In several churches in the Faroe Islands, including Tjørnuvík, Hvannasund and Sandavágur, money has been stolen out of collection boxes. The cases of theft took place in recent weeks. No big deal? Wrong. Incidents like this can change a whole lifestyle. I haven’t met all inhabitants of Faroe Islands, but I met many. We spent nights sitting together talking, they invited me to their homes and introduced me to their sisters, cousins and parents. In a nutshell, they let me be part of their lifestyle.
Calling a friend late in the evening? No problem. Spontaneous visits in the neighbourhood? Customary. In the villages, most people still don’t lock their doors. You just walk in, take your shoes off and shout a cheerful „hallo“. I know this lovely old couple from the other side of our village. Every time we visit, they smile and serve coffee and biscuits. We also put thin slices of chocolate and this special sticky brown sugar on our bread – delicious. You can even find Faroese lifestyle at the parking lot of your favored supermarket. Take a look at the cars. Nobody locks them. And in many of them, the keys remain inserted. One more example: driving to the gas station. After refilling their tanks, people pull over their cars. An only then they walk inside and pay.
Of course I know: Not everything on Faroe Island is paradise. But the crime rate still is very low. Nevertheless, some Faroese leave their Islands. They want to try something new, they want to experience big cities, they work in Denmark or other countries, or they study abroad. Many of them move back to Faroe Islands at a later time. „It is safe, great nature, and we don’t have to be afraid about our children playing outside“, a successful businesswoman told me.
Most Faroese churches have been open to the public in the past. Now, their doors are closed. Due to some douchebags stealing money from collection boxes. Latest news: This week, almost 100 kilos of illegal drugs have been found on Norröna. This is the ferry service that connects Faroe Islands, Denmark and Island. How long will it be before the old couple’s door is locked? A lifestyle is in danger.