A Rough Start to Reykjavik

For my first (in-person) introduction to the populated city of Reykjavik, Iceland, I was extremely overwhelmed. Not only did the tiredness of traveling finally catch up to me, but I barely had any idea how to navigate my way through the city. After we’d finally put down our luggages, I’d spent some time sitting in the lobby with my roommate and drinking some hot chocolate before some of us decided that we would explore.

I wasn’t really in the mood for exploration, but I decided that I’d go with the group anyways, as I wanted to make the most of my trip. As we walked past the big church that was across from our hotel and down the sidewalk, we took note of all kinds of shops. The vast majority of these were souvenir shops, but there were also other places, such as various cafes, bookstores, and museums (including a punk museum!).

We were taking note of all the places that we’d go to, and I remember being overwhelmed at all the things we could do and the travel fatigue was very much settling in. Unfortunately, this feeling only worsened when we all later went out to dinner and I ended up accidentally tripping all over my shoelaces in front of everyone, and I ended up scraping my knees very badly. My initial rough start with the city made me feel very guilty, as I felt like I was supposed to be enjoying my experience from the jump. After all, there were so many amazing things to see.

There were so many amazing things to do. Therefore, I decided that since we would be touring the city the next day according to the itinerary, I would make the most of the experience and rewrite for myself what had happened on the first evening.

And rewrite I did.

We were up bright and early for our walking tour, and while it was still dark outside in the morning, the tour was a good time from the jump. We fully enjoyed the rainbow-colored-road, took advantage of a hopscotch area, and more. There was also a sign that read: “if you are racist, sexist, homophobic, or an a**hole… don’t come in,” in the window of a shop that really resonated with me. We continued walking and talking until we reached a harbor area, where we saw several geese. We took pictures there (and at all the shops and scenery we saw), and had a great time, enjoying each other’s company. As we departed to explore the flea market, I was already in very high spirits.

Fun fact: I also realized that the reason I tripped over my shoelaces was because they weren’t put on properly… it would definitely be nice if manuals were given regarding how to properly put on hiking boots…

Overall, I was really happy because I was determined not to have the rough start that I had ruin my entire Reykjavik adventure, and it didn’t. That day, I learned more about navigating the city, so that when we eventually did take evenings to fully go into the shops and the restaurants, it wasn’t strange. Instead, by the end of the trip, it felt…homey. I’m so glad that I gave this beautiful city the chance it deserves.