#blessbless

Amazing food, drink, ambiance … what more could I ask for 🙂 From the first meal to the last, enjoyed every sip and bite of delish offerings from @hedinn_kitchen_bar @monkeys.reykjavik @grandimatholl @omnomchocolate @bakabaka_rvk @skylagooniceland And service above excellence in every venue 💕 #travelerandtourist #blessbless (at Reykjavík, Iceland) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeNfagiuD4J/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

My last day in Reykjavik and wanted to soak in as much of the summer sun and the city sights as I could so it was a full day visiting a bunch of spots including (but not limited to 😉) @harpareykjavik @perlanmuseumiceland @nationalmuseumiceland @reykjavikexcursions @sun.voyager @visitreykjavik 🙂 so easy reference for when you land up here since I’ve done such a phenomenal job of enticing you with my posts 😈 #travelerandtourist #blessbless (at Reykjavík, Iceland) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeFESYlIEt-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Another day of getting to know this beauty and I’m still mesmerized. Some of the usual suspects but also adding to the spectacular scenes everywhere are: Geysir Geothermal Park with spouting springs, including Strokkur, the most active geyser in Iceland. Gullfoss Waterfall and watching enormous quantities of water turn into a majestic shower culminating in a powerhouse river. Awe struck doesn’t even begin to describe it! Thingvellir National Park, an area of historical and geological significance, and so much to see and behold on this wonderfully mysterious planet we call home. The Golden Circle Bus Tour was on my agenda today and as with every single minute spent in this country, I am continually wowed by everything I experience here 💕💕💕 #travelerandtourist #blessbless (at Gullfoss and Geysir) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeCRG7Mo5a9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

How is this place even real?? Signed up for an almost 15 hour day excursion today and was telling myself I had overdone it but then all these magical moments happened : Boating on a glacial lagoon amid the most spectacular glacial forms and seeing harbor seals living their best life Multiple waterfalls putting me in misty heaven and all that rainbow loving Never-ending farmland and plains and meadows and coastlines and just the happiest of horses and sheep and cows and all them babies prancing around The black sands at diamond beach and those magnificent diamond-like ice formations And the weather gods played nice too - no rain when we were out and about on any part of the excursion It’s 2am and I can’t sleep because I am so energized from this day out in nature that has filled me with so much joy! Iceland is putting on such a show and all I can do is admire and applaud ❤️❤️❤️ #blessbless #travelerandtourist (at Jokulsarlon, Glacier Lagoon) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeAOllRoRAw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Spent the day in @skylagooniceland today and could do it all over again tomorrow! What a magical gem of a spot and one where time stands still and moves too fast all at once 🙂 never had a lagoon bathing experience so this is my first but the bar has been set high now! From the service to the setting, the facilities to the outdoor pools, the seven step ritual to the spectacular views - cannot recommend this spot enough. 💕 no pics of myself cos I chose the digital detox route for the day and no pics of other folks out of respecting their privacy in a space where they’ve come to relax and recharge. But I do hope you will make it a day here when you visit because it is absolutely worth it 🙌🏾 #blessbless #travelerandtourist (at Sky Lagoon Iceland) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd9fCMIoefZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

So many highlights today in Reykjavik that I don’t know where to begin! I screamed in excitement like a little kid on a roller coaster while experiencing the @flyovericeland immersive simulated ride - don’t think twice about doing this and in fact I’d suggest doing this first so you can truly see the beauty of this country and it’s many natural attractions! Enjoyed an Alaskan lamb burger at a food hall and followed that with the fabulous local brand of chocolate and ice cream: @omnomchocolate Made the most of the lovely weather by walking around to a few local stores and admiring many murals along the way Gave in to the licorice fascination and tried licorice hazelnuts at dinner - safe bet for a smooth introduction to licorice all things that is enjoyed by residents in the city And the realization slowly hitting me (I’m jet lagged)that I’m going to have to come back multiple times to truly experience Iceland - just look at that last map! Going to bed with a full heart and a smile on my face (especially since my delayed luggage finally got here and I can actually wear a new set of clothes tomorrow #firstworldproblems) #travelerandtourist #blessbless (at Reykjavík, Iceland) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd6862FInt-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

It’s story time, folks. 🙂 Growing up in Oman during my middle school years, we once had a general knowledge quiz. I forget if it was opt in or common to all but I remember I participated and the school gave us a booklet with questions to memorize the answers to in preparation for the quiz happening a month or two later. I devoured the book like my life depended on it. I was mesmerized by all the people and places and things and events but mostly I was curious about one word I learned. I forget the exact question (memory fades thinking about something that happened in the early 90s) but I remember the answer clearly : R E Y K J A V I K I write it like that because I memorized it that way , by the letters , because I didn’t know how to pronounce it. And that piqued my curiosity. And I told myself one day I would go there. Then life happened - high school, college, work, marriage - and I made peace with the fact that I would never ever make it to R E Y K J A V I K. But I’ve always admired it, looking at photos and videos on the internet, telling myself that it was too far fetched a dream to see to fruition so this was the only way I could. But today, that dream was realized. I am in in Reykjavik (yes, I finally learned how to pronounce it) and I cannot begin to describe to you the emotions I am feeling. I thought I would make this a video but I couldn’t hold it together so here are my words. To see the dreams I had in middle school realized now in my 40s - it’s the most wondrous feeling ever! I don’t know if you’ve ever felt that but if you do, hold on to that precious moment. And if you haven’t, then know that it is possible. It may not be in exactly the manner you assume it will happen, but it sure will. And when it does, I hope your heart explodes with the same happiness that I feel right now! Leaving you with a few photos from my very first day in the city. Did a walking tour with @citywalkreykjavik and our guide Martin showed off his beautiful city for the better part of the afternoon. Say tuned for more updates. #blessbless #travelerandtourist (at Reykjavík, Iceland) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd4jxQvozqk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=