Goodbye Winter - Friday Five

by 42 Comments

Spring is slowly making an appearance here in Iceland and I couldn’t be happier to say goodbye to my first winter here. Moving to Iceland during the darkest months of the year was not the easiest thing and has been filled with plenty of ups and downs. But now that the days are longer and Spring is in the air I am looking forward to what the next season will bring.

To say goodbye to winter here are my top 5 favorite memories from my first winter here in Iceland.

1. My First Christmas in Iceland
Christmas Tree PictureIt was great getting to finally spend the holidays with H and his family and learn all about their traditions. My favorite tradition of the Icelandic Christmas, making Laufabrauð.LafabrauðAlso learning about the 13 Icelandic Elves was interesting, I am not to sure how I feel about them yet but it was a fun tradition to learn about.

2. Hiking around Hveragerði
HvergerdiHveragerði is one of my favorite places to hike around and I can’t wait to go back this summer and enjoy the hot springs.

3. Celebrating New Years Eve in Reykjavik
NYE in Icelandsource
I have heard that Reykjavik goes all out for NYE but nothing could have prepared me for what I experienced. It was absolutely amazing! By far the most fireworks I have ever seen, the entire city is lighting off fireworks and it is a sight to see. I can’t wait for next years NYE celebration!

4. Visiting the Golden CircleWinter Beauty I was really looking forward to this trip to see some of Iceland’s most beautiful sites in the winter time.Geysir in the WinterI have been to the Golden Circle before in the summer but seeing these landmarks in the wintertime was completely different. Snow covering everything added a different element to these places and I am glad I got to see them in their winter beauty.

5. Snow Days
Iceland Snow DaysEven though I am more than ready for winter to be over I can’t deny the fact that Iceland is absolutely beautiful during the winter time. It is hard to be annoyed with the snow when it creates such beautiful views!
River in Iceland
Iceland Snow DayWaterfall
And for my least favorite memory from this winter.

Snowstorm in Iceland
Ya I am ready for Spring!

Question of the Day?
What are you looking forward to this Spring?

Daily Diaries with Diaries of an Essex Girl

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  • http://confuzzledom.wordpress.com/ bevchen

    YAY for spring! Your winter photos are absolutely stunning though.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      I am hoping spring will arrive soon so I can show off how pretty Iceland is in another season:) Winter really is beautiful here though.

  • http://www.rhymeandribbons.com/ Amanda

    Your photos are beautiful. I can sense the cold just looking at them so you really deserve some spring! x

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      I am glad the temperatures are slowly rising, I am ready to thaw out from the winter!

  • http://djseaward.tumblr.com/ Cynthia

    Your photos are almost enough to make one wish for winter. Key word here: almost ;) Hope spring hits you soon!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Haha almost is a perfect way to explain it! I hope spring arrives soon as well:)

  • Jessica Shannon

    I am so ready for spring too! But Iceland definitely look beautiful in winter!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Iceland really is beautiful in the winter, helps all those long winter months pass by a bit quicker:)

  • http://www.boardingtogether.blogspot.com Alisia

    This is my first time on your blog, I found it through a link up and I love it! I’ve never “met” anyone from Iceland before. I think it is so cool that you live there. All of the pictures are amazing, I never knew Iceland was so beautiful! I can’t wait to read more :) And yes, I am definitely looking forward to Spring!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Welcome so glad you stopped by! Iceland really is a beautiful and unique place!

  • http://www.kaitmakesarunforit.com/ Kait Comiskey

    oh my gosh your new years looks beautiful!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      New Years here is just amazing, I can’t wait for this years celebrations!

  • http://tidethatleft.blogspot.co.uk/ Amy @ the tide that left

    I know what you mean about getting fed up with winter. I was the same when I lived in Moscow. The snow looks beautiful, but that doesn’t mean you want it around for 5 whole months (ice and slush to boot!)

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Agreed, winter is beautiful but just for a few months and than I am ready to move on to the next season!

  • http://www.bakerstellstories.com Erica Baker

    Wow. I can hardly take how beautiful Iceland looks! That mist and sunset over the river?? Gorgeous.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Isn’t it so beautiful. Iceland has some beautiful views, I can’t wait to take in the views in the spring time:)

  • http://www.notentirelyperfect.com/ Stephanie

    Such great photos, especially the fireworks. And you covered in snow is pretty hilarious too!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Haha my dad I am pretty sure has showed that photo to everyone!

  • ablondearoundtheworld

    Hi Kiki! These pics really make me wanna visit Iceland RIGHT AWAY :)
    xx Pam

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Hi Pam, glad you enjoyed the photos, Iceland is a great place to visit!

  • http://voyageofthemeemee.com/ Amanda MeeMee

    I can’t wait to roll my windows down while driving and open them in the house! :D

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Agreed, I can’t wait to walk outside and not have to wear a coat!

  • http://anothercleanslate.com/ Kate @ Another Clean Slate

    So many awesome memories! I just want to be able to go outside without a jacket.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Agreed! Not having to wear a ton of layers will be awesome.

  • http://totravelandbeyond.wordpress.com/ Macy Gutermuth

    Love all of these pictures. It looks like you are making the best of being in Iceland!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Thanks so much Macy!

  • http://www.lifeinprogress.ca/ Kathy@Vodka and Soda

    i can’t wait to be able to shut off the heat and open the windows of my house. the weather is so fickle here - 10 degrees during the day and then -10 at night. WTF!!

    -kathy
    Vodka and Soda

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Brrr your in need of some serious spring weather! I am glad its not that cold here but I agree, opening up the windows and getting some fresh air in the house is so nice.

  • http://www.quaintrelleblog.com/ Setarra

    I’m looking forward to all the flowers! And to be able to wear sandals, my feet are ready to be free :)

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      I can’t wait to wear sandals!

  • http://treasuretromp.com/ Nicole @ Treasure Tromp

    time out. the golden circle is beautiful! but in other news, your least favorite memory from winter is also the cutest :)

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      The golden circle is so beautiful! Ha I am glad I have a good picture to remember the moment with;)

  • http://letuswanderlust.blogspot.com/ Carly @ Let Us Wanderlust

    I love your winter recap! I’m sure you are ready and waiting for spring after that cold winter! I love that last picture! So cute :)

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      I am so ready for spring! Flowers are slowly blooming and it makes me so happy:)

  • http://independenttravelcats.com/ Jessica - Independent Travel C

    Yeah, for Spring. Some great experiences and love the last picture of you!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Thanks so much, its been a great winter!

  • http://www.tothedayslikethis.com/ Sammy Dorn

    Haha that last photo is great. Yay for Spring!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Haha I am glad I was able to capture that moment to remember lol. Agreed, yay for Spring!

  • http://alexfahey.blogspot.com/ Alex Fahey

    Happy Spring! I’m glad spring is here as well. While Korea is no where near as cold as Iceland, I was not ready for the winter here. Hawaii really spoiled me when it came to weather.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Hawaii is just so beautiful, I feel spoiled every time I visit!

  • http://www.diariesofanessexgirl.com/ Kate Hall

    I’ve been so wrapped up in things I didn’t even consider that I’m kind of sad to say goodbye to winter. It IS beautiful.. but so is spring. It’s a tough one!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Head over to Iceland if you need some more winter, we just woke up to snow again!