Undisclosed Alliance and Concealed Relationships
Rewritten Article:
Life is a captivating journey, filled with unexpected encounters and fresh perspectives. That's what I experienced on a recent adventure to the south of Iceland, joining a travel blogger on a private tour named the Secret Circle, provided by the travel company Glacial Experience.
Our charismatic guide, Kjartan Valgarðsson, hopped into his black Land Rover early one morning. A quick conversation about shared acquaintances—all of whom happened to be my relatives, reveled our instant bond.
In Iceland, we're always on the hunt for invisible connections. The desire to uncover new family members and expand our extended family tree is deeply ingrained. It's no coincidence that the warmest Icelandic greetings include calling a person "frændi minn" or "frænka mín," translating to "my relative" in English.
A Stage Mounted by Fate
A few minutes later, the blogger's home came into sight, where Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir greeted us with a heartwarming smile. We embarked on our journey eastward, crossing the Hellisheiði mountain. The day was sunny and brisk, and as we reached the mountain's summit, we marveled at the breathtaking scenery—the majestic volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull in the distance, and the ocean stretching out, complete with the Vestmannaeyjar islands gleaming like precious stones. Surtsey, the island born from a volcanic eruption in 1963, stood off to the right, visible through the clear blue sky.
Hekla – an Old Friend Reunited
Our first stop was a gas station in Árnes, where we took a break and chatted with a local tour guide. Suddenly I heard a familiar voice, "Vala?" My heart skipped a beat as I turned around to see an old friend from my childhood, living in Germany and whom I hadn't caught up with in ages. Kjartan and my friend's husband shared an apartment in Iceland years ago, well before I knew them.
Overwhelmed, I hugged my friend tight, then gave a warm embrace to her husband, who looked remarkably young. It turned out that the man I was about to greet was none other than their son. The scene repeated itself as I greeted the rest of the family, feeling strangely connected to one another despite the passage of time.
Veils of Lava and Colors of the Earth
Our next destination was the enchanting waterfall Hjálparfoss, nestled within Fossá river in Thjórsárdalur valley. Its name originates from the fact that weary travelers, crossing the highlands, would find relief here, offering their horses fresh water and lush grazing. The waterfall's appearance was almost holy, with two streams cascading down either side of a black rock formation, giving it an ethereal glow. I imagined wedding gowns billowing in the wind, creating a mystical scene.
As we continued the journey, it became clear that our small group consisted of much more than a driver/guide. We had a pilot, a polyglot, a language school founder, a marketing expert, and a teacher—all somehow magically fitting within the Land Rover.
White Horsetail and the Majestic Falls
Our next stop was Háifoss waterfall, one of the country's tallest cascades. Its location in Fossárdalur valley made it a branch of the same family tree, so to speak. Walking towards the waterfall, we marveled at its incredible beauty. The upper part was breathtakingly powerful, while the lower part delivered an enchanting, delicate touch—looking like a silvery white horsetail swept by the wind. Right next to it, a smaller waterfall named Granni appeared, adding a charming touch to the already mesmerizing scene.
A Fairy Tale Playground
Our adventure took us next to Gjáin rift, another breathtaking spot in Thjórsárdalur valley. The area seemed to come straight from a storybook, with creeks, waterfalls, and lava formations coming together in a small yet magical space. Decorated with every shade of green, it's no surprise that it served as a location for the Game of Thrones filming. Gjáin, with its crowd of colorful tourists dotted throughout the landscape, resembled a fairy land, complete with Lilliputian living in harmony.
The Hidden Faces of Gullfoss
Our last stop was the iconic Gullfoss waterfall. We traveled along narrow, off-road paths accessible only to well-equipped SUVs to get there. Despite being familiar with the waterfall, the view from the east bank revealed a new side to it, inviting us to reconsider our perceptions. Its two drops, the first 11 meters high and the second 21 meters, appeared grand and wide from this perspective, while the lower part was less visible, hidden behind the upper cascade. The sight of countless tourists lining up along the opposite bank put a smile on my face, as I imagined them wondering how we managed to find this "secret" side.
As we strolled along the river, soaking in the panoramic views, I couldn't help but feel my world expanding. Throughout the day, I had experienced unexpected connections, new perspectives, and a renewed sense of closeness that reminded me of the power of those hidden threads that bind us all.
Legacy and Family Ties
Driving towards home, I took a moment to absorb the magic of the day, engrossed in the memories and conversations shared. Regína eloquently pointed out a farm on the right, remarking, "My grandfather owned this land." Kjartan echoed her sentiment with a laugh, revealing we were third cousins. Family ties may be old, hiding for generations, but they always find a way to come to light, weaving the fabric of our lives in intricate ways.
- The volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull, majestic in the distance, offered a backdrop to our travel adventures, reminding us of the unpredictable yet captivating lifestyle that these natural wonders represent.
- The unexpected reunion with an old friend in Árnes was a testament to the ways weather patterns and travel routes can stir dormant connections, as if the currents of fate were guiding us.
- The varied professions within our travel group—a pilot, a polyglot, a language school founder, a marketing expert, and a teacher—reflected the rich, vibrant tapestry of lives touched by the transformative power of travel, answering the call of adventure that lies in all our hearts.
