June 13, 2014

A Summer to Remember

My first summer in Iceland is going to be a summer for the books! Hikes to hot springs, BQQs under the midnight sun, concerts, vacation and more, oh how I love summertime!

Here are a few things I am most looking forward to this summer.

Midnight Sun Half Marathon
In two weeks I am running the Reykjavik Midnight Sun Run that starts after 9pm. Hopefully the sun will be out that day so us runners will be treated to some views of the beautiful midnight summer sun.

Midnight sunWith views like that I have no problem running a half marathon! Well hopefully I won’t have a problem, crazy stomach and side aches please stay home.

Five weeks Summer vacation!
Yes you read that right, starting on June 27th I am off work for 5 weeks with full pay. Thank you Icelandic summer holidays! I will be sure to use every day off to the fullest and can’t wait to get to sleep in for a few weeks.

Celebrating Iceland’s Independence Day
June 17th is Iceland’s Independence Day and I am really looking forward to joining the festivities this year. I love the 4th of July in America and all the patriotism so it will be a fun experience to celebrate a different countries independence day.

H First 4th of July
H celebrating his first 4th of July last year

Croatia!!!
Two weeks island hoping in Croatia, need I say more? I can’t wait to explore the Game of Throne sites in Dubrovnik, relax on the beach with a tropical cocktail in Korčula and Hvar, and end the trip with a bang at the beautiful hotel resort we are staying at in Split! As if this trip isn’t amazing enough I get to visit London for the first time during a day long layover, can it be July 14th already!

Hiking Fimmvörðuháls
At the end of this month we will be hiking Fimmvörðuháls, a hike I have been wanting to do ever since I saw H’s photos from his work trip there. The hike takes you between two glaciers in the south of Iceland the landscape looks absouletely stunning. I can’t wait to see these views in person!

Fimmvörðuhálsvia

Justin Timberlake Concert
My inner pre-teen dreams are finally coming true! I never got to go to a N*Sync,but lets be honest I only ever wanted to go to see Justin. When H got pre-sale tickets for this concert from work I was jumping up and down and squealing with excitement. Bring on the SexyBack!

Þjóðhátíð - Iceland’s Music Festival
If you talk to just about any Icelander you will hear them rave about this weekend music festival on the Westman Islands. I know I have heard dozens of stories about how amazing this weekend is from H and his friends and I am looking forward to finally experiencing it for myself. Check out the video for one of the biggest parties in Iceland.

Like I said, a truly amazing summer is ahead of me and I can’t wait to get the fun started!

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

posted by 38 Comments
Filed Under: Iceland, Travel Tagged: ,
  • http://bristolinmypocket.blogspot.co.uk/ Sara Rose

    N*Sync was my very first concert, I’m so jealous you’ll be seeing Justin!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      I am jealous you got to see N*Sync!

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

    I am in awe right now: five weeks of paid holiday!? That’s incredible. Sounds like you’ll enjoy it to the fullest! My city just had it’s half marathon last weekend (which started at 7pm) and it was such a beautiful, warm evening to sit out and watch the runners.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      The holiday time here is amazing, truly lucky!

  • http://guntersabroad.blogspot.com/ Jamie @ Gunters Abroad

    Can I have your summer??? Haha! Sounds amazing!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      I am really looking forward to it!

  • http://prettythingandco.com/ Madaline

    That hike looks to die for!!!! And Croatia? I’m SOOO envious!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      I am getting so excited for both that hike and Croatia!

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

    Croatia is WAY up there on my list of places I want to go. Can’t wait to hear about it!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Mine as well! I almost got to go in college and ever since those plans fell through I have been dreaming of visiting there. I will be sure to take lots of pictures to share with everyone!

  • http://luyoutravel.blogspot.com/ Elizabeth Georgian

    Wow! That is going to be such a fun summer! I can’t believe you get 5 weeks paid vacation in Iceland! That is amazing! I can’t wait to hear about your trip in Croatia. J and I are thinking of going there sometime next academic year.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      I can’t wait for this summer and all our fun events. The 5 weeks vacation is quite the bonus of working here in Iceland. I will be sure to share any tips I have about Croatia and lots of pictures!

