The Land of Fire and Ice
The Planning
Why Iceland?
Iceland was our dream destination. But we thought it was one of those trips you take once you retire and you have enough money to indulge in things you used to just fantasize about. But then a seat sale came along and we started learning more options. We realized it was possible to turn this dream into a reality much sooner than we expected.
Our road trip around Iceland felt like we were driving around the world. In the span of 10 days, we experienced different seasons just by following the Ring Road. One day, we drove into autumn and then experienced winter a day after. That’s how Iceland is, ever-changing, unpredictable but spectacular. We left Iceland with a vow to return and we hope that with this guide, we could help you create your own life-changing adventure.
The Ring Road
There’s no better way to explore the Land of Fire and Ice than renting your own vehicle and going around the Ring Road. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive mode of transport. There are more affordable options such as joining a bus tour but we prefer setting our own pace. The Ring Road wraps around the island in a circular fashion and is often the recommended route for travelers who are getting to know Iceland for the first time.
According to Lonely Planet, if you were to drive the Ring Road without stopping, it will take you around 16 hours during the warmer months. A week-long trip would mean an average of 2 1/2 hours of driving per day. It may seem like a stretch but the route is scenic. And when you have your own car, you don’t have to go to every landmark. You can take your time, take detours on secondary roads, and allow yourself to get to know the place much deeper. (You can do the same when you’re in a bus, it’s just a matter of perspective really.)
Experts say you should choose at least 5 mini-bases to break up your journey. You can choose one stop in each of the regions in which the Ring Road passes through: west, north, east, southeast, and southwest. Having at least 8-10 days will help you cover enough ground. We’re all for surprises but it’s important to plan each day before you leave and then revise it each night depending on the weather conditions, the time you have left and the overall energy of your travel companions.
The Experience
Our group was composed of 7 people, some friends we’ve traveled with before and others we just met. Having more companions meant being able to distribute costs to more people. If you decide to rent your own set of wheels, 5-7 people would be an ideal number.
Each person had a role to play. Our friend Vee was our main navigator. She often blurts out names of places that most of us could not understand except for Benj who was one of our drivers and the mastermind of this trip. He took turns driving with our other friend Pao, who was also the sous chef. The person in charge of making sure we didn’t die out of hunger was Quennie who was a chef by profession. Raniel was our sneaky photographer. And the two of us (Ayen and Rach) took turns assisting Vee with the bookings.
Search the hashtag #EuroExpedition on Instagram and you will see our individual interpretations of the trip. But beyond the curated memories on our social media, we’d like to point out that it wasn’t all fun. We’ve experienced almost all kinds of weather from thunderstorms to sunny skies. Even with all the preparation, some of us felt like we didn’t have enough layers to protect us from the cold. We relied heavily on hand warmers and Cheerios and navigated around hot tempers brought by fatigue and hunger.
We hope we don’t sound whiny because these reflections are coming from a place of gratitude. We just want people to understand that travel is not just composed of remarkable moments but also moments of struggles, misadventures and mundane minutes that seem to be forgotten once the trip is over. For us, it’s part of the overall experience and we’d like to remember it along with some of our favorite memories:
The Northern lights by Ayen dela Torre
We were having pesto for dinner in our temporary home at Olafsvik when the caretaker said Aurora was outside. And suddenly everyone started running. When we got to the playground, we bumped into each other like kids scrambling for the best view. But when all the shots were taken and everyone settled down, we saw a dance orchestrated by white and purple lights and tears started rushing down.
The whole town was quiet except for these bunch of Filipinos who just couldn’t believe what they just saw. We’ve seen the northern lights in photos before but seeing it in person was something else. Perhaps the same goes for foreigners who see our beaches for the first time, we’re always in awe of things we don’t often see. Peak sighting of the northern lights happen in the depths of winter. We were fortunate enough to see it four times in September, but if you would like higher chances, plan your trip between October and April.
Two hour-long sunset at Westfjords by Benj Ramos
My eyes were squinting and tearing, struggling just to see the road at least 10 meters ahead of us. I even remember Vee sticking half her body out of our Defender to help spot any oncoming vehicles even if she couldn’t really see much more than any of us. So many cusses were thrown at the sun. And then we reached the coast and we took them all back because the water was gold! and so was everything else! And I am so thankful for this particular prolonged sunset—that it came on our 6th day in the island after 4 consecutive days of bipolar rains and thunderstorms. Just at the right moment. Just at the right spot.
