Iceland

Have you seen the northern lights?

Iceland is a Nordic island country described with a dramatic landscape of glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields. 

My travel to Iceland is described as mixed emotions.  

First, I traveled with my injured burned hand due to my cooking expertise; I meant it sarcastically.  But nothing would stop me from traveling, not my injured hand. This was our Christmas trip together with my daughter and son, so we had to go.  But the good side of it was, it's a trip sponsored by my daughter. So it's really a great thing. 

Second, unfortunately, we didn't get to see the northern lights. Seeing the northern lights is on my bucket list.  However, it was nature's decision that it didn't come out on our visit.   We were sad, but I know there's another opportunity to see it. And the next time will be a success.

So what are the northern lights? It is also called the Aurora Borealis, dancing lights or a light show. "It is the visual result of solar particles entering the earth's magnetic field at high atmosphere and ionizing.  Their activity depends on the activity of the sun and the acceleration speed of these particles. They vary in color, usually green, purple, red, pink, orange, and blue.  Their colors depend on the elements being ionized. "

The appearance of northern lights is not regular.  Even if it's a dark and clear night, there could be no chance to see it.  They also say that on a midsummer day, the northern lights can be alive.

"Contrary to popular belief, the coldness of the temperature has no impact on whether or not it will show.  In fact, it is likely to show when it is warmer."  

Besides the scientific definition of northern lights, there are many theories from different cultures. "Certain Native American groups reportedly believed they represented the spirits of the dead; the brighter they shined, the happier the dead were said to be." "It has also been considered omens or warning for dark times ahead." 

No matter what we believe in, the appearance of these light show is phenomenal. I am looking forward to seeing that beauty one day soon.

Our goal to see the northern lights for two consecutive nights was not successful.  But we saw a couple of shooting stars, and I whispered my wishes.  We were holding each other to keep ourselves warm from the cold December weather.  We were bundled up, yet our ears were getting flaky, our lips were chapped, our hands and feet were getting numb. The process was a bit hard. We went back to the hotel frustrated; I know I did. Nevertheless, there's some joy in having this ultimate experience with my kids. 

Iceland is not just about the northern lights.  There are many more beautiful natural wonders you can see, experience, and admire. 

We explored one of the most popular sightseeing routes for travelers - the South Coast. It is lined with natural wonders, including waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, and black sand beaches.

The Golden Circle is a 300 kilometers route to the three most popular natural attractions in Iceland - the Geysir Geothermal  Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Pingvellir National Park.

Vik is a remote seafront village on the south coast. It sits in the shadow of the Myrdalsjokull glacier. It's a very peaceful yet beautiful village. 

This Reynisfjara beach has black pebbles and rock formations offshore. The gutsy wind of this cold winter day was blowing us away. We were holding each other, so we don't fall.  Our ride was very scenic, but our bus was almost tilting caused by strong winds.  It's a good thing that they are used to this kind of weather, so they were prepared.  

"Geysir Geothermal area became active more than 1000 years ago and comprises more than a dozen hot water blowholes. Strokkur is the most active geyser; it sprouts water 100 ft into the air every few minutes."

Hot spring bread? It is also called Geysir.  It's rye bred that is baked underground for 24 hours. It was a unique experience eating hot spring bread. Only in Iceland. Perfect with butter and a cup of coffee.  It tasted delicious.

Gullfoss (Golden Falls) is one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls. With the energy of the falls, visitors sometimes find themselves drenched by the falls mighty spray. Well, we were not soaked by the falls spray, but we were overwhelmed with the beauty of this place. 

Pingvellir National Park is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Icelandic mainland.  It is where almost all of the historical turns in Iceland were made. This place is simply fascinating. We saw the sun peeking on the far away mountain. It was surreal. 

Iceland is called the land of the midnight sun. Between mid-May to mid-August, the sun only sets for around 3 hrs, as the sun barely sets during summer.  And around the summer solstice (June 21,) the sun is visible for 24 hours in North Iceland and Westfjords. While in mid-winter, there are only 5 hours of daylight. 

On our first day, I waited to see what time the sun would set. Yes, it was very late, and we woke up early with the sun was already up.  Sleeping and waking up in Iceland feels like you are in a different world.  I witnessed the beautiful morning sun and the dark sky, but I longed for the majestic colors of the northern lights. 

The winter weather in Iceland can be rough.  Our visit wasn't the best weather timing-wise, and without the sighting of the northern lights.  However, I would like to brag that this is one of the best travels I've had. 

I would certainly come back, on nice summer weather, when the sun is up almost 24 hours, to explore another coast and see the Aurora Borealis this time. 

Lastly, did I emphasize that Iceland is one of my favorite countries?  Iceland is one beautiful country, and this trip is also one of my favorites. 

To you, Nothern Lights... I may not have seen you this time, but for sure, I will see you somewhere else someday soon.