I have chosen a beds-are-most-appreciated-when-you-rarely-have-one approach.
awake and wet at 3am with nowhere to go
But I didn’t know that most of the accommodations in Iceland would be sold out.
According to my guidebook — which has tear stains in it — if I had a tent I’d be massochistic. Clearly without a tent is unfathomable.
sprinkling hot pepper flakes on my tuna makes me feel like I’m cooking
But the good news is: I’m really really good at relishing luxury when it comes.
It’s a challenge to remember to take a picture when you’re starving.
Thus I enjoy the struggle. Or at least the inevitable sweet relief.
—
An excerpt from my journal reveals that I’ve been keeping things positive.
¨The bottom of my rain proof pants are wet and getting my other layers wet. Which is terrible and cold. But at least I got to go on that nice hike in Skutustaoir today!¨
Would you stop?
The goodness of strangers
– A couple from Denmark let me sleep in their tent.
– Sara dedicated an entire day to help me get ready.
– Washing my hair with soap was rejuvenating.
– Pedro decided to be my friend before we even met.
has rocked me
to my core.
– When I don’t have my thumb out people still slow down to ask if I need any help 🙂
– Jose shared his cup of coffee that he had seriously been dreaming about all morning.
– The staff at a fancy hotel snuck me into their special ‘hot room’ so that I could dry out my sleeping bag and other essentials.
The captain of this ship took me whale watching.
for free!
Unfortunately I got debilitatingly nauseous
but that also put things into perspective.
38°F+wind chill, hours of hitchhiking-rejection, ‘sleeping’ on public toilets, rain for days, all turned into a game of ‘Well, it could be worse. At least I’m not still sea sick!’
Plus I got to see a jumping humpback whale 🙂
—
I felt legitimately homeless and dejected.
But I stuck it out and several hours later the local bakery opened
and this darling woman gave me unlimited hot tea and fresh cakes on the house!
—
I try to eat healthy
but when I get indoors I tend to fall asleep.
—
This morning I went into a museum and met the 21 year old girl who works there. She let me chill at the information centre with her all day long.
I learned about geothermal energy
After work she invited me to her home where her mother owns a restaurant and has tons of leftovers — They have been treating me like royalty!
clean clothes. clean sheets. and, not pictured, is the roof.
They insisted I sleep here and before my new friend went to bed she said, ¨Do everything you need and like — make yourself completely at home.¨ ❤
As I write, I'm nuggled into those sheets, listening to the rain falling around the house. Waves of relief wash over me that I'm not outside, I feel humbled by this girls kindness. I'm exhausted by these outstanding, powerful feelings that I must communicate before I fall asleep: I love you until the 90% dark Chocolate Chips. Which is never.
'mi
Adventuresam 
Thanks for the update, I think. 🙂 It’s always fascinating to hear of your adventure as I vicariously live your journey. I’m already looking forward to the next one. I hope there will be more smiles in it. Be safe. Be well. Love….
Thanks Deek. Good comment. I plan on there being lots of smiles in the next one.
LOVES!!!!! (Im in another Hosue now!!!) xoxo
This is amazing… and horrible… and aMAZing! Always interesting to know wagwan in your world. Was is actually 3 AM in that photo? Is it dark ever there these days?
Thanks for the comment, Russ!
Yeah, it gets dark at around midnight until 2am. Just about. And there is a noticble difference even sinc eive been ehre (2 weeks) in the fact that its staying darker for longer. That picture was taken at 3am about 8 days ago. Youre always welcome to visit me where ever I am *nudge nudge nudge* 😉
ahh, but at least the public toilets are heated!
buy a tarp
I feel like I’m watching bear grylls. who is taking these pictures!?
self-timer is the new ‘mirror’ picture.
Miss Sammi – thinking about you lots! We spent 8 hours in Rekjavik (sp?) once and it made us want to go back, but your story will ensure that we book accommodations ahead… Love you lots! Stay safe and get warm as often as possible!
Laurel
8 hours, eh? was it a layover?? I have plenty of friends there (now, ha) that would be willing to host you if you ever did make it back. And im plenty warm (and always safe) tonight, in Gothemburg, Sweden with a close friend. Thanks so much for the comment, its so nice to hear from you. Lots and lots of love.