Draws inspiration from Iceland’s many naturally occurring basalt columns.

In front of the
church, a statue commemorates the exploits of famous Viking Leifur Eriksson, the first
European to discover America.
As the wind continued to pick up and the dark was quickly approaching, we headed back to
our car and soon left Reykjavik behind. For our first evening, we booked a stay in a
charming old school bus. With a jagged/sharp mountain range overlooking the site, we
settled in for the night, ready to start our road trip the following day. The next morning, we
were woken up by the rhythmic pattern of a hail storm. Meanwhile, the surrounding
mountains played hide and seek with the low-hanging clouds. Typical for Iceland, the
weather continued to change quickly, and soon, even a speck of blue sky was visible. After
clearing the car from a bit of snow, we set out on the road. Our excitement about the skies
opening up was short-lived, however, as it didn’t take long for a dark cloud to roll in. Before
long, we arrived at one of Iceland’s many one-way bridges, a common feature of the
country’s infrastructure. The bridge spans a cascading/flowing river, which soon after
empties/drains itself into Hvalfjörður, Iceland’s deepest fjord. With the deep fjord to one side
and steep mountains to the other, the scenic road closely hugging the shoreline was a delight
to explore. In a land so rich in precipitation/rainfall/snowfall, it did not take us long to come
upon a waterfall. Just as the snowfall was picking up again, we took a turn off onto a smaller
road which, at times, was barely visible. Embarking on a winter hike, we started out towards
one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls. While the trail was quite easy to follow at first, it soon
disappeared entirely underneath the snow. Despite that, we caught a glimpse of the narrow
gorge/valley/gap that the Glymur waterfall is set in. Glancing in the opposite direction, we
noticed that the sun was making a grand entrance.

Having completed our trip around the fjord, we met up with Iceland’s Ring Road, which
would bring us north towards Snaefellsness. It didn’t take long, however, before we
embarked/boarded on a small off-road trail in search of a natural hot spring. Driving through
a snow-covered lava field, we marveled at the scenery around us. Shortly before arriving at
the end of the trail, we passed through several gates, which during summer help to keep
sheep in the paddock/cage. Having failed to locate the hot spring, we decided to turn around
again.

Meanwhile, the snowfall started to increase in strength. Veiled/implied/ in a blanket of snow,

