DREAMING OF ICELAND IN A HOT SYDNEY SUMMER DAY

24/01/2013 by arilee123

As Christmas begins to feel like a distant memory and the seemingly never-ending weeks of work loom ahead, dreams of holidays inevitably pop up from time to time (read: everyday). Last week was hot in Sydney, to say the least. And since I can’t be at the beach, there’s no fair reason for it to be hot, which is why my thoughts have led me to Iceland.

The first seeds were planted when my best friend Anna travelled to Lapland during her 2011 exchange in Sweden. Facebook photos of snow, dog sleds, ridiculous cold and sleeping in shacks with no heat evoked a very closeness to nature and adventure that I’ve never really experienced before. Then I saw photos on Gary Pepper’s blog a while back, and somehow the seeds were in full bloom this week.

Steaming lagoons surrounded by crisp white and turquoise glaciers, and hip locals drinking warm tea and mulled wine in the cafes and bars of Reykjavik… Whale watching, wolf sleds, aurora skies, the magical and earthy energy from all the volcanic and geothermal activity. Iceland, don´t go anywhere, because this is what I want to do and see when I get to set feet in your volcanic land (soon enough than you and I think!):

The Blue Lagoon

Located in a lava field in Grindavík (Reykjanes Peninsula, southwestern Iceland), Bláa lónið or Blue Lagoon is situated approximately 39 km from the capital city of Reykjavík. The lagoon´s steamy waters are part of a lava formation that and are said to be rich in minerals like silica and sulphur that help sufferers from skin diseases such as psoriasis.

Reynisfjara black volcanic rock beach

The name says it all: a beach made up of black volcanic sand with the added bonus of by basalt columns and caved cliffs throughout.

Vatnajökull National Park

Covering nearly 13% of Island, Vatnajokull National park is said to be home to some of the most diverse terrain anywhere on earth including the Jokulsargljufur canyon, the Dettifoss waterfall, Hljooaklettar crater, and Askja volcano, and of course Vatnajokull glacier.

Iceland Airwaves

If you are into music, like I do, this annual festival held in Reykjavík in October is a must. The festival showcases new local Icelandic and international music for five whole days (Wednesday – Sunday).

Gulfloss Waterfall

Almost magical, seemingly vanishing into the earth, the Gulfloss waterfall is located in the canyon of Hvítá river in southwest Iceland. Now one of the most popular destinations in Iceland, the waterfall displays the mighty Hvítá river rushing and winding sharply to turn down into a wide curved three-step “staircase” and then abruptly plunging into a crevice 32 m deep.

Drive through (or cycle if fitness levels allows) all the coastal villages

From Vik (Iceland´s southernmost village) to picture perfect, hikers paradise Siglufjorur, the thought of driving through this mountainous, volcanic, variable terrain to get to remote, colourful villages seems like a must-do. If up for a challenge, though, imagine the journey through these landscapes on your bike…

Northern lights!!

What can I say ? – Just dreaming of the colours and incredible sensation that many don´t get to see or feel in their lifetime.

There’s really only one way to find out if my imagination is close to reality! Anything else to add to my icelandic bucket list? In any case, Iceland see you very soon…!!