The Adventure Handbook caught up with German travel photographer Gerald Zinnecker – or Zinni as he refers to himself in the extensive chronicles of ‘Zinni on Travel’ – to talk photography, travel and especially, his long held love affair with Greenland.
Hi Zinni! Is it ok if I call you Zinni?
Zinni is fine.
I really enjoyed reading through your blog – even though I had to use a couple of internet translators because I don’t speak German. Though I can’t fully understand it, I get the idea that your travelogs are driven by good humour, personal anecdotes, love of travel and the outdoors, and – of course – stunning photography.
Thank you, I’m quite proud of that.
So, when and why did you start the blog ‘Zinni on Travel‘?
First of all, for me it’s not a ‘blog’ (not a diary and not a journal). It’s my homepage about my vacations incl. intermittent reports, shots and updates.
I started my project in 2007. I was tired of talking and writing the same stories to all my friends after my trips. Simultaneously I bought my first digital camera and I rediscovered my passion for photography. As time passed, I was more satisfied with the result and I decided to publicise my work.
Currently I have an average of 500 views a day and more than a few enquiries for many reasons (websites, games, books, brochures…). I’m very proud that one of my shots is displayed in the “British Museum” in London.
I’m in love with Greenland. I like the north, and my big favorite is Greenland. An unique landscape, individual locals, great wildlife and in one word: Cool!
You call Greenland “your favourite country at the moment.” Why is that?
I’m in love with Greenland. I like the north, and my big favorite is Greenland. An unique landscape, individual locals, great wildlife and in one word: Cool!
What prompted your first trip to Greenland?
Forget my first trip, terrible. That had nothing to do with this beautiful country, I was too young and couldn’t appreciated the wonderful scenery. Many years later I saw the movie “Smilla’s Sense of Snow” during a long transatlantic flight and fortunately this spurred me to revisit.
What, for you, is the most exciting part about travel? What do you seek out when you travel different landscapes and countries?
First: Nature. Second: Nature. Third: Nature.
I love to walk in the middle of nowhere, and this is very easy in Greenland (but try to avoid contact with a polar bear…).
You went to Ittoqqortoormiit, in Greenland – which is quite a small community, and not very easily accessible… How was it different from larger cities in Greenland?
Ittoqqortoormiit is one of the most insulated towns in the world. Far away from all touristic highways and only accessible by helicopter. Two supply ships a year, and if you forget to lodge a request you must wait six more months for this. Fresh food is coming via Air Greenland, but space is very restricted and expensive. Many food products in the Supermarket are expired…
But the locals looks satisfied (except a few alcoholics) and I think nobody would want switch places with me and my hometown.
I love to walk in the middle of nowhere, and this is very easy in Greenland (but try to avoid contact with a polar bear…).
What have been surprising aspects of Greenlandic culture that you have discovered? What have you learnt in your seven (or more?) trips there?
It’s 10 trips.
I learnt: You can be happy without a big house, a car and so on. The local life is basic, but generally they are very friendly (of course with exceptions) and helpful despite being without a wealthy background.
In your culinary experience of Greenland, what was the most memorable dish or restaurant? Good, or bad?
I like the Restaurant Mamartut in Ilulissat, outstanding local food in all facets.
My culinary experience there has been good, I like seals, musk ox and reindeer. Curiously, usually I eat no fat, but I like Mattak, the nutty skin and blubber from a whale. It’s not a fine food but a tasty snack.
Have you met any animals – seals, polar bears, dogs – of Greenland? How about phenomena like The Northern Lights?
Unfortunately I never saw the Northern Lights, I hope to in the future.
It’s impossible to see no dogs in Greenland, far away from every village you hear the sound of their barking. I love the Greenland dogs, especially the pups. I’ve met musk oxs, snow rabbits, many birds and whales, however I’m glad that all polar bears were on vacation during my stays…
Last question – a doozy. What are your top 3 recommendations for anyone travelling to Greenland?
Of course the absolute and deserved number one is Ilulissat, the only town in Greenland with a proper touristic infrastructure. The name is the program (Ilulissat = Icebergs), and the nearby Ilulissat Icefjord is very easily reachable and sensational.
I can’t say a number two or three, this is unfair to all other destinations. Every town is lovely and one of a kind without an exception.
Interview by Emilia for AHB, with Gerald Zinnecker
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