the desolate/bleak/wild purity of the landscape made us feel as if we were exploring a
different planet. To truly appreciate an Iceland winter holiday, you have to find joy in the
misery. Objectively speaking the weather is absolutely horrible as it is snowing heavily, you
can't see anything and it's feelingly cold. However, often it is the most adverse/hostile
conditions that make you feel truly alive. Back on the main road, the conditions got even
more challenging. At least, for a moment. An epitome/essence/height of winter in Iceland,
the weather’s rollercoaster rides continued and we soon found ourselves rejoicing in
sunlight. At least, for a moment. Heading to a nearby beach, we looked upon the stormy
ocean. Seals can often be seen resting on the rocks, but they must have deemed/believed the
waves too uncomfortable that day and searched for shelter elsewhere. While we didn’t spot
any seals, we did come upon the remains of a recently beached humpback whale. In the
distance, we also discovered the characteristically/typically steep/sharp/sheer mountains of
Snaefellsness rising out of the clouds. Dropping down one such mountain side, the 80m high
Bjarnafoss has created an array/collection of intricate/complex ice sculptures. Just a stone's
throw away, Búðakirkja is one of Iceland’s most iconic churches. Offering a great contrast to
its snow-covered surrounding, the black chapel sits within an old lava field embodying pure
Icelandic isolation. With the sunset approaching, we settled in for the night, hoping for fewer
weather swings the next day. Upon waking up, we quickly realized that our wishful thinking
would remain just that. We looked on in disbelief as the wind was throwing slushy/wet snow
against our panorama window. Just as we were about to head out, the weather also added a
sprinkle of wind to the mix. Embracing the old adage, that there is no bad weather, just bad
gear, we went out to brave the storm. However, that theory was quickly tested by the wind
gusts which reached speeds of more than 100 km/h that day. Following a short trail, we
somehow walked to the cliffs of Arnarstapi. Made up of black basalt columns, the cliffs are
an extraordinary sight, especially when the waves ferociously pound against them. Several
scenic rock arches can be found in the area, which is a favorite nesting site for many
seabirds. Despite the undeniably tumultuous /wild weather, the scenery surrounding us still
retained that magical charm which is incomparably Icelandic. That was about to change
quickly though, as we headed straight into a full-on blizzard with visibility dropping to only
a few meters. We really shouldn't have complained about yesterday's weather. Reducing our
speed to a minimum, we slowly crawled forward, navigating solely/only/just by the sight of
the yellow road markers. As we were running low on Diesel, we had to fill up at the very
next opportunity - a decision that quickly turned into the most unpleasant refueling
experience ever. Everything - from the keypad to the actual fuel pump - was jammed with
snow. Back on the road, the blizzard/storm continued for a little longer - until it suddenly
disappeared when we entered Snæfellsjökull national park. Named after a glacier-caped
volcano, the national park is located in the westernmost part of Snaefellsness, protecting the
rugged coastline, historic settlements and abundant lava fields of the area. Several short
hiking trails lead to scenic viewpoints and windy beaches, on some of which the remains of
old fishing vessels can be found. Due to the rich fishing grounds along the coast, the region
was fairly populated in past centuries. Today, however, the entire park is uninhabited,
offering many opportunities to enjoy the untamed wilderness. Shortly after leaving the park,
the sky opened up beautifully and sunshine adorned/decorated/ornamented the surrounding
mountainsides. After some time on the road, we started to approach Iceland’s most iconic
mountain. Kirkjufell, translating to Church Mountain, is a wedge-shaped peak which is
framed by several picturesque waterfalls. Its remarkable shape is a result of the ice age, when
glaciers surrounded the mountain, grinding away its sides for millenia. As it is both easily
accessible and stunningly beautiful, the site is a hotspot for photographers, even in winter.
Enjoying the view for a long time, we marveled at the icy waterfalls and watched the clouds
dance around the peak. Following a short drive from the mountain, we arrived at a cottage,
where we would stay the next two nights. Located within view of Kirkjufell, the cottage
offered us a stunning vista/view onto the entire fjord. Taking our time, the next day, we
marveled/admired at the scenery for hours. Making the most of the good weather, we
decided to explore the area a bit further. In Iceland, it is always windy, because if it isn't
windy there must be a storm. The country is considered to be one of the windiest places on
earth so it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Icelandic language knows more than 100
words to describe the different sorts of wind. A child of the ice age, Snaefellsness is often
called ‚Iceland in miniature. The reason for that nickname is its variety of landscapes
including picturesque/pretty/scenic mountains and rugged/rough/rocky cliff sides, as well as
black beaches, craters, waterfalls and lava fields. Driving through one such lava field we
realized that Iceland is fundamentally/deeply different to any other place we ever visited.
The marriage of primal beauty and life hostility is perfectly manifested in the raw strength of
nature that governs the country. As a result, Iceland is an excellent destination for a roadtrip,
both on and off the tarmac/pitch. Getting rather peckish, we were thrilled when we came
upon a local bakery in Stykkishólmur. Even though the city barely counts 1200 inhabitants,
it is one of the largest settlements in the area. On our way back to the cottage, we came upon
one of the most commonly seen animals in Iceland. A small, but hardy breed, Icelandic
Horses are the descendants/young/children of animals brought here by Norse settlers. Over
the course of a millennium, they adapted to the harsh climate, developing a double coat
offering excellent insulation. In the past, horses were the most important and safest way of
transport, but even to this day, they play a role in shepherding, racing, tourist rides and, of
course, as hairstyle models. With the day drawing to an end, we marveled/admired at the
sunset which bathed the fjord landscape in flaming/burning colors. Our most important
morning ritual aside from drinking coffee obviously is to check the daily road conditions.
Luckily the Icelandic government has set up a website that allows us to track the conditions
of all the major roads throughout the country in detail which tells us the wind speed on any
given road or if a road is covered in ice or snow. And most importantly it tells us if a road is
open in the first place. Because two days ago, with the big blizzard/storm hitting Iceland
many of the roads leading to our today's destination were closed off but checking the website
right now, we have seen that the roads have reopened and we can commence our journey.
Leaving Snaefellsnes behind, we headed south towards a region known as the Golden Circle.
While the previous day’s sunshine was all but gone, there were still exciting things to be
discovered. Overlooking a large fjord, we detected some movement in the water. After
getting into sharpshooting position, we spotted a harbor seal swimming in the shallow water.
Also known as the common seal, they are frequently seen along Iceland's coastline. These
seals feed mostly on fish and can reach a length of 1.8m and a weight of 170 kg. If they are
not on the hunt, they are often found resting on rocks and beaches, or, if available, on ice
shoals. Carrying on, neither weather nor road conditions improved. At times, even the ring
road became somewhat of a one-way street. Temperatures have just risen above freezing
which means that the snow and ice previously on the road is now thawing/melting leaving
behind a slushy/wet/snowy substance which is the most difficult to drive on so far because
whenever one side of the vehicle hits the slush/mud it slows down abruptly/rudely and that
means that you may lose control of the vehicle but we are trying to combat that by driving
slower than usual and keeping the vehicle as steadily/gradually as possible in the lanes
already on the road. That strategy proved useful on all the larger roads where other cars had
already driven. However, we soon found ourselves on a small road which was entirely
covered in slush. Any form of safe driving was nigh impossible under such conditions, as the
car frequently started to skid sideways. Mustering all its twisted sense of humor, the weather
surprised us with blue skies the following day. An even more impressive feat was that the
roads were entirely free of snow, slush, or ice. Due to its geological location over a rift/gap
in the continental plates, Iceland is brimming/full with geothermal areas. One of the most-
visited of these is Haukadalur, as it is here that travelers can witness the eruption of a geyser.
The word geyser is a bit of an unusual one and for good reason, as it is derived from the
Icelandic language. As a matter of fact, just behind me is the very first geyser ever described
by Europeans which has become the name-giver of all the geysers/springs around the world
While the original geyser was known for its powerful eruptions, it has fallen into an
extended slumber/sleep/nap during the last century. Luckily, just a few meters away, its
smaller brother Strokkur is as vigorous/strong/vital as ever. Erupting around every 10
minutes, the geyser shoots up a 20m high fountain of warm water and steam. With a little bit
of patience, travelers can watch the geyser erupt from every conceivable angle. Interestingly,
Strokkur and the nearby Old Geysir, are the only two geysers in Iceland that are known to
erupt. All remaining hot pools of the country do not share this explosive character trait.
While the water shoots up at Strokkur, it moves in the opposite direction at the nearby
Gullfoss. Equally part of the Golden Circle, the waterfall is well-visited. Despite its
popularity, Gullfoss is worth a stop as its width and the amount of water gushing down make
for an impressive sight. After dropping down a total of 32m over two main cascades, the
river continues its journey in a narrow gorge. Roughly 8km downstream, we crossed a one-
way bridge over the same river. As we were blessed with beautiful weather, the landscape
was marvelous to behold. Looking around us, it surely seemed as if the grip of winter was
slowly easing/help. Patches/covering of green grass and moss offered us a welcome contrast
to the previously dominating fields of snow. On a day such as this, it becomes easy to
understand, why Iceland has developed into a premier destination for anyone appreciating
nature. Taking full advantage of the extraordinary sunshine, we continued to explore the
many scenic roads of the area. One such road led us to the shore of the majestic Þjórsá river.
With a length of 230 km, the river is Iceland’s longest waterway. Heading further inland, we
soon arrived at the delightful Hjálparfoss. This picturesque double fall is surrounded by a
plethora of basalt columns. Due to their artistic arrangement, the columns form many
fascinating shapes. After catching a glimpse of the Icelandic highland, which is inaccessible
by car during winter, we turned around again. Before the day was over, we decided to visit
one more waterfall. Although not quite as spectacular as the previous ones, Urriðafoss boasts
the highest average water flow of all waterfalls in Iceland. Upon returning to our
accommodation, we made full use of the cabin’s hot tub. While we looked out onto the
beautiful landscape, the sun was slowly setting, bathing the surrounding area in a stunning
golden light. Having sufficiently warmed up in the hot tub, we thought it would be a great
idea to go snorkeling in glacial water the next day. To survive for more than 2 minutes, we
of course dressed in proper gear including a dry suit. Then the tricky part is lifting the suit up
all the way with you because you have a lot of suit on the legs. Pull it up then let your hands
slide inside the seal don't make your hands big try to make them as small as possible so
they're slid in easier i'll give you a hand guys okay What else? Gloves and the hoodie they
are wetsuit material they say waterproof, but it's just a Swedish brand don't trust them okay,
you're gonna get wet on the gloves how to keep your hands as warm as possible easy don't
move them okay the more you move them, the colder they will be why? because the idea
behind the gloves is the water gets inside the glove and it stays warm your body warms the
water up so you should have warmer water inside the gloves all the time but if you do these
movements or if you put your hands up if you're swimming with your hands you're going to
expel the warm water from inside the glove and the glacier water gets again inside and it's
cold and cold and cold and then you don't feel your hands for two weeks so just don't move
them okay it's my best suggestion for today don't move your hands what else? for the snorkel
we're gonna try it in the beginning it should be working however after one minute in this
water your lips are going to be so numb that you won't really feel what you're doing it's
actually good because you don't feel the cold anymore but you don't feel what you're doing
so it's kind of hard to seal it just try your best to seal it give it a big kiss make sure your lips
are around it but the water will get inside how do you take the water out? the professional
way - blow it away you keep snorkeling, blow it away keep snorkeling no worries And then
it was time to enter the 2-degree cold water. As soon as we put our heads below the surface,
we could barely believe our eyes. Utterly Stund The clarity of the water was unmatched by
anything we have ever seen. Needless to say, we were utterly stunned - both by the cold
water and the incredible view. The water in the Silfra Fissure originates from Langjökull,
Iceland’s second-largest glacier. At a certain point in its journey, the meltwater seeps into a
porous underground lava field, where it is filtered for 30-100 years. Re-emerging at Silfra,
the water is exceptionally clear, offering unparalleled visibility of up to 100m. Another
reason for the clarity of the water is its constant movement, as the natural spring feeding the
fissure creates a gentle current. This definitely is one of the most special oh I can't feel my
lips most special diving places and snorkeling places in the world because the view is just
incredible you can easily see a hundred meters in the distance swimming through this glacial
water kitted up in the dry suit it's just an incredible experience Spending more than 30mins
in the water, we experienced a state of underwater meditation. Back on firm land, we also
explored the surrounding area, which was no less interesting. Sitting on top of the Mid-
Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is split between the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates.
As a result of their tectonic drift, a deep rift valley has formed in this area. Every year, the
two plates drift 2.5 cm in opposite directions - slowly tearing Iceland apart in the process.
Thingvellir is really interesting from a geological perspective however, it is also important
from a historical one as it was right here that the Icelandic parliament met up for almost a
thousand years once a year all free men from around Iceland would congregate here for the
great assembly - the Alþingi - to settle disputes or establish new laws. As the main social
event of the year, the Alþingi drew large crowds of people from all over the country,
including farmers, traders, craftsmen, and of course, storytellers. Living in temporary camps
during this time, the yearly congregation can be likened to a social fairground, where people
would network and foster social ties. The main stage of the gathering was the Law Rock, a
rugged outcrop on which speeches were held and announcements made from. Continuing our
journey, we started to head towards Southern Iceland. Situated conveniently along the side of
the road, Seljalandsfoss is a 60m high waterfall dropping impressively over a steep cliffside.
Stretching for many kilometers, this very cliff is the former coastline of the country. Over the
course of millennia, Iceland's land mass was slowly raised, leaving behind a breakaway edge
far from sea. As a result, countless smaller and larger waterfalls can be seen plunging over
the edge. One of the most popular tourist attractions of Iceland, Seljalandsfoss is well-known
for a little trail leading behind it, providing a 360° viewing experience. Saying that, the trail
was officially closed during our visit, a fact that a lot of tourists didn’t pay much attention to.
What is always really frustrating about these mass tourism sites aside from the number of
people obviously is that there's an utter disrespect for rules people do not want to get their
fancy boots dirty apparently so they do not stay on the muddy trail but just walk over the
barriers on the side and thus trample all the grass or the trail is closed - there's a big sign on
it, well people just jump over it and walk there nonetheless and that just takes away a lot of
the charm of these kind of places at least for us Following a scenic drive below the cliffs, we
checked into our hotel for the night. Even though clouds were covering the mountaintops,
