Iceland was the icing of the cake! We didn't think we would actually be in Iceland after toying with the idea few months ago. We were just playfully saying we want to see the Aurora and that it will be a dream. Fast forward few months later and we step foot in Iceland! We flew to Iceland on New Year's day. So technically, we were in 2 countries on New Year- France and Iceland. What a way to spend New Year <3
We flew from Paris to Iceland using Icelandair. So far, they were on time and the flight was full!
We expected very cold weather but didn't expect it to be THAT cold! We thought we were prepared but we definitely weren't haha. The temperature from -2 degrees can drop to -12 degrees in a matter of few hours*crazy* Also, because we went during winter which of course in a place like Iceland means it's few hours of sunlight and mostly dark, gloomy, snow rain and...snowstorm(more of that later). If I could choose, I would want to go during summer although it'll still be freezing but not like this. However, the aurora can only be seen during winter so winter it was! *and freezing butts*
Thick snow which made walking hard and pulling your luggages harder. Plus we didn't get boots because it's heavy and we know we won't be using them often so we were just in sneakers so that's even more tricky hehe But it's okay, we survived!!!
The first day we arrived, we took Flybus to Reykjavik and stopped at the nearest bus to our Airbnb. Flybus buses are prompt and very efficient. There's always one with a landing flight. There are very few transport options actually from the airport. And taking bus is the cheapest transportation there(although it's not that cheap but we had no other choice). One thing about Iceland is that if you don't drive, you need to take tours mostly. So, we have pre-booked all the tours beforehand. We didn't drive because it was winter and we heard the roads are slippery and with snow rains, visibility can be poor.
The first night, we had actually booked the tour to see the Northern Lights(Aurora). Unfortunately, we couldn't see it on the first night due to bad weather. The best part though, the tour ticket can be used again for the next 2 years if you didn't manage to see the Aurora. So lucky for us, we re-booked the tour for another night.
The next day was the Golden Circle tour (told you, it's all about tours in Iceland haha)
Liking this poster in the Laundromat Cafe.
One thing in Iceland, their hot chocolates come with whipped cream. I think I had at least 5 of these in Iceland! So yummy!
Their big breakfast was da bomb! I was very hungry especially due to the weather and we need to keep warm and walloped this huge breakfast spread.
Their avocado toast with egg was good too. This cafe is definitely like what it's raved about.
Then we went to the nearest bus stop to wait for our tour bus.
First stop: Pingvellir National Park.
We climbed down from the bus and was welcomed with -6 degrees winter weather with wind *cries* Hence, me covered from top to toe. I cannot even stand air conditioned rooms, I don't know how I survived Iceland's winter weather LMAO!
It was all covered in snow but the scenery was superrr gorgeous. My gawd, the winter scenery here is out of this world!
Then, we went to see the Geysir hot spring.
Just in time when it erupted =)
Then we rushed to Gullfos Waterfall just before sunset. We had to be quick because sunset is at 3pm during winter. Then it'll be dark and we won't be able to see anything.
The majestic waterfall.
After that, towards the night, we took a tour to the Blue Lagoon.
Oh, it's one of the best experience ever.
Blue Lagoon is actually a geothermal spa place where you can bathe in warm water and do mud mask. But the best part during winter? You're actually bathing with winter snow above you because it is open air.
With freezing mud face but warm body, we braved through snow rain in the blue lagoon haha
There's even a complimentary drink with the package.
Also, I've not seen so many naked women in a shower room before lol People are just stripping off like that and started bathing in public hehe But the Blue Lagoon really made my hair frizzy although I have already applied conditioner before going into the geothermal water.
The next morning, we're off to an exciting activity.
But breakfast first!
ATV!
We actually bought the tour for snowmobiling however, due to bad weather, we were not allowed to snowmobile because it's dangerous so they gave us an alternative tour instead which is driving the ATV. This was so much fun too!
It was superrr cold because the ATV was not covered so although we were in coveralls, we were freezing our hands off!
Stopped in the middle of nowhere with just us, our ride and our guide hehe
The views were sooo amazing. This should be once in a lifetime activity during winter because the entire scenery was white, scenic, gorgeous and I was just in awe during the journey.
Snow is fun, but I think we should just go during summer time haha
At night, we ate at a beautiful restaurant called Apotek.
Their duck confit with waffle was really good.
And we chose this restaurant actually solely because they had whale meat and I was told that if you come to Iceland, you can experience whale meat which I did. It was sashimi-like, part grilled, quite chewy because it was veiny but overall, with the sides, it was a sensory experience.
And then we took the tour to hunt for the Northern Lights again. This time praying we would see it because it was our last night.
And yes, we did! This was our neighbour's camera haha because our camera sucks!
See the difference with ours LOL
So there was this green light across the sky which can be seen clearly with a very good camera. Normal camera like ours can only see green patches haha. But the waiting game was quite torturous. We had to stand in -12 degrees winter weather with strong wind in the night. But luckily, the guide this time was good and he brought us to the right place and we managed to see the aurora #bucketlistchecked
After braving through winter in Iceland, it was time to go back.
Only to find out, there's snow storm with hurricane forces on that day which forces the airport to close, road closure and we were stucked as our bus couldn't come to pick us. And in Iceland, the place for pickup didn't have shelter(they really should due to their unforseen weather) and we had to wait under strong wind and super cold weather to finally find out via email that the bus couldn't come. We had to walk from one end to another to find a restaurant to sit down.
I was being literally blown away by the wind because it was super strong(read: hurricane force) and so since I couldn't handle myself and my bag, my trusted husband had to handle the bags while I bury myself in snow for support before he comes to pick me up *laughs* It was a crazy adventure back home.
Luckily our flight was also delayed and when we finally reached the airport, we managed to take our flight to Copenhagen, Denmark. However, due to the delay, we missed our connecting flight back home so the airline compensated us with a free room for the night. And so we had to stay in Copenhagen for the night before the next flight next morning.
But oklah we still got some decent food at night and buffet spread in the morning.
Kept our tummy happy and then we went back to the airport for our flight back home.
Boy, what a long journey home! An unexpected turn of event but thank God I had my husband with me and he was the best travel companion. We laughed all throughout and we had such an adventure. Came back and we were jetlagged for almost a week. It was so much harder to recover this time LOL
But yes, we heard snow storm in Iceland is normal so be prepared for that during winter if you're planning to visit Iceland. Otherwise, enjoy the amazing scenery!
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