when you travel alone in iceland…
One week will feel like months. You alone will bear witness to each meeting, vision, and song. No one will remember it for you. Because of this, each small moment will expand to hold multitudes.
No one will ask if we can listen to someone other than Björk or Natasha Khan. And no one will tell you that stopping the car six times in twenty minutes to take pictures of sheep is exorbitant.
And if you want Icelandic lobster soup for dinner three nights in a row, then by golly, you will have Icelandic lobster soup for dinner three nights in a row (and it will be perfect each time).
Travelers and locals alike will open up easily to you; a solitary woman traveler always rouses questions and good manners. A group of Icelandic artists will invite you to lunch. The head priest of Iceland’s ancient earth religion will drive you to the site of their future temple. A car full of travelers (none of whom are from the same country) will take you out for a beer.
You will find it hard, harder than you imagined, to completely unplug from the internet. You will connect to wifi where you can, checking email and sharing photos on Instagram. It’s habit, not loneliness, that prevents you from letting go.
But once you’re on the road with only mountains on the horizon, you will disconnect from the outside world for three whole days. You would never have believed a day could be so long and could hold so much.
You will park your car by the ocean, protected by cliffs and sea birds, and sleep in the back seat of your car in the light of the almost-full blue moon. You will feel completely safe.
You think you might die when you’re driving through the arctic desert and the wind toys with your tiny car like a cat plays with a mouse, bobbing side to side, palms sweaty against the wheel. You will not die.
Instead, you will see this:
And on your last day, you will drastically change your itinerary because of a recommendation from a stranger, and you will see 10 rainbows within two hours on this unplanned venture.
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…and then you will return home and full of life, recognizing that living is indeed enormous, share your trip with us. So glad you had this opportunity, my friend.
thank you, darling! yes, definitely renewed, in every way a person can be renewed. so happy to share my experience with remarkable friends like you.
I love the photos of the horses! (The others are great, too.) When I was there, we only saw horses once, running toward our car, and it was hard to get a photo, but they were beautiful. Everything about Iceland was beautiful! It sound slike you had an amazing trip.
I enjoyed all the photos too, but something about those horses makes me want to nuzzle their necks and smell their horsey smell in the icelandic wind. I pulled my computer up close to my face so I could “be” there with you as I scrolled. Beautiful!! Thanks for sharing your trip.
Jess, your photos are beautiful! It sounds like you had a wonderful journey. I hope that you’re back feeling alive and refreshed! xo
jess, your photos are stunning, the revelations profound and your insight into solo travel, breathtaking. thanks for sharing them all.
thanks naomi! i read your post on unplugging the other day – love our parallel universes!
These pictures are so beautiful! I am so in love!
Oh. My. Goodness. I was so wrapped up in this post I don’t think I took a breath while reading it. You just took me on a mini-brain vacation.
OH GIRL. just wait until i send you Icelandic-geology-photo-porn.
You are totally amazing — hard to believe that such talent and insight and vision comes from my own daughter. I guess Mom and I did something right . . . love you.
Awww… it’s in the genes! Love you!
Beautiful words and beautiful photos. Now I have another place to add to my list of must-sees.
Dude. This is incredible. I can’t wait to catch up in full with you. Amazing photos as well!
These are incredible photos and words Jess! Thank you for taking my breath away.
this is such an inspiration! i’m traveling to iceland alone soon and it’ll be one hell of a challenge, but worth it! =)
This woke me up, Jess. Thank you.
Great photos of a wonderful trip, thanks for sharing
So beautiful and inspiring, thank you!
I have a dream…
Your post and the pictures, simply mindblowing!
The photos are amazing.
The photos are just whimsical. You are blessed to get this opportunity.
beautiful shots!
wow, your photographs are so beautiful! seems like you had an awesome time
Your words and your pictures are exactly why I love traveling alone (when I can). I wanted to scream “Yes! Yes! Yes!” at every insight you offered. And know even more now how much I want to go to Iceland.
beautiful !!! truly awe-inspiring
)
Great images and cute narration. Reading this made me smile.
