how do I describe my experience in iceland?
couch surf while in reykjavik, because iceland is expensive. go to some geothermal baths with your host, who is probably crazy. explore reykjavik and go to harpa everyday. be constantly inspired by the graffiti around the city and also amazed by that mountain. also, eat hot dogs, because you can’t afford anything else. also delicious.
rent a ridiculously gaudy, impossible-to-lose van and drive around the countryside, where the icelandic landscape will pass by casually while you try your best to soak it all up and your brain does its best to comprehend how a place on earth could possibly be so beautiful.
bring all the socks you own, and leave (temporarily) your sense of hygiene– you will be wet and constantly scrounging for dry socks (whether they be yours or otherwise). to be honest, everything will be wet, and the towels, bathing suits, socks, pants, and bananas will just become part of the landscape.
climb mountains, find icicle caves, play in the golden light, and watch the sunset. sleep next to a waterfall your first night. always climb things, despite the disapproving looks of your more responsible travel companion boys.
buy an absurd amount of tea lights, and bring a part of denmark into your small cramped van for some van hygge. cozy nights in the van are filled with love and the strongest sense of contentment and satisfaction with the moment. make sure you bring a friend who plays guitar, and do not bring speakers, because there is something so filling about the shoddy jank acoustic of a phone playing music in a cup. whiskey for warmth, recommended.
you’ll be accidentally find the oldest man-made bath in iceland while hiking a snowy volcano. you’ll hug a mountain and feel something that can only be described as contentment. the meaning of happiness can be found here.
eat a lot of skyr, mysli, and cheap bonus chocolate. the chocolate will come in handy later, when in moments of great distress. Oh yeah– when there’s a fly in your van, just kill it. the fairy-trolls are mischievous, but friendly enough so you just almost –but don’t– die while driving through the fjords. it’s fine.
you’ll find puppies, and pretend they are the #10corgis that came to you in a dream. nights in the van will be so cold. snuggle with your friends.
stop on the side of the road and climb precarious steel sculptures, and dance because THERE ARE GLACIERS SURROUNDING YOU.
trek the endless black beaches in pursuit of a plane. count your steps, and always make sure to collect too many sandy rocks, so that they jangle in your pockets.
there is a certain type of happiness that runs so deep, I wonder if it’ll ever truly leave me. hearts full + toes cold. I hope I never get jaded by this beauty.
