Discovering Iceland

For a single country that is roughly the size of Virginia, it captures one of the most diverse and beautifully dynamic landscapes I have yet experienced.  We drove the perimeter of the country on the Ring Road, a nearly 1,500km route that winds through coastline, small towns, and vast countryside. This is not to be confused with the ever-popular Golden Circle which offers a shorter route of attractions consolidated around the radius of the capital city.

Pictures cannot capture the enormity, color, sound, and natural experience of Iceland.  Waterfalls ranging in might and height littered the mountainsides and were only less prevalent than wandering sheep and the purple lupine flower throughout the country.  We explored the lava fields and craters created by the over 100 volcanoes on the island, and on the opposite extreme, awed at the largest glacier in Europe as Daniel pointed out areas where visible avalanches had occurred, causing the icebergs we later witnessed floating downstream.  

Traveling in mid-June, we visited during the Summer Solstice, when the country experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight. This creates the beautiful phenomenon of the westward sun setting for hours, while you can see light from the east brightening the horizon.  It was stunning, and led us to a nocturnal schedule, by driving and exploring in the middle of the night while roads were clear, busses parked, and many tourists asleep.

Thankfully, we discovered this approach early in our trip, on the eastern side of the country, which is home to many fjords or inlets of the Atlantic identified by exaggerated coastal cliffs.  At night, the clouds rolled back over the water and exposed the mountain peaks framing the vibrant sky.  The fjords offered aggressive hikes, winding drives, and a chance to see Iceland's fishing industry at work.  

Being a rather expensive country, Iceland was a place where we tested our ability to adapt and compromise.  We stayed at campgrounds for only three of the eight nights after learning that the fee is per person, and not a particularly cheap alternative for a spot to pitch a tent (especially when showers are still pay-per-minute). Instead, many late and cold nights led us to find a secluded spot along the road and sleep in the back of the car, strategically seeking showers at recreation centers and campgrounds.  Not until the last night did we splurge (via credit card rewards points) to get a roof over our heads... It was an adventure! 

Aside from accommodations and lacking the resources to cook many of our own meals, the food was better than expected.  Google "Icelandic food" and the results are less than appealing, particularly for my vegetable-loving appetite.  Thankfully, we encountered a more diverse selection, with nearly every variety of pizza, including lobster margherita, being a popular option.  Even when my translation led me to believe I was ordering a salad, pizza was served.  Cucumbers somehow make their way into nearly every dish, which we learned is a major crop in the country, grown in geothermal greenhouses that can be spotted in many towns.  The geothermal activity, which creates natural wonders like hot springs and geysers, also allows for a majority of the country's power to be renewable (read: awesome). 

Overall, Iceland urges your mind to see the effects of millions of years of natural history and appreciate the changes still happening. Not unintentionally, we attended nine days of "green church" to begin our international journey and we were very pleased with the service.