Are the “Shadow People” intentional in the image of “Snæfellsness Peninsula”? It looks like an adult pointing to the right with a couple of children following.
how cool! yeah, didn’t even notice that – good catch.
Very nice
Truly Inspiring photos! I wish I could go to Iceland now!
Love the photos and what a fascinating place!
This is an incredible series of beautiful shots, a great series of views
Your pictures are stunning
Even the president of my University told us to go and visit Iceland and after looking at your pictures, I really want too!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos! Would give my eye teeth to visit Iceland anytime soon.
Amazing
First, let me congratulate you on the FP.
Second, I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland, ever since my mother took me to a university lecture as a child and we watched and listened to an extensive display of someone’s vacation there.
You’re observations about a woman traveling alone are spot on, and I’m glad you shared them. I’ve gone on two mini vacations now that were alone, and enjoyed the hell out of them. Lately, though, people have made comments about it like I don’t have friends, or what’s wrong with me for doing this. Your post reminded me why I did. Why its awesome. Why you can discover, not only everything a place has to offer, but also so much of what we have to offer ourselves. This posted deserved to be FP and I’m glad I’ve gotten a chance to read it.
I will make it to Iceland someday, that I swear, and your photos have reminded me of why its so important to make that a plan instead of a dream.
This was amazing!! Thanks very much for sharing.
i’ll add to my map list. awsome!!
Wow, fabulous shots!
Stunning pictures!
We went to Iceland as a student holiday – I recognize the blue lagoon spa (we went there straight from the airport, not sure there’s a better way to get off a plane!) You did so well to get such a nice shot of the geyser – it took us forever! Thanks for sharing your photos
Beautiful and mesmerizing photos and words. Really loved this post – thanks for sharing and congrats on being freshly pressed!
Beautiful shots. I hope to be able to go back to Iceland again some day and take a solo trip like yours.
Beautiful pictures and words. The gift of travel is forever lasting and you seem to have had a phenomenal time capturing that gift. A wonderful read. -thegiftoftravel
Gorgeous photos! I am in awe of the last one especially (with the rainbow). Would you consider giving me permission to use it as a basis for a painting? (Not an exact copy, though) Scrolled through your blog and can’t wait to try some of those delicious looking dishes!
hey anita – glad you enjoyed the photos! i don’t mind you using one of them as inspiration for your personal use, but please do not use any of my photos if you plan on selling your painting or for any other form of profit. thanks so much for asking!
OK, no problem. Thanks
Hi Jess,
Thanks for sharing your travels! Awesome pictures! http://www.segmation.wordpress.com
Such amazing photos. They make your heart ache – in a good way. Thank you for sharing. I, too, have traveled alone (though only in cities), and nothing compares to being able to explore a new place completely as you wish and going home with only your own memories. Intimidating but also infinitely liberating.
this is my dream trip! so jealous!
So beautiful. Iceland is on my travel-someday-list. I really can’t wait to go. And if no one wants to go with me, I, too, will solo the isle!
ok. you have converted me to considering this as a place to go. You are officially better than the travel channel.
This was beautiful and breathtaking. To be so alone in that vastness, yet somehow also feel supported. Your photos are amazing.
Cheers,
iRuniBreathe
EXACTLY. and thank you!
These pictures were mind-blowing and beautiful! Great photography
What a wonderful collection of photos! – I also managed to spend just over a week in Iceland this July with my sister – despite not being alone, I could easily feel a quiet solitude in the vast landscapes. The geology there is truly breathtaking.
Iceland is a dream of mine. I want to go to Reykjavik and see the opera and the symphony there. I have no idea why.
You have a great eye! Bravo!
this is just wonderful. thank you!
WOw, this was one of the best poetic narrations I have ever read with travel pics. Very Special. Iceland is maJIK!
Really amazing photos, though I’m sure they can’t compare to the memories of being there in person. I’ve always wanted to visit Iceland, any tips for where to go and/or stay?
KEX hostel is the best! it’s in reykjavik, right by the waterfront, and it’s also a bar, restaurant, and music venue.
