Iceland
Iceland is so unique to any other place I’ve been. The level of natural beauty and variety of landscape is unlike anything I could possibly compare it to. In the 5 days I was in Reykjavik I traveled to the most majestic waterfalls, bursting geysers, volcanic craters, adventured into iceberg filled lakes, dived in some of clearest water I’ve ever seen, and even sought after the Northern Lights. Iceland is quite literally breathtaking.
When I arrived into Reykjavik I was lucky to be there during the Iceland Film Festival so the town was buzzing. I even managed to take in the Woody Allen documentary (which was wonderful!) in between sightseeing and strolling around the shops and the landmarks in the quaint township. Over the course of the next week I managed to dive in some of the coldest, clearest waters in the world fully equipped in a dry suit that made me feel like I could also walk on the moon. It was quite an experience. From there I took in several tours that gave me the overview of the country from the golden circle, which included the famous geyser, amazing waterfalls, and volcanic craters. We were really lucky that the clouds and the sun were on our side so that every time we stopped we were graced with perfect lighting to enhance the natural beauty.
The following day I got up early to take in the epic Blue Lagoon, which are hot pools that were this remarkable light blue and warmed you too the core when it was about 10 degrees outside. After that I headed out to the glacier lake, which was only a 5 hour drive each way….but well worth it. Now it’s been on my list for years to go to Antarctica, but until I can get there, this was the closest I can assume that it would look like. The glaciers were so “cool” (literally, it was really cold there) and with the backdrop of the mountains behind, it was quite a site to see. To get a closer look you can go out on ducks, or boats with wheels that you can run right into the ice filled lake. It was pretty amazing and makes my need to travel to the southern most continent even greater.
My final night I was so excited to go out and see the northern lights since the weather was not too cooperative earlier in the week I thought the last night with clear skies in the forecast would be perfect….sadly I was wrong. We sat out there until about 1am and not a green flicker in the sky, just a full moon and stars. Oh well, just means I’ll have to go back. I can handle that!