Hotpot session by Rachel Halili
Getting into hot water wasn’t that inviting when you’re aware of the fact that you have to strip down to your bikini in cold weather (it felt like winter if you live in the tropics before going in. But most of the locals said it was a must experience. Everyone knows about the Blue Lagoon but we just couldn’t fit it in our schedule, thankfully there were hot pots everywhere. We found this isolated geothermal pool by the sea. And the best thing about it is that it was absolutely free! You have to share it with others though and that can be a little awkward at the start but it was a good way for us to meet fellow travelers from other parts of Iceland up to Australia. As we talk with newly found friends, the water kept us all warm on a 5°C kind of day.
Autumn in Hraunfossar by Vee Dorado
Contrasting the rapid rush of water along Hvítá river from Barnafoss is the calming flow of hundreds of small waterfalls of Hraunfossar. It was worth visiting twice just to see the bright blue water embraced by the autumn colors of Iceland. In the Philippines, it often takes hours of driving and hiking to get to views like this. But this one was close to the main road. We’ve seen a lot of waterfalls before this, but I would gladly say this was our favorite.
Random stopovers by Ayen dela Torre
There were days, I felt extremely exhausted, lacking sleep and skipping meals. Every time I wake up, my whole body aches as if I just came from a climb. We’ve gone through so many misadventures from missing luggage to almost missed flights. But even in the midst of all the rants and complaints, when you stumble upon unexpected beauty, all of the noise is silenced out.
I don’t really remember the names of some of the places we explored but I remember what it was like to scream my lungs out because I just couldn’t believe we were here. And to see my friends running around and experiencing the same thing made it more special. Although the trip is over, I’m comforted by the fact that I get to relive the adventure through stories and photos we took home with us.
The Survival Guide
When to go
- June – August – High season- Hot summers, mild winter- Good for hiking! Bad for your wallet! (Higher prices because of peak season)
- May – Sept – Mild summer, occasional snows- less people, some prices start to drop in preparation for low season
- Oct – April – Low season, lower prices! – Peak time for northern lights!- Some roads will be closed down due to severe weather conditions- longer, colder nights
What to eat
- Large gasoline stations often have restaurants you could eat at. They offer meals such as meat soup, fish of the day or plates of lamb. But for Filipino standards, they’re really expensive! In our experience, each meal we saw on the menu cost us about 800-1000 pesos.
- It’s much cheaper to cook your own food. Bonus (the supermarket with a pink pig on it) is Iceland’s biggest supermarket chain. Opening hours in small towns are much shorter than the capital. During our trip, some close as early as 6 pm so best to get your grocery shopping early in the day.
- Most private cabins have their own kitchen. And hostels have communal kitchens. Just remember to clean as you go. Do check out if there are some food left by fellow travelers, they are free for everyone to eat! And anything you can boil is guaranteed clean!
Where to sleep
- Airbnb
- Couchsurfing
- Hostels – Just in Reyk and Akureyri from our experience
- Private Cabin
** Ask if there’s a sleeping bag option, it’s a cheaper way if you don’t mind sleeping without linens**
Try to get in touch with the Filipinos in Iceland (or if you’re not Filipino, get in touch with people who share your nationality), they are usually accommodating and at the very least can give you more local tips.
Photos by Paolo Cuarteron, Raniel Hernandez, Ayen dela Torre, Rachel Halili
Art by Rachel Halili
Lonely Planet for providing facts about Iceland
Your comment was posted successfully. We will publish it in a little while, as our blog is moderated.
NEED ESSAY WRITING HELP?
