Iceland

Oh Iceland! Iceland has become so popular with tourists that the government was thinking about putting a yearly quota of tourists in place so as to avoid the effect of mass tourism. 

So what better time than a travel-limited year to decide to head back there? If I’m being honest, that’s actually not the reason I decided to fly over there. But see, a little volcano had just decided to erupt, and that, was definitely calling me.

I had been to Iceland twice before: once in december 2006 and once in august 2013, and had exactly the same weather regardless of the fact they’re supposed to be two very opposite seasons. So for those who are thinking « errr I will go in the summertime because winter will be too cold  » just bear in mind that it depends on your luck!

Anyway, my first trip to Iceland had left me amazing memories: that beautiful winter arctic light which I wasn’t yet familiar with, with shades of sunset yellow the whole day and at the same time shades of dawn pink on the opposite sider of the sky. In the summer, I got to experience the midnight sun for the first time. But back then already, I knew winter would be my favourite season for arctic trips.

Anyway, back to the volcano: when I heard about the eruption, my heart went crazy. I had already seen volcanoes back in Vanuatu, but had never seen flowing lava, especially not in a cold country and especially not in the one they call the land of fire and ice! So on I went and climbed the volcano, and had an amazing day of changing weather: most people are probably looking for that perfect powerful volcano shot, but I was so happy to get small snow storms, that hid the volcano completely from time to time. It made the day that much more special. Also really really enjoyed the flowing lava, flowing so slowly yet covering ground really quickly. The contrast of the lava heat and the cold air. And how we could walk next to it as it kept gaining ground. I spent hours there , that’s how crazy it was.

I then met up with a friend I’d met in Sweden and off we went on a 5 day road trip! Oisin being an actor, I think I spent more time taking pictures of him than of Iceland. Also, we had 4 days to cover as much ground as tour operators cover in 11: a new type of travel for me as I’m usually pretty easy going and don’t try to fit too much in. So it all came as a bit of a shock to suddenly be doing a lot – especially after the year we’d had of doing not much at all – but it allowed me to realise the effect covid had had on me too. Suddenly I had to take into account someone else’s wishes, rhythm, and character, and so did he (bless him, he got to see my character in all its glory hahaha). It was all a bit challenging but also a lot of fun.

All in all it was an amazing experience, what with that generous volcano offering me one of the sights I will remember forever, and the personal learning experience.