Iceland- Day 1 - In Which Our Hero Arrives at His Destination

 Day 1 - September 27 

I arrived in Iceland after the longest flight of my life (on which I saw the Northern lights over Canada and I flew over Greenland). The wind was heavier than anything I had thus far experienced. The high desert has nothing on Keflavik. I boarded a bus and saw the most amazing sunrise I've ever seen. Along the way from the airport to the guesthouse, I saw lava fields covered in moss. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before. The ocean's waves were constantly white capped and the mountains in the distance were covered in the whitest snow. 

The day's fun ended there. I got the guesthouse and had to wait a few hours before I could get an early check in. Having been awake for almost 21 hours and having only ate eggs, nuts, protein bars, and an airline snack mix packet, I was exhausted and ready to sleep anywhere I could. Thankfully, I ended up on a bed that is more comfortable than any mattress I've ever owned. 

I napped, and then walked to the store for some cheap food. I went to a discount grocery store chain that I've seen recommended on numerous Iceland travel articles. The food wasn't much more expensive than the food on California. I even had an epiphany, in the store. If you don't have a microwavable bowl for soup, buy some cup of noodles and reuse the cup. 

I felt like a fish out of water, in the store. I'm sure I looked like a confused tourist but that's what I bloody am. 

All day, I've been thinking about how much I just want to go back home. This trip seems like a mistake. The tours I've booked will push me out of my lifestyle of going at my own pace. Sure, that's part of why I came. Regardless, I just feel like I may have been better off going on a shorter, closer trip first. 

If I make it through this trip without at least 2 anxiety attacks, I may just eat my hat. 

Gonna try to get about 12 hours of sleep. Maybe tomorrow will be better. Maybe I'll wake up with a clearer head. We'll see. 

- Lance J. M.