Iceland - a lil bit of heaven

How should i start? 4 years back when we looked at this waterfall picture in a PNB calendar put up in our dining area, Gagan and me decided that we must plan to visit Iceland, not knowing that Seljalandfoss (waterfalls) was only one of the extraordinary natural wonders and dynamic arctic illuminations alongwith the northern lights and the midnight sun.

Every day, we were in for a surprise. Despite the fact that i  belong to such a versatile country like India, I was awestruck at the beauty of this country. The open spaces, clean air, unspoiled nature, the Viking heritage, waterfalls and hot springs, volcanic mountains on the left, glaciers on the right as we drove along the Atlantic ocean taking an entire circle of the Island.

Despite the hoards of youngsters who venture to Iceland on a weekend to explore the happening night life of Reykjavik, the number one reason why one should be here is its nature. The capital city is definitely beautiful. Swimming in hot geothermal pools is by far the most popular outdoor activity here. The main shopping lane was simple yet coulourful and exciting. A unique exhibit of creativity on the exteriors of these showrooms was worth capturing. 

Our cosy two room cottage was located in a little suburban area which added charm to the whole visit. My cousin and an old time school friend joined us here. So we did what we must- made the most of it- cooking, dancing and laughing. From Reykjavik, we visited the snaefelsnes peninsula. Snaefell jokull kofull like we call it :) is the highest mountain in the peninsula and has the glacier at its peak. 

Moving towards to the centre of iceland, was the Gulfoss, the queen of Icelandic waterfalls and the Geysir which boasts its hot springs every 15 minutes. What was really unique was Thingevellir- where the continental plates of North America and Europe meet. Interesting!!

Though it was summers here, but the cold arctic air made the weather so chilly and windy that we would be tremoring most of the times. We started our trip with the breathtaking landscapes of western fjords at isafjordur. This snow capped region is still a little less explored but is definitely not worth missing.

A treasure that i will always remember seeing is the Jokulsarlon, an isolated glacier lagoon at the realm of Vatnajokull glacier. It was a breathtaking view to see a lake just below a huge glacier where miniature icebergs were standing in a perfect poise to welcome the travellers from all over. Snow mobiling over these silver bright glaciers was a fun ride with a little adventure and wilderness. After dressing up in a snowsuit, we stepped into the super jeep (which i like to address as jeeps with heels) to fly across the Myrdalsjokull glacier with nothing in front but white vistas of the rugged mountains. we realized that these snow scooters were pretty simple- It was just a matter of squeezing the accelerator or the brake. This one was quite close to Eyjafjallajokull which marked the volcanic eruption of 2010 that caused disruption to air travel across Europe for six days.

On the south coast, we certainly could not get over the amazing black sand beaches at Vik, but Dryholaey needs a special mention. Perched upon this precipice were a variety of arctic birds. Whether you are a bird lover or just a bystander like me, spotting the peculiar Icelandic puffin is sure to please.

Not to forget Husavik in northern Iceland where we went as close as 20 miles before the Arctic circle to watch the Whales. We were lucky to see the Humpback surfacing time and again for us but i think on that oak boat ride, we definitely saw a little piece of heaven too which will remain engraved in my memory forever.

Driving 3000 km was really nice but what made me envious were those strong bikers and back packers who arrived with full zeal and eagerness to pitch their tents in Iceland's vast wilderness. I wish i can someday come back to this heaven but with such an adventurous spirit.

When my daughter Suhaani was making her project on animals, she asked me quite curiously as to why the arctic animals were only white and not as colorful as other animals. Now i shall go back and tell her that it is because they belong to a place thats totally divine.

Priti