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Ah, Iceland. Land of fire and ice, glaciers and geysers, midnight sun and northern lights. It’s a place that evokes images of rugged landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty. But for me, my first encounter with Iceland was a little bit more… comical.
You see, I found myself with a 12-hour layover in Reykjavik, completely unprepared for the Icelandic winter. I had visions of strolling through charming streets, sipping coffee in cozy cafes, and maybe even catching a glimpse of the aurora borealis. What I got was a crash course in Arctic survival, all while dressed in a t-shirt and shorts.
Just keep going
It was July. Should be warm, I thought. Nope. Truthfully, the temperature was hovering around freezing. As I stepped off the plane, a gust of wind whipped through me, sending chills down my spine and a shiver through my very soul. I realized then, with a sinking feeling, that my attire was woefully inadequate for the Icelandic climate. See, I had just come from Andalucia, in the South of Spain. I’d connived my way into this long layover on the route back to my abode. Now, it seemed, a price would need to be paid.
However, I am a certified travel baddie for a reason. I was not going to let some lame-ass cold stop me from getting mine. Determined to make the most of my limited time, I ventured out into the city. My first stop was the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, a towering structure that dominates the Reykjavik skyline.
Don’t lose sight of your potential
Standing on the windswept plaza, I attempted to admire the architecture. After all, it is truly impressive. ‘Tis a veritable feast for the eyes as some might say. However, my teeth were chattering uncontrollably. What’s more, my fingers were so numb I could barely hold my phone to take a picture.
Thereafter, I braved the icy streets, heading towards Laugavegur, the main shopping street. I window-shopped at the charming boutiques, fantasizing about the warm winter clothes I would buy upon my immediate return to civilization. Of course, I forgot to mention it was about 6am at this point. Evidently, there was very little open and nowhere I could cozy up in.
Consequently, I was starting to resemble a popsicle, my extremities slowly turning blue. Seeking refuge from the elements, I stumbled into a cozy cafe. As I sipped a scalding hot chocolate, I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Okay I lied, there was no hot chocolate. The trauma still forces me to live in fantasies!
From Tapas to Tundras: Stepping foot in the Tundra (is it considered a tundra?)
I had just bid farewell to the sun-drenched streets of Granada, Spain, my senses still buzzing from the vibrant flamenco shows and the intoxicating aroma of tapas. Little did I know, my journey home to San Francisco would take an unexpected detour, landing me in the heart of a winter wonderland: Iceland.
Armed with my trusty travel backpack and a wardrobe suitable for a Mediterranean escapade (think shorts, sandals, and a carefree spirit), I boarded my flight to Reykjavik, eager to explore this new destination. What I wasn’t prepared for was the stark contrast in climate. Leaving the balmy Spanish weather behind, I stepped into a world of icy winds and snow-covered landscapes, a scene straight out of a Nordic fairytale.
With a bewildered smile and a slightly numb grin, I embarked on my 11-hour Icelandic adventure. My initial plan of strolling through quaint villages and soaking in the geothermal pools quickly took a backseat to the reality of my situation. My shorts, once a symbol of carefree summer travels, now felt more like a badge of my tourist naivety.
If you take time for yourself, it’s never wasted
But instead of letting the cold dampen my spirits, I decided to embrace the unexpected. I exchanged my sandals for sturdy boots, bundled myself up in layers borrowed from a friendly airport vendor, and ventured out into the winter wonderland.
The landscape was breathtaking. Snow-capped mountains soared into the sky, glaciers shimmered like diamonds in the sunlight, and the geysers spouted plumes of steam, a stark contrast to the sun-baked hills and bustling streets I had just left behind.
Truthfully, the heat had been unexpected even in Spain. I was a foolish American boy after all, who assumed all of Europe was cold. So I stripped like I was getting lashes from a solar whip. Quickly, I adapted to the blazing Andalusian sun. Only now, mere hours later, that whiplash was back, in the complete opposite direction.
Reykjavik Rhapsody: A Surreal Layover in Iceland
The wind whipped through my hair, carrying the icy breath of the North Atlantic. Below me, the snow-covered streets of Reykjavik shimmered in the pale winter sun. I started exploring the streets, dwarfed by the imposing Hallgrímskirkja church, my teeth chattering uncontrollably and my toes numb inside my flimsy sneakers.
This wasn’t how I imagined my layover in Iceland playing out. However, amidst the absurdity of the situation, there was a surreal beauty. The sky, a canvas of fiery pink and orange, reflected in the frozen puddles on the ground. The church, with its stark white facade and soaring spire, seemed to pierce the very heavens. And the locals, bundled up in layers of warm clothing, looked at me with a mixture of amusement and pity.
Actually, it was predominantly pity but oh well. Who was I to argue with their judgment? Eventually, I couldn’t help but laugh at myself. Here I was, shivering in front of a magnificent landmark, feeling like a character in a bizarre travel documentary. While movement undoubtedly helped heat me up, I decided to step out of the microwave. I took a seat to admire the church. I wanted someone to know my deeds and possibly redeem my foolishness. Pulling out my phone, I decided to call my friend back home.
the world is waiting to befriend you
“Hey,” I said, my voice barely audible over the wind. “You won’t believe where I am.”
As I described my predicament, my friend’s laughter echoed through the phone, a warm counterpoint to the icy wind. My grin faded. I was hoping to be critically acclaimed for my daring decision to leave the airport. Instead, I was rounded on by ridicule.
“Bruh you stupid as fuck. You’re in Iceland? In shorts? Are you insane?” they exclaimed, their amusement evident in their voice. “Give up on life bro. This travel shit not for you.”
“I know, I know,” I chuckled. Then I turned to the camera, smacking a hole in the fourth wall with my frozen fist. “For the record, those were not his exact words. Do you really expect me to remember this conversation ver batum? I gotta do a little bit of slander.”
“Yeah man, fuck me I’m dumb.” He said dumbly (you know cuz he’s dumb). “But eh man, read the Globe Junkie travel blog while you’re there.”
We talked for what felt like hours, this obviously deep and insightful conversation punctuated by my chattering teeth and the occasional gust of wind that threatened to snatch my phone away. Despite the discomfort, I felt strangely happy. The warmth of sharing my stupidity ushered a wave throughout my body. I floated back to life, finally able to withstand the brunt force of the freezing world around me.
Departure
As my international data ran up my bill, I took a walk around other sides of the city. At this point, it was still early to thoroughly indulge in Icelandic life like I normally would on a trip. Nevertheless, a walk on the water presented me with scrumptious views despite the cold backdrop. My stomach churned as I strolled by rustic churches and along empty bike paths. The roar of my cooler-like belly told me the time to get on the bus was fast approaching. Just as I had finally seemed to adjust to living below zero, I figured it was time to go.
And as I boarded my flight, I couldn’t help but smile. This layover may have been intimidating and uncomfortable, but it had been an unforgettable experience. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that take us by surprise, the ones that leave us shivering, laughing, and with a story to tell.
Sacrificing isn’t the same as giving up
So, if you ever find yourself with a chance to visit a new destination, don’t fear unforeseen circumstances like bad weather. Embrace the adventure, step outside your comfort zone, and see what the world has to offer. You might just surprise yourself with what you discover. And who knows, you might even become a walking testament to the age-old adage: “The best journeys are often the ones we don’t plan.”
Bonus Tip: If you find yourself in Iceland, with possibly more time than I had, head to the Blue Lagoon. This geothermal spa offers the perfect opportunity to warm up and relax after your arctic adventure. Just be sure to book your tickets in advance, as it’s a popular tourist destination.