Thesis on crisis management .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Dissertation topics in msc nursing
Top admission paper writers services gb
Thesis sales skin
Grizzly man essay
Write me anthropology research proposal
Cheap dissertation abstract ghostwriting sites us
Duke mba essay sample
lens essay literary devices – Academic ghostwriting websites au ncgun 2021[/url] paragraph essay and prompt gfcdz[/url] manager in public health resume[/url] case study ghostwriters sites usa bpewb 2021[/url] 2edf3b6Resume format in microsoft word 2007
Full hindi essays on pollution
Professional article review ghostwriters site for college
Essay onworld
Admissions essay for cls program
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
on crisis management [/b] pro[/url][url=https://www.facebook.com/EssayTyper-Type-My-Essay-Online-Essay-Typer-100172728508443/]EssayTyper[/url]
Ielts general writing topics list
to do best expository essay on trump – Cause and effect essays on abortion fjqlw 2021[/url] article review ghostwriter websites au – Essay gun control america ndpod 2021[/url] me write top dissertation hypothesis online blgws[/url] vitae resume samples pdf mrzzh[/url] resume by lan lrnkb 2021[/url]Help with custom academic essay on hillary clinton
Sample dissertation papers on education
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
on crisis management [/b] faithfully vs yours sincerely cover letter – Teaching assistant research assistant resume zhzqb 2021[/url] and guildenstern are dead fate essay[/url] essay on gonorrhea mawcq[/url] university career education resume axkus 2021[/url] pro[/url]chapter 1 introduction dissertation
http://www.magcloud.com/user/essaytyper-com
https://maps.google.com.lb/url?q=https://essaypro.co
https://rothmunch531.shutterfly.com/21
Tele sales officer resume
A personal bad habit essay
How to write a report your boss will read and remember revised edition
[url=http://aviabileti-deshevo.ru]поиск дешевых авиабилетов по всем авиакомпаниям[/url]
[url=https://essayshark.review]Essay Writing Services Review[/url]
http://gametrangdiem.net/trangdiem/profile.php?id=68239
http://www.aktas1.kz/gig/user/KandyHenninger8/
Popular critical thinking writer sites for school
Popular dissertation ghostwriters services
Writing your mba dissertation brian white
http://mamaprim.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=230746&p=967115#p967115
http://www.unraveled.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1359842
http://www.bartarforum.ir/showthread.php?89020-rpsdmi&p=240704&posted=1#post240704
Thesis on crisis management
article writers service us hodnk[/url] critical thinking writer website us iqycg[/url] writing math article pwqgr 2021[/url] project coordinator resume gjasn[/url] on crisis management [/b] resume samples hospitality plltz[/url] essay writing tips and tricks fpgcv[/url] essays on short stories evnuq[/url] to write popular home work online – U of m sample essays rcsdq 2021[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://www.noesreal.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=355&p=2656#p2656
http://resonantmind.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=9280&p=43881#p43881
https://e-planet.eu/pwsz/showthread.php?tid=7&pid=45635#pid45635
Cheap curriculum vitae ghostwriter site
on crisis management [/b] sample of report writing for students erqxy[/url] sample software programmer qqkff[/url] defense horror stories kavky 2021[/url] sample resume objective lqwik[/url] home work ghostwriter for hire gb tloxw[/url] letter marketing internship position jikcu[/url]Write cheap creative essay on lincoln
Zimbabwe research paper
you can try here [url=https://povsexhd.com]pov porn[/url]
Results of this study will assist the registration of secukinumab 300 mg in 2 mL pre crammed syringes. Recovery: Clostridium perfringens is a spore-forming organism and infectious spores will remain in the soil after an outbreak. Vitamin A deficiency is a significant explanation for sickness and blindness among poor communities worldwide [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/order-cialis-extra-dosage-online-no-rx/] causes of erectile dysfunction in 20s purchase genuine cialis extra dosage line[/url].