the view from our room was very nice. Early the next morning, we paid a visit to Skógafoss,
another waterfall dropping down the former coastline. With a width of 25m wide and a
height of 60m, the waterfall is one of the biggest of the country It is well-known to produce
vast amounts of spray, which apparently does not bother the nesting seagulls. While
Skógafoss is equally a tourist hotspot, a nearby hiking trail leads to a lesser-known waterfall.
To get there, travelers follow the course of the river through a stunning gorge. One thing that
is really important when it comes to a road trip in Iceland is expectation management you
may have seen countless pictures online of clear skies and sunlit waterfalls however reality
often looks much different but if you're willing to embrace the moody weather you will have
a great time because many of these places are extremely magical even in adverse conditions
Being all alone at the waterfall, we opened ourselves to this wonderful sight. Those who are
not afraid to get wet, can even explore the waterfall from behind. Having had our fair share
of waterfalls, we headed towards the coast. At first, the view was rather limited, but after a
while the cloud cover started to lift. Discovering a series of puddles on a side trail, we
couldn’t resist to go for some water splashing. Shortly after, we arrived at Iceland’s most
famous beach. Renowned for the incredibly black color of its sand, Reynisfjara is a long
beach separating the ocean from a nearby lagoon. Whereas most beaches around the world
are colored brightly, the sand at Reynisfjara is black due to the erosion of volcanic rock.
While this is not the only black beach in the area, its popularity is caused by a number of
nearby rock formations. Starkly jutting out from the ocean, several impressive sea stacks are
the remains of the former cliffs. With time these pillars will disappear into the sea as the
waves continue to pound them mercilessly. However, the local waves are not only a threat to
those rocks. Reynisfjara is known for its extremely dangerous sneaker waves, which can rise
out of nowhere and chase far up the sand. Several lives have been lost here already which is
why visitors are advised to be highly alert at all times. A safe to access, and therefore
popular spot, are the beautiful basalt columns at the eastern end of the beach. All day, every
day tourists will climb up the columns to capture the perfect picture. Equally of volcanic
origin, the columns are the result of cooled-down lava. Just around the corner, these same
columns form a cathedral-like cave that is wondrous to look at. Those who are careful, can
walk up the beach even further, taking in the splendor of the looming cliffs. Forming
interwoven patterns, the cliffs strongly epitomize the otherworldliness that is so
characteristic of Iceland. Not far from the cliffs, the quirky Skool Beans Cafe Bus is a
popular stop for coffee lovers - an opportunity we couldn’t resist. Recaffeinated, we
continued to drive east and soon after spotted a polar fox along the road. Still wearing its
white winter coat, the fox stood out dramatically from its dark surroundings. During the
transitional period from winter to spring, the polar fox isn’t the only animal facing this
camouflage conundrum. The same also applies to some of its prey, such as the rock
ptarmigan. At some point along the road, the cliffs were replaced by a wide river landscape,
which was most impressive from a bird's eye view. That evening, we stayed at the cozy
Magma Hotel - our favorite accommodation of the entire trip. Spacious and comfortable, our
cabin-style room offered us a wonderful view of a little lake. Using the binoculars from the
room, we looked out onto the landscape, trying to spot the local wildlife. Just short drive
from the hotel, we came upon an expansive moss-covered lava field. Dominating the
landscape for several kilometers, the moss carpet was a fascinating sight. Unlike other
plants, moss is capable of colonizing rocky surfaces. This is due to its ability of absorbing
nutrients and water through its leaves. During rain, the moss stores water and
photosynthesizes which creates its appealing green color. Strikingly, the moss carpet reaches
a thickness of up to 60cm in this particular field. Despite that, the moss is very fragile as it
does not have any proper roots. Therefore, stepping on it must be avoided at all costs.
Embarking on a gravel trail, we slowly drove through the field, being once more stunned by
the diversity of the landscape. Sometime later, we came upon a river, which a little further
upstream, flows through an incredible gorge. Formed during the last ice age, the canyon
walls rise up to 100m high. After it was featured in a Justin Bieber video, the site
experienced an onslaught of visitors, which threatened the canyon’s sensitive ecosystem.
Today, visitors must stick to a designated trail - even when it gets a bit muddy. Equally,
tourists are not allowed to randomly defecate in the landscape, albeit it is a surprise that such
a sign needs to be put up in the first place. Continuing east, we started to make our way
toward Vatnajökull National Park. To put it bluntly, that day the weather wasn’t really on
our side. Of course, we did not let us stop that from wandering to a glacier just behind our
hotel. Even though the low-hanging clouds were somewhat menacing, the glacier proved to
be extraordinarily beautiful upon closer inspection. Going for seconds the next morning, we
found the landscape lit up by sunshine. To our delight, the ice-covered mountain peaks were
now visible behind the glacier tongue. Also known as the Hollywood Glacier, it was here
that several major productions were filmed, including Game of Thrones, Interstellar and
Batman Begins. We could easily have stayed there all day long, losing ourselves in the
complex shapes of the glacier. But instead of limiting ourselves to one view, we decided to
go on a scenic flight to gain a different perspective. After getting into a small Cessna, we
waited for the engine to heat up. Heading over to the gravel runway, we quickly started to
gain speed and before long were up in the air. Following the take-off, we quickly caught a
glance of the glacial rivers running towards the ocean. Just a few moments later, we were
flying over the very glacier tongue we had just looked at from ground level. Around 30 such
outlet glaciers flow down from the vast Vatnajökull ice cap, which at its maximum, reaches a
thickness of almost 1 km. Covering an area of 8000 km2, the ice cap makes up more than
7% of Iceland’s landmass. While the ice cap looks almost smooth at some points, at other
times, countless crevices tear the glacier surface apart. It was also fascinating to see that the
glacier was not solely blue and white, but frequently featured dark streaks of ash. Similar to
other glaciers in Iceland, several volcanoes lie beneath Vatnajökull and the residue of their
eruptions often settles on the ice. Our favorite sight were the glacier lagoons, where we saw
massive ice bergs floating in the water. Close to the glacier’s mouth, the ice can easily be
900 years old, which emphasizes the fleetingness of our own lives. After we spend 40
minutes in the air, it was time to return to base. Fully taking advantage of the beautiful
weather, we quickly hit the road and started to drive east. Along the way, we came upon
several more glaciers flowing down from the mountain massif. Discovering a gravel road,
we headed towards one such outlet glacier. To our absolute delight, we had the magnificent
scenery all to ourselves. Due to the strong wind, the waves on the glacier lagoon
continuously smashed the little icebergs into one another, creating an iceberg symphony.
Most fascinating, however, was picking up the remains of such icebergs and marveling at the
clarity of the ice. Merely a short drive down the road, we also visited Jökulsárlón, Iceland’s
most famous glacier lagoon. Because of its fast downhill movement and the permanent
contact with salt water, the local outlet glacier calves much more than other glaciers. In the
last 90 years, this has led to the creation of a large glacier lagoon which is now well-known
for its abundance of icebergs. With the ocean in sight, the icebergs continuously drift
downstream, frequently crashing into one another. Instead of being swept out to sea,
however, many of them run aground or are thrown back onto the beach by the waves.
Creating the illusion of gemstones on a black beach, this stretch of coastline has been named
Diamond beach. One of the main reasons people visit Iceland in winter is to see the northern
lights of course So far on our trip we haven't been overly lucky as the skies have been mostly
cloudy or the northern lights simply haven't been that active however tonight there may be a
chance for some northern light activity so I've walked up to this viewpoint overlooking the
glacier and I'm now waiting in the dark for the next two to three hours to see if any northern
lights will adorn the night sky Despite waiting patiently, no northern lights showed up that
night. Luckily, we did manage to catch a glimpse on another night - at least until the clouds
hid them from our view. Whereas the day before, it felt as if spring had arrived in Iceland,
Winter quickly came back with a vengeance. In preparation for going on a guided glacier
hike, we temporarily traded our defender for a slightly larger vehicle and soon found
ourselves on a bumpy off-road trail. To ensure the safety of all participants, we were
equipped with a climbing harness before we started our trek towards the mouth of the
glacier. Once we arrived at the ice, we put on our crampons for added stability. The main
thing on the crampons is just to keep some space between your legs when you're walking just
a little bit because if you walk like this then it's very easy to get caught in your leg and you
might rip your pants and then fall on the ice and that's not very nice and when we're on the
ice you want to have a flat foot on the ice always that's like when all the spikes are touching
even when we go up and down just have a flat foot on the ice and then that's enough for the
grip Following this introduction, we started to hike up the glacier. Due to the cold
conditions, the surface ice was frozen solid and easy to walk on. Not long into the hike, we
came upon a big hole on the glacier. Yeah, that's how the caves start like the water flows
down here and into the ice so it's flowing on top of the glacier finds a weak spot and then
starts drilling a hole into the ice and curates like a huge cave system inside the ice the water
goes always the easiest way and goes out at the front so the glacier is like the human body it
has veins and you have big veins and smaller veins so you have bigger rivers and small
rivers At times, the water even creates entire canyons on the glacier surface. Emulating the
steps of our guide, we carefully walked down the slope, entering an icy gorge. Taking in the
view, we were struck by the realization of how consistency wields enormous power. Instead
of a massive one-time flood, this canyon was carved out by a small stream of water, which
with its persistence has created a treasure trove of natural beauty. Following the course of the
water, we headed deeper into the canyon. Before long, we found ourselves surrounded by ice
of an almost unfathomably blue color. When snow falls on a glacier and doesn’t melt, it will
be compressed over time, becoming part of the glacier. During the process of snow packing,
air bubbles are squeezed out, allowing the ice crystals to enlarge. This crystalline structure of
the ice strongly reflects the blue colors of the light spectrum, leaving us with a sight we will
cherish forever. Even though we could have stayed there for many more hours, at some point
it was time to move on. While we had been nicely sheltered in the gorge, the conditions on
top of the glacier were a little rougher. When the Vikings came here about a thousand years
ago it was actually a bit warmer, it was relatively warm so this area was called Breiðamerk
which means the white forest and there were trees here and people settled here and made
some houses and then in the 1500s, the little ice age began which is a period where it got
really cold on the northern hemisphere and became really difficult to live in Iceland because
it was really really cold back in the day when the glacier was bigger it was just a nuisance
you know the glacier was blocking the countryside you know to go from this countryside to
the other you would have to cross the glacier and there was a huge glacier river in the front
so people didn't really go on the glacier for fun Stepping down from the ice, there was one
more sight to be explored. At the mouth of the glacier, the river has carved out a massive
cave, which can be safely explored in winter. Yet again, we marveled at the incredible blue
color surrounding us. Meanwhile, the snowfall intensified, which proved to be good news for
Iceland’s glaciers as it will decelerate their melting process - at least for a time. On our way
back, we came upon some reindeer which in autumn, migrate down from the highlands.
Imported from Norway in the 18th century, reindeer are Iceland’s largest mammals. While
they almost went extinct in the 1930s, today their numbers are stable. Feeding on many types
of plants, they search for whatever is available underneath the snow in winter. A long drive
ahead of us, we left southeastern Iceland behind and started to head west again. Some days
the weather in iceland has every intention of keeping you inside and today is certainly such a
day with gale-like winds and incessant rain luckily we are staying in this cozy cottage where
we have snuggled up and for once are doing absolutely nothing Looking out the windows,
we witnessed the notorious sideways rain - which perfectly explains why Iceland is
sometimes nicknamed ‚the worlds biggest washing machine‘. Naturally, the rain had left
behind the odd puddle, which made driving on the gravel roads even more fun. With only
two days left, we focused our remaining exploration on Reykjanes. Spotting an orange
lighthouse from the main road, we decided to take a closer look. Surprisingly, the access
track turned into a veritable 4x4 trail. This is a really interesting 4x4 track we are currently
finding ourselves on because while the trail is rough in itself there's a lot of ocean debris here
which means that a recent storm must have swept a lot of tree trunks and fishing nets and
just general stuff from the sea up here on the trail which is unusual Not long after, we arrived
at the lighthouse, where we quickly noticed that our car had gotten somewhat muddy. Of
course, we had to take the same trail back again, so we experienced this fun off-road
adventure once again. Merely a short drive away, we arrived at Strandarkirkja, a small
church located close to the sea. We only intended to throw a quick glance at the ocean, but
upon closer inspection, we discovered several seals in the area. While most of the animals
were resting on the rocks, others preferred to float in the water. This particular spot seemed
to be a favorite for adult harbor seals and their young. Saying that, we also spotted at least
one grey seal. Translating to Smoke Peninsula, it is no surprise to find a lot of geothermal
activity on Reykjanes. Walking through one such area, we came upon a large number of
fumaroles. Everywhere around us, little pools of water were bubbling and the air was rich in
a sulphuric smell. While undoubtedly smokey, this geothermal area was nothing compared to
Iceland's youngest lava field. In early 2021, this was the place to be in Iceland. Every day
hundreds or even thousands of people would congregate here to watch the nearby eruption of
a volcano Now, one year later the eruption has stopped and the lava has started to cool down
leaving behind an immensely large black lava field that almost touches the sea We can only
imagine the sensation that onlookers must have felt watching the red-hot lava stream flow
down the valley or the crater spewing forth chunks of magma. Even now, one year later, the
sight of the smoking lava field was awe-inspiring. Approaching the lava on foot, we once
more felt transported to a different planet. Being so close, allowed us to take in the many
shapes of rock the eruption created. Not far away, another lava field is of much older origin.
While the lava does not smoke here anymore, visitors will instead come upon the
shimmering waters of the blue lagoon. This world-renowned spa allows tired travelers to
relax their sore bones in pleasantly warm water. Contrary to popular belief, the blue lagoon
is not of natural origin. Instead, it was created from the excess water of a nearby geothermal
power plant, which pumps steam and hot water to the surface. The water’s blue color is not
caused by any chemicals but rather by the way silica reflects the sunlight. Sometimes
described as a happy ecological coincidence, the water of the blue lagoon is rich in natural
minerals that have been proven to be good for the skin. Those how would like to do even
more for their skin, can also apply one of several face masks. Soothed by the warm water
around us, we reminisced about the wild ride this winter trip had been. After two weeks in
Iceland, having driven 2400km, it was time for us to say farewell. This winter roadtrip
opened our eyes to the wonders of Iceland’s nature as well as to the unpredictability of its
weather. Between navigating snowstorms, swimming in crystal clear water and marveling at
monumental landscapes, we started to understand why one trip to Iceland is always just the
preparation for the following. Until next time, Iceland! See you in summer.

