In many places, plans define the experience. Here, the ability to change them does. The Icelanders seem to understand this deeply. And instead of resisting it, they work with it. That mindset started to rub off on us. Each disrupted plan became less of a disappointment and more of an opportunity to experience something unexpected.
Þetta reddast: To read about this Icelandic saying, check out The unexpected philosophy Icelanders live by
By: Aarav S. and Vincent L.
Throughout this whole trip we have been learning to adapt. Adaptability is in the DNA of Icelanders. Bad weather has constantly led to us to change our plans. The plan today was to wake up and see waterfalls. But Icelandic weather had different plans.
The day began with a storm strong enough to shut down much of the country. Our waterfall excursion was out. The wind removed most of the visibility on the roads. So like true Icelanders, we adapted.
We redirected to the LAVA Centre, a museum dedicated to the forces that have shaped the lives of Icelanders. We learned about volcanoes and earthquakes while a storm raged outside. Inside, we saw how the island is constantly being shaped by tectonic energy beneath the surface.
From there, we moved to a local market, where Icelandic locals sold handmade knitted goods like thick wool sweaters, hats, and gloves. Every piece was shaped by generations of Icelanders who lived with the elements. Then we went to a grocery store. Everyone picked out their own lunch. After a morning of disrupted plans, the ability to choose was refreshing.
The next challenge was physical. We hiked uphill against relentless wind to reach Björn’s house. The path was steep, and the wind lashed against our faces. People stumbled. Some fell. Some fell multiple times. And then, finally, we made it. Björn’s house felt like the rainbow after a storm. It really made us think about how thousands of years ago when the Norse first arrived in Iceland, how they were able to endure such conditions without the technologically advanced gear and a warm house awaiting them. Inside the house, we ate our lunches, Björn made us waffles, and we drank hot chocolate. Music filled the room. Card games sparked laughter. Some of the best parts of our day came from just hanging out together.
By the time we hiked back down and returned to the hotel, we knew that adaptability is essential in Iceland.
In many places, plans define the experience. Here, the ability to change them does. The Icelanders seem to understand this deeply. And instead of resisting it, they work with it.
That mindset started to rub off on us. Each disrupted plan became less of a disappointment and more of an opportunity to experience something unexpected.