Gosh, I am blown away from your photographs. The image of the horses is so touching, and surreal. You really captured some sensory experiences with these shots. I feel inspired to travel to Iceland now. Thank you for this post!!
Breathtaking images and an enchanting prose. Now I will think of this when I see my next “The best part of my London trip was Iceland” ad in DC metro.
These photographs are absolutely amazing…what kind of camera did you use to take them?
thanks! i used a yashica t4 with portra 400 speed film.
Iceland never gets boring!
Ahhh, that was just the mini-vacation I needed! Thank you for sharing
Your photos are stunning. Traveling alone is such an interesting experience, and one that everyone should have at least once in their life.
Iceland has never even struck me as a bucket-list type of place; probably because I’ve never heard too much about it or seen a lot of pictures. You’ve definitely opened my eyes!
Stunning photos and what an amazing adventure!
What a gorgeous terrain!
Congrats on being FP! 
Absolutely love these photos. Ice lobster soup sounds amazing. Love your words too. Damn it you’re good!
This definitely gives me inspiration to experience a moment in life in solitude, just me and nature… Why did you choose on Iceland as a place to travel alone? I want to look up a list of places that are definitely the go-to, be-by-yourself destinations.
Your Photographs are Breath taking BEAUTIFUL!…:)
Amazing pictures and an inspiring way of telling your travel tales through pictures and poignant captions.
Nevertheless, Iceland is beautiful and thank you for sharing your travels and reminding us why we should all travel more! 
When I was there, I only saw the horses once – also was not able to take pictures as they were running along the car. Your pictures are beautiful! My favourite was Blue Lagoon and the amazing reliability of the geysers to bubble up every few minutes. All year round! I had gone with naive hopes of catching the Northern Lights but was not successful!
ps. Lone women travelers really do invite many questions and stares that we never quite get used to…
These are beautiful photos and a beautiful post overall. Thank you for sharing – I’ve had Iceland on the brain for some time and my own journey there seems like it may happen in the near future. Everything I see and hear about the country draws me closer to buying that plane ticket.
Thanks again!
DO IT! buy the ticket and just go. you won’t regret it.
I just might have to… the next year in my life calendar is looking strangely bare!
Wonderful photos, mysterious writing. You sound like a brave gal. Thank you for the interesting post.
Great photos and inspiring, reminds me of a wonderful break I had in Iceland a couple of years ago.
Beautiful story and photos! I will go there.
What a lovely take on solitary adventures. Thank you for opening my eyes to the joys of being alone (since I tend to over-focus on the loneliness of not having someone to share it with)
This is really lovely. I recently had to cancel a trip to Iceland, maybe I am meant to go alone.
Very cool.
I like the first picture the best. I learned back in school that they called Iceland “Iceland” to keep people from coming there and Greenland “Greenland” to encourage people to come there even though Greenland is actually really Icey.
Absolutely stunning. I hope to get there someday.
beautiful…. the images are out of this world… and your photography is superb….. beautiful photgraphs!!…
and very brave of u to go alone, drive alone in new strange place…. hats off… i m dying to do smth of that kind, but too scared of going all by myself…
but u r right there r certain joys of travelling all by urself… u cant mingle in with different ppl so much even if u have one more not-even-so-close person with you… you cant discover so much…
Wow, beautiful Iceland. You’ve opened my eyes to its beauty when all along I thought, it was a cold, cool country.
Sounds like a fantastic trip, and Iceland looks absolutely beautiful. You’ve convinced me that I have to visit some day, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for posting these pictures.
BEAUTIFUL.
Iceland is my dream travel destination.
Wow I didn’t know it was so beautiful there! Thank you so much for sharing!
What a beautiful place! This will definitely be included in my list of dream destinations! Thanks for sharing!:) And congrats for being on Freshly Pressed!:)
I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland. Your post just makes me want to go even more! Love the pictures!
Travelling alone can be a wonderful experience! I too have met interesting people simply because I was by myself. Your photos are beautiful.
Beautiful photos and poetic words! One of my favorite places.
I’m of Icelandic ancestry, with family still there and have been there a few times (even part of my honeymoon – my wife’s idea). Highly recommend it! If new to it, travel during summer and you can swim in outdoor hot springs and even go snowmobiling on a glacier.
