Iceland was truly a trip like no other. When it comes to family vacations, it seems there are two types: The relaxation trip with days being spent lingering on the beach, or the tourist trip, where as much of the city is to be seen as possible, camera in hand. It seems that Iceland was the love child of these two vacation types. There are no (classic) beaches nor city streets to spend days touring in Iceland, but simply vast and untouched nature. We lingered not beaches, but waterfalls, and captured not famous streets, but green mountains.

When I think of our short time there, I recall the several cups of "swiss mocha" (Icelandic hot chocolate) we drank daily and the utterly charming cafés in which they were served. I recall driving on roads lined with grazing horses and stone mountains covered in green. I recall swimming in the blue lagoon when the sun was still up at 10pm at night, and the temperature was so cold but the water so warm. But most importantly, I recall the rare feeling of complete peace that comes from appreciation of such bare and beautiful nature.