Mar 4, 2013

Mind-blowing

In Iceland, I saw some of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. It's a bit difficult to even process how much beauty (or I'd even call it magic) I saw in those five days in Iceland. I am so grateful to everyone that made this trip possible and for the people I met along the way. One of the most amazing parts was how quickly the weather and consequently, the scenery, changed before our eyes. If I went back now to the exact spots I shot, I know it may look completely different.

On our third night, the sky cleared up a wee bit, and we got a glimpse of the Northern Lights, something that has been on my life bucket list for quite some time. We were down in the south east part of the country in a fishing town called Höfn. The winds whipped stronger than ever that night. A few of us hunkered down outside with our tripods as the lights danced for us; mine could barely stand against the winds. I felt like I was in a dream — this couldn't be real. (Though I'll let you in on a little secret. The lights were more like glowing clouds the night we saw them; the camera brought out the green and purples, but to the naked eye, it was mostly colorless.)


I first came across this quote in the first issue of Wayfare magazine and I couldn't help but use it here. I left Iceland feeling inspired, overwhelmed and humbled. Nature make me feel small in a way the city doesn't. A sky full of stars is something I'll never get here. While I am a city girl at heart, I realized I need more healthy doses of nature in my life.


My words nor my photos do this experience justice. I can't recommend visiting Iceland enough to see it for yourself. I am, for sure, returning as soon as I can.

36 comments :

  1. AHHHH you saw them, that's awesome!!! Looks magical, indeed :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amazing! I feel the same way when I'm out in wild nature like that.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What an amazing thing to see (also on my bucket list). So beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is amazing!

    My fiance and I are headed to Iceland in a couple of weeks. As soon as I saw that you're headed there, I texted him to check out your instagram feed and then we both marveled at all the scenes. We hope we're lucky to see the northern lights too!

    ReplyDelete
  5. like you, the lights are definitely way up there on my bucket list...but unlike you, I've yet to see them! I've loved following along on your adventures on instagram/twitter...can't wait to see more of your amazing trip here!

    ReplyDelete
  6. The beauty of nature is comparable to nothing else...

    So thrilled for you Alice. Iceland has been calling to me for the last few years... Think I need to finally take the plunge...

    ReplyDelete
  7. I've always wanted to go to go to Iceland!! It must be absolutely beautiful to see the lights in the sky!! =)

    Ergo-Blog

    ReplyDelete
  8. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. too excited for you. i hope i'll see them too.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I loved this! That phrase hit me right in the middle of my heart!

    ReplyDelete
  10. lovely, lovely! i was following you on pinterest and now i am so glad to have found you here! Icelands sounds lovely. xo

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've always thought Iceland looks like an incredible place to visit. Hopefully we'll be seeing some more photos.... (hint hint)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Absolutely incredible!!! On my bucket list too. Sounds like a life changing experience. Your photos are gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Amazing. I am envious; have gotten nowhere near to seeing this phenomenon. Glad you got to tick this one off your bucket list.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Truly an amazing and beautiful experience!

    ReplyDelete
  15. OMG this is incredible. ONE DAY!

    ReplyDelete
  16. that is EXACTLY how I felt upon visiting New Zealand.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I went to Iceland in 1999 for a mini vacation and came away feeling the same way. It is so incredibly beautiful and humbling to see nature at her finest. It is a place I want to take my children and husband because they need to experience it with their own eyes. I follow you on Instagram and enjoyed being on the journey with you - thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Such beautiful images! I felt the exact same way when I visited Iceland almost 4 years ago. My little brother lived there for a summer (lucky him!) and to me it is such an underrated, not often thought about destination. I plan to visit again in the next couple years. Hope you get the chance to return someday!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love Iceland! I would love to travel to Iceland, But from Chile the travel is so expensive :(

    ReplyDelete
  20. I lived in Iceland one year and I have never seen more beautiful landscapes than there! I have travelled there back few times and always I'm fascinated by the nature. I also get a bit tired cause I can't sleep while driving from one place to another, otherwise I would miss some beauty :)!
    otusolohuoneessa.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. These photographs of the Northern Lights are so magical. Having marvelled at numerous Instagram posts of yours over the past few days, I am filled with a desire to visit Iceland for myself!

    P.S. Your beautiful blog has inspired my latest post <3

    ReplyDelete
  22. the northern lights are also on my bucket list!!! this these photos are awesome. i'm now more inspired than ever to go to iceland... but first, paris! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  23. My wanderlust-sick heart aches for this post.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thank you for this. I've lived in Brooklyn for years away from Iceland and never have I felt homesick this time of year before. I hope you go back in the summer when Iceland is at its finest :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. WHen I read in your previous post that you were going to Iceland, I thought to myself, "She's going to see the Aurora Borealis". And you did! =) This is also in my bucket list. One day, one day... =)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Pretty amazing stuff Alice. Sounds like you had a great time!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Beautiful, just beautiful. :)
    Your photos from Iceland on instagram made my heart leap. Iceland is a place I would love to see, but for some reason, probably how different the language is, I've never gone. Now I'm inspired to go all over again.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Beautiful, Alice!
    And I loved seeing your Iceland trip photos via Instagram.
    I look forward to visiting someday...

    ReplyDelete
  29. going to iceland to see the northern lights have been in my bucket list for a while now and i have to go there one day! i have been really enjoying all your photos, love love love.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I saved this post to read later when it was first posted, because my family and I are thinking of going to Iceland this summer, and this post reminded me about how behind I am on planning! I have always, always wanted to see the Northern Lights (I don't/can't make a bucket list, but seeing them is still on it!). I loved seeing your Instagram photos of your trip, and that quote does seem to fit the idea of traveling so perfectly. Thank you for sharing your trip — and these photos — with us!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I feel the same about Iceland.
    Such great landscape!

    ReplyDelete
  32. All are very good tour and travel service provider agents in India. They are providing very good and comfortable service with the beautiful offers for travelers. Thank you so much.
    tatkal yatra | travel agents in Delhi ncr

    ReplyDelete
  33. Traveling is very adventurer part of our life so enjoy full in your life and travel various beautiful places and make your memory happiest and memorable.
    online bus ticket booking from Delhi | flight ticket booking agents in Delhi

    ReplyDelete