The last leg of my European trip this summer was a little north, to Iceland. I honestly had no clue what to expect upon arriving and as the plane landed in Reykjavik, you could look out and see no signs of life for miles. Lava fields covered the landscape and the drive out of the airport was in the valley of an active volcano.
Our first day there we went on a hike through the Golden Circle. The first destination was between the tectonic rifts that marked the spot where Europe had now ended and North America began. We then drove past Volcano Heckla, who was just starting to appear past the clouds, until we came across the Golden Waterfall. Surrounded by green moss, purple wildflowers, with steam that rises from far beneath the surface, and trails with no restrictions. We then made our way through the Geyser Valley. Where we walked (and swam) along rivers and hot springs that almost shone blue and held steam that would rise up and surround you, occasionally interrupted by a tremendous blast from the geysers.
The next day we returned to the city. Iceland is home to only 300,000 people, and Reykjavik is the largest city as well as the hub of Icelandic culture. Walking down the streets you pass both backpackers and locals that would remember your name from the night before. The town square is filled with colored rooftops and coffee shops and just at the center of the city is a famous clock tower that gives you a beautiful view of the oceans and volcanoes.
There is so much more I could expand on this trip but if I can leave you with one piece of advice it would be to travel somewhere you normally would not think to go. Surprise yourself. Iceland changed the way I saw the world, it pushed my comfort zone, it expanded my mind to new experiences, and it taught me a lot about people and honestly through that, myself. Iceland might not be for everyone, but it's captivating beauty and wild spirit has me hooked.
See you soon land of fire and ice.
Georgia
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