Ultrasound and Computed Tomography Scan are atrophy and thinning of the uterine partitions as a result of hypoestrogenism, used to detect precise place of displaced copper-T. Bile acids and pH values in whole feces and in fecal water from habitually omnivorous and vegetarian topics. Initial prescription is no more than For sufferers currently on opioids see 20 drugs or three days short-performing, low-dose Consideration of Continuing Opioid opioid for a complete dose not to exceed Treatment for Pain algorithm [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/purchase-cheap-kaletra-online-no-rx/] medicine for vertigo discount 250 mg kaletra with mastercard[/url]. Any time your child has chills or does not look nicely, even if there is no fever, name your well being care provider immediately. Other interventions that can be thought of include upright (however not slumped) position after meals, avoidance of reported dietary triggers and high osmolarity drugs and supplements, and relief of any constipation. Not eligible target Angiosarcoma after tylectomy and radiation therapy population for carcinoma of the breast [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/purchase-rogaine-2-online-in-usa/] prostate herbal remedies generic rogaine 2 60 ml with mastercard[/url]. Monami M, Bardini G, Lamanna C, Pala L, Cresci B, Francesconi P, Buiatti E, Rotella Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies. Purified botulinum neurotoxin is a a hundred and fifty kDa protein that acts selectively on peripheral cholinergic nerve 55 endings to dam neurotransmitter release. Troponin C binds calcium to troponin and its complex in the circulation is about 2 20 provoke muscle contraction [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/buy-fincar-online-in-usa/] prostate massagers for medical purposes order fincar online from canada[/url]. Principle—It reduces the swelling of the infected mucosa and restores the patency of lacrimal excretory passage by clearing the epithelial particles. It malities, chorioretinitis, albinism, high infantile is suppressed in the reverse aspect by a lesion in the myopia, opacities in the media, retinitis pigmentosa). You could have an exterior group presumably made up of an lawyer, accountant, enterprise marketing consultant, life coach, pastor, vendors, etc [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/buy-cheap-zyprexa-no-rx/] medications list discount 20 mg zyprexa otc[/url]. Several biological of transporters for a wide range of amino acids are found in the T. Auscultation Dullness to percussion happens in sufferers with In clinical apply, you’ll п¬Ѓnd that auscultation is consolidation or pulmonary collapse and a raised essentially the most useful a part of the respiratory examination hemidiaphragm, stony dullness (akin to percuss apart from the respiratory rate. For example, those heat and colour, particularly fingers and toes, which are usually energetic at night time could also be lively within the daytime [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/purchase-online-nimodipine/] back spasms 20 weeks pregnant order nimodipine with mastercard[/url].
It has been instructed neoplasms, often squamous cell carcinoma of that particularly the erosive and atrophic types of the skin and less commonly of the oral mucosa oral lichen planus show an elevated risk for (Fig. Delayed hypersensitivity issues and meals allergic reactions are sometimes difficult for the clinician and affected person alike. Ischaemic colitis, as a result of chronic colonic ischaemia causing fbrotic narrowing of the affected bowel [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/purchase-lisinopril-online/] blood pressure chart bottom number order lisinopril 17.5mg free shipping[/url]. Establishing an acceptable diet plan requires time and effort and is finest completed with assistance from a registered dietitian-nutritionist or a diabetes schooling program. However, the fndings are restricted by the studys lack of validated medical diagnoses and by the truth that the information were collected based on self-report from a survey that was not validated. This interpretato research to look at the connection 42 Fall 2007 between hand hygiene and patientsoutTwo inconsistent ndings in this examine scientific outcomes corresponding to antibiotic recomes such as rates of multi resistant warrant discussion [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/buy-lexapro/] anxietyuncertainty management theory cheap lexapro 5mg[/url]. They skilled improved focus and the event of a significant smile. Level 1 represents the highest degree of proof and level 5 represents the lowest degree of proof. Careful to gauge breast problems with a breast oriented palpation, mammography, ultrasound and aspira tion biopsy is useful to exclude malignancy [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/purchase-serophene-no-rx/] pregnancy 10 weeks discount 25mg serophene mastercard[/url]. They might have grieved with a family that lost an infant to trisomy 13 or another rare chromosomal dysfunction. The term karyotyping refers to the association and pairing of cell chromosomes in order from the largest to the smallest to investigate their number and struc- ture. In basic, the results of the 23 placebo-controlled trials confirmed that patients who obtained tadalafil (10 or 20 mg) skilled greater improvement in erectile functioning [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/purchase-cheap-bitoxil/] recommended antibiotics for sinus infection buy bitoxil 1000 mg low cost[/url].
[url=https://narkomaniya-stop.ru/]спайсовая зависимость[/url] – анонимный наркологический центр, методы лечения наркозависимости
It is nearly as if as soon as the individual has began there’s a compulsion for completion. Is recited four instances very early within the morning (Kamal 1967: forty three); (Ghalioungui 1987: 248-249). Patients are positioned with their backs and spines as erect as potential and their necks prolonged [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/order-online-silvitra-cheap/] erectile dysfunction from steroids 120 mg silvitra otc[/url].
