What is Wanderlust? It is a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about.
I have traveled a bit in my life and know one thing: I want more. This is not to say the nations I have already been to are not enough, they were and continue to be, wonderful. They simply fueled a passion to experience rather than only envision the world. There are so many incredible countries full of history, art, music and life. One simply cannot miss what is out there. Thus I obviously have a long list of places I want to travel to. Iceland is first. Here's why (in no particular order):
1. It's the freaking land of fire and ice!
No, not "ice and fire"--that's Game of Thrones (who have filmed there!). Iceland has over 125 volcanoes and although most of them are dormant, there are minor eruptions every once in a while. The ice part is the massive amount of glaciers molding the geography of this insanely cool island country.
They sort of flow silently and slowly, taking over the landscape. This makes ICE-land very unique and it's a sight to see.
2. Vikings
Come on, Vikings are waaay cooler than a guy with a floofy hat and three ships sailing to find spices (i.e. Christopher Columbus)!! These ancient explorers ventured out from home--which ranged in the Nordic countries from Denmark, Sweden, Norway--to survive and establish a better life.
Yes, they plundered, and also sort of destroyed Iceland's sylvan ecosystem. The Vikings were extensively expanding their horizons during the Middle Ages, discovering indeed this awesome island, but sadly Vikings didn't stay around.
But Iceland is still here and was originally populated by them! You only WISH you were this cool, Cristobal Colon!
3. Their energy is geothermal and hydro.
They harness rivers and utilize their resources. Iceland is rather bare but beautifully so. The landscape lacks forests but has volcanoes and waterfalls. Through using their natural reserves, Iceland has made itself a clean, efficient nation. 85% of Icelandic household are heated by the geothermal vents. They have immense power and do not output much pollution, keeping Iceland a gorgeous, conscious country to visit.
4. Language
The Icelandic tongue is ancient; it has lasted mostly unchanged for over 1000 years!!!
It is Nordic in origin and it is still very difficult to learn. It looks like alphabet soup with illogical letters smashed together and odd dashes and lines. Their original manuscripts and documents are still easily read today! But, young travelers, we're in luck: the majority of Icelanders speak English pretty fluently as a second language.
5. Small population
It is not a crowded, touristy place. Don't get me wrong, Tokyo, Istanbul, and Rome are great but there is an attraction to a calmer location. Iceland is the size of Kentucky but has a population of roughly 334,000. Most live in the capital, despite the nation being geographically rural (there's also no main highway). There's one saying about it being a small world, but I bet in Iceland it really does feel homey and connected through friends and family.
6. Peace
Iceland has no army, navy, or air force. The main reason is that no one wants to invade them and they aren't going to invade anyone else. Iceland is a NATO member, however, so they're covered. A little slice of land that isn't dramatically involved in world affairs; isolated and peaceful is one of my favorite attributes.
7. Food
If you're not in the mood for traditional, raw puffin heart, whale or rotting shark, Iceland has several other truly delicious options. Iceland loves hot-dogs, but since we voyagers might have encountered enough of that, there is more. Unfortunately, there is no comfort fast food restaurants like McDonald's in Iceland. But, their more appetizing dishes consist of: smoked lamb, yogurt and blueberries, meat soup and obviously fish. All these are fresh and provide a wonderful cultural experience while in Iceland.
8. Sigur Rós
"The post-rock band Sigur Rós has a large and faithful fan base all over the world. Although its members try their best to keep a low profile, their music has been featured in countless films and they play at sold-out gigs everywhere from Tokyo to New York." - http://icelandmag.visir.is/article/10-world-famous...
The band's eclectic musical style, high vocals and unique instruments draw a large crowd of fans. I personally love their music and want to definitely hear them play in concert in their homeland of Iceland.
9. Sheep, cottages, and horses
Now, these may sound like three reasons instead of one, but they have things in common. Mainly, they are small and cute (how I often like to think of myself).
Fluffy sheep outnumber Icelanders 2:1. Crazy! Also, Icelandic sheep are the world's most purebred. They have adapted to the harsh climate of Iceland and provide thick, insulating wool for people.
Cottages in Iceland are a popular way for the urban dwellers to relax and enjoy mother nature's gifts. Travelers, take note, there are several cottages on AirBnB for affordable rates! You could join the cozy lifestyle, lounge by the lake, herd some sheep and always go for a midnight swim in either a geothermal pool or a hot tub (very large following in Iceland).
10. The cold!
Ok, so I am not saying I want to a penguin or person who enjoys icicles forming off the tip of my nose. YET, I prefer colder temperatures over hot ones. Iceland's weather ranges from 32°F to 52°F.
They get rain and sun and obviously snow. It is a dualistic climate with short, cool summers and long, wet winters. Tourists should visit late summer at peak "warmth" season. Iceland is beautiful.
Iceland is number one on my travel bucket list because it still projects and maintains a mystical charm. Its icy masses, unpredictable geysers, and misty mountains beckon to the ever-present, inner explorer. It is human nature to seek adventure and experience the unknown. Iceland is a brief flight away, so what are you waiting for? Go out into the world and check something off your bucket list!
