Adventure Is Worthwhile

A big, Spring hello, dear Reader! I have been enjoying my neighborhood walks more than ever with all the blooms popping every day. It's my favorite season in New England. Check out my recent Instagram posts.

The title of today's post is a quote from Aristotle and it relates to my love of travel. Before the world shut down in 2020, I would often take two or three trips a year. Flights between Boston and Europe were especially convenient. One year I convinced myself that since I was already on the west coast in Oregon I was closer to Australia (!). Crossing the Pacific Ocean was quite a bit longer than a hop across "the Pond" as we used to call the flights from the northeast to London. The sixteen hour flight was totally worth it!

Often, I chose to fly on Icelandair since the flights were affordable and it was a lovely airline. Since all flights to Europe first stopped in Reykjavik they always offered me the chance to take a few days to explore the island, at no extra airfare cost, before continuing on to wherever I was ultimately landing. I never took them up on it for various reasons, usually time constraints. 

Last year, after five years of no international travel, I had a vacation in St. Maarten. It was lovely and it re-awakened my desire to explore. This longing grew and grew until I felt like I had to plan a trip and last week's journey to Iceland was created. 

The trip almost designed itself. I've often encouraged others to take all the small steps that eventually lead to something you want. A dream or a yearning can seem overwhelming until you take the first small step. Once I decided that Iceland was my destination, it all began to unfold. 

I often, even usually, travel solo. This time I mentioned it to a colleague who quickly said she was on board. I had never travelled with her before and it worked out beautifully (you never know how that will pan out ). She was a great companion and solved the problem of solo travel add-ons. From start to finish, the adventure went above and beyond any expectations. 

Iceland is a volcanic island sitting on the diverging tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia. It's often referred to as the "land of fire and ice" because of its glaciers, geysers, hot springs, and ... volcanoes. A fair amount of the interior of the country is uninhabitable and over 60% of the country's 390,000+ population lives in and around the capital of Reykjavik. That doesn't mean there isn't much to see or do. We packed in five days of fascinating exploration. 

The first day, after flying all night, we headed out on a walking food and general information tour of Reykjavik. From the minute we touched down, the adventure began. I once read a quote from the fantasy author Ray Bradbury: "Stuff your eyes with wonder ... See the world ... It's more fantastic than any dream ..." Iceland did not disappoint. 

Over the next four days we were offered the opportunity of taking in thundering waterfalls, gorgeous craters, black sand beaches, adorable horses (known as the Fabios of the equestrian world for their flowing manes), stunning glaciers, and lichen covered volcanic fields. Our tour guides, without exception, were charming, funny, kind, and a wealth of fascinating facts. Yes, tourism does play a big part in Iceland's existence and therefore is an important part of their identity, however not once did it feel like anyone's hospitality was forced or phony. Here are some highlights and don't forget to check out the attached photo album:

• While I'm not a big fan of American hot dogs, I was strongly encouraged to try Iceland's famous hot dog. It's made with lamb and covered with ketchup made from apples, crispy and raw onions, mustard, and remoulade. It was delish!

• Puffins are adorable, small birds that come to islands just off the coast of Reykjavik after eight months of living at sea to nest from late April through August. They beat their wings around 400 times a minute (their bones aren't hollow and so they are heavier than many birds) which helps to identify them. They mate for life and their bills become very colorful in the spring.

• Earthquakes are constant, although usually of such low magnitude they are hardly perceptible. 

• All top leadership positions are currently held by women  and Icelanders take great pride in this. There is a palpable level of tolerance, acceptance, and compassion throughout which was a welcome respite from the current political climate here in the U.S. My nervous system relaxed and healed a little during the trip. 

• The Blue Lagoon -- this is a geothermal spa found nowhere else on earth rich in silica, algae, and minerals. The water is milky blue and you are given a mud mask to treat your skin while soaking in its incredible, healing warmth. 

• Much of Game of Thrones was filmed in Iceland -- the perfect backdrop!

As you can guess, I highly recommend visiting this captivating destination. I often say that I am motivated by my awareness of not knowing what I don't know. This is what drives me to travel and explore. I always come back with new thoughts, ideas, and awareness. I am so looking forward to the next adventure, and I highly recommend finding your own. 

Sending Sparkles and Love Your Way!