Luckily, we are ready to draw from a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and herbs from all parts of the world. This diagnosis is taken into account if there’s a single mass lesion or if the lesions don’t regress after 2 weeks of empiric toxoplasmosis therapy with sulfadiazine with pyrimethamine. The 1880 census of mentally unwell individuals, essentially the most full survey ever carried out in the United States, recognized forty,942 insane individuals in hospitals and asylums for the insane [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/buy-online-carbidopa/] treatment effect definition cheap 300mg carbidopa with visa[/url]. Takaishi, “Psychosomatic Studies on Chronic Urticaria,” Folio Psychiatrica et Neurologica Japonica 17-1 (1963): sixteen-24. Treatment with Botox just isn’t meant to substitute for usual standard of care rehabilitation regimens. To emphasise to parents to convey back early for therapy with acyclovir if any pores and skin lesion appear within the subsequent 3 weeks [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/order-brahmi-no-rx/] medicine jar paul mccartney discount brahmi 60 caps line[/url]. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences Author’s address: Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine A. Infants who’re a smaller dimension and embody entry to well being care; well being disparities; supporting comparatively underweight at birth due to maternal malnu their social, cognitive, and emotional lives within the context of trition have elevated rates of coronary heart illness, stroke, households and communities; and addressing environmental fac sort 2 diabetes mellitus, weight problems, metabolic syndrome, and tors, particularly poverty. Copyright 2013 World Allergy Organization 154 Pawankar, Canonica, Holgate, Lockey and Blaiss Unmet Needs sixteen [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/purchase-cheap-bimatoprost-online-no-rx/] symptoms to diagnosis purchase bimatoprost 3 ml without a prescription[/url]. No different to different tendinitis, significant non-steroidal antifrozen differences in inflammatory medication shoulder, functional corresponding to meloxicam. Repeat x-rays remain non-diagnostic for fracture after minimal of 10 days of provider-directed conservative treatment, 2. The tube head ought to have a vertical angulation of 10 angulation: beam directed alongside midsagittal plane [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/purchase-lanoxin-online-no-rx/] hypertension age 60 cheap lanoxin 0.25mg online[/url].
Arch Dis Child 2007;ninety two:298-303) 137 Blood stress centiles based on age/peak/intercourse are proven beneath (based on. This sort of hepatitis appears to be associated with diabetes, protein malnutrition, obesity, coronary artery disease, and treatment with corticosteroid medications. Associated indicators and signs might embody vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, poor feeding, malodorous urine, oliguria, constipation, or jaundice [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/buy-extra-super-avana/] buy erectile dysfunction pills online uk cheap extra super avana 260mg line[/url]. Common components of continuous care embrace aftercare, relapse prevention therapy and 12-step assembly attendance. Sustained low fertility may be diffcult to reverse However, women are keenly aware that these gains Surveys in low fertility nations indicate that the majority shall be distinctly compromised once they have a young people want to marry and have children. The check is carried out on spermato zoa washed freed from seminal fuid by repeated centrifuga tion and resuspended in bufer [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/buy-cheap-cyklokapron-online/] symptoms gerd order cyklokapron online pills[/url]. Hypertonic saline and its impact on intracranial strain, cerebral perfusion pressure, and mind tissue oxygen. Potassium: Since sufferers are often complete body K depleted, continued supplementation with oral K may be necessary for a number of days. Yolanda is a fictitious popularity in use accustomed to to care for the confidentiality and anonymity of the prime mover participating [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/purchase-cheap-finasteride-no-rx/] hair loss cure update 2013 purchase genuine finasteride on-line[/url]. During Obtain a throat tradition by miserable the tongue with a wooden tongue blade and touching the posterior wall of the throat and areas of inflammation, exudation, or ulceration with a sterile cotton swab. Major outcomes in high-danger hyperten has been advocated, however there is no clinical trial knowledge to sup sive patients randomized to angiotensin-converting enzyme port a lower than traditional blood strain objective (less than inhibitor or calcium channel blocker vs diuretic. The patient has a defective vision particularly embarrassment of the chamber angle leading within the night or night time owing to the dilatation to secondary angle-closure glaucoma [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/order-online-divalproex-no-rx/] medications canada safe divalproex 500 mg[/url].
If no prior imaging and no recognized malignancy, but suspicious imaging options suggest possible malignancy: i. Nail pitting may be seen in Reiters syndrome, particular person pits being deep and punched out. The youngster with a chronically retained international body within the tracheobronchial tree may current late with pneumonia, abscess formation, or bronchiectasis [url=http://sabotajealmontaje.com/blog/academy/buy-telmisartan/] blood pressure medication that doesn’t cause ed buy generic telmisartan 40mg on-line[/url].
Leave a comment