For those who aren’t sure about it as a destination, some airlines like Luftansa used to even allow for free stopover if you fly to London, Paris, or Frankfort. Don’t know if still the case, but consider making Iceland a stopover to other Euro destinations.
The hearts of the people are warm and friendly. Almost all speak English as well as Icelandic (it’s own language). The main city Rekjavik is modern and cosmopolitan and the countryside wild and free. Thank you for sharing some of the magic of Iceland!
This is an awesome post. Beautiful pictures and reflections. I backpacked alone for six weeks and found that it is nice to be able to do whatever you want, whenever you want, and not have to explain it to anyone. It’s also an excellent time for personal growth and self-reflection.
I could live in some of the photos, when i looked at them, suddenly their was silence…
Love your post ^^ Can you recommend a good accomodation there? I’ve searched on the internet, but I think it would be much better to hear from someone who’s already visited Iceland.
Just the best blog post I’ve read in some time. Beautiful images and refreshing honesty.
thanks so much! glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for the rainbows.
The second picture is my absolute favorite! Pretty much like finding a unicorn =)
And lobster soup? YUM! I’ve officially added Iceland to my *future travels* itinerary.
Outstanding Images and a really enjoyable blog. It really seems it was an amazing journey. Secretly, I am green with envy. I really must put this on my plan of places to visit. A terrific blog!
These pictures are amazing! I am going to Iceland in November and I can’t wait.
No words are good enough…you are living my imagination and your pictures and words are triggering me now to follow my dreams. Amazing this blog, it seriously is.
thanks so much! just listen to that inner calling and don’t be afraid to answer, you know? GO FOR IT.
WOW! So beautiful and you have a great eye for catching detail….I lOVE the Hobbit house, I think you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else when winter comes?
This is one of the best posts on travel in months! I like the simplicity on every word, yet at the same time the profound meaning this post conveys. Definitely the best post on Iceland I’ve ever read. Oh and the pictures, love them a lot!
What incredible photographs.What a journey.
My goodness this is beautiful. Makes me want to travel to Iceland!
Truly stunning.
Great photographs. Film on a digital screen always fits my bill. The picture of the two horses is absolutely gorgeous. I’ve been tramping around Colombia the past few weeks and getting away from the “connected” world for 5 to 6 days at a time and it truly does make the days seem longer, more significant, and more full of vivid memories. Iceland awaits me one day. Congrats from a fellow freshly pressed alum!
So many beautiful pictures. You’ve really captured the essence of the place.
Beautiful post –never been to Iceland but this post with such stunning photos, definitely inspires me.
I never realized Iceland was so beautiful before. It’s is definitely on my list of places now. Someday…
Oh, yes, traveling alone can be splendid for all those reasons. It can be deliciously freeing, to have no one to answer to but the people you come across on your way through a place. It was delicious to follow your thoughts and your views. Thank you.
This is one of the most visually appealing posts i’ve ever seen. What a fantastic representation of your journey, thanks for the post!
Feel free to check out my new blog as well! http://truittjeremy.wordpress.com
if given the chance to go to iceland for a holiday, i can have those Icelandic lobster soup for 5 nights in a row without complaining…
That horsey(s) picture is incredible. I’ve not yet read through the words lying in between your photos, but I shall be back. And when I am, I’m sure I will be delighted.
Thank you for sharing the pictures! I’m going to Iceland in 3 weeks and I cannot wait. I’m actually going with my brother, but I’ve definitely travelled alone before. It’s something else.
Absolutely stunning. The photo of those two horses took my breath away. Goosebumps…I still feel it on my arms.
1) Stunning pictures. 2) I’m intensely jealous. 3) Congratulations on being “Freshly Pressed!” 4) Did you get to try hákarl? 5) At least I can pronounce “Eyjafjallajökull” 6) Did I mention I’m jealous?
