Dear Icelandic Santa,
I won't beat around the Xmas bush. So I will start this letter by stating that you absolutely SPOILED me this year! I guess I graced the nice list once again since I had one of those enviable jet-setting years, where everything just fell into place. I traveled, noshed, and frolicked to my heart's content across 10 awe-inspiring countries. Yeah, I'm pooped. But Iceland has a way of restoring my jet-lagged self. Crisp arctic air coursing through my winter parka? Loved, loved, LOVED it. Beats my daily intake of caffeinated tar since natural arctic stimulants are much more invigorating.
This trip surpassed my expectations as I marveled at Iceland's pristine landscape. These stunning lava rocks will forever be etched in my memory. Ooh la la. Or should I say, Ho Ho Ho? Hee hee.
I can't thank you enough for my Icelandic adventure, which included foodie escapades, spouting geysers, greenhouses, waterfalls, hotdog gorging, geothermal bathing, continental plates, and so much more.
With that said, I created 9 videos to showcase this arctic wonderland. If you are pressed for time, click on the embedded link to view the entire video gallery or scroll through my video captions below.
VLOG 1: My first day in Reykjavik. Remind me not to shoot scenes while I am sleep-deprived. Viewing Iceland's capital from the top of Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland's tallest church, was just one of several featured clips.
VLOG 2: Bathing with Icelanders and tourists inside the magical Blue Lagoon was quite the treat. Dining at a fancy restaurant wearing nothing but a swimsuit, bathrobe, and flip flops made this geothermal experience even more special. Or shall I say, liberating?
VLOG 3: When you think of Iceland, you naturally think of geysers. But did you know that they have a family run, eco-friendly greenhouse as well? Oh wait. You're Santa. Of course you knew. Duh. This segment covers the Fridheimar Greenhouse and the Spouting Springs Geyser - Part 1 of my Golden Circle Tour.
VLOG 4: My Golden Circle tour continues alongside the Gulfoss Waterfall, where wind and rain overpowered my audio narration. The segment ends inside Iceland's Thingvellir National Park, where the American and Eurasian continental plates intersect.
VLOG 5: Icelandic hotdogs are palate-pleasing treats that I couldn't stop eating. Watch as I review 2 popular hotdog stands in Downtown Reykjavik: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur and Hot Dog House.
VLOG 6: When both ankles are sprained, what should an injured traveler do in Iceland? Lava caving, of course! Follow me inside the captivating 2000-year old cave along the Blue Mountain Ridge.
VLOG 7: Day 4 of my Iceland trip includes a tour of the Saga Museum and the Aurora Reykjavik. This VLOG post covers Northern Lights tidbits and my failed attempt to see the Aurora Borealis. Can't wait to return and possibly see the Northern Lights on my next trip. I'll let the aurora mishap slide since you did your best to move those pesky clouds.
VLOG 8: I discovered one of my favorite Icelandic foodie destinations, Apotek, during my last day in Reykjavik. A 2-course Icelandic seafood menu paired with tasty cocktails capped off my weeklong feast. My belly is bulging. Just like yours!
VLOG 9: My last day was bittersweet as I roam around this joyous holiday town one last time. Here is my final tribute. Thanks for infusing holiday cheer everywhere I went. And I saw "7 swans a swimming" too.
Iceland definitely squeezed every last penny from my wallet, but I have zero regrets. On that note: I HEART Icelandic Santa and all your little elves (aka Reykjavik Excursions, Radisson Blu Saga, the Blue Lagoon, etc.) for making this magical holiday wish come true.
Many Christmas kisses from yours truly,
Eat Drink and Be Myra
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”