A Frizzy Weekend In... Reykjavík
Yoo, it was a cold ass extended weekend in Iceland. I'm not about to pretend that my fingers weren't freezing every second that I touched the road. And I'm also not going to lie and say that I didn't do the cha cha slide and fall over countless times in Reykjavík, because I most certainly did. Expect to slip and slide, and uncontrollably dive in the winter and you'll be fine!
I visited Reykjavík, Iceland in the winter season. To be dead exact during the month of December. When I went sunrise was at 11 am and the sunset at 4 pm. It felt mad strange. Imagine heading to breakfast at 9 in the morning and it's still pitch black. Madness.
First Impressions
The flight to Iceland felt a lot longer, in my mind, than it needed to be. Turns out the flight from London to Reykjavík was only 3 hours. Maybe, I was just so excited to witness that level of cold with my own body!?
It's not as snowy as I thought it would be. I imagined some big- big Antartica and maybe Reindeers rolling about on the street (I know my imagination is wild).
"Raar they love big street art in this city".
What is there To Do in Reykjavík
The two places mentioned everytime Iceland is discussed are the Blue Lagoon and Northern Light, and I don't think the two are overrated. As part of my holiday package transfer to and from the Blue Lagoon was included as well as the visit to the Northern Lights.
The Blue Lagoon was magical! Asides from all the cool pictures you’ll take, the experience is mesmerizing. You know the sensation that you get when you jump in a hot bath after a long day? That's the feeling you get at the Blue Lagoon but it lasts for the whole time you are in the water. You also get some face mask included with your entry fee. If you take nothing else from this post please do not be the foolish gal/bwoy who forgets to bring flip flops with them. I was that *insert Nigerian accent* Idjjott whose feet froze. I can't explain to you the level of pain I felt. Book in advance to avoid long queues and to make sure your entry is guaranteed.
*If you have a wig on let that go sis! Let your plaits breath unless you are not fussed about messing up your wig. My orange wig was never the same after!*
The Northern Lights were proper groovy! I saw green and purple lights in the sky and it was breathtaking. My iPhone decided to move proper basic and didn't pick up the colouring. I was initially annoyed but I now think that there is something beautiful about having an image locked in your mind. Something to note though, you can be waiting around for anything up to 90 minutes after you've seen the lights whilst others attempt to take pictures and hang around the space. If you are kind of anti and impatient like myself, you might want to rent a car so you can leave when you're finished rather than when a coach full of people are.
If you have time I'd recommend venturing out of Reykjavík and visiting some hot springs. Go forth and be at one with nature whilst you warm up your body. Also, if you are into vintage clothing, the fashion stores in Reykjavík will have you grinning from ear to ear.
Food
The food in Iceland is not low-low prices. Food is on the E-X-P-E-N-S-I-V-E side. Once you've mentally accepted this fact the holiday gets better I promise you. You'll easily spend £25 on a lamb burger and fries. On the plus side, everything I ate in Iceland tasted fresh and non-fatty.
Side note: If you have specific dietary requirements let the staff know even if it seems totally irrelevant for what you have ordered. I ordered the fish of the day at a restaurant and there was no mention of anything else coming with it. Yet when my meal came I realised they had put slices of bacon in my meal.
3 Food Spots I Recommend
Sumac - Octopus and hummus with Crispy baby potatoes.
Hotel Island - Fish of the Day (Fresh Icelandic Fish).
Rustik - Lamb shank with mashed potato and seasoned vegetables.
Wrap Up
Wrap up well like the British roadmen do in the summer and you'll be well prepped. I know instagrammable clothes is the go-to for holidays but if you’re visiting Iceland in the winter I can't stress how much comfort over style is a must. If you're thinking about trying out solo travel I would strongly suggest Iceland because I felt at all times extremely safe. (And that means a lot coming from me because my paranoia levels can peak) Also, when I left Iceland I noticed how clear and healthy my face looked. I'm not sure what exactly caused it but myself and my homegirl were left feeling really radiant and refreshed.
Have you visited Reykjavík? Would you visit there in the winter? Watch my Insta vlog to see how Icy Iceland got.
