You don't know what you've got till its gone.

Why should I care? A little bar in a city far away is going to be torn down. Sirkus, an artists' hangout in the old part of Reykjavík, is slated for demolition. When I was there a year and a half ago, I spoke with the owner of a yarn shop on Laugavegur about the plans for the area; this news came as no surprise to me. Still, its destruction seems to be a symbolic statement, a rejection of the Boho values and artistic ideals this humble pub represents.

It's a tough call. It is a small, architecturally nondescript building. But the scene that exists within it is world renown; with its funky, ever-changing decor it is truly a unique place, a destination. I can understand the need for redevelopment, the nearby houses on Hverfisgata are in need of some serious renovation. I fear that the developers will try to create another Kringland (which is only about 2KM distant), a place of ZERO interest to a tourist or other student of Icelandic culture.

Hats off to "Mr. Destiny" in his efforts to save Sirkus. If it must go, may it be reborn, in all its quirky glory.

Why should I care?

Because it is real.