#howicelandchangedtheworld

Blog 1:

Pre-travel Blog

There’s a kind of electric tingle every time I remember we’re about to board a plane for Iceland. I’ve collected a few stamps in my passport over the years. During high school, I had the opportunity to explore the Temple of Poseidon in Greece, dive into the fascinating history of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, take in the majestic landscapes of Banff and Jasper National Parks in the Canadian Rockies, and, most recently, wander through the wonder-filled country of Austria with Rider during spring break.

But visiting a place as dramatic and otherworldly as Iceland feels like a brand-new adventure. The photos and reels people post on social media make Iceland look so majestic and surreal—it seems like a setting pulled straight out of a fantasy movie. I’ve always been drawn to landscapes that look like they belong in utopian, dreamlike films. Iceland, with its volcanic terrain and unreal waterfalls—like Skógafoss and Gullfoss https://guidetoiceland.is/—fits that image perfectly. It has been on my bucket list for ages, and now that the trip is almost here, I can hardly believe it’s finally happening.

What excites me the most? The anticipation of standing before the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, watching it thunder down in all its glory; feeling the geothermal magic of the Blue Lagoon (and hoping I get to go in!); and seeing the striking black sands of Reynisfjara Beach on Iceland’s south coast. These are the sights I’m most looking forward to visiting and learning about.

There’s something thrilling, yet intimidating, about walking on glaciers—especially when you don’t know what the weather or terrain might throw at you. Hiking and climbing can be a challenge for me due to limited function in my right arm, but I still want to give it my best. I’ve heard that Icelandic weather can flip in a matter of minutes, which both excites and stresses me out—but hey, that’s part of the adventure.

Packing is another challenge altogether. With Iceland’s famously unpredictable climate, layering is essential. I always seem to struggle with packing—especially overpacking. But I’m determined to be smart about it this time. I plan to bring a waterproof jacket, my thick and warm winter coat, thermal base layers, a cozy hat, gloves, and sturdy hiking boots. And, of course, I won’t forget a swimsuit for relaxing in the hot springs.

Most importantly, I’m bringing my camera and extra batteries to capture all the magical moments—me standing in front of waterfalls, exploring national parks, and soaking in the heavenly Blue Lagoon. I’m also packing a wide-eyed sense of curiosity for every wild twist and turn that lies ahead.

It’s funny—my parents visited Iceland about two years ago, and when they come home, one of the first things my mom said was, “Man, their tap water is probably some of the best water I’ve ever tasted.” I laughed so hard! They explained that Iceland’s drinking water is filtered directly from hot springs flowing through lava fields and rocks, which gives it a crisp, clean taste. Ever since they told me that, I’ve been eager to try it myself.

One fact that really shocked me while reading How Iceland Changed the World by Egill Bjarnason was about a volcanic eruption in 2010 that was so massive, it disrupted air travel as far away as Bulgaria. That really made me want to learn more about Iceland’s volcanoes.