draws inspiration from Iceland’s many naturally occurring basalt columns. In front of the
church, a statue commemorates the exploits of famous Viking Leifur Eriksson, the first
European to discover America. As the wind continued to pick up and the dark was quickly
approaching, we headed back to our car, and soon left Reykjavik behind. For our first
evening, we had booked a stay in a charming old school bus. With a jagged mountain range
overlooking the site, we settled in for the night, ready to start our roadtrip the following day.
The next morning, we were woken up by the rhythmic patter of a hail storm. Meanwhile, the
surrounding mountains played hide and seek with the low-hanging clouds. Typical for
Iceland, the weather continued to change quickly, and soon, even a speck of blue sky was
visible. After clearing the car from a bit of snow, we set out on the road. Our excitement
about the skies opening up was short-lived, however, as it didn’t take long for a dark cloud to
roll in. Before long, we arrived at one of Iceland’s many one-way bridges, a common feature
of the country’s infrastructure. The bridge spans a cascading river, which soon after empties
itself into Hvalfjörður, Iceland’s deepest fjord. With the deep fjord to one side and steep
mountains to the other, the scenic road closely hugging the shoreline was a delight to
explore. In a land so rich in precipitation, it did not take us long to come upon a waterfall.
Just as the snowfall was picking up again, we took a turn off onto a smaller road which, at
times, was barely visible. Embarking on a winter hike, we started out towards one of
Iceland’s highest waterfalls. While the trail was quite easy to follow at first, it soon
disappeared entirely underneath the snow. Despite that, we caught a glimpse of the narrow
gorge that the Glymur waterfall is set in. Glancing in the opposite direction, we noticed that
the sun was making a grand entrance. Having completed our trip around the fjord, we met up
with Iceland’s Ring Road, which would bring us north towards Snaefellsness. It didn’t take
long, however, before we embarked on a small off-road trail in search of a natural hot spring.
Driving through a snow-covered lava field, we marveled at the scenery around us. Shortly
before arriving at the end of the trail, we passed through several gates, which during summer
help to keep sheep in the paddock. Having failed to locate the hot spring, we decided to turn
around again. Meanwhile, the snowfall started to increase in strength. Veiled in a blanket of
snow, the desolate purity of the landscape made us feel as if we were exploring a different
planet. To truly appreciate an Iceland winter holiday, you have to find joy in the misery.
Objectively speaking the weather is absolutely horrible as it is snowing heavily, you can't see
anything and it's freezingly cold. However, often it is the most adverse conditions that make
you feel truly alive. Back on the main road, the conditions got even more challenging. At
least, for a moment. An epitome of winter in Iceland, the weather’s rollercoaster ride
continued and we soon found ourselves rejoicing in sunlight. At least, for a moment.
Heading to a nearby beach, we looked upon the stormy ocean. Seals can often be seen
resting on the rocks, but they must have deemed the waves too uncomfortable that day and
searched for shelter elsewhere. While we didn’t spot any seals, we did come upon the
remains of a recently beached humpback whale. In the distance, we also discovered the
characteristically steep mountains of Snaefellsness rising out of the clouds. Dropping down
one such mountain side, the 80m high Bjarnafoss has created an array of intricate ice
sculptures. Just a stone's throw away, Búðakirkja is one of Iceland’s most iconic churches.
Offering a great contrast to its snow-covered surrounding, the black chapel sits within an old
lava field embodying pure Icelandic isolation. With the sunset approaching, we settled in for
the night, hoping for fewer weather swings the next day. Upon waking up, we quickly
realized that our wishful thinking would remain just that. We looked on in disbelief as the
wind was throwing slushy snow against our panorama window. Just as we were about to
head out, the weather also added a sprinkle of wind to the mix. Embracing the old adage, that
there is no bad weather, just bad gear, we went out to brave the storm. However, that theory
was quickly tested by the wind gusts which reached speeds of more than 100 km/h that day.
Following a short trail, we somehow walked to the cliffs of Arnarstapi. Made up of black
basalt columns, the cliffs are an extraordinary sight, especially when the waves ferociously
pound against them. Several scenic rock arches can be found in the area, which is a favorite
nesting site for many seabirds. Despite the undeniably tumultuous weather, the scenery
surrounding us still retained that magical charm which is incomparably Icelandic. That was
about to change quickly though, as we headed straight into a full-on blizzard with visibility
dropping to only a few meters. We really shouldn't have complained about yesterday's
weather. Reducing our speed to a minimum, we slowly crawled forward, navigating solely
by the sight of the yellow road markers. As we were running low on Diesel, we had to fill up
at the very next opportunity - a decision that quickly turned into the most unpleasant
refueling experience ever. Everything - from the keypad to the actual fuel pump - was
jammed with snow. Back on the road, the blizzard continued for a little longer - until it
suddenly disappeared when we entered Snæfellsjökull national park. Named after a glacier-
caped volcano, the national park is located in the westernmost part of Snaefellsness,
protecting the rugged coastline, historic settlements and abundant lava fields of the area.
Several short hiking trails lead to scenic viewpoints and windy beaches, on some of which
the remains of old fishing vessels can be found. Due to the rich fishing grounds along the
coast, the region was fairly populated in past centuries. Today, however, the entire park is
uninhabited, offering many opportunities to enjoy the untamed wilderness. Shortly after
leaving the park, the sky opened up beautifully and sunshine adorned the surrounding
mountainsides. After some time on the road, we started to approach Iceland’s most iconic
mountain. Kirkjufell, translating to Church Mountain, is a wedge-shaped peak which is
framed by several picturesque waterfalls. Its remarkable shape is a result of the ice age, when
glaciers surrounded the mountain, grinding away its sides for millenia. As it is both easily
accessible and stunningly beautiful, the site is a hotspot for photographers, even in winter.
Enjoying the view for a long time, we marveled at the icy waterfalls and watched the clouds
dance around the peak. Following a short drive from the mountain, we arrived at a cottage,
where we would stay the next two nights. Located within view of Kirkjufell, the cottage
offered us a stunning vista onto the entire fjord. Taking our time the next day, we marveled
at the scenery for hours. Making the most of the good weather, we decided to explore the
area a bit further. In Iceland, it is always windy, because if it isn't windy there must be a
storm. The country is considered to be one of the windiest places on earth so it shouldn't
come as a surprise that the Icelandic language knows more than 100 words to describe the
different sorts of wind. A child of the ice age, Snaefellsness is often called ‚Iceland in
miniature. The reason for that nickname is its variety of landscapes including picturesque
mountains and rugged cliffsides, as well as black beaches, craters, waterfalls and lava fields.
Driving through one such lava field we realized that Iceland is fundamentally different to
any other place we ever visited. The marriage of primal beauty and life hostility is perfectly
manifested in the raw strength of nature that governs the country. As a result, Iceland is an
excellent destination for a road trip, both on and off the tarmac. Getting rather peckish, we
were thrilled when we came upon a local bakery in Stykkishólmur. Even though the city
barely counts 1200 inhabitants, it is one of the largest settlements in the area. On our way
back to the cottage, we came upon one of the most commonly seen animals in Iceland. A
small, but hardy breed, Icelandic Horses are the descendants of animals brought here by
Norse settlers. Over the course of a millennium, they adapted to the harsh climate,
developing a double coat offering excellent insulation. In the past, horses were the most
important and safest way of transport, but even to this day, they play a role in shepherding,
racing, tourist rides and, of course, as hairstyle models. With the day drawing to an end, we
marveled at the sunset which bathed the fjord landscape in flaming colors. Our most
important morning ritual aside from drinking coffee obviously is to check the daily road
conditions. Luckily the Icelandic government has set up a website that allows us to track the
conditions of all the major roads throughout the country in detail which tells us the wind
speed on any given road or if a road is covered in ice or snow. And most importantly it tells
us if a road is open in the first place. Because two days ago, with the big blizzard hitting
Iceland many of the roads leading to our today's destination were closed off but checking the
website right now, we have seen that the roads have reopened and we can commence our
journey. Leaving Snaefellsnes behind, we headed south towards a region known as the
Golden Circle. While the previous day’s sunshine was all but gone, there were still exciting
things to be discovered. Overlooking a large fjord, we detected some movement in the water.
After getting into sharpshooting position, we spotted a harbor seal swimming in the shallow
water. Also known as the common seal, they are frequently seen along Iceland's coastline.
These seals feed mostly on fish and can reach a length of 1.8m and a weight of 170 kg. If
they are not on the hunt, they are often found resting on rocks and beaches, or, if available,
on ice shoals. Carrying on, neither weather nor road conditions improved. At times, even the
ring road became somewhat of a one-way street. Temperatures have just risen above freezing
which means that the snow and ice previously on the road are now thawing leaving behind a
slushy substance which is the most difficult to drive on so far because whenever one side of
the vehicle hits the slush it slows down abruptly and that means that you may lose control of
the vehicle but we are trying to combat that by driving slower than usual and keeping the
vehicle as steadily as possible in the lanes already on the road. That strategy proved useful
on all the larger roads where other cars had already driven. However, we soon found
ourselves on a small road that was entirely covered in slush. Any form of safe driving was
nigh impossible under such conditions, as the car frequently started to skid sideways.
Mustering all its twisted sense of humor, the weather surprised us with blue skies the
following day. An even more impressive feat was that the roads were entirely free of snow,
slush, or ice. Due to its geological location over a rift in the continental plates, Iceland is
brimming with geothermal areas. One of the most-visited of these is Haukadalur, as it is here
that travelers can witness the eruption of a geyser. The word geyser is a bit of an unusual one
and for good reason, as it is derived from the Icelandic language. As a matter of fact, just
behind me is the very first geyser ever described by Europeans which has become the name-
giver of all the geysers around the world While the original geyser was known for its
powerful eruptions, it has fallen into an extended slumber during the last century. Luckily,
just a few meters away, its smaller brother Strokkur is as vigorous as ever. Erupting around
every 10 minutes, the geyser shoots up a 20m high fountain of warm water and steam. With
a little bit of patience, travelers can watch the geyser erupt from every conceivable angle.
Interestingly, Strokkur and the nearby Old Geysir, are the only two geysers in Iceland that
are known to erupt. All remaining hot pools of the country do not share this explosive
character trait. While the water shoots up at Strokkur, it moves in the opposite direction at
the nearby Gullfoss. Equally part of the Golden Circle, the waterfall is well-visited. Despite
its popularity, Gullfoss is worth a stop as its width and the amount of water gushing down
