Iceland is often called “The Land of Fire and Ice,” and now we’ve seen why. In our first two days on the island we have soaked in naturally heated mineral water, watched a geyser erupt, and glimpsed glaciers on distant peaks of active volcanoes. We even stood beside a glacial meltwater lake between the tectonic plates of Europe and North America, in the rift valley where they are slowly pulling apart.

We’ve also met a lot of the Icelanders who live among this interplay of forces and are very proud of it. Harald, our guide at Thingvellur National Park, told us with enthusiasm not only about the geology beneath our feet, but about Icelandic leaders who stood in the same spot and established the world’s oldest parliament. We also got to visit a geothermal power plant, an energy source that Iceland is very proud of, where our guide nonchalantly pointed out on a map the volcanoes due for an eruption, but ensured they would give ample warning before awakening. Our bus driver Sturla told us he likes the long darkness of the far-north winter, and how snow on the ground reflects starlight so you can still see.

We are still getting used to the 24-hour light here, near the Arctic Circle, but are tired enough by bedtime that we can sleep well. On the first day we pushed through our jet lag to soak in the revitalizing waters of the Blue Lagoon hot spring and get our bearings in Reykjavik. On the second day we combined the power plant, seeing the continental rift and historic site, hiking among geysers, and viewing the huge waterfall called Gulfoss. We ended this day with a filling meal in Reykjavik and ice cream to celebrate Audrey and Natalie’s birthdays!

Time to sleep through the midnight sun once more and embark on the next phase of our journey tomorrow.

— Jesse & Ansley