This country is perfect in every way. From the rolling hills off the set of Teletubbies to the small towns settled on the tips of the Fjords, Iceland and their glorious hotdog stands should be at the top of everyone's bucket list.
But, if I had to look back on my trip and choose the one memory that stands out most ... well to be honest, I just can't. It is, however, those moments when you get to "live like a local" that stick with you. And when people ask "How was Iceland?" it's the first story I tell them.
So, here is one of my favourites. It's called The Garage.
Located in Varmahlíð, which is about 24 miles from Vík, The Garage is magically tucked under the hills of Southern Iceland overlooking the loomy sea. It was Sam's (my sister) birthday and I thought we'd splurge (just a little bit) from hostels and cheap hotels for the night, so she could turn 23 in a comfortable bed. So, I booked the little secret guesthouse for us #greatsister
Rolling up to the The Garage I couldn't bare the cuteness of it all. Siggi had let us in, showed us around and left us to warm our toes. We stayed in 'Axel's Room' and read how The Garage had been in their family for years and years. You can really feel the history seeping out of this place. And just as we were about to take our fist sip of hot chocolate, we heard a knock at the door.
Siggi was back! And he was loaded with questions. What are you up to tonight night? Have you been to the plane wreck? Do you want to go fishing with my wife Anna? Uhm yes I want to go fishing with Anna, where is she? Lead me to her! I want a real Icelandic experience. Well, I want a real Icelandic experience that's not going to be the death of me. So, thank god for only having one extra pair of waders because Sam went off into the abyss, while I took snapchats.
After the days events came to a close, Anna ripped us around in her truck fish flying around in the back and all. She dropped us off back at The Garage and asked us to come for dinner. A home made meal, you got to be kidding me!
Now, I'm not just saying this but, it was truly the most scrumptious meal I have ever sank my canines into. Sorry mom. We chatted over the fish we caught (correction: they caught), laughed over large glasses of wine and gobbled up the cream eggs Anna and Siggi spread out for dessert.
We really didn't want to leave the next morning. And we were wishing we didn't have to stick to such a tight schedule, but all good things must come to an end. Well, until the next time.
I will say that I've never felt so welcome somewhere so strange in all my life. Two of the most genuine people I have ever met showed me parts of them and parts of their everyday lives, for free. No catch. And they were excited about it. That's one of the reasons I love travelling. Not only do you meet amazing people, but you see people being excited about life and being excited about having you learn from them. I think that's pretty cool.
So, I think yes, The Garage, was my favourite memory from Iceland.
If you have any questions you can also find me on Instagram at @AlyshiaTurchyn! Definitely reach out, there's nothing more I'd love than to help you plan your next stop in Iceland!
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