make for an impressive sight. After dropping down a total of 32m over two main cascades,
the river continues its journey in a narrow gorge. Roughly 8km downstream, we crossed a
one-way bridge over the same river. As we were blessed with beautiful weather, the
landscape was marvelous to behold. Looking around us, it surely seemed as if the grip of
winter was slowly easing. Patches of green grass and moss offered us a welcome contrast to
the previously dominating fields of snow. On a day such as this, it becomes easy to
understand, why Iceland has developed into a premier destination for anyone appreciating
nature. Taking full advantage of the extraordinary sunshine, we continued to explore the
many scenic roads of the area. One such road led us to the shore of the majestic Þjórsá river.
With a length of 230 km, the river is Iceland’s longest waterway. Heading further inland, we
soon arrived at the delightful Hjálparfoss. This picturesque double fall is surrounded by a
plethora of basalt columns. Due to their artistic arrangement, the columns form many
fascinating shapes. After catching a glimpse of the Icelandic highland, which is inaccessible
by car during winter, we turned around again. Before the day was over, we decided to visit
one more waterfall. Although not quite as spectacular as the previous ones, Urriðafoss boasts
the highest average water flow of all waterfalls in Iceland. Upon returning to our
accommodation, we made full use of the cabin’s hot tub. While we looked out onto the
beautiful landscape, the sun was slowly setting, bathing the surrounding area in a stunning
golden light. Having sufficiently warmed up in the hot tub, we thought it would be a great
idea to go snorkeling in glacial water the next day. To survive for more than 2 minutes, we
of course dressed in proper gear including a dry suit. Then the tricky part is lifting the suit up
all the way with you because you have a lot of suit on the legs. Pull it up then let your hands
slide inside the seal don't make your hands big try to make them as small as possible so
they're slid in easier i'll give you a hand guys okay What else? Gloves and the hoodie they
are wetsuit material they say waterproof, but it's just a Swedish brand don't trust them okay,
you're gonna get wet on the gloves how to keep your hands as warm as possible easy don't
move them okay the more you move them, the colder they will be why? because the idea
behind the gloves is the water gets inside the glove and it stays warm your body warms the
water up so you should have warmer water inside the gloves all the time but if you do these
movements or if you put your hands up if you're swimming with your hands you're going to
expel the warm water from inside the glove and the glacier water gets again inside and it's
cold and cold and cold and then you don't feel your hands for two weeks so just don't move
them okay it's my best suggestion for today don't move your hands what else? for the snorkel
we're gonna try it in the beginning it should be working however after one minute in this
water your lips are going to be so numb that you won't really feel what you're doing it's
actually good because you don't feel the cold anymore but you don't feel what you're doing
so it's kind of hard to seal it just try your best to seal it give it a big kiss make sure your lips
are around it but the water will get inside how do you take the water out? the professional
way - blow it away you keep snorkeling, blow it away keep snorkeling no worries And then
it was time to enter the 2-degree cold water. As soon as we put our heads below the surface,
we could barely believe our eyes. The clarity of the water was unmatched by anything we
have ever seen. Needless to say, we were utterly stunned - both by the cold water and the
incredible view. The water in the Silfra Fissure originates from Langjökull, Iceland’s
second-largest glacier. At a certain point in its journey, the meltwater seeps into a porous
underground lava field, where it is filtered for 30-100 years. Re-emerging at Silfra, the water
is exceptionally clear, offering unparalleled visibility of up to 100m. Another reason for the
clarity of the water is its constant movement, as the natural spring feeding the fissure creates
a gentle current. This definitely is one of the most special oh I can't feel my lips most special
diving places and snorkeling places in the world because the view is just incredible you can
easily see a hundred meters in the distance swimming through this glacial water kitted up in
the dry suit it's just an incredible experience Spending more than 30mins in the water, we
experienced a state of underwater meditation. Back on firm land, we also explored the
surrounding area, which was no less interesting. Sitting on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge,
Iceland is split between the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates. As a result of
their tectonic drift, a deep rift valley has formed in this area. Every year, the two plates drift
2.5 cm in opposite directions - slowly tearing Iceland apart in the process. Thingvellir is
really interesting from a geological perspective however, it is also important from a
historical one as it was right here that the Icelandic parliament met up for almost a thousand
years once a year all free men from around Iceland would congregate here for the great
assembly - the Alþingi - to settle disputes or establish new laws. As the main social event of
the year, the Alþingi drew large crowds of people from all over the country, including
farmers, traders, craftsmen, and of course, storytellers. Living in temporary camps during
this time, the yearly congregation can be likened to a social fairground, where people would
network and foster social ties. The main stage of the gathering was the Law Rock, a rugged
outcrop on which speeches were held and announcements made from. Continuing our
journey, we started to head towards Southern Iceland. Situated conveniently along the side of
the road, Seljalandsfoss is a 60m high waterfall dropping impressively over a steep cliffside.
Stretching for many kilometers, this very cliff is the former coastline of the country. Over the
course of millennia, Iceland's land mass was slowly raised, leaving behind a breakaway edge
far from sea. As a result, countless smaller and larger waterfalls can be seen plunging over
the edge. One of the most popular tourist attractions of Iceland, Seljalandsfoss is well-known
for a little trail leading behind it, providing a 360° viewing experience. Saying that, the trail
was officially closed during our visit, a fact that a lot of tourists didn’t pay much attention to.
What is always really frustrating about these mass tourism sites aside from the number of
people obviously is that there's an utter disrespect for rules people do not want to get their
fancy boots dirty apparently so they do not stay on the muddy trail but just walk over the
barriers on the side and thus trample all the grass or the trail is closed - there's a big sign on
it, well people just jump over it and walk there nonetheless and that just takes away a lot of
the charm of these kind of places at least for us Following a scenic drive below the cliffs, we
checked into our hotel for the night. Even though clouds were covering the mountaintops,
the view from our room was very nice. Early the next morning, we paid a visit to Skógafoss,
another waterfall dropping down the former coastline. With a width of 25m wide and a
height of 60m, the waterfall is one of the biggest of the country It is well-known to produce
vast amounts of spray, which apparently does not bother the nesting seagulls. While
Skógafoss is equally a tourist hotspot, a nearby hiking trail leads to a lesser-known waterfall.
To get there, travelers follow the course of the river through a stunning gorge. One thing that
is really important when it comes to a road trip in Iceland is expectation management you
may have seen countless pictures online of clear skies and sunlit waterfalls however reality
often looks much different but if you're willing to embrace the moody weather you will have
a great time because many of these places are extremely magical even in adverse conditions
Being all alone at the waterfall, we opened ourselves to this wonderful sight. Those who are
not afraid to get wet, can even explore the waterfall from behind. Having had our fair share
of waterfalls, we headed towards the coast. At first, the view was rather limited, but after a
while the cloud cover started to lift. Discovering a series of puddles on a side trail, we
couldn’t resist to go for some water splashing. Shortly after, we arrived at Iceland’s most
famous beach. Renowned for the incredibly black color of its sand, Reynisfjara is a long
beach separating the ocean from a nearby lagoon. Whereas most beaches around the world
are colored brightly, the sand at Reynisfjara is black due to the erosion of volcanic rock.
While this is not the only black beach in the area, its popularity is caused by a number of
nearby rock formations. Starkly jutting out from the ocean, several impressive sea stacks are
the remains of the former cliffs. With time these pillars will disappear into the sea as the
waves continue to pound them mercilessly. However, the local waves are not only a threat to
those rocks. Reynisfjara is known for its extremely dangerous sneaker waves, which can rise
out of nowhere and chase far up the sand. Several lives have been lost here already which is
why visitors are advised to be highly alert at all times. A safe to access, and therefore
popular spot, are the beautiful basalt columns at the eastern end of the beach. All day, every
day tourists will climb up the columns to capture the perfect picture. Equally of volcanic
origin, the columns are the result of cooled-down lava. Just around the corner, these same
columns form a cathedral-like cave that is wondrous to look at. Those who are careful, can
walk up the beach even further, taking in the splendor of the looming cliffs. Forming
interwoven patterns, the cliffs strongly epitomize the otherworldliness that is so
characteristic of Iceland. Not far from the cliffs, the quirky Skool Beans Cafe Bus is a
popular stop for coffee lovers - an opportunity we couldn’t resist. Recaffeinated, we
continued to drive east and soon after spotted a polar fox along the road. Still wearing its
white winter coat, the fox stood out dramatically from its dark surroundings. During the
transitional period from winter to spring, the polar fox isn’t the only animal facing this
camouflage conundrum. The same also applies to some of its prey, such as the rock
ptarmigan. At some point along the road, the cliffs were replaced by a wide river landscape,
which was most impressive from a bird's eye view. That evening, we stayed at the cozy
Magma Hotel - our favorite accommodation of the entire trip. Spacious and comfortable, our
cabin-style room offered us a wonderful view of a little lake. Using the binoculars from the
room, we looked out onto the landscape, trying to spot the local wildlife. Just short drive
from the hotel, we came upon an expansive moss-covered lava field. Dominating the
landscape for several kilometers, the moss carpet was a fascinating sight. Unlike other
plants, moss is capable of colonizing rocky surfaces. This is due to its ability of absorbing
nutrients and water through its leaves. During rain, the moss stores water and
photosynthesizes which creates its appealing green color. Strikingly, the moss carpet reaches
a thickness of up to 60cm in this particular field. Despite that, the moss is very fragile as it
does not have any proper roots. Therefore, stepping on it must be avoided at all costs.
Embarking on a gravel trail, we slowly drove through the field, being once more stunned by
the diversity of the landscape. Some time later, we came upon a river, which a little further
upstream, flows through an incredible gorge. Formed during the last ice age, the canyon
walls rise up to 100m high. After it was featured in a Justin Bieber video, the site
experienced an onslaught of visitors, which threatened the canyon’s sensitive ecosystem.
Today, visitors must stick to a designated trail - even when it gets a bit muddy. Equally,
tourists are not allowed to randomly defecate in the landscape, albeit it is a surprise that such
a sign needs to be put up in the first place. Continuing east, we started to make our way
toward Vatnajökull National Park. To put it bluntly, that day the weather wasn’t really on