Inspirational, fun, exciting, captivating, beautiful, enchanting, funny, and amazing. And I could say that all about just one photo. Thank you. I love to read about fellow women solo travellers, and to just read the safety and security you felt there is so inspiring and heart warming. Have you seen the Bon Iver video, Holocene? If not, take a peek as you might recognise some of the shots as it is filmed in Iceland. I share what everyone else has typed, but now Iceland really is one place I will go soon. It has always been on the edge of my dreams but now seeing this, I realise my heart longs to go and explore that landscape. Thanks for the inspiration. Happy exploring xo
You just made my day, seriously! Greatly written with amazing photos, making me fold into a daydreaming cloud with a high dose of wanderlust.
Really beautiful! Iceland is now on my list of must visit places.
Thank you for virtually bringing us to travel with you
Now that I am pregnant and cannot travel, but one day we will arrive in Iceland!
Stunning shots! How could anyone not want to spend time exploring Iceland after reading this? ~ Kat
Beautiful photos and a lovely meditation.
Beautiful honest commentary and such appropriate images, what a privilege that we shared this part of your journey, merci bien.
I have been thinking of taking a trip to Iceland for a while! Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures.
Stunning photos! I’ve been wanting to visit Iceland for so long to experience these kinds of adventures and scenes.
Reblogged this on Gealachs Blogg and commented:
Hittade ett blogginlägg med några otroligt vackra bilder från Island. Har alltid velat åka dit och nu vill jag det ännu mer…
I had my first travel-alone experience in Rome and while it was not as nature-filled as Iceland, you have described it perfectly. I was petrified to eat dinner by myself the first evening but it all became strangely liberating by the end of the trip. Stunning pictures and such an insightful way of putting it all together. Congrats Jess, from another Jess.
traveling alone is oh-so liberating. this was my second time traveling alone (the first was in france for a week), and it offers such a striking change from traveling with someone else. thanks for sharing your experience, jess!
hugs, jess
Gorgeous photos and great storytelling. I’ve been dying to go to Iceland for years now and this doesn’t help soothe the desire.
Great photos. I also like your writing style on this post, especially using second person POV. Nice work.
I desperately didn’t want to like this. I went to Iceland with someone (an ex), and as good as it was, this just makes me really, really wish I’d gone alone. And your photos are gorgeous.
Inspiring! I wish I was as brave as you to travel alone, your photos are stunning. I wouldn’t complain about taking pictures of sheep every hour!
I used to pull over and take pictures of cows.
stunning photographs! hot lobster soup on a cold and icy day.. i think it’s perfect! congrats on being FP’d.
Reblogged this on An Average American Woman and commented:
This is a great adventure with beautiful photos of a land less traveled. I highly recommend you take a moment of enjoyment and be amazed beyond your wildest thought.
Amazing photographs…Iceland seems like a great place to visit!
Reblogged this on txwikinger's blog.
Such an incredible journey to have undertaken and how much richer you are for having taken it, how much richer we are for you having shared this adventure with us. Blessed be.
What a wonderful post. Thank you.
Breathtaking! It’s on my bucket-list! Thank you!
Hi, like everyone else, I am enchanted by your storytelling.
And your shout out to the lone female traveler makes me feel a strange sense of pride.
Your photos are quite stunning! I discovered the joys of traveling solo about 10 years ago…truly a liberating experience. Thank you for sharing your remarkable trip with us.
God these are beautiful! Now I’m itching to travel to Iceland….
wonderful stories and pictures. If you do have a Facebook account, check out the group Photo Travel – Globe Roamers, a group for traveler for traveler. you would also share and link your blog here, cheers
gorgeous
magic earth…
Sublime and brutal landscape in the making – thank you. I was there with a geological party 18 months after the Westermann Islands eruption (walked across the roofs of ash-buried houses). But it was years ago. Even so, your pictures brought Iceland back to me.
Those yellows and greens of that sulphur-laden land! I can see it again.
Your photos are really breathtaking! I love your writing too <3
Ah! Some day soon…Iceland it will be.
Hurray for independent travel! These photos are amazing! I’m no longer a solo traveler, but I’m inspired to go off on a little adventure for one again now. How fantastic!
Beautiful, this must have been an amazing experience! Thank you for sharing with us.
Reblogged this on txwikinger's blog.
