Isaac Sharp and Asbjorn Kloster in the Faroe Islands (April – June 1862)

Journal of Isaac Sharp - May 17, 1862

Videreidi

A day of rest and quiet has been helpful to us both; but the time having come for our departure, we left Quanasund (Hvannasund) about half-past nine, reaching Videroe (Videreidi) in an hour and a quarter, and were again welcomed at the house of the pastor, F. Feilberg, who was now at home, and who had been expecting us the whole of the day before. The land attached to the kirk here is considerable, and the minister owns between 500 and 600 sheep. The greatest part of the wool is spun and made into vests and other garments. More than 400 knit frocks or vests were thus made here last year by the female domestics of whom there are twelve in this family. Education appears to be much neglected. During the trade monopoly in these Islands, brandy was obtainable at Thorshaven (Torshavn) only, and its use was then much restricted. A small sum suffices now for the purchase of a license, and the sale is rapidly increasing. Simultaneously with an alteration in favour of free trade, the government was petitioned (as I understood) to cancel the compulsory payment of a very small educational rate. This was complied with, and the children suffer in consequence. "In Faroe," says F. Feilberg, "Brandy is up, and Education down."

About half-past one our meeting was held: about eighty assembled, the minister and his wife being among them. The population of this hamlet is 120. The pastor, at the close of the meeting, acknowledged our visit agreeably, and warmly pressed us to prolong our stay.

Klaksvik

We remained to dine with this hospitable family, and, a little before six, with a crew of eight, left for the merchant station of Klaksvig (Klaksvik), at which place we landed, after a pleasant sail of nearly three hours along the fiord which separates Kunoe (Kunoy) from Boroe (Bordoy), Klaksvig (Klaksvik) being situated on the latter island.

On rising-ground, at the margin of the bay, stands to the house of J. C. Durhuus, who met us on landing with a kindly-spoken welcome. It may be well said of the Faroe people that they are not forgetful to entertain strangers. Without a line of introduction to the individuals whose hospitality we seek, the clever wife of our host makes no difficulty in having to prepare, between nine and ten on Saturday night, for a couple of travellers who have unexpectedly come in. The evening's repast is prepared with cheerfulness, and a comfortable lodging-room made ready for the night.