our side. Of course, we did not let us stop that from wandering to a glacier just behind our
hotel. Even though the low-hanging clouds were somewhat menacing, the glacier proved to
be extraordinarily beautiful upon closer inspection. Going for seconds the next morning, we
found the landscape lit up by sunshine. To our delight, the ice-covered mountain peaks were
now visible behind the glacier tongue. Also known as the Hollywood Glacier, it was here
that several major productions were filmed, including Game of Thrones, Interstellar and
Batman Begins. We could easily have stayed there all day long, losing ourselves in the
complex shapes of the glacier. But instead of limiting ourselves to one view, we decided to
go on a scenic flight to gain a different perspective. After getting into a small Cessna, we
waited for the engine to heat up. Heading over to the gravel runway, we quickly started to
gain speed and before long were up in the air. Following the take-off, we quickly caught a
glance of the glacial rivers running towards the ocean. Just a few moments later, we were
flying over the very glacier tongue we had just looked at from ground level. Around 30 such
outlet glaciers flow down from the vast Vatnajökull ice cap, which at its maximum, reaches a
thickness of almost 1 km. Covering an area of 8000 km2, the ice cap makes up more than
7% of Iceland’s landmass. While the ice cap looks almost smooth at some points, at other
times, countless crevices tear the glacier surface apart. It was also fascinating to see that the
glacier was not solely blue and white, but frequently featured dark streaks of ash. Similar to
other glaciers in Iceland, several volcanoes lie beneath Vatnajökull and the residue of their
eruptions often settles on the ice. Our favorite sight were the glacier lagoons, where we saw
massive ice bergs floating in the water. Close to the glacier’s mouth, the ice can easily be
900 years old, which emphasizes the fleetingness of our own lives. After we spend 40
minutes in the air, it was time to return to base. Fully taking advantage of the beautiful
weather, we quickly hit the road and started to drive east. Along the way, we came upon
several more glaciers flowing down from the mountain massif. Discovering a gravel road,
we headed towards one such outlet glacier. To our absolute delight, we had the magnificent
scenery all to ourselves. Due to the strong wind, the waves on the glacier lagoon
continuously smashed the little icebergs into one another, creating an iceberg symphony.
Most fascinating, however, was picking up the remains of such icebergs and marveling at the
clarity of the ice. Merely a short drive down the road, we also visited Jökulsárlón, Iceland’s
most famous glacier lagoon. Because of its fast downhill movement and the permanent
contact with salt water, the local outlet glacier calves much more than other glaciers. In the
last 90 years, this has led to the creation of a large glacier lagoon which is now well-known
for its abundance of icebergs. With the ocean in sight, the icebergs continuously drift
downstream, frequently crashing into one another. Instead of being swept out to sea,
however, many of them run aground or are thrown back onto the beach by the waves.
Creating the illusion of gemstones on a black beach, this stretch of coastline has been named
Diamond beach. One of the main reasons people visit Iceland in winter is to see the northern
lights of course So far on our trip we haven't been overly lucky as the skies have been mostly
cloudy or the northern lights simply haven't been that active however tonight there may be a
chance for some northern light activity so I've walked up to this viewpoint overlooking the
glacier and I'm now waiting in the dark for the next two to three hours to see if any northern
lights will adorn the night sky Despite waiting patiently, no northern lights showed up that
night. Luckily, we did manage to catch a glimpse on another night - at least until the clouds
hid them from our view. Whereas the day before, it felt as if spring had arrived in Iceland,
Winter quickly came back with a vengeance. In preparation for going on a guided glacier
hike, we temporarily traded our defender for a slightly larger vehicle and soon found
ourselves on a bumpy off-road trail. To ensure the safety of all participants, we were
equipped with a climbing harness before we started our trek towards the mouth of the
glacier. Once we arrived at the ice, we put on our crampons for added stability. The main
thing on the crampons is just to keep some space between your legs when you're walking just
a little bit because if you walk like this then it's very easy to get caught in your leg and you
might rip your pants and then fall on the ice and that's not very nice and when we're on the
ice you want to have a flat foot on the ice always that's like when all the spikes are touching
even when we go up and down just have a flat foot on the ice and then that's enough for the
grip Following this introduction, we started to hike up the glacier. Due to the cold
conditions, the surface ice was frozen solid and easy to walk on. Not long into the hike, we
came upon a big hole on the glacier. Yeah, that's how the caves start like the water flows
down here and into the ice so it's flowing on top of the glacier finds a weak spot and then
starts drilling a hole into the ice and curates like a huge cave system inside the ice the water
goes always the easiest way and goes out at the front so the glacier is like the human body it
has veins and you have big veins and smaller veins so you have bigger rivers and small
rivers At times, the water even creates entire canyons on the glacier surface. Emulating the
steps of our guide, we carefully walked down the slope, entering an icy gorge. Taking in the
view, we were struck by the realization of how consistency wields enormous power. Instead
of a massive one-time flood, this canyon was carved out by a small stream of water, which
with its persistence has created a treasure trove of natural beauty. Following the course of the
water, we headed deeper into the canyon. Before long, we found ourselves surrounded by ice
of an almost unfathomably blue color. When snow falls on a glacier and doesn’t melt, it will
be compressed over time, becoming part of the glacier. During the process of snow packing,
air bubbles are squeezed out, allowing the ice crystals to enlarge. This crystalline structure of
the ice strongly reflects the blue colors of the light spectrum, leaving us with a sight we will
cherish forever. Even though we could have stayed there for many more hours, at some point
it was time to move on. While we had been nicely sheltered in the gorge, the conditions on
top of the glacier were a little rougher. When the Vikings came here about a thousand years
ago it was actually a bit warmer, it was relatively warm so this area was called Breiðamerk
which means the white forest and there were trees here and people settled here and made
some houses and then in the 1500s, the little ice age began which is a period where it got
really cold on the northern hemisphere and became really difficult to live in Iceland because
it was really really cold back in the day when the glacier was bigger it was just a nuisance
you know the glacier was blocking the countryside you know to go from this countryside to
the other you would have to cross the glacier and there was a huge glacier river in the front
so people didn't really go on the glacier for fun Stepping down from the ice, there was one
more sight to be explored. At the mouth of the glacier, the river has carved out a massive
cave, which can be safely explored in winter. Yet again, we marveled at the incredible blue
color surrounding us. Meanwhile, the snowfall intensified, which proved to be good news for
Iceland’s glaciers as it will decelerate their melting process - at least for a time. On our way
back, we came upon some reindeer which in autumn, migrate down from the highlands.
Imported from Norway in the 18th century, reindeer are Iceland’s largest mammals. While
they almost went extinct in the 1930s, today their numbers are stable. Feeding on many types
of plants, they search for whatever is available underneath the snow in winter. A long drive
ahead of us, we left southeastern Iceland behind and started to head west again. Some days
the weather in Iceland has every intention of keeping you inside and today is certainly such a
day with gale-like winds and incessant rain luckily we are staying in this cozy cottage where
we have snuggled up and for once are doing absolutely nothing Looking out the windows,
we witnessed the notorious sideways rain - which perfectly explains why Iceland is
sometimes nicknamed ‚the world’s biggest washing machine. Naturally, the rain had left
behind the odd puddle, which made driving on the gravel roads even more fun. With only
two days left, we focused our remaining exploration on Reykjanes. Spotting an orange
lighthouse from the main road, we decided to take a closer look. Surprisingly, the access
track turned into a veritable 4x4 trail. This is a really interesting 4x4 track we are currently
finding ourselves on because while the trail is rough in itself there's a lot of ocean debris here
which means that a recent storm must have swept a lot of tree trunks and fishing nets and
just general stuff from the sea up here on the trail which is unusual Not long after, we arrived
at the lighthouse, where we quickly noticed that our car had gotten somewhat muddy. Of
course, we had to take the same trail back again, so we experienced this fun off-road
adventure once again. Merely a short drive away, we arrived at Strandarkirkja, a small
church located close to the sea. We only intended to throw a quick glance at the ocean, but
upon closer inspection, we discovered several seals in the area. While most of the animals
were resting on the rocks, others preferred to float in the water. This particular spot seemed
to be a favorite for adult harbor seals and their young. Saying that, we also spotted at least
one grey seal. Translating to Smoke Peninsula, it is no surprise to find a lot of geothermal
activity on Reykjanes. Walking through one such area, we came upon a large number of
fumaroles. Everywhere around us, little pools of water were bubbling and the air was rich in
a sulphuric smell. While undoubtedly smokey, this geothermal area was nothing compared to
Iceland's youngest lava field. In early 2021, this was the place to be in Iceland. Every day
hundreds or even thousands of people would congregate here to watch the nearby eruption of
a volcano Now, one year later the eruption has stopped and the lava has started to cool down
leaving behind an immensely large black lava field that almost touches the sea We can only
imagine the sensation that onlookers must have felt watching the red-hot lava stream flow
down the valley or the crater spewing forth chunks of magma. Even now, one year later, the
sight of the smoking lava field was awe-inspiring. Approaching the lava on foot, we once
more felt transported to a different planet. Being so close, allowed us to take in the many
shapes of rock the eruption created. Not far away, another lava field is of much older origin.
While the lava does not smoke here anymore, visitors will instead come upon the
shimmering waters of the blue lagoon. This world-renowned spa allows tired travelers to
relax their sore bones in pleasantly warm water. Contrary to popular belief, the blue lagoon
is not of natural origin. Instead, it was created from the excess water of a nearby geothermal
power plant, which pumps steam and hot water to the surface. The water’s blue color is not
caused by any chemicals but rather by the way silica reflects the sunlight. Sometimes
described as a happy ecological coincidence, the water of the blue lagoon is rich in natural
minerals that have been proven to be good for the skin. Those how would like to do even
more for their skin, can also apply one of several face masks. Soothed by the warm water
around us, we reminisced about the wild ride this winter trip had been. After two weeks in
Iceland, having driven 2400km, it was time for us to say farewell. This winter roadtrip
opened our eyes to the wonders of Iceland’s nature as well as to the unpredictability of its
weather. Between navigating snowstorms, swimming in crystal clear water and marveling at
monumental landscapes, we started to understand why one trip to Iceland is always just the
preparation for the following. Until next time, Iceland! See you in the summer.

