soda fountain

A little white lie.

I didn’t quite guest star on Game of Thrones, nor have I actually seen the highly regarded show (although, it’s up there on my winter bucket list). But I think I came pretty close with last week’s trip to Iceland. Being impulsive to say “yes” to all travel opportunities that come my way have can end in regret. This time around, this personality trait of mine gave me a reward of a lifetime. My first day in the country involved my friend, Jasmine and I, getting off a bus at night in an area that felt completely desolate. I was sick, there was a blizzard that was steering us in the complete opposite direction, and once progress was made, we were never so excited to see a Subway in our life. After picking up sandwiches, the blizzard came to a halt and I quickly understood what the people of Yelp had mentioned about Iceland – “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.”

Iceland has got to be the most underrated travel destination ever. The city of Reykjavik, where most tourists stay, looks like a picturesque Christmas town, complete with snow capped roofs. I partook in two, eight-hours bus tours while here and the drive that I experienced made it all so worth it. Each time I dozed off, I woke up to a completely new setting – be it gingerbread homes, glaciers, mountains, waterfalls. These scenes are tiny, untouched pockets full of God’s gifts. I couldn’t believe it.

Our first stop was The Blue Lagoon – a wonderful geothermal spa located in a lava field in Grindavik. It’s not a surprise that it is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. The entrance fee paired with transportation there can be seen as a bit hefty but I saw it as a once in a lifetime experience. Where else can you witness groups of grown-up guy friends carrying beer while wearing face masks! It’s all so refreshing and silly at all once.