Posted by Scott
As always, my adventures are best summed up with the list so here it goes…”the list” from Iceland:
Scariest moment of the trip: What could be perceived as scary — unlike the USA, Iceland does not appear to have many rest stops or SOS call boxes on the side of the roads. Thus, if you are stranded, ensure you have a cell phone.
Best meal of the trip: Chicken risotto and fresh Icelandic spring water.
Something I learned about myself: One has to be patient to get the right photo shot.
Moment feeling like a local: As Icelanders go to heated pools, I felt like a native wading in the 98 degree waters of the Blue Lagoon. Talk about relaxing and peaceful.
Feel good moments: Spending a week with great friends who showed me an incredible country and allowed me to explore nature at its finest.
Interesting experience: Going whale watching in the northern Icelandic city of Husavik and seeing humpback whales from aboard the boat
Local food I enjoyed: Before heading to the airport, my friends and I had a total vegan lunch at Graenn Kostur. They also have vegetarian entrees available. A MUST!
Icelandic word I remembered: opið, which means “open” as in open 24 hours a day.
Scene I would never see back home: Seeing sheep on a deserted highway, Icelandic horses roaming free and a reindeer in a dry river creek bed.
What I’ll never forget: How expensive Iceland can be. How would you like to pay $8 for a gallon of gas, $5 for a scoop of ice cream or a couple hundred dollars for a jacket courtesy of 66 North. Though, if it keeps you warm in Iceland warm it must be good, right?
I’ll also never forget the varied landscape. Think about seeing a moon-like surface, spongy moss field, jagged rock cliffs like off the California Pacific Coast Highway near Big Sur, open plains, fjords, wheat-like fields and other varied mountain-west landscapes all within 3-days. Incredible.
Amazing architecture: Harpa, the concert hall. Great stained glass-like windows.
Something I didn’t expect: Such “warm” weather. It was roughly 60 degrees the entire time I was there in August. I also didn’t expect such lush greens, vibrant flower colors and multi-colored rooftops.
A nice treat: Having dinner with the U.S. Ambassador to Iceland, his wife and my friends.
A treat for myself: Being totally immersed in a vacation and just taking it all in thinking that I could read a book in front of a glacier, waterfall or old church. What a perfect mix of wonder and relaxation.
Local purchase: An Icelandic sheep puzzle game. The box and pieces are made from Icelandic larch and birch wood.
What’s fun: Going with the flow — from taking sunset photos by the lighthouse to doing a 3-day road trip around Iceland’s Ring Road. Amazing road trip!!
What you can’t miss if you go: Snaefellsnes Peninsula for breathtaking views to include cliffs, waterfalls and the Budir church.
A smell I won’t ever forget: The smell of sulfur (think rotten eggs) when we were visiting bubbling steam vents coming from the Earth at Namafjall Hverir in northern Iceland What a smell!!
Most ridiculous thing to buy: Literally a can of air. In one of the shops along the Golden Circle, they sell cans that are best used “outside of Iceland to feel the difference.” Anyone who fills their lungs with the fresh air of Iceland from that can definitely was taken for a ride.
Good meal: Saffran. The saffran safflat (think pizza) was delicious!
What I didn’t see: The Northern Lights. It wasn’t the right timing as that occurs mainly in the winter season. That was disappointing, but it gives me a great excuse to go back 🙂
Plus and negative about IcelandAir (if you use that carrier from the US):
(+) On-time arrivals and departures and an extremely clean aircraft.
(+) Just a five hour flight from the east coast.
( -) Passengers pay $7 for a pair of headphones. Luckily, I had my own. This was the first international flight I had been on where headphones weren’t free.
For those who are looking to be inspired by nature, Iceland is a sure bet. A+ in my travel log!