Sleep

"Correction: Every night, almost everyone on the planet enters a state of unconsciousness
and paralysis. But what is really happening inside the body when we drift off, and what's the
impact if we don't get enough sleep?

Sleep is regulated by your circadian rhythm or body clock, located in the brain. The body
clock responds to light by ramping up the production of the hormone melatonin at night and
switching it off when it senses light.

There are four stages of sleep that the body experiences in cycles throughout the night. On a
good night, we cycle through these stages four or five times. Stages one and two are light
sleep, representing the transition from being awake to falling asleep. Heart rate and breathing
begin to slow, body temperature falls, and muscles may twitch.
Stage 3 is sometimes referred to as Delta sleep because of the slow Delta brainwaves
released during this stage. It is the first stage of deep sleep where our cells produce the most
growth hormone to support bone and muscle repair, allowing the body to repair itself.

Stage 4 is where we begin to dream. The body creates chemicals that render it temporarily
paralyzed, preventing us from acting out our dreams. In this stage, the brain is extremely
active, and our eyes, although closed, move back and forth as if we were awake.

Humans roughly spend one-third of their lives asleep. Modern lifestyles, stress, and the
proliferation of technology mean that people are sleeping far less today than they were a
century ago. Sleeping less than seven hours per day is associated with an increased risk of
developing chronic conditions that could reduce life expectancy. So, for a healthier, longer
life, get some shut-eye."

Introvert

I am an introvert, and I love it. And I'm not alone. Introverts are everywhere, and our quiet
approach to life, our need for solitary/private time, isn't a flaw - it's a gift. But as an introvert,
it's not always easy to realize how wonderful you are. The world feels like a place that
rewards extroverts, where being loud is mistaken for being confident and happy, where
everyone has something to say but nobody listens, a world of open-plan offices, networking
parties, and big personalities. For those who speak softly, it's easy to feel left out.

As a child, I blended into the background. Many thought that I had little to say or that I
simply didn't like others. But that wasn't true. People often think that introverts are shy or
antisocial/selfish. But these are misconceptions. Introverts, like anyone, can find socializing
fun. But while parties leave extroverts energized, after some time, introverts need to
recharge... away from everyone. There is a scientific theory for this. There are two important
chemicals found in all our brains - dopamine and acetylcholine. Dopamine is like a hit of
energy when we take risks or meet new people - and it makes extroverts feel great. However,
introverts are more sensitive to dopamine and get quickly over-stimulated. That's why we
prefer the more slow-burn feeling we get when our brains release acetylcholine. That
happens when we concentrate, read, or focus our minds. It makes us introverts feel relaxed,
alert, and content. But it barely registers with extroverts. Of course, like anything, it's a
sliding scale. You can lean one way or another. Or be a bit of both - known as an ambivert.

Now I understand myself better, I am deeply grateful for how I am. Instead/as an alternative
to filling up space with small talk, I listen patiently and make my words matter. I have few
friends, but our connection is deep. I love spending time alone. It's where the chaos of a long
day can finally settle. I can reflect and listen to my thoughts, and
eventually/Ultimately/finally reconnect with myself. Only after that am I ready to share with
the world again. I have learned strategies for finding comfort in our noisy world - from using
music to create bubbles of peace, to escaping to a quiet park at lunchtime. I adore/respect the
intensity and chaotic beauty of the world. But it's in quiet spaces where I feel truly at home.
If introversion were more valued by society, it could make a massive difference to our
collective future. The unique attributes of introverts really are a deep, quiet strength. And as
Gandhi put it, "In a gentle way, you can shake the world."
 Critical Words

