iceland ii.

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I think what surprised me the most about this country was how quickly and drastically the landscape changes, from pseudocraters to hot springs to waterfalls to black sand beaches to glacier lagoons to volcanoes. 

We worked our way around the island clockwise, starting north, before making our way back around to the more crowded southeastern edge. I liked the quieter and isolated fjords and peninsulas of the north much better; though after being in some of the most remote areas, there was always something relieving about returning to a small town, or seeing another car, or even just a farm in the distance. 

I will miss the lace curtains and trinkets in every windowsill, rhubarb jam spread on waffles, Olafur and Anna and the view from Berunes, skyr tart, that enchanting sense of isolation, Adult Jazz and Panda Bear on repeat, and endless time with Derek. I will not miss the smell of sulfur or staying in crowded hostels.

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iceland i.

Derek and I left Iceland yesterday, him to return home, and I to continue on to Italy. But what a week! I am lamenting the fact that I do not have a wide-angle lens, because Iceland is all about the landscape and my 35mm lens doesn't always catch it very well.

But, for now, a few pictures from the beginning of the week + my favorite places in Reykjavik, mostly for my own memory's sake:

Reykjavik Roasters. By far the best coffee and best atmosphere. Also, the chai and the muesli!

Stofan Café. Another favorite. Both a kaffihus and a bar. Derek and I went here on our last night in the city to read and drink.

Kaffihús Vesturbæjar. A hip bar/café a little farther outside the touristy center of the city. A little noisy, and filled with very well-dressed Icelanders.

Cozy little house close to the sea. We stayed at this lovely AirBnB garage-turned-guesthouse our last night in the city. We both agreed we would happily live in a place just like this.

Hrim. So much of the downtown shopping seemed touristy and kitschy, but I really liked this small (and expensive) Scandinavian design store.