Do you believe in love at first sight? It’s like the moment you laid eyes on that someone or something, the world seemed to stop. Your heart is beating so fast and you can’t contain the happiness you feel. And for no reason, you find yourself blushing and giggling all over! Call me lucky, but I know exactly how that feels because I have felt in when I visited Iceland.

 The first time I laid my eyes on that far-flung but fascinating country, I was really smitten by its beauty. It was so much beyond words. I felt like I was on another planet. I have never seen anything as serene, as pure and as amazing as this country. Iceland sure did give justice to the word “foreign”. It was a real FOREIGN country. Nothing about it seemed familiar to me, not even this so much happiness and amazement  that I feel in my heart.

Iceland is not as tourist pack as other countries but one should not take it against Iceland. It is actually a good thing because you can have freedom exploring the country. You can take great pictures and also really just take your time savoring this wonderful country that is truly one of a kind. Walking in the streets of Reykjavik is like walking into the pages of history books. The small houses, the cold weather, the Viking shops…all these little things adds to the charm that only this cold country can offer. There are so many things to do in Iceland. But for those of you who wants to make the most of your visit, here’s my shortlist of things you should do when in Iceland.

 1. PLUNGE INTO THE BLUE LAGOON
Needless to say, Iceland is a very cold country. What better way to keep yourself warm than swimming into this warm water which as its name suggest is colored blue!lol.  It is so refreshing to swim in this lagoon! The weather might be dropping but this lagoon is forever warm! Furthermore, the warm water is also very rich in minerals like Silica and Sulfur so bathing in it is told to be good for people suffering from skin diseases. The warmth of the water is just perfect. It was so soothing! The entrance fee is around 30 euros. Just bring your own towel and swimsuit so you can avoid other charges. By the way, out of all the tourist attractions in Iceland, this one is the most packed so be prepared to see A LOT of tourists. Though in my experience, it didn’t affect how much I enjoyed the place. Looking back, I didn’t really even cared about them! I felt like it was just me and the lagoon!haha Oh, I almost forgot, just at the side of the lagoon, there is natural Sauna. It was truly great to sweat off in that cave like Sauna!

2. TRY THE FAMOUS HOTDOG STAND BAEJARINs BETZU
Do you want to eat where the kings and presidents eat when they are in Iceland? Oh, don’t worry! Your pocket will not burn on the price. Go to the hotdog stand Baejarins Betzu. This is the most famous hot dog stand in Iceland. There is nothing special in this hotdog stand, but if you look at the pictures hanged on the cart you will see famous people eating their hotdogs. And when I say famous, I am not exaggerating. Ever heard of the name Bill Clinton? The Kardashians? Oh yes, they have tried it! So why not try it too? But do note that they only have one table so be prepared to eat your hotdog while standing. Well, I think the better way to eat it is by walking around exploring the city. It is very near the bay so you can savor every bite while letting your eyes rest in the beautiful surrounding.

3. GO TO THE GOLDEN CIRCLE
Would you like to see a frozen waterfall, a very panoramic view or a Geysir? Well, you are definitely in the right place! Iceland has all of these. You have to drive south-west of the country to go the Golden Circle but its just a good 1 hour-2 hours drive, not a biggie for the view that awaits you. On your way, you might have to slow down when you are on the “ICE MOUNTAIN” as I call it because everything can be covered in the total mist…Though it is not like a scene from a scary movie. More like a taste of what heaven may look like. If you are renting a car, be careful when driving because this is ZERO VISIBILITY at its peak.

4. TAKE A PEEK INSIDE THE OPERA HOUSE
The Nordic country each have an opera house designed by one architect, and Iceland has one of the most beautiful opera houses. It changes its color at night, but be careful! Iceland is a very windy country and since the opera house is in a beachfront, it might get a little more windy than the usual. Don’t be like me, trying to be oh so tough and heavy. Needless to say, I almost went home blown by the wind.

5. HAVE SOME STEAK
I love a good steak! And so far, Herreford in Reykjavik has served me one of the best! They have what they call, “Hvad” Steak, a unique cuisine that only this steakhouse can offer. It literally melts in the mouth! I don’t want you to hate me so don’t translate it, please! It might be very delicious but never let anyone know you had it. That is if you do not want to be persecuted by PETA or GREENPEACE.

6. WAIT FOR AURORA BOREALIS
Do you believe in magic? If not, after seeing the northern light, I am sure you will believe in it. There is just something magical and whimsical with the aurora borealis. I don’t know but it really made me happy. There is a kind of happiness and peace that only it can bring. Best time to go and see this is February, so start saving up and embark into this one of a kind journey!

PS

After I got back from Iceland, My friend asked me where I have been. I told her…to another galaxy. That is how beautiful Iceland is. So out of this world! ❤

Go and travel..the world is waiting. -HKC