The most amazing thing happened last weekend here in Iceland.
The temperature reached the 70s (20C)!
For the first time ever in Iceland I wore a summer dress, with no jacket or tights.
Sure it was probably only for an hour or two when the sun was the strongest, but temperatures in the high 60s, low 70s, that is what I call an Icelandic summer miracle.
And when Iceland gives you temperatures like that you have to celebrate, and the Viking and I found the perfect spot to soak it all in.
A sunny day picnic in front of a waterfall, yes please!
Don’t let those clouds fool you, it was hot and sunny, up until we took this picture and packed up:)
A lazy afternoon reading in the sunshine with my Viking was the perfect way to spend the day before these next couple of weeks throw some crazy schedules are way.
During our afternoon of napping in the sun I tried to convince H to write a post for the blog. (I am still working on this so if you want to see a guest post from the Viking leave a comment, lets get him!) While he is not quite up for a full on post on his own I did convince him to let me ask him a few questions about being a blogger boyfriend, my Icelandic skills and the tourism in Iceland.
So, without further rambling let’s hear from my Viking.
What is your favorite thing about being a blogger boyfriend?
H: I really enjoy all the experiences we have had that I don’t think we would of done if it wasn’t for your blog. For example, many of the places in Iceland that we have visited I hadn’t even heard of until you discovered them. And you have found some great places for us to check out on our travels abroad from other blogs.
K: Your welcome :)
What is your least favorite thing about being a blogger boyfriend?
H: While I think your blog is amazing, at times it feels like you are always connected which can get a bit frustrating when we are out trying to enjoy our time together. When we go out to explore a new place sometimes it feels more like we are just there to research for the blog and not fully experience it. Sometimes it is nice to not have to think about getting pictures of a place but just enjoy it together.
K: Touche. But no, I totally agree with you, sometimes it is hard to disconnect and not think about the blog while out enjoying something. Goal for the summer, work on this!
H: The good more than out ways the bad though, and I love getting to take all the pictures for the blog. So it is mostly just a win-win:)
To my other bloggers out there, anyone else struggle with this? I love exploring new places and trying new things to share on the blog, but this can make it a fuzzy line from when you are out relaxing or when you are working. I definitely am working on getting better about disconnecting and try and do so at least once a week for a full day which leaves me feeling totally refreshed. Any tips you use to find a balance I would love to hear from you!
What do you think about Kaelene’s Icelandic skills?
H: I think they are really good, I think you understand even more then you let on. You are a bit shy about speaking it and wish you would try more at home.
K: Baby steps, at least now I am attempting to speak it more at home with you.
H: Very true, you are doing great with it and I think you don’t give yourself enough credit.
(He then switches to Icelandic for the next ten minutes)
Speaking of my Icelandic skills, H is completely right, I understand way more Icelandic than I let on. I think I am afraid that once people know how much I understand they will only speak Icelandic and then I won’t understand things anymore. It is a security blanket that I need to let go of, my Icelandic is only going to get better the more I let people speak to me in it and I practice it myself.
But, on the positive side, not that long ago I was still so shy speaking Icelandic at home with the Viking, but now I have no problem trying to say what I know even if it is full of mistakes. So language win!
Okay, now on to the questions about Iceland.
What is your favorite place to visit near Reykjavik for a quick adventure?
H: The hike to Glymur and Þingvellir.
Good choices my Viking. I especially love walking aruond Þingvellir in the Autumn, the colors are gorgeous!
What place are you most wanting to visit in Iceland?
H: I still haven’t visited the been to the wrecked plane on Sólheimasandur beach and have always wanted to see that. And then definitely the West Fjords, hopefully this summer.
(The West Fjords, are happening this summer, this isn’t a maybe it is a must for me!)
Most photographic place in Iceland?
H: Mývatn. The whole area is really beautiful with unique landscapes, lava formations, a lake, and the sunsets are always really pretty.
K: Maybe we should visit Mývatn again this summer!
H: Let’s just stick with the West Fjords for now.
When do you think is the best time to visit Iceland?
H: If you want to explore the nature come in July to the beginning of August. If you want to get the winter experience come in beginning of December for the northern lights and Christmas decorations.
My Viking sums up my answer to this question in a few sentences but I have an entire post on this topic coming your way soon so stay tuned!
Is there any place in Iceland you recommend skipping?
H: A lot of the places have become really touristy, like the Golden Circle or Blue Lagoon, but they are quite unique so if you have never seen anything like that then check them out, I just recommend checking them out at the beginning of your trip.
K: Couldn’t agree more.
How do you feel about the booming tourism?
H: It makes me a bit worried. I don’t think Iceland is quite prepared to handle the high number of tourist and I am worried that our unique places are going to lose their natural beauty and turn more into a showy tourist stop.
On the other side I do think the tourism has been really great for Iceland and has brought lots of opportunities to the country. I just hope that the visitors that come here appreciate the nature and respect it.
K: I can’t believe how much has changed in just the few years that I have been living in Iceland. I find this topic very interesting, especially hearing from Icelanders about their thoughts on the booming tourism. This could be an interesting blog post.
H: Always thinking of different ideas for the blog :)
K: Always:)
What is your favorite thing about summertime in Iceland?
H: The long bright days and the Midnight sun.
K: Me to!
Thanks to my Viking for entertaining me with this little interview. Next time let’s see I can get him to do his own post :)
I am heading off tomorrow for some exciting adventures! Following along over at Instagram and Snapchat @Kaelene.
Question of the Day?
Any tips you use to find a balance I would love to hear from you!
