SLEIGHS, ELVES, ANTLERS AND NORTHERN (DE)LIGHTS
Nine more sleeps till take-off. I wish I could say we’ve been training for this, our annual round-the-world flyby with the red-suited one. But I can’t. We reindeer have short memories and most of our time off — which is, like, a whole year — is spent nibbling green shoots and bark in the forest and generally ambling about with no plans. You could say we’re in a rut but using the words “rut” and “reindeer” might give the wrong idea — it’s not all doe, beer and song up here in the Frozen North, you know. Suddenly, it’s that time again and the Boss and the elves are annoying everyone with their endless bickering and hammering as the toy workshop works 24/7 to catch up with orders — most of which are placed on December 26 (yes, the very next day — that’s the age of InstaGratification for you). Also the elves are all Commies and much too fond of their mead.
Anyway, most of us are a little out of shape, to put it mildly. Dasher (“Nosher” would be a better name, he chows so much) looks like he might have a heart attack on take-off, but, whatever, duty calls.
We head out after dark on the 24th. Those of you who’ll be in the air that night (soz), keep your eyes peeled for what looks like a shooting star, only with antlers and fur and squishy red blob at the centre. That’s us, call sign “Big Red”. If we’re weaving, it’s because the Boss’ driving gets increasingly erratic as the night passes thanks to all the beer and spirits you lot leave by the fireplaces.
Our homeward flight path takes us over this lovely archipelago just off the Norway coast. It’s name means “lynx’s foot” in Old Norse, apparently, which makes my fur stand up, because, cats ... Either way, it means home is close. It would be nice to spend some R&R there, chowing nicer green shoots. Ah well, maybe one day.
To stand a chance of winning R500, tell us the name of the archipelago?
● Send your answer to travelquiz@sundaytimes.co.za before noon on Tuesday December 17. Last week’s winner is James Kelly from Cotswold. The correct answer was Iceland. The winner will be announced in Sunday Times Travel on January 12 2020. Wishing all our readers happy holidays!