I, a traveler at heart, set out on a journey to the land of fire and ice, Iceland, in the summer of 2013. And what a journey it was! The rugged beauty of this country, with its geysers, volcanoes, and steam power, left me in awe.

The summer in Iceland is a strange beast. It’s not what one would expect from a typical summer. It was, in fact, quite chilly. But this only added to the allure of the country, making it feel like a true adventure. And adventure is what I was seeking.

One of the first things I did upon arrival was visit the geysers. Strokkur, in particular, was a sight to behold. The geyser would shoot steam into the air, the white plumes contrasting against the green and brown hues of the surrounding landscape. The display was both spectacular and haunting, a testament to the power of nature.

The volcanoes were another highlight of my journey. The rugged, black lava fields were a stark contrast to the verdant landscape and a reminder of the geological activity that is still ongoing in Iceland. I was also lucky enough to witness steam vents, a true display of the Earth’s inner workings.

When it came to food, Iceland did not disappoint. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the seafood, which was fresh and delicious. And then there was the putrefied shark, or Hakarl, which was truly an acquired taste. The hot dogs, on the other hand, were a staple and widely considered to be some of the best in the world.

Liquorice, or “lakkris,” was another unique experience. The sweet treat was much sweeter than what I was used to and had a flavor that was difficult to describe. I would highly recommend trying it if you have the opportunity.

The waterfalls in Iceland are a sight to behold. During my summer sojourn, I visited many of them, including Gullfoss and Skogafoss. The combination of water and sunlight created rainbows, which were seemingly everywhere in Iceland. It was as if the country was trying to remind me of the beauty that surrounds us, if we only take the time to notice it.

Our journey to Iceland in the summer of 2013 was a true adventure. The country’s natural beauty, combined with its unique cultural experiences, left us in awe. I would highly recommend a visit to anyone seeking a true adventure and a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us.