Travel, 50+, Iceland

"I have been robbed!" ... is what you wake up screaming, half drowning in cold sweat and fairly certain that you pawned your liver to J.R. Ewing actor Larry Hagman to cover a fraction of the costs of your one week dream vacation. You will press your palm against your chest and try to figure out whether it's a heart attack or just palpitations. The PTSD will remain with you for weeks, months or even years after. That is to say, Iceland is, arguably, the most expensive place you can visit in the whole of Europe.

While they may take your cash, at least they're sending you home with ash. Well, and you got to cope with an experience of how brutal nature can be. How the unforgiving attack of black sand, near constant rain, fire and ice kicking you in the eyeballs all the way through your trip can make you ... somehow more tranquil, relaxed and ready to face life from a different angle.

It is almost like you have been blessed. After all, it is a Viking heaven. You will witness the chill flow all over the place. Even when the local water company decides to cut off the water, without a warning to you or the owners of the place you are staying at... It's just "oh well, this happens" and a shrug. While you're left waiting for basic utilities, you can go outside and shove a hotdog down your windpipe. If day turns to night, perchance you can meet up with Björk for a dance and a chat at the local club. You know, to kill time. Because that's how relaxed they are in Iceland. And down to earth. You can meet anyone who's anyone and be treated like another human being, unlike in some other places. I mean... as long as you're in the capital, because that's where all the anybodies live.

If you are not into, uh... big cities, you can always go horsing around the island. Whether you like to go around with horsepower or power horses, it is all possible. Just remember to not go deeper inland without a guide or previous survival experience. The roads in there can suck you in and chain you to despair in the middle of nowhere, the weather can change to blind you and, most frightening of all... There are huldufólk out there! In case you throw a stone, you might hit one. In case you relieve yourself near their homes, you will face the wrath of the elves! You have been warned.

While you have packed Skyr with you on your ride, it is not the only thing to eat in Iceland. You can also munch on sheep, puffins, whales, sharks and whale sharks. Even hákarl, if you like the taste of piss flushed down with moonshine. While the moonshine will not burn the taste of piss off your tongue, it does burn your memories of going to eat that thing. Which makes the taste on your tongue raise questions in the morning and for a couple of days to come. In case you wish to try and air it out, you can join the locals singing how much they love the rain while swimming around some outdoorsy pools. Best experienced in the hottest weather of the summer: 10 degrees Celsius (50F) with a moderate drizzle.

The Judgment:
While Iceland surely strips you off ten years' travel budged and the shirt off your back, it does deliver. The place is probably one of the absolutely safest places on Earth. The only major danger to you is the nature. And yourself. Especially, if you anger the hidden folk. The people are quite friendly and down to earth. The hierarchy is as flat as it gets and you have a good chance to be allowed to join all sorts of things with all sorts of people. Just don't be a Richard or they'll put you in the penis museum to join your predecessors.

The island is great for solo travel and orgasmic for introverts. You will find plenty of raw beauty all over the place and chances are you are having it all for yourself. Do not ig it and it will remain like that for you and anyone else who comes across it. De-stressing and digital detoxing has never been easier than it is out there. Even if you travel in a group, do not forget to enjoy the silence. Maybe even while soaking in a hot spring while enjoying the Aurora.

Iceland is not for those looking for big cities, plenty of distractions, jungle cruises or hot beaches full of half or fully naked people (although no one will stop you, if you want to spin a helicopter on your stretch of the empty black beach). Or poor people. Iceland is definitely not for poor people.

Would I go again? Yes, if I can afford it one day.