I’ve reached level 50, and what better way to celebrate than by embarking on an adventure to the land of fire and ice—Iceland! Iceland is a country so surreal that it felt like stepping into another realm, where every turn revealed landscapes straight from a postcard. Accompanied by my mom, sisters, and husband, our family set out to explore the island’s unparalleled beauty.
Tourism: The Heartbeat of the Economy
Iceland, a nation of just over 376,000 people, relies heavily on imports, making the cost of living notably high. Imagine paying 1,200 pesos for a single slice of pizza! However, the country counterbalances these costs with geothermal energy, making electricity and heating incredibly cheap and sustainable. While everything comes at a premium, Iceland is also one of the safest places on Earth, where crime is nearly nonexistent and sustainability is not just a trend but a way of life.
Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes have made it a tourism powerhouse, with millions of visitors each year. Tourism has become a pillar of the economy, significantly contributing to GDP while providing livelihoods to many Icelanders. In 2024, Iceland hosted around 2.4 million tourists—a new record surpassing the pre-pandemic peak in 2018.
Reykjavík: A Capital of Contrasts
Our adventure began in Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant capital. We wandered through its colorful streets, marveled at the architectural splendor of Hallgrímskirkja Church, and soaked in Viking vibes at the Sun Voyager (Solfar), a stainless-steel sculpture resembling a Viking ship that symbolizes hope, progress, and freedom. We also indulged in local delicacies at charming cafés.
The Magic of Iceland’s Natural Wonders
From the moment we set foot in Reykjavík, the charm of this Nordic wonderland was undeniable. Our journey took us through the Golden Circle, where we explored Þingvellir National Park, the dramatic Gullfoss Falls, the Kerið Crater, and the powerful geothermal area of Haukadalur & Geysir. Words—and even photos—simply don’t do justice to these awe-inspiring sights.
Immersed in the Blue Lagoon’s Embrace
Visiting the Blue Lagoon was pure magic. As a child, I loved swimming in the sea during rain showers, but immersing myself in the lagoon’s warm, mineral-rich waters while snowflakes gently descended was a one-of-a-kind experience. We stayed until we were completely relaxed before moving on to our next adventure.
Chasing the Northern Lights: A Dream Realized
No trip to Iceland is complete without chasing the Aurora Borealis, and we were determined to witness this natural wonder. Night after night, we braved the freezing cold, booked a dedicated tour, and waited patiently—only to be met with cloudy skies, rain, snow, and even hailstorms. But on our fourth night, as we visited Diamond Beach, the Aurora gods finally took pity on us! Around 10 PM, the skies cleared just enough to give us a fleeting glimpse of the Northern Lights. It wasn’t the full, dazzling curtain we had dreamed of, but it was still a beautiful moment—one that our cameras were thankfully able to capture! A personal birthday gift from the cosmos itself.
Scenic Drives: Nature’s Ever-Changing Canvas
Driving in Iceland is an adventure in itself. We rented a car and hit the road, covering distances equivalent to driving from Manila to Bicol—but with almost no people, just jaw-dropping scenery.
Each turn presented a new version of paradise—from towering waterfalls to volcanic black sand beaches, from moss-covered lava fields to snow-capped peaks. Some of our most unforgettable stops included:
✅ Vik Village – a charming coastal town with stunning views
✅ Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss – two of the most breathtaking waterfalls I’ve ever seen, among many others along the way
✅ Reynisfjara Black Beach – where the powerful Atlantic waves crash against basalt columns
✅ Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach – a surreal sight, where icebergs sparkle against black volcanic sand (though the glaciers melt during summer)
An Unforgettable Final Drive
It was a stormy drive back to Reykjavík from Breiðamerkursandur (don’t ask me how to pronounce that! 😂). Imagine wild winds pushing our car from both sides in an open space! Huge credit to my husband, Rey C. Piamonte—the best driver ever! He navigated through near-zero visibility like a pro, and we reached our destination unscathed.
We ended our Icelandic journey with a visit to the Ice Magic Bar, followed by a mesmerizing experience at FlyOver Iceland, where we soared through a virtual tour of the country’s most stunning landscapes—a must-try! It was the perfect way to wrap up this adventure.
Harmonizing Progress with Preservation
Beyond its beauty, Iceland is a model of how a nation can achieve progress while honoring its natural heritage. From its use of renewable energy to its strict environmental conservation policies, it proves that economic advancement and sustainability can coexist. This balance serves as a powerful example—one that countries like ours can learn from.
A Celebration of Life and Family
This trip wasn’t just about ticking Iceland off my bucket list—it was a celebration of life, family, and gratitude. Spending my birthday with my husband, mom, and sisters in one of the most beautiful places on Earth made this milestone even more meaningful. We even met Fr. Mercurio Rivera, a fellow Filipino priest from my hometown, Libon—a beautiful reminder of how small the world can be!
Iceland, you were a dream. Will I return? Maybe someday—but definitely not too soon! 😂 For now, you were the perfect gift. ❤️
#WhenInIceland #GratefulToGod #BirthdayGetaway
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