  In this paper we study dynamical aspects of the two-dimensional gonihedric
spin model using both numerical and analytical methods. This spin model has
vanishing microscopic surface tension and it actually describes an ensemble of
loops living on a 2D surface. The self-avoidance of loops is parametrized by a
parameter $\kappa$. The $\kappa=0$ model can be mapped to one of the six-vertex
models discussed by Baxter and it does not have critical behavior. We have
found that $\kappa\neq 0$ does not lead to critical behavior either. Finite
size effects are rather severe, and in order to understand these effects a
finite volume calculation for non self-avoiding loops is presented. This model,
like his 3D counterpart, exhibits very slow dynamics, but a careful analysis of
dynamical observables reveals non-glassy evolution (unlike its 3D counterpart).
We find, also in this $\kappa=0$ case, the law that governs the long-time,
low-temperature evolution of the system, through a dual description in terms of
defects. A power, rather than logarithmic, law for the approximation to
equilibrium has been found.
