Today was my first full day in Reykjavik and it was phenomenal. It´s the capital and a very small city in Iceland and right on the water. It reminds me of other cities in Europe with its quaint streets and cafes and bars on every corner. It was a beautiful day – sunny and around 60 degrees – so it seemed like everyone was taking advantage of the weather and enjoying their meals outside on tiny tables almost in the middle of the street. Most of the streets and sidewalks are cobblestone which is adorable. My feet, however, don´t agree.

I spent the morning walking the city and exploring the cute little homes and cottages and shops. I went to the Modern Art Museum and Hallgrimskirkja – which is a church from where you get an amazing, 360-degree view of the country from the tallest point in the city. Wow! I saw Reykjavik from the top – all of its rooftops are different bright colors – and Mt. Esja (a volcanic mountain range in Southwest Iceland) in the distance and of course the ocean. I can´t put into words how beautiful it was. But I´ll include a picture so you get a small idea.

I made my way to the Laugardalsholl Sports Hall where packet pick up was for the race tomorrow. At that point my feet were saying, ‘What the h*ll are you walking 3 miles to the EXPO for, knowing you´re running a half marathon tomorrow?!’ My feet were right – that was a stupid idea. Finally got my packet and proceeded to one of Reykjavik´s well-known thermal pools, called Laugardalslaug, for a bit of relaxation. My feet approved. There are many thermal pools in the city. To me, they look like a huge, crowded hot tub. Well, multiple huge crowded hot tubs. At these thermal pools, also called hot pots, the water is pure, coming from thousands of meters below the ground. It comes from the run-off of water used to provide geothermal electricity to the region. Pretty cool. And with it being only around 60, the water felt wonderful. And it was so clean! In fact, you are required to take a shower ‘without a swimsuit’ prior to going into the pools. There is a very specific drawing as you enter the showers as to where you must wash AND there´s a guard making sure you do! Let me tell you, guys, I saw more naked women today than I´ve seen in a year in Charlotte. Jealous??!!

With happy feet and a nice warm body I used the local bus system to make my way back to town. Again, my feet applauded me. Stopped at a little deli for a local beer and a panini. Candace, I hope you´re smiling as you read that.

I´m back at the hotel but off shortly to check out the wine scene in Reykjavik. Someone´s got to do it, right?! But it will be an early night for me as the half marathon starts at 8:40 tomorrow. Hopefully by the time my friends and family wake in the morning, I´ll be done and enjoying a celebratory beer with the rest of the finishers.

Stay tuned…

This may be the most vulnerable, scary thing I’ve ever done. And my friends and family know that I’ve done some scary and crazy things in my life. But I’ve made a commitment to them to start this blog because it might be entertaining and enlightening to share some of those crazy things with others.

The timing of the blog comes as I start to pack for a solo trip to Iceland. See, I’ve been traveling extensively for almost 10 years now and have recently resorted to Facebook posts to keep people up-to-date with my wanderings and fun stories. They seem to enjoy my daily posts and I love writing them so this is a little extension of that. Ok – maybe this is a big extension of that. For years now I’ve also kept a journal on all my trips. It helps me to remember each and every exciting, scary and downright wonderful part of every journey. But I’ve obviously never shared those with anyone. So this is my attempt share those stories with those I love.

My dad asked me last night what my goal was for this blog. That gave me pause. I’m not sure I even thought about it before the question but here’s my answer. For the most part, I’m doing it all for me! For me it will serve as an e-journal, although I promise to keep the juicy, dirty, personal stories to myself (you’re welcome, Mom and Dad). And in my mind, it’s also a bit of a kick in the butt. See, even though I’m a pretty adventurous woman and I typically do all of the things that scare me, I still need something to push me out of my comfort zone a little. Knowing that I’m committed to sharing my trips should cause me to take some more risks while I’m there. Get out of my own way, if you will. I think that for the most part I’ve done this but knowing I’ll be writing things down for all to see will make a greater impact. I think.

A little about me and this trip. I love, love, love to travel! For me it’s because I get to see things that most people never see but more importantly, to meet people that I would never otherwise meet. And to learn about a culture so radically different from the one that I grew up with. It’s what I live to do. And I’m single so most – ok, almost all – of my trips are done alone. As is this one. I don’t have anyone to travel with but I’ve promised myself that it won’t keep me from doing and seeing what I need to do and see.

I’ve been literally all over the world. Singapore, China, Africa, many places in Europe, Peru, etc. And when I travel I like to do some crazy things. I mountain biked through Africa, did the 4-day hike to Machu Picchu, volunteered in Lima, taught English in Barcelona. So the reason I chose Iceland for my next adventure is two-fold. First, I know that I’ve never seen the kind of scenery that I’ll see in Iceland. Glaciers and volcanoes. It’s supposed to be absolutely majestic. But the biggest reason for the choice – and this may sound silly – is because I want to sea kayak with the option of seeing some whales. Hopefully right next to me! So I’m off to Reyjkavik in 3 days. And I’m scared and excited and nervous and acting like a kid at Christmas. I simply can’t wait!

So, instead of silly Facebook posts, you can read about my adventures right here. I plan to post from Iceland every day of my trip, including what can only be some incredible pictures. So if you’re interested, please check it out. I’ll post a link to this blog on Facebook as well.

I’m looking forward to the journey – in more ways than one. Stay tuned…