be too specific about this one since this pool is still relatively unvisited Landmannalaugar region - Amazing area to explore in the highlands (but not super easily accessible) Nýidalur Mountain Hut - Middle-of-nowhere oasis, waaaaaaaay up in the highlands, little piece of heav', you gotta wanna get there Reykjanes pool (Westfjords) - Great concrete pool outside a former children's boarding school (nothing creepy about that, right?) Mount Esja - Dramatic AF mountain situated across the bay from Reykjavík (meaning it's what you see any time you look north from the city). Readily accessibly with a great hiking trail until the last little bit, when you have to do some light climbing. You can even reach the trailhead with Reykjavík city bus. Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon - Simply one of the most stunning things you'll see in Iceland. You can pay through the nose to take an amphibious vehicle or zodiac out on the lagoon, and if you can afford, it's a pretty great experience. These days you have to book those trips way in advance, so don't wait until the last minute, y'all. for arty-farty, tooty-fruity folks Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum - Don't need to overthink these sculptures. Everything is pretty accessible if your not too keen on a deep dive into arty-farty interpretations. Also, there is no admission charged for the sculpture garden behind museum. Ásmundarsafn Sculpture Museum (City Art Museum) - One of the campuses for the City Art Museum. Great, weird building and neat collection dedicated to 20th century Icelandic sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson and his role-poly work. A little outside of downtown towards Laugardalur recreation area. Hafnarhúsið (City Art Museum) - Another campus of the City Art Museum with rotating exhibits and a really nice space on the old harbor downtown. Kjarvalsstaðir (City Art Museum) - Third campus of the City Art Museum dedicated to beloved Icelandic painter Jóhannes S. Kjarval (some people LURVE him—others don't get it at all). Located in a park just east of downtown. Punk Museum - Located in a former public restroom, so, you know, shoes on. Very, very tiny. But crammed with fun things to see. Also, admission is pretty cheap (relatively speaking). Freddi Arcade & Toy Museum - Across from the Punk Museum above, this place is also a) tiny and b) located in the former public restroom. You can pay a flat fee here for an all-you-play old-school arcade game buffet. National Museum of Iceland - really great exhibits, great audio guides, neat collections and exhibits. Also, great coffee shop downstairs and one of the best museum shops in Reykjavík (local designs, curated selection of books and great postcards from the national photo archive) The Settlement Exhibition - Super fancy, hi-tech interactive but small exhibit about the settlement age in Iceland. Located in the basement of the hotel, which was the reason the relics were found in the first place (when they dig the foundation for the hotel) Bíó Paradís - art house theater in downtown Reykjavík with multiple screens (and also some blah Hollywood movies too) Tjarnarbíó - great, old art house theater with a cute lobby and some arty-farty shows (both live theater and movies) Ísafjarðarbíó - tiny af movie theater in the capital of the Westfjords, Ísafjörður Kaffibarinn bar - scenester INSTITUTION in downtown Reykjavík. Others have come and gone, but Kaffibarinn endures. Like a bad herpes outbreak. JK. Great music. Great vibe. But be prepared to pony up for the drinks. Don't miss our bonus episode dedicated entirely to navigating the ring road: One Ring Road to Rule Them All! FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #2 UP, DOWN & THROUGH ICELAND, PART 1 This is Lydia's first time living in Iceland and Jonas' second time. They've both lived here for almost a year now and are both married to Icelanders so they've visited often and have travelled up, down and through Iceland. They have recommendations, do's and don'ts and tales of adventure to share. These are their stories. Insert Law & Order sound here. We had so much to say we had to split it into two parts (episodes 2 and 3). And then we still weren't done, so we served up a hot plate of bonus episode on our tips and recs for the ring road. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL.. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. SHOW NOTES In this episode we mention lotsa places to visit. You can find more info on these places on the show's Google map as well as at the link's below. Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) Links to places mentioned for couples Hótel Búðir - country inn on Snæfellsnes peninsula, great food, great location, great atmo Blue Lagoon - quintessential Icelandic experience, although very expensive. for fams with kids Interactive map of pools all over Iceland - public pools, hot pots and a few natural pools Húsdýragarðurinn Reykjavík "Zoo" - Let's not be hasty about calling this a zoo (hence the quotation marks). Keep your expectations low and you might be pleasantly surprised. Café Flóran - Cute café in the Reykjavík Botantical Garden across from the "zoo" (see above). Make sure to check opening times as this place is only open seasonally (usually sometime in May to sometime in Oct, but don't be lazy—check the web site) for nature lovers Vatnshellir lava cave on Snæfellsnes - not crazy expensive, pretty quick, natural lava cave and good guides Into the Glacier Langjökull ice cave tour near Húsafell - way more expensive than Vatnshellir, but totally different and amazing, manmade ice cave Lots more info for nature lovers and tips and recs for arty-farty, tooty-fruity visitors in the second half of this edition (episode 3) PLUS a whole bonus episode dedicated entirely to the ring road! FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!

#Episode #1 A MILD, MILD PALATE... MEET JONAS & LYDIA IN ICELAND The first episode of The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End finds Jonas and Lydia, two Texan-Americans living in Iceland, gabbing about what they find weird and interesting about Iceland—hello, pickled ram genitals—and trying to figure out how to record their podcast. Listen in and discover why Iceland, Icelandic and Icelanders are so damned fascinating. THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. Go nuts with our Google Map (we made it just for you with ♥︎) FOLLOW US Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Our Website Facebook Handy dandy Google Map Instagram Pinterest Twitter Email: raisinandhotdog@gmail.com Takk, takk and bless, bless y'all!