A week in Iceland. Why is this country so otherworldly?
 

It's been a few months since my visit, but I'm still suffering from Iceland withdrawal.

For those of you who live in Europe or North America, traveling to Iceland isn't hard and I bet Iceland isn't really the definition of "exotic". But for me, it is truly exotic. As I live in Asia, I had to jump to a lot of hoops from visa application to myriad connecting flights to get to this country. My family and most of my friends have no idea where it's, what it's about and thus were utterly baffled when I told them I was going to Iceland. But it didn't matter at all because you guys, this country is beyond GLORIOUS when it comes to natural sceneries. Now that I have been there, I'm willing to jump to even more hoops to get to visit it again :D

I was there for a week and traveling by myself, so I opted for different day tours from Reykjavik instead of renting a car (I couldn't rent a car even if I wanted to, though as I don't know how to drive haha). I don't do guided tours often, as I'm young. But I love all the tours I joined. I'm still in the process of writing about my experience, but I want to share with you what I have finished. So here it is:

http://goo.gl/myKcCH

I hope it's helpful for those who are about to visit Iceland. I'm positively certain you will be blown away and love every minute of your time in this insanely spectacular country ;)

You'd like the Azores too, the light is fantastic, the air is clean and the people so honest they use door locks to keep the animals out not people. Glad you enjoyed one of Europe's little secrets

bilboburgler: thank you, I enjoyed Iceland so immensely. I have never been anywhere that gives me this strong of an urge to go back. And the Azores…I swear I had no idea until you told me. Now that is a well-kept secret :D

Iceland is indeed amazing! I was just there in July. You must go back - and learn how to drive so you can explore! Better yet, learn to drive 4X4 so you can explore everywhere :)

beautiful photos. I am glad you had a great trip

Spectacular photos! Thank you for sharing!

American astronauts used to train in Iceland because it was the closest surface to the moon found on Earth. A truly unusual place.

Stunning photos. Iceland just moved way up my list. The horse trip looks really fun, too. Thanks for sharing--I always enjoy not only your photos but also your enthusiasm. It's infectious.

Thank you GreenDragon, live42day, indyhiker, IMDonehere, and Leely2. I'm glad that you can feel my enthusiasm for this country through my writing and photos :) I'm planning to go back next winter because I still miss one quintessential Iceland item- the Northern light :D

Absolutely gorgeous photos! You have an amazing eye and have captured the stark beauty if Iceland so well!

I really enjoy your blog and, as Leely2 says, your enthusiasm. I remember seeing your photos of Granada which definitely inspired me before our trip to Spain this year.

progol: THANK YOU!!! Your comment seriously made my day, and I'm not exaggerating. It's one thing to receive compliments that my photos are beautiful, but it's an entirely different thing to hear that they are one of the reasons viewers choose to visit the places. I can't even stir the same reaction in my family and friends. Thank you again for your next-level feel-good compliment :D

I visited 14 years ago and am going to eventually go back in the winter to see the northern lights.
I loved the country very much. Like you said spectacular.

Excellent. So few organized day tours are detailed on the forums. I plan on stopping there on the way to or from Europe. That day tour looks perfect for me.

bigtyke: Yes, I recommend that you do some guided tours. It will spare you the hassle of driving :D

MarthaT: Now you're making me curious. How was Iceland 14 years ago?

Hi everyone- just a quick update. I have finally finished the last part of this Icelandic series. It's about the one and only, the incredibly beautiful Reykjavik. Hope you all find it enjoyable and useful: http://goo.gl/H1tSYz

:)