Reykjavik, Iceland

While I have no love for the Minnesota Vikings, Scandinavian Vikings absolutely captivate me. It was while visiting the Viking ship museum that I decided to come here, to Iceland.



It’s not as cold as you’d think. Apparently, this place is a literal hotbed of volcanic activity (bad joke), and is mainly powered by geothermal and hydroelectric energy. Which could explain why it’s so clean. And full of spas. Which I will certainly be enjoying.

Interesting fact: Iceland has one of the most genetically homogeneous populations in the world. Most of the men are of Nordic descent, while the majority of the women are of Celtic background. Also, people’s last names are derived from their father’s first names. So, I guess Bjork Guomondsdottir, for example, has a father named Guomond. Pretty cool.



The landscape is really like something out of a science fiction movie. Green glades leading to craggy black peaks and shimmering blue glaciers. It’s gorgeous. Not to mention the fjords and geysers. Of course, I’m a city girl, so I’m staying in Reykjavik. Yes, it’s one of the world’s premiere nightlife spots. But, that’s not why I’m here. I swear!

Anyway, if you know me at all, you know I’m really here to check out Laugevegurinn, the main shopping drag. What can I say? I may also take a trip today down the coast, perhaps to the city of Vik. It’s supposed to be gorgeous, and I think it’s at the southernmost tip of the island, so it will feel like an accomplishment.