There is nothing like experiencing something for the first time. The anticipation, the unknown, the unexpected. Traveling somewhere new is a continuous stream of firsts. Traveling somewhere that is completely unfamiliar, has been portrayed as other worldly in films, has a subpolar oceanic climate and never ending days gives you firsts that are simply unrivaled. The perfect balm to an overnight flight is the Blue Lagoon. Conveniently located near the airport, the fatigue melts away as soon as you enter the warm, silica-rich waters.
A great introduction to Reykjavik was taking a food tour. We enjoyed amazing bites including a local favorite, horse, and a much less amazing bite, preserved shark.

Midnight Brúarfoss Waterfall Strokkur Geysir Gullfoss Waterfall We snorkeled the Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park, floating between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The water is glacial meltwater filtered through volcanic rock, resulting in otherworldly 100-meter visibility and a chilly 30 degree temperature. The long days gave us flexibility and ease. A country with a population just over 390,000 that welcomes over 2 million tourists a year, there are spots that are highly visited and busy and many spots with not a soul in sight. Natural wonders exist all around, without gates or ropes or entry fees. So at 10pm you might be the only car on the road, pulling over to marvel at a view that is in plain site, commonplace for those that live there, a wonder for those that don’t.