We’ve been in Ísafjörður longer than any one place so far. It’s a small town but lively and has a lot to offer. While staying here we’ve enjoyed a mix of outdoor adventures and in-town outings. We feel like we’ve had a special chance to settle in here and get to know the place, but of course we must leave soon to make the journey southward.

Yesterday we walked around town with a local artist and his daughter Sara, who is roughly the same age as our students. We saw his art showroom and some of her favorite places to hang out. Today we went sea kayaking in the fjord, on the chilly water and under a calm blanket of clouds. After lunch the clouds lifted, and we hiked to a lofty view on the mountainside. Then we drove to a smaller neighboring town and visited the Arctic Fox Center, where we met the cutest Icelander yet — a fox named Mori. He is a rescue who now lives at this center for fox rehabilitation and research.

We ended our last full day in Ísafjörður with an unbelievable dinner. It was a multi-course meal of fish dishes with flavor infusions like salted cod with walnuts and dates. Each creation was unique and innovative. It was all served in a building dating to the 18th century era of this longtime fishing town.

Tomorrow we will leave Ísafjörður with our memories and head back toward Reykjavik, where another few days of experiences await us.

— Jesse & Ansley