I have a confession to make.
It took almost two years but it is happening.
I am turning Icelandic!
Let me explain.
When I first arrived to Iceland the one thing that really stood out to me was the all black wardrobes favored by most in my new home. Then there was me, who stood out like a neon circus clown in my bright clothing. It was clear I was foreign as soon as I entered a room.
Fast forward to now, almost two years later, and what would you know, I have adopted the all black attire on an almost daily basis. Blonde hair, black clothing, pale skin, lets just say I am more than blending in now.
Another Icelandic trait I have recently picked up, my awkwardness at the attempt at small talk.
This is a big one as I usually love small talk. I worked at a coffee shop all through college, small talk was my job! But when I moved to Iceland where small talk is non-existent I slowly stopped making attempts (I was that werido who tried talking to everyone for a while) of small talk and haven’t really given it much thought since.
That is until I headed back to the states this summer.
While waiting in line at the airport minding my own business a man asked me how my travels had been. I instantly felt uncomfortable and thought, “ugh why is this stranger talking to me?” I gave a short answer and then moved away.
Right after this happened I couldn’t help but laugh as I had just experienced a situation I hear my Icelandic friends talk about all the time. They always are telling me how uncomfortable they get in the states with all the small talk. I used to think oh but it is so nice to have small chats where ever you go. And yet here I was instantly uncomfortable with small talk.
Who am I???
An awkward American in both Iceland and America that is who!
It didn’t take me long to get back into the swing of small talk when I was in the states, but each time I had one of these conversations I was very aware of how “American” they were. Small talk though, I love it and don’t think I ever will give up, maybe just keep it toned down while in Iceland.
As for my all black wardrobe, well that is an Icelandic trait that I think it here to stay!
I am loving my all black wardrobe, but after realizing how little color was in my life while back in the states this summer I am trying to make sure to add some color to my outfits.
Insert in my new Daniel Wellington watch and I now have something that is not black in my wardrobe!
Brown counts as a color right?
Fact: I have never owned a watch in my life.
A few months ago though I started the search for the perfect watch. I was set on finding the perfect “everyday” watch to add to my wardrobe.
I searched for my dream watch in every store H and I visited in the states this summer (trust me this was a lot, we had to stock up thanks to the expensive Iceland) but still no watch was to be found.
And then the lovely people at Daniel Wellington contacted me about trying out one of their watches, and after a short browse on their website I knew I found my watch.
I will admit, I was tempted to buy a black watch, but I stepped out of the box and ordered myself the beautiful brown with rose gold Classic St. Mawes.
Not even two days later my the UPS man was calling me at work, and based off our conversation, (which was in Icelandic since the UPS man refused to speak English) I was told my watch had arrived and he threw it at the door.
After our conversation I couldn’t wait to get home to see my watch (and to make sure my watch was okay!). When I got home I found my new watch safely tucked into our mailbox outside the door. Don’t ask me where I got the whole throwing the watch at the door thing. My Icelandic, it is a work in progress.
It is safe to say that my first watch is a keeper. I am in love with the classic look it adds to my outfits. And, my outfits are no longer all black! A win all around right? :)
Speaking of wins, did I mention I ran the Reykjavik half marathon this weekend?
Okay so I didn’t win the race, but I finished, and that is a win in my book! I then proceeded to wear my medal the rest of the day. That is right, I wore two colored items at once, my gold metal and my brown watch, look at me adding color to my wardrobe!
Back to my new watch.
If you are in need of some color in your life, or just need a new watch, I recommend heading over and doing some online shopping at Daniel Wellington.
And because my readers are the best if you shop at Daniel Wellington by September 15th you can get a 15% discount with the code UNLOCKINGKIKI.
Happy shopping!
Question of the Day?
Are you a watch wearer? Have you ever adopted traits from the place you live?
