I'll be honest- 5 years back, if you were to ask me "where is Iceland?" I may not be able to tell you. Yeah, yeah.. I knew it was in the Northern Atlantic, maybe it was a part of Europe, I heard about their financial crisis in 2009 and I was aware of their socialist politics. But, I didn't really know much about the magical land of fire and ice and the beautiful landscape and hospitality that is boasts.
Then I saw the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, back in January of 2014, and it all clicked! The glaciers the size of massive buildings, the lava rock, the lush green grass, the sheep and ponies and puffins... I HAD TO SEE THAT. I thought about Iceland constantly, and talked about it frequently. I even gave a speech on Iceland during a communications course I took at Western. I was pretty dang hooked, and it just so happened the cute guy I had a crush on was just as interested in Iceland; After All, he was the one that introduced me to Walter Mitty. The equation seemed almost perfect: Designated travel buddy + a week and a half off to travel + cheap(ish) tickets. However, Iceland is a tricky place to travel to, for since it is so northern, people who visit are encountered with 24 hours of daylight (June) and 24 hours of darkness (December). For someone who wanted to see the Northern Lights, but also venture around the land, there were really only two times that would be optimal to go/worked with my school - September & March.
So with tentative plans, talks with my travel buddy, day dreaming of Vik, lack of funds, an urge to hop on a plane, scheduling issues, a seemingly rocky friendship, school, work, and the deep drive to explore Iceland- I purchased a solo ticket to trek through Iceland in March of 2015. BOOOOOOOM. I was stoked, and Iceland did not disappoint.
Embarking on my first international solo-adventure was a little bit scary, all parts extremely exciting, and more empowering than I initially imagined it to be.. **Sidenote: Iceland is the most perfect place to visit if you are a younger) female, traveling by yourself, for it was rated one of the safest countries in the whole world, and the crime rate is essentially non-existent.** First off, I had no one to consult about my upcoming trip. I didn't have the responsibility of asking traveling partners if they were okay with doing this or that, or making sure everyone was in agreement about what was being planned. My independent self was shining so bright and no one was there to hold me back! Wahoo. Some of my most favorite memories are my solo-trips around the U.S., the moments I write alone in a coffee shop, and the memories I get to make on my own. I get it. I sound a bit selfish, but I find so much beauty in experiencing things alone because sometimes, I am the only one in the world who saw what I saw, at that exact moment. How special is that?!
I jumped on the plane the day after I finished my final exams and departed for Iceland only knowing where I was staying at night. The unknown was exhilarating and intriguing. When I landed, I knew my first stop had to be the Blue Lagoon; a magical steaming blue pool of water. On top of the relaxation that ensued, I was able to witness a total lunar eclipse from the pool. WHAT?!! It was so amazing.
I then traveled back to Reykjavik where I found my hostel, walked around the capital region, and napped.
The days that followed included road tripping all over the southern part of the island. ultimately landing at the coastal village of Vik. In Vik, I combed the beaches (in 30 degree weather!) hiked on glaciers, and watched the northern lights. Woah, that was a sight I will never forget.
I continued roadtripping up through Reykjavik because silly me, forgot the camera charger and had to purchase one in the ONE STORE that carries them on the whole island. Plot twist, for sure.
I watched sunsets, hung out with furry ponies, and road tripped my heart out.
Iceland, I love you. I’ll be back for more oh so soon.
Some of the amazing places I stayed (click below):
Heradsskolinn Hostel
Borgarnes, West, Iceland