Wonderful photos.
Stunning photos! Travelling alone is really enjoying at times.
Hi, we have a french travel blog and every Sundays, we illustrate a country in 10 pics thanks to a photographer. I ll be very interested to have an article with your Iceland pics. If you are interested, just let me know ! Your work is really great !!!
Here is one example of what we are doing : http://lesbaroudeurs.me/2012/07/25/le-maroc-en-10-photos/
Hi Les Baroudeurs! I prefer to keep my images on my own platforms, but thanks for your interest.
No worries ! Keep up the good work !
Finally got a chance to check this out. Jess, your photos are absolutely gorgeous, and your writing is fun and expressive. I can’t wait to hear more about your trip!
thanks cuz! will catch you up on everything when we see each other tomorrow.
How incredibly beautiful. Both your writing and images.
Amazing!
This is so beautiful..reading your blog was a mini journey in itself. I hope i get a chance to travel like this someday..
Beautiful Pictures. I loved Iceland…nice to see more people are visiting this beautiful place!
Incredible. I’ve been planning a trip to Iceland for a few years now… I need to make it happen, fast! Thanks for the inspiration!
I love your blog – it’s lovely! Perfect photos, everything!
This is exactly how I expect to live my next chapter. One teen out and one freshman… Almost there. I had my daughter at 17 and as I’m consumed with being mom right now… I can’t imagine threw freedom and growth that I’ll experience on my own. Thanks so much for sharing! Terrified. Excited.
I just love this. Beautiful.
Terrific images and a really well put together blog. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks!
i wanna go to iceland right now!
I too, went to Iceland by myself. And it was wonderful.
Traveling solo isn’t for everyone, but for those that appreciate it, it’s a very special thing. Great post!
That’s fantastic, wonderful!!!!
Reblogged this on burnedscripts and commented:
I must go to Iceland before I’m too old to appreciate it.
Thanks for sharing. Can you explain what is in the photo below the sentence: “…Instead, you will see this:”? Thanks.
it’s a chunk of ice, covered in black sand, washed up on the beach by jökulsárlón iceberg lagoon in southern iceland.
i went to iceland by myself last summer and was transformed by its natural beauty!
Amazing photos of a truly breathtaking landscape….Thanks for sharing!
Reblogged this on Ravtul's Blog – THE CONCEPTUAL PROJECT.
Stunning pictures! Wow, I cannot wait to go and visit myself as well!
ça donne envie de faire ce voyage,mais aviez vous déjà visite le Sahara et ses ces secrets?
Belíssimas fotos e um texto delicioso de ler, fazendo a gente se sentir viajando também.
Gostei demais! Grande beijo
Reblogged this on Social Circles and commented:
Beautiful photos of Iceland which was a welcome respite for a solo woman traveler.
Love the pictures and text…. Went in Iceland 3 months ago, all by myself all around the 1. Slept in my truck. Legendary adventure. Did a video if your interested! http://vimeo.com/46505249
I´ve lived here in Iceland for more than 10 years and I have experiences like this regularly; within 4 minutes of my house in Hafnarfjörður, is a bird sanctuary around a lake with a hiking trail around it and it´s where I go to allow myself to be absorbed in the “beautiful desolation” of this place. Thank you for posting!
Traveling solo gives us the opportunity to meet so many interesting people as well as getting in touch with ourselves. I did it when I was your age, and every day was an adventure. And, don’t tell my husband, but I’d like to do it even now. Wonderful photos and words.
OMG how wonderful! A friend and I are planning a trip to Iceland and Norway this summer, and now I want to go more than ever! Thank you for this wonderful travelogue.
just stunning, i really truly enjoyed your beautiful images, thank you so much for sharing x
Beautiful!
To capture this remote country in such a way, shows you are very talented. By showcasing and writing of your personal experience, your journey is magically brought to us on our laptops – and opens us up to yet another wonderful place to visit. Enjoyed it – thank-you.
Been thinking about a visit to Iceland for some time now – definitely MUST GET after seeing this! Thank you
really great pictures, will visit Iceland soon
Truly awesome, especially for someone who is now too old to travel! Thank you!
