All That Glitters: A One-Week Rendezvous with Iceland’s South Coast
Hello there, arctic adventurers and travel enthusiasts alike! Gather round as I regale you with a frost-kissed tale of my journey to the land where fire meets ice—Iceland. The backdrop of many epic tales (including a fair share of ‘Game of Thrones’), I ventured to conquer the island’s spectacular south coast in just six days. Oh, and it was June, traditionally associated with sunshine and roses, but in Iceland? Let’s say it was more like cold wind and icebergs
Right off the bat, I want to set a mood picture for you. Picture this: it’s June and you’re walking around in five layers of clothing, enough to give a well-fed polar bear a run for its money. But as you gaze around, the exquisite scenery makes you forget all about the temperatures.
My first visit was to the famous waterfalls. Iceland is full of these beautiful water spots, each one special in its own way. At Skógafoss, I learned a funny fact about rainbows: they can be cold! Honestly, when you’re avoiding cold water splashes trying to get a great rainbow photo, you start to wonder about the things you do.
From the waterfalls, I meandered into the Martian-like volcanic fields. These fields, adorned with moss, looked like they were pulled straight out of a sci-fi flick. I’d say ‘out of this world’ is an understatement when describing the eerie beauty of this place.
As I ventured further, the Diamond Beach made a sparkling appearance. Icebergs washing ashore from the nearby Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon turn this coastline into a glittering spectacle. Let me tell you, the diamonds of Diamond Beach give the gems at Tiffany’s a run for their money. The irony was not lost on me—diamonds are supposed to symbolize warmth and love, but but these icy diamonds were there to just chill. Literally.
In between the surreal landscapes, I met Icelandic horses and sheep who were evidently better adapted to the freezing climes than I was. They flaired their thick coats with so much panache that you’d think they were shooting for Vogue’s next winter edition.
So, there you have it—a whirlwind recap of my one-week date with the chilly June of Iceland’s south coast. Do I regret it? Absolutely not! Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! Only next time, I’ll be packing a few extra thermals!
Remember, folks, a trip to Iceland isn’t just a holiday; it’s an adventure of a lifetime. You might need to swap your flip-flops for thermal boots, but I guarantee you, the enchanting beauty you’ll witness is worth every bit of it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to warm up with some hot cocoa.
