Going back to Iceland after two years was quite a sure thing. Who can resist its beauty and the possibility to see the Northern light. However, the Northern light was pale as the moon was shining so bright. But I saw it across the sky and it will forever be remembered.
What was amazing about this trip was being able to drive around Iceland. We stayed in 5 places for 5 nights. It was easy to rent a car at the airport and start driving eastbound. Since we have been to Reykjavik before, we skipped the capital city entirely and went straight in search for the Northern light. As I said earlier, the moon was shining so bright so the Northern light was so pale but I saw it nevertheless.
Passing by the Diamond Beach the next day was so amazing. For me, it was the highlight of the trip. It was so beautiful, something I haven’t seen before. That night the Northern light can be seen better, although the moon was still bright as bright. I also realised that the easiest way to let people out of the guesthouse was to show them the photos of the Northern light directly from the camera. They all left so hurriedly to see the Northern light for themselves that I had the bathroom all to myself.
We drove past the mountains and over the mountains. In one place, the area was covered in snow. It was so beautiful, passing through different seasons, watching the sunrise and the sunset.
The last morning was very windy and the snow came. But later in the day, the sky cleared up and it was just amazingly beautiful. Yes, Iceland, you are the one!
All photos taken by Ari Vitikainen at arivitikainenphotography.com.
Lenny’s show in Helsinki on Saturday was amazing. He was full of energy, yet, so relaxed and so in the moment. He was walking in the stage and connecting sincerely to his audience. There was no rush whatsoever. He even asked the audience, “You are not in a hurry, aren’t you?” His voice was mesmerising. It was the same as listening to his studio recorded songs which means that he has such an authentic voice. His song, Here to love, was so touching with a choir on stage.
Staying at a hotel on Rua Augusta near the Arco da Rua Augusta, it was easy to walk around the city and explore Barrio Alto and Rossio Square. The Santa Justa Lift is just nearby. Rua Augusta, the main pedestrian street of Lisbon, also gave a lot of good food experience. Pastelarias are everywhere to get a taste or two of the famous Pastel de Nata and the Pastel de Bacalhau. Ginha bars are also in many places to try Ginjinha, a sweet cherry liqueur which originated in Lisbon. I recommend sipping it from a chocolate cup. Although the chocolate cups came in later, around 10 years ago from Óbidos, the chocolate town of Portugal.
Then there were lovely walks in Alfama and the sentimental Fado music experience. The costal town of Cascais was also just an hour train ride to the west of Lisbon, then walking all the way to Boca du Inferno. The weather was pleasant, not cold and not warm. It was just right. The sun was shining and even the light rain added more spice to this wonderful holiday. One thing I was always tempted to say was Arigato instead of Obrigado. After all, Arigato originated from Obrigado. It was also interesting to understand that I can now travel using both English and Spanish. I totally recommend Lisbon for your next travel destination!