Iceland is my favorite place on earth! Been there 7 times, can’t wait to go again…thanks for this beautiful, insightful blog post, and the wonderful pics!
I just returned from a motorcycle solo Icelandic road trip last month. You nailed it here with your photos and prose. Wow! Dead on. Hauntingly so. Thanks for sharing.
I have very fond memories of Iceland from the late 50′s, when I went there several times. The people are very friendly and the nature of the island something very special.
Wow. Left wordless. Thanks!..
You so convinced me to go to Iceland! What a nice photographic tale!
beautiful pictures and you are the second person that I have heard from that went to Iceland this year…certainly gives me new perspective on places to visit!!!
verry beautiful
Reblogged this on helsinki living.
Most spectacular picture.
Your story and photos do more than any tourism magazine could do. I want to go and visit.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for your post. My late husband was an Icelander. We traveled to that country from Johannesburg when his father turned 90 years old. I took my camera with me (an instamatic throw-away model). On return to Johannesburg I found the role had come loose, and had not a single photo by which to remember the landscape. Your photos are gorgeous. Thank you so much.
wow, what an incredible life you’ve led, and nothing sadder than losing a precious role of film – it’s like losing a fragment of your memory. i lived for awhile in cape town – south africa is also a truly magical place, although in quite a different way from Iceland…
Incredible pictures. What a great journey!
Would like to hear about the crazy rich Turkish guy you met in Vik as well
:P:P
ESER!!!! OMG I LOVE THE INTERNET.
The funny part is, a friend just mailed me your blog saying that “I think Iceland is so popular nowadays…” First I read the post then checked the author
then mailed him back saying “I met her in Vik” 
An amazing journey! Where was the change-of-plans trip to see the rainbows?
I traveled in SE Asia for a few months on my own, I completely agree with you about the joys of traveling alone.
Loved this post and glad I came across it via Freshly Pressed. I’m heading to Iceland in February 2013 – so many things to cram into a week!!
I’ll bet Iceland would be a facsinating destination.
Wonderful report, makes me feel like I was there with you
thanks, it’s very interesting, well done.
Awesome pic…wanna visit Iceland after seeing these pics.
From one solo woman to another – Wow! Beautiful photos that convey a mood, an experience and an invitation.
Really beautiful photographs! I’ve always had a strange fascination with Iceland and although your photo blog confirmed a bunch of the preconceptions I had (with the sheep mostly…) it also showed a very “human” perspective which is often lost in my thoughts of the wilderness !
It’s your startling words that bring the images to life. I see the pictures through your few lean spare words you use, through your pauses & ellipses … But once heard, the images convey fo me (I imagine) what they did for you. This is like an intensive creative writing seminar direct to the subconscious. Bravo!
Reblogged this on Pattu's terrace Garden and commented:
Quiet far, but worth it.
Iceland! Beautiful…The next on my bucket list that I want to experience. Do you prefer to travel alone? I feel like I get more emotion and soul searching out of it but then, I don’t have anyone to share it with…What do you think?
compliments all very nice
I went to Iceland in 1993 for a week. Not long enough and I’ve been longing to go back ever since. Beautiful pictures! Such an incredibly beautiful place.
Reblogged this on mynewbeginnings2012 and commented:
Beautiful
I loved the economy of words that delivered such a wealth of information. And of course, I fell in love with the place. wonder if I can ever visit this paradise on earth.
Jess, great post, fantastic images! I went to Iceland in August of 2010 with 10 other photographers on a photo workshop. It was a truly amazing land with warm people and the Icelandic lobster is out of this world!! I would travel back there in a heartbeat! Your images brought back wonderful memories. You have a great eye; keep up the good work!!
cmpltly exhilarating pictures!!
This sounds like an amazing adventure! Adding Iceland to my list of places to visit.
This is an incredibly lovely piece.
I love your beautiful pictures.
Reblogged this on The Baboon's Voice and commented:
This is Iceland by a solitary traveller: travel photographs through a woman’s camera lens.
All of this I need to see, feel, be reminded of anywhere I go or am at – yesterday, today, and every day from now on.
