Reykjavik
Blue Lagoon
First stop on the way to Reykjavik— the quintessential Blue Lagoon. It was like bathing in a mystical, steamy bath with black sand and a surplus of DIY sulfur masks. Can this happen after every flight?
Iceland has free transportation from the blue lagoon to your hostel. Most tours will pick up/drop off too—one less thing you have to pay for. I met up with a couple friends at Hostel Floki—a hostel within walking distance of the city centre.
The beds are comfier then they look. The hostel exceeded my expectations—there was free breakfast, ample living space and clean bathrooms. The only issue—you have to pay for blankets—which next time, I indubitably will. I woke up in the middle of the night FREEZING and the only thing I could think of was to put my feet through the sleeves of my jacket—not my best idea, but it worked.
Also, if you're afraid of the dark, Iceland is the place for you. If you're not, pack an eye mask. It was light out all through the night, causing quite the confusion when it was actually time to "wake up".
This beautiful church, Hallgrimskirkja, was only a few minute walk from the hostel. If you stare at it long enough, it looks like a bunch of dominos ready to be knocked down.
Behind the church was Cafe Loki—an affordable place where you can try traditional Icelandic cuisines like fermented shark, or more normal dishes, like rye bread ice cream. Whatever you try, get ready for rye bread… a lot of rye bread.
If you like rice cakes—you will LOVE riskakas. They are chocolate covered rice cakes sold at local cafes.
Geysers, oh my! I was lucky enough to catch this one erupt scalding water and steam above the earth. Geysers only exist in a few places around the world, so catching one is a pretty rare phenomenon. I have to admit, I was swept off me feet.
Taking a Golden Circle tour is a really good idea in Iceland. You will get to see geysers, waterfalls and amazing views--like the one below.
I was told by a local, do not step on the moss—you never know if you will fall right through. I'd say that is a good enough reason to look and not touch.
Icelandic horses are arguably the most beautiful horses in the world. After seeing them, I'd have to agree. They are more the size of ponies, but they are still called "horses".
It is not unusual to find random hula hoops on the sidewalk.
Its even more common to see eclectic artwork on the sidewalks. This was hard not to stare at and wonder—what in the world?
Takeaways from Iceland
Bring layers, A LOT of layers
Skyrr yogurt is the BEST
The blue lagoon and sulfur masks are worth every penny
Bring an eye mask—Sunset was 12:04 and sunrise is at 2:55AM
NICEST people I have eve met
There are minimal American chains
Rye bread ice-cream is Amazing
The waffle truck at 4AM is a must
The Golden Circle Tour is worth it to see the top attractions