Don’t step too close to the edge.

“It’s a little chilly isn’t it”. Standing on top of a mountain overlooking what i can only describe as water heaven, we were head to toe in thermals and waterproof gear. October in Iceland is just the start of their winter and we were prepared. Prepared in the clothing department, not prepared however, at how breathtaking this view would be. The Gullfoss waterfall is located in the canyon of Hvítá river, south west Iceland.

We were 3 days into our Arctic Circle adventure and this was the ‘big one’ for me. The shear size of the waterfall was enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. Walking down towards the main viewing area was a bit nerve-racking. The ground was icy and there were a few people having trouble walking in a straight line; but don’t let that put you off. The end result is definitely worth the walk. You hear the water before you see the mighty river running down and over the edge of the 105ft canyon.

The 2 massive drops form a staircase effect, creating the mist from the glacial water flowing towards the larger drop. The waterfall has in the past, had proposals to utilize it for electricity. Even though this never came to light, you definitely get an electrifying feeling just by looking at it.

People were taking pictures of every angle, there were the brave guys that climbed on top of the rocks hanging over the water to get that all important shot; of course, i was one of them. The natural curiosity of a human; even when it could be classed as dangerous, never falters, we always want to test our limits. Some of the guys on the edge were definitely pushing it. That being said, standing near the edge and looking over i could see for miles, endless landscape, it was spectacular.

After months of planning to visit this place; researching photographs of this natural wonder, standing on top of it somehow slowed time, i felt completely immersed in it. Seeing something like this brought a sense of clarity, something so big, so uplifting and so powerful, made everything else feel so small. I knew before going to Iceland that i would leave wanting more, 7 days in such a vast, open environment was just not enough. Being outside, exploring a new place, learning new things, about the history and culture is what traveling is all about. I had never thought a cold country would suit me for a holiday, how wrong i was; which proves the saying ‘don’t knock it, till you’ve tried it’.

A week in this beautiful country was just enough, for an introduction. I’ll be back.

3 Bucket List favourites.

Now it’s worth mentioning I have a bucket list the length of the Great Wall of China (ironically…not high on the bucket list)

My bucket list seems to grow everyday with new places i want to visit, and of course my partner will be with me along for the all the adventures as always.

I’ve been to a few places, and have an incredible trip to Iceland coming up (so that’s on the bucket list but I have this planned so will leave that for a separate blog).

So let’s start with 3 of destinations I want to visit,

Africa.

African Plains.

“The darkest thing about Africa has always been our ignorance of it”

Ignorance is bliss? No. Not when it comes to countries, travelling or experiencing new things.

I’ve never been to Africa but it’s so high on my list I need to get there and get my Nigel Thornberry on (kids show, brilliant).

To go on safari in Kruger Park in South Africa, or in Kenya is a dream (my partner has been to Kenya already, I can’t hide the fact that I’m still insanely jealous).

With its vast plains, incredible coasts and vibrant cities, this country is one that I will explore intensely. I would love to travel from Casablanca, Morocco all the way to Bettys Bay, Cape Town, experiencing the cultures, soaking up the music, people and trying new foods.

Cape Town, South Africa

A dream would be to take an old VW camper van on a road trip starting in Cape Town, up through Mozambique exploring the coast into Tanzania and finishing in Kenya for a safari adventure. Of course the west coast of Africa would need a road trip too, including Namibia and Botswana.

Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Coastline.

“Costa Rica is more than a vacation destination; it is an interactive sensory experience”

If that quote doesn’t make you want to pack your bags and go and explore Costa Rica I don’t know what will.

Interactive sensory experience? They should make that into the main tagline for a banner or a billboard ad.

With rainforests, coastlines, volcanoes and its immense biodiversity, this country looks incredible. It’s insane to think that Costa Rica takes up just 0.3% of the planet’s surface and holds 5% of its biodiversity. 25% of its land is protected national parks and refuges. Am I the only one who thinks that is amazing?

The wildlife for such a small country is vast, from fish and reptiles to its 1000 butterflies! They have a turtle conservation that challenges any in the world at being the best. It’s my goal to go there one day and be a part of the hatching at Tortuguero National Park.

Turtle at Tortuguero National Park

Although I will say, with its 20,000 different species of spiders and 34,000 species of insects, you’ll have to take a suitcase of bug spray!

An interesting fact is that they claim a 96% literacy rate, with the very poor or rural areas teaching classes over the radio so the children (and adults) do not miss out.

The best thing about this is you can get to San Jose from Miami in 2 hours (direct flights) and with a national saying of “Pura Vida” meaning “Pure Life”, why would you not want to visit.

Canada.

Banff National Park, Canada

“Canada is like your attic, you forget that it’s up there, but when you go, it’s like “Oh man, look at all this great stuff!”

I’ve wanted to go to here for years. I think my major obsession started since they hosted the Winter Olympics in 2010. I prefer the winter sports to the general Olympics.

The landscapes in Canada are breath taking. Stretching from mountains, lakes and forests, to the vibrant cities. I want to see it all.

Another road trip would be the only way to see this country. I would drive from Quebec and head west across Ontario aiming for Alberta. My main focuses are Banff National Park and visit Lake Louise.

Banff National Park is not only Canada’s first national park, but its largest. It’s home to 53 species of mammals including 80 grizzly bears and 60 black bears which reside within the park.

Along with the bears there are elks and cougars, all roaming around the 2,564 square miles of protected wildlife areas.

I would love to get in a car (preferably a truck for this trip) and drive. Exploring the glaciers, the mountains and the wildlife.

I would take some time out and just experience all these adventures. Even more adventures that I haven’t even spoken about. There are so many things I want to do, things I want to see.

Hakuna Matata