Even though my birthday was a week ago I am still smiling from what an amazing birthday it was. My celebrations began last Wednesday at our office pub party. I was only planning on staying for a few hours but when there is free drinks and live music involved it is hard to leave.
When you are the only English speaking person in a room full of Icelanders you may need a few extra drinks. I don’t know what was in my wine but before I knew it I was joining in the conversations speaking Icelandic and telling everyone it was my birthday, which lead to more of this.
It was a fun night and a great time getting to know my co-workers better. Even if most of them now keep speaking Icelandic to me since I was doing so well with the language that night. My sub-conscious must hide my Icelandic skills until I give it a bit of alcohol and then I am talking away.
My birthday morning started with snap chat videos of my friends signing me happy birthday, a video from my parents singing to me, and a flood of throwback pictures from my past birthdays from my Dad.
My Mom is a babe
While I lounged in bed watching Parks and Recreation H got to work in the kitchen making me a delicious breakfast of Icelandic style pancakes.
Then it was present time!
H went all out for me and I am now the proud owner of legit hiking boots and am ready to go for some Icelandic hikes this summer. On top of my hiking boots and a basket full of goodies H gave me a bottle of my sinful pleasure, Fireball.
Complete with my own personalized Harry Potter themed label. Ya, he is a keeper.
The day just got better from there when we headed to H’s moms house and she surprised me with some of the most beautiful flowers I have even seen. One week later and they still make me smile every time I look at them, they are just so beautiful.
On top of my beautiful flowers she is knitting me my own Icelandic Lopapeysa! I was so surprised (and happy I don’t have to try and knit one myself). Hiking boots and a Lopapeysa, sounds like I am turning into an Icelander.
The rest of my afternoon was spent shopping, which in Iceland is a rare thing so it was a nice way to pamper myself.
New Birthday outfit
To end the day H took me to a delicious dinner at Sushi Samba.
Fun fact, this is the restaurant that Katie Homles and Tom Cruise had their last meal together before officially announcing their separation. Not the most romantic fact but any claim to fame Iceland clings too!
Our meal was amazing, a mojitos sampling tray, delicious sushi, and of course a tasty desert.
After having a night cap with some of our close friends we headed home where I had one last gift to open, a letter from my family. I was really sad to be away from home this year for my birthday but my family is amazing and brought the birthday celebrations to me.
They really are just the best!
The rest of my weekend was spent in the South of Iceland celebrating a friends wedding in one of my favorite areas of Iceland. A perfect way to end my best birthday yet.
I have a feeling 25 is going to be one awesome year!
Question of the Day?
What is your favorite birthday memory?
I'm Kaelene, a girl from Oregon figuring out life in Iceland. I have a passion for travel and a weakness for a good glass of wine. I believe in faking it tell you make it and am far from figuring out the expat life. 
