Northern Europe Travel Diary Part Three

26.12. 22:31
I wasn’t lucky yesterday with the Polar lights. The forecast predicted less than 5% chance, so I didn’t get up at night. Today, I drove to a very small town before heading to my next destination. It was behind mountains, and the drive there offered incredible views. One place looked like I had arrived in heaven.

The road was full of snow, but it was still easy enough to drive on. After a quick stop in the town, I saw a frozen waterfall on my way back. Then, I looked up gas stations and decided to go for one in another small town 100 kilometres away. Obviously, it was on my way to my next stop in Höfn. The whole drive was surrounded by absolutely breathtaking views. I can’t find words to describe how beautiful this island is. I can take a thousand pictures with the best camera in the world, and none of them would even come close to what I’m seeing with my eyes.

I arrived in the afternoon and had some lunch/dinner before resting a bit. Then I took a short walk around the town, and according to the locals and the Aurora apps, I won’t be able to see the Northern lights tonight. But at least tomorrow the predictions are very good. So I hope to be able to see them tomorrow in Vik, which will also be my last stop before Reykjavik. So far, this island has done nothing but amaze me. I already know that I have to visit again during summer time to do some hiking. Even if I won’t see Aurora, I’ve seen the most beautiful country in the world.

29.12. 17:41
It’s been a while, but I’ve been very busy meeting new people. Although predictions for Aurora were good in Vik, the clouds were not in favour, and therefore, I didn’t see the Northern lights. But it was full moon and was still nice to watch the sky a bit in the warm car. On the next day, I had to leave very early to give my rental car back on time and still see some things along the way. I stopped at a famous waterfall and the aeroplane wreck DC3. It was 8 a.m. but dark like in the middle of the night. With the night focus of my camera, I was still able to take a few good pictures.

The streets to Reykjavik were more or less cleared from snow, unlike all the other roads I’ve driven on so far. So, it was the only time the estimated driving time of Google Maps was accurate. I returned the rental car and headed to the city to drop my luggage at my hostel. Then, I walked around a bit, bought some instant noodles because my grocery storage only had breakfast left, and went back to the hostel to check in. I had lunch, and when I came back to my 6-dorm room, the conversations with the other girls started. I usually always meet new people when sleeping in hostels, but these girls are very special. I made three new friends, we shared a lot about each other’s lives and talked for hours and hours. With one girl from Czechia, I felt especially connected, and we continued our chat outside the room while the other girls went to sleep. It feels so good when you meet someone with the same mindset. She reminded me a lot of my connection with my Portuguese friend, who I met in Australia. I love how these girls get me, and we listen to each other and are able to give and get advice. For me it’s the best thing about travelling. I wish more people would travel because I’m sure then people would have more understanding for each other and peace would become more likely.

Today, I wanted to do nothing, and I really needed it. I chilled in my room for half of the day, as did one of the other girls, and we talked a lot. Then, I decided to spoil myself with restaurant food and visited a vegan restaurant in Reykjavik. The food was delicious. Another amazing thing that happened, was, that I found an apartment in Spain. I can already move in on the first, so I was able to cancel my Airbnb, which I had booked for the first week of January. The girl who’s renting it out is from Germany and she even invited me to spend New Year’s Eve with her and her boyfriend in the city centre. I already feel so much love and positive energy from Spain. I can’t explain how much I’m looking forward to being there. I enjoyed my trip and am so happy I was able to do it, but now I’m ready for my new life chapter.