  • http://www.rhymeandribbons.com/ Amanda @ Rhyme & Ribbons

    I can’t believe that you get 5 weeks paid holiday! That’s pretty much the best thing ever! Maybe a move to Iceland is in the cards for me… x

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      That is what all my family and friends are saying as well. The long paid holidays are quite the bonus of living here!

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

    Your summer sounds incredible. Midnight sun marathon running makes me almost want to be a runner. And 5 weeks paid leave is the cherry on the top! Enjoy!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      I am hoping for a beautiful summer sun on the night of our run and not rain! That 5 weeks vacation really is the cherry on top.

  • http://meetatthebarre.blogspot.com/ Amanda Elizabeth

    Your Summer sounds like it is going to be amazing. I would move there for 5 weeks off…..not joking :-) I can’t wait to see your Croatia pictures!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      That is my thoughts as well, I don’t know how I will ever work in America and give up those 5 weeks off!

  • http://movebyyourself.com Kelley @ Move By Yourself

    Your summer sounds like it will be amazing! 5 weeks paid leave — that is awesome. And I’m super jealous of that hike you will be doing looks incredible.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Thank you Kelley! I can’t wait for our summer plans to get started.

  • http://thepumpkinshead.wordpress.com/ Betty J. Ogburn

    …When you go to King’s Landing, you’ll HAVE to sit on the Iron Throne, looking like a boss!!…

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Definitely!

  • http://www.sunshine2thesquareinch.blogspot.com/ Beka Johnson

    That 1/2 marathon sounds really neat. I’m always a better runner at night and have dreamed of running a night race. What a fun summer you have planned. Hope you enjoy each moment.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      I am really interested to see how it will be running a race at night, I have only done morning races so I am hoping it goes well! Thank you Beka :)

  • http://thethingsiamcrazyfor.wordpress.com/ Camila

    Those sound like such awesome summer plans! I definitely look forward to some posts about Croatia :)

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      I can’t wait to be exploring Croatia!

  • http://voyageofthemeemee.com/ Amanda MeeMee

    5 weeks off AND JT in concert? I HATE YOU!!!!!! ;P

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      I know right, I am a hard person to like ;)

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

    Tell me about this midnight sun? Does the sun literally NEVER go down? I am looking forward to park hangs and lots of wine in the sunshine :)

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Basically no, there is a hour or two slot of almost dusk but it is always light outside. I love spending a day in the park with wine and sunshine, sounds like great summer plans!

  • http://www.rotten-one.com Tee

    Hi Kaelene! I just discovered your blog, and I think it’s awesome. I remember when I was in Iceland last winter where it was 24 hours of no sun – would I love to experience it now in the summer! :) Good luck with your Midnight Sun Half Marathon, I’m sure I’ll read about it in an upcoming post :)

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Thanks Tee, glad you found my blog! Yes you must experience Iceland in the summer it is completely different than in the winter and everything looks so bright and alive compared to the dark dead winter!

  • http://motleyblend.blogspot.com/ Nicole @ Motley Blend

    Your summer itinerary sounds like so much fun! A friend of mine went to Croatia and said it was really beautiful.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      I can’t wait to explore Croatia it looks so beautiful!

  • http://englishgirlcanadianman.blogspot.ca/ Holly Nelson

    I love Icelandic music! The midnight run sounds like it will be an awesome experience. Have a blast!!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      Icelandic music is really wonderful! Thank you Holly! I am keeping my fingers crossed for good weather on the night of the run!

  • http://www.chicadeedee.com/ Dannielle @ Chicadeedee

    How much have you packed into your summer?! It sounds awesome. I’ll be waiting to hear what you think of Croatia as I’ve been wanting to go too.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence

      I can’t wait to go either! We really have no idea what to expect so I am looking forward to seeing what it is like!