Brilliant! been to Iceland recently myself…..more of a holiday then traveling, but I agree, people are friendly and the country really is beautiful. Well recommend!
Amazing story and beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing your solo journey. I too love to travel alone and I love the freedom it brings!
So beautiful.
What a shot and the captions.. they’re all delightfully amazing, as if I’ve traveled to Iceland myself. Thank you for this wonderful sharing.. so loved this post. Now I have bookmarked and followed you.
This has made me want to visit Iceland now
I plan a to visit iceland next year, can’t wait
Reblogged this on Welcome to Mi's Site.
Fantastic post. I felt as though I could have been there with you. I definitely wish I had!
What amazing photos! The 2 last photos are the best! Have a nice day!
beautiful pics!!!
What a wonderful blog post, I can relate to all you say with regards to travel.
Beautiful photography, very inspirational!
fantastic,this really took my mind & soul out of my body transported to these places,
feeling the stillness ,calm & serenity of the places & the presence of angels around.
Thanks.
Bimbisar Ashok
So interesting post and great shots ! I am myself planning Iceland for next Spring, would you mind telling me if you did all you travel plans, bookings etc by yourself or through a travel tour operator. I was told… that through this type of operator the rates for rental car, lodging were cheaper ? Thank you for your information. Wish you more wonderful travels !
Wonderful photos and country.
Love these photos, so beautiful! I would love to travel to iceland!
Your pictures are outstanding! I Was completely absorbed by what you said, and it sounds like an experience worth having!
that turf house sparks my imagination
What a lovely post!
I’ve always been fascinated by anything Icelandic. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful! We are going to Iceland at the end of November and these pictures are so inspiring!
awesome!! wish i could touch those horses
Amazing photos! Congratulations on getting featured!
Reblogged this on wearashirt and commented:
Minsan nakakasawa magtingin nang magtingin sa facebook. So here I clicked on one of the recommended blogs by the WordPress editor and ended up going on a trip to Iceland!
Awesome post. Congrats on a great trip…I’ve wanted to hit Iceland for a few years now!
Beautiful…how did you find the lights?
Reblogged this on Musings Of a Teenager and commented:
This pictures are quite phenomenal hey!
i also went there a weeks ago. you see more when you drive so you can stop as often as you can at all beautiful nature spots! i was with 5 others, it was great too, but i believe you saw much more than i did. lovely pics!
I’ve been wanting to go to Iceland forever. Please tell us more! Beautiful, breathtaking photos and a great journey too!
~Kay
Absolutely fabulous post! The pics are beyond stunning! Breathtaking! Glorious! Loved your comments. What a great piece. Thank you for taking me along for the ride! xoxo
… no one will remember it for you …
how important sharing is
Magnificent, Thank you.
enjoyed reading! yes, this is how i will travel alone :’)
Your photographs are beautiful and inspiring. You’ve convinced me to take a trip to Iceland!
stunning pictures! thanks for sharing!
yours
apu
Wow! I hope to get there(ICE LAND) some day
Wow!! Beautiful post and inviting pictures!
I hitchhiked round Iceland for 6 weeks, stopping where I could find work. If only I didn’t have to ever stop and come home, these photos are just making it all flood back!
What astonishing beauty. The rest of my family always prefer “pool lounger” holidays to places such as Cyprus or Tenerife, but I think I’d rather go on a sightseeing trip to somewhere a bit cooler, and this post just galvanises my opinion further. Thank you for sharing! =)
Beautiful and meditative!
It will be a dream come true to be there. Hauntingly beautiful…
Wow… you’re photos are breathtaking and your words are truly inspirational. Thanks for sharing your journey!
Love your post! I have been thinking of going to Iceland myself…
Reblogged this on 400letters .
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures
on this blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
Works fine for me!
No problem here-they display perfect5ly
I’m leaving next Monday for a trip to Iceland on my own, and would love to know the location to which you detoured on your last day and saw rainbows. Thank you for sharing your experience – it has made me even more excited for my own.
snæfellsnes peninsula! have a magical trip!
Thank you so much!!!
<3