Aberration/oddness – a state or condition markedly different from norm

Abhor/hate/dislike – find repugnant/offensive/shocking
Acquiesce/agree/comply – to agree or express agreement
Alacrity/speed/swiftness – liveliness and eagerness
Amiable / cordial/kind – diffusing warmth and friendliness
Appease/settle/soothe/conciliate/ pacify – make peace with
Arcane/Secret/Deep – Requiring secret or mysterious knowledge
Avarice/Greed – Reprehensible acquisitiveness, insatiable desire for wealth
Brazen – unrestrained by convention or priority
Brusque- marked by rude or peremptory
Cajole – influence or urge by gentle urging caressing or flattering
Callous – emotionally hardened
Candor – the quality of being honest and straightforward
Chide – Censure severely or angrily
Circumspect – heedful of potential consequences
Clandestine – Conducted with or marked by hidden aims or method
Coerce – to cause to do through pressure or necessity.
Coherent – marked by an orderly and consistent relation of parts
Complacency – the feeling you have when you are satisfied with yourself
Confidant – Someone to whom private matter are told
Connive – form intrigues in an underhanded manner
Debase – Make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance
Decry - express strong disapproval of
Deferential – Showing courteous regard for peoples feeling
Demure – affectedly shy especially in a playful or proactive way
Deride – treat or speak of with contempt
Despot – a cruel and oppressive dictator
Diligent – quietly and steadily persevering in detail or exactness
Elated- exultantly proud and joyful in high speed
Embezzle – appropriate fraudulently to one’s own use
Empathy – understanding and entering into another’s feelings
Enmity- a state of deep-seated ill will
Erudite – having or showing profound knowledge
Extol- Praise, glorify or horror
Fabricate – put together out of artificial or natural components
Feral – wild and menacing
Flabbergasted- as if struck dumb with astonishment and surprise
Forsake – leave someone who need or counts on you leave in the lurch
Fractious – easily irritated o annoyed
Furtive – secret and shy or sordid
Gluttony – habitual eating to excess
Gratuitous – unnecessary and unwarranted
Haughty – having or showing arrogant superiority
Hypocrisy – pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not have
Impeccable- without fault or error
Impertinent – improperly forward or bold
Implacable – incapable of being appeased or pacified
Incisive – demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
Indolent – disinclined to work or exertion
Inept – generally incompetent
Infamy- a state of extreme dishonor
Inhibit – limit the range or extent of
Innate – present at birth but no necessary hereditary.
Insatiable – impossible to satisfy
Insular – relating to or characteristic of or situated on an island
Intrepid - invulnerable to fear or intimidation.
Inveterate – habitual
Jubilant – full or high spirited delight
Knell - the sound of a bell rung slowly to announce a death.
Lithe – moving and bending with ease
Lurid – glaringly vivid graphic, marked by sensationalism
Maverick – someone who exhibits independence in through and action
Meticulous – marked by precise accordance with details
Modicum – a small or moderate or token amount
Morose – showing a brooding ill humor
Myriad – a large indefinite number
Nadir – the lowest point of anything
Nominal – relating o or constituting or bearing
Novice – someone new to a field or activity
Nuance - a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
Oblivious – lacking conscious awareness of
Obsequious – attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
Obtuse – of an angle, between 90 and 180 degrees
Panacea – the goddess of healing
Parody – a composition that imitates or misrepresents a style
Penchant – a strong liking
Perusal – reading carefully with intent to remember
Plethora - extreme excess
Predilection – a predisposition in favor of something
Quaint - attractively old fashioned
Rash – imprudently incurring risk
Refurbish – make brighter and prettier
Repudiate - refuse to acknowledge, ratify, or recognize as valid
Rife – excessively abundant
Serendipity – good luck in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries
Staid – characterized by dignity and property
Superfluous – more than is needed, desired or required
Sycophant - a person who tries to please someone to gain an advantage
Taciturn - habitually reserved and uncommunicative
Truculent – defiantly aggressive
Umbrage - s feeling of anger caused by being offended
Venerable – profoundly honored
Vex – disturb, especially by minor irritations
Vociferous – conspicuously and offensively loud
Wanton – a lewd or lascivious person
Zenith – the point above the observation directly opposite their nadir.

Determined/Single-Minded, Sustained/ Constant, a radical/drastic/essential new way of

thinking, Thought Process, Probably. Optimizing the power, Eventually a normal shock.
Expands a little bit. Efficient to go above. Compared to something like. Really Stretch their
legs. Combined effort. Maximize and minimize. Recognizable, eventually retrofitted.
Underneath the plane. A little bit intense. Emotional Event and I need to put my focus on it.
Incredibly well-integrated/joined/unified. Incredibly precise/Exact. In recent Memory.
Sustained turn, actuate/start. Barely noticeable. Featured/included a propeller. Really hard to
judge. The difference between them is they will get certain responses, Induced and naturally
self-correct themselves. Eventually/finally, return to the original. Converting it. Energy
management, Situational awareness challenge. Imperative/bossy/domineering. to maintain.
Manage energy efficiently. To maintain control of an unstable fighter a pilot would have to
make constant tiny corrections. A task deemed/believed/judged impossible. Before the
system was invented. A system consists. Extremely nimble/quick/agile. Collapsing and
melting gradually. Traditional mode of transport. Maintained discipline. A strong bond is
crucial for survival. Gliding/floating over the snow. They are vital to Linkin's remote
communities. Interacting/networking with other species, almost extinction. Cultural and
historical importance. Stands as a top. Beneath the top. The potential of seaweed is vast. Still
being developed. Economically and environmentally it's super exciting. Breath of application
of the
Determined
Sustained
Constant ‘
Radical
Optimizing
Eventually/finally. Compared to something, Maximize or Minimize, Recognizable,
eventually retrofitted, underneath of something, A little bit intense, Emotional event and I
need to focus on it. Incredibly well-integrated, Sustained turn, barely noticeable, really hard
to judge, Certain response, Energy Management, Situational awareness, Manage energy
efficiency. Have to make constant tinny corrections. Before the system was invented.
Floating over the snow. Remote communities, almost extinction, Cultural and historical
importance, Stand at the top.
Nail Her Down
Significant Details and specific conversations, embarking most dangerous road journey,
refers to a journey from start to finish, a Seemingly global review, you have to be calm and
composed. Often reach the soar. Overwhelmed. Estimated record. Anticipating, Contested
land between India and China. A form of art. tempted people to make this journey.
Promoting this activity. We have to embrace that kind of failure.
- I came to study failure to try to figure out what determines success. There is a deep-rooted
belief in our culture that success means never failing. That failure's unacceptable, that if I
fail, it means there's something wrong with me. Of course, that's nonsense. We all make
mistakes, and failure is part of the journey towards success. My name is Amy Edmondson,
and I am the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School.
My most recent book is called "Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well." (lively
music) I identify three archetypes of failure, and only one of them is the good kind. The first
kind is basic failure. A basic failure is something in known territory where a simple error led
to the failure. Sometimes that failure is small. - That's tomato juice. (audience laughing) - No
big deal. Sometimes it's enormous. A Citibank employee accidentally transferred $900
million instead of the 8 million that they were supposed to transfer to a client. Big, huge
failure, simple mistake. I define complex failure as a failure with multiple causes. It's a kind
of perfect storm. Supply chain breakdowns during a global pandemic would be an example
of complex failures, multiple factors from workers not being able to come to work because
they were ill, weather patterns, government leaders' decisions, all of those factors coming
together, creating this massive breakdown. Intelligent failure is the right kind of wrong. It's
where new knowledge and discovery come from. Intelligent failures are essentially the
results of an experiment, and there are four criteria for calling a failure intelligent. Criterion
number one: it's in new territory. We don't yet have the knowledge we need to produce a
success. Criterion two: it is in pursuit of a goal, whether that's learning a new sport or
discovering a new molecule. Number three: it's hypothesis-driven. You've done your
homework. It's not randomly trying things to see if anything works. And number four: the
failure is as small as possible, just big enough to learn from. It means we don't waste
resources. Whereas I am in favor of minimizing the basic failures and I am in favor of trying
to catch and correct all the problems that lead to complex failures, I think it's a good idea to
have more intelligent failures. If you want to have more intelligent failures in your life, and
in your work, essentially, you have to think like a scientist. They have trained themselves to
not just tolerate failure but to welcome the lessons that each failure brings. Most scientists,
when they're on the leading edge of their craft, are hypothesizing something that's never been
shown before. So they understand that there's a very real likelihood that they will be wrong. -
Uh oh. - You did it again. - Gee, what a mess. - They're testing something, and if they were
wrong, they are a step closer to making a real big discovery. Now, you could be
experimenting with a new hairstyle or you could be experimenting with a chemical
compound, but you're going to experiment with something that you're not 100% sure will
work. Here are some questions you need to ask yourself. What is it I'm hoping to do? What's
the progress I'd love to make? What do I know currently about how to achieve that goal?
What do I not know? That's a gap that you now want to figure out how to close. So then you
ask yourself, what might I try next to see what will happen? Now, it is never a good idea to
conduct experiments in highly risky environments. So for example, in aviation, you learn
and experiment with new moves in a simulator, not in a real flight with real passengers. In
healthcare, the same is true. We experiment in the lab, we don't experiment at the bedside.
So intelligent failures can only happen in situations where the stakes are medium to low. One
of the things that holds us back from taking risks, from experimenting is that we erroneously
think the stakes are too high. We think if we get it wrong, it'll be awful when in reality, it's
just wrong. Sometimes it's inconvenient. It's almost always disappointing, but it's not awful.
It's just new knowledge. So we have to remind ourselves of the true rational stakes of a
situation. Low-stakes might be, ah, someone might laugh at us or disagree with us. Who
cares, right? So you remind yourself that those things don't matter and should not hold you
back. - I'm going to learn. - Julia Child, the famous chef, would often make a mistake during
her show as she was cooking an omelet or baking a chicken and something would go wrong,
and she would just laugh and say. - Well, that didn't go very well. See, when I flipped it, I
didn't dare to do it the way I should have. But you can always pick it up and if you're alone
in the kitchen, who is going to see? - She rightly coded the situation of being on a national
television program, cooking an omelet as low stakes, but it is. It's just an omelet. Who cares
if it falls on the counter? Whereas, I think most of us would inaccurately code that situation
as just catastrophic if we made a mistake like that in front of such a large audience. It is
natural to want to avoid failure. But when we avoid failure, we also avoid discovery and
accomplishment. The only way to succeed in any endeavor worth trying is to be willing to
experiment, to try new things, knowing full well that many of them will yield failures. We
have to embrace those kinds of failures because that's where great advances and even joy
come from. (lively music) - [Instructor] Get smarter faster with videos from the world's
biggest thinkers. To learn even more from the world's biggest thinkers, get Big Think+ for
your business. Desperate people have to make their own choices. Minimal Paperwork is
required. Substantial assets. Sole Responsibility of those individuals, Customer due
diligence/industry/persistence. Credible threat. Hope for future success is
waning/fading/declining. Germany’s economic outlook shifts from grand to gloomy. The
model behind its rise is thrown into drought. Howl/scream the global economy has changed.
Rise and potential fall of Europe's biggest economy. Most companies are
pessimistic/negative. Surging unemployment. Made in Germany became
synonymous/identical with precision/accuracy and quality. The company became a
laggard/straggler to the leader. Flashy/loud economic papers. Technologically advanced. But
since then the sunny outlook has become cloudy. The global economy is perilously close to
falling into recession. Significantly downgraded. Appetite/hunger/crave for German
products. Now the appetite is waning/fading. Lagging/covering demand from China. Much
more intensive. Affordable energy.