My tour of Iceland

I returned from Iceland and have been back to reality for about a month and a half now. Can I be honest here? I miss Iceland. Not the weather, but the people I met there, and the food. Let me tell you a bit more about why Iceland was great, and why I am still missing it 1.5 months later.

Small group tours offer unique experiences

I went to Iceland solo, which is one of my favorite ways to travel, and met up with a small group tour through G Adventures. I was able to meet 10-15 new people and spend the majority of my time in Iceland with them. Contrary to the majority of trips I’ve been on, I was the least traveled person on the trip, and I loved it. I was able to ask so many questions about some of the more exotic locations and experiences these people have had, and found more places to put on my travel bucket list. I met someone who had hiked the Inca trail to Machu Picchu in Peru (one of the next things I hope to go and do!). I was able to ask him what level of athleticism and general in-shape-ness was needed to do such a hike. He gave real tips, from someone I had learned to trust based on the extended time spent together in the small group.

Iceland, and Europe in general, appreciate bakeries

I am a sweet tooth kind of gal, and I appreciate the European’s style when it comes to breakfast foods. Each morning in Iceland, we stopped at a local bakery for our breakfast. I sampled Astarpungar, or the Icelandic Love Ball doughnuts, and some other typical Danish and French pastries (the Nutella filled one… ooo my mouth is STILL watering from that…). Of course a bakery is not all about the sweets, they also had baked breads, and croissants filled with ham and cheese for those of you who prefer the savory to the sweet. I did try the ham and cheese filled croissant during my trip (for lunch, and paired it with a caramel pastry for my sweet), and it was wonderful as well. They know how to do breakfast well!

A bakery we went to on the first morning. This is also the location used for the Secret Life of Walter Mitty's Papa John's scene. Nothing a little CGI can't update.

Picturesque, mountainous landscapes not found in Minnesota

The last thing I miss is how I could take a postcard photo from nearly any angle throughout the trip. From cities to countryside, you can find something that is beautiful to photograph. I found houses in Reykjavik that were quaint, or unique, or inviting. I found horses on the side of the road that came up to us on the fence and struck a pose. I found mountains where the clouds covered just a portion, and the sunny blue skies peeked over them to invite the photo op. I just can’t find the same type and degree of loveliness in Minnesota, though I do love my state. And for photographers, I imagine the special Golden Hour may be extended due to the nearly 24 hour daylight in the summer.

Thought this was a quaint house.

Loved the grove this house had.

Whale watching with that background? Yes please!

Icelandic horses - a breed all their own, literally!

Seriously nothing like that in Minnesota!

So yes, I still miss Iceland, and that’s saying a lot since prior to going, I wasn’t even sure it would be my cup of tea! I can’t wait for my next adventure with G Adventures, too.

Travel on, my friends.