Only Chiggy Family Trip: Iceland

September 2022

Just over two years after meeting my then-boyfriend, Peter, I was invited to join his family vacation to Iceland in September 2022. It'd be a meaningful trip to say the least - his and his siblings' first family trip after losing both their parents in 2021. So, Peter, his sister and brother, their partners, and baby Abigail (born in between 2021's tragedies), and I planned to reunite with their dad's brother (Uncle Vince) who moved there decades ago and still lived on the island with his kids and grandkids.

It's an odd thing to travel to far-off places to meet extended family when I never met Pete's dad and I briefly met - but certainly didn't know - his mom. And yet, this family - who lost everything and more in one year's time - opened their homes and hearts to me. I never take for granted that they were all so kind and welcoming to me, even when their whole world had been turned on its head. With that said, I was thankful to tag along for what would turn out to be a family-oriented, adventure-packed experience that included Peter's sister and her longtime partner getting engaged!

I arrived a few days after everyone else (due to a work obligation that popped up), but we dove right into the incredible itinerary that Peter's sister and sister-in-law had thoughtfully researched and crafted. A few of them scooped me from a windy curb at the Reykjavik airport and we then headed to the Blue Lagoon for a morning of spa-like relaxation following my red-eye flight.

After recovering at the Blue Lagoon all morning, we brunched at this adorable window-walled cafe before meeting up with Uncle Vince and their cousins to explore the beach, lighthouse, and museum near their home. Outside, it was beautifully sunny, and after some exploration of the beach area, we parted ways with the extended fam and headed back to our Airbnb. We ended the night in the hot tub as the sun sunk behind the nearby mountains.

Only knowing Peter's dad, "Dr. Mike", through stories and photos that highlighted his incessant sarcasm and fatherly advice - it was a treat to meet Uncle Vince that day, who, by all accounts, resembled but more so sounded just like Dr. Mike; it made me nostalgic for a memory I never had.

The next day's itinerary included a drive along the South rim of the island to Vik, where we did some shopping and game-planning for the journey toward the final destination of Diamond Beach (the would-be engagement site). As luck would have it, Diamond Beach was closed that day for a wind advisory, so as a new plan took shape, we stopped off to explore these river-valley crevice-like cliffs that looked straight out of a Game of Thrones scene. Eager, but anxious about the grated platform 100 yards above the river valley, we all excitedly but unassumingly enjoyed the views and waited for whatever moment Luke decided was the right one to propose to Pete's sister.

And the right one would come soon after at the cliffs that overlook the famous Black Sand Beach back in Vik. It was a beautiful, beautiful proposal - and one she'd later joke certainly made her top three favorite moments of the day. Afterwards, we celebrated over lunch before heading back down to the beach for our horseback riding excursion.

Pete joined us girls on the horseback ride along the beach, which was so surreal. From seeing the rock formations rising out of sea to trotting along the dark sand atop these small but mighty Icelandic horses, an incredible day turned into an incredible evening then night. Once back at our Airbnb (some of us even tucked into bed already), Pete's brother saw the beginnings of the Northern Lights and called us outside to the deck to watch the colors dance among the stars. It was unlike anything I'd ever seen. Because seeing the lights depends so heavily on cloudiness and other weather conditions, I wasn't lucky enough to witness them the first time I visited Iceland - but this time made me feel like I won the jackpot.

The next day was one of the coolest days of my life - literally and figuratively. We headed to a national park to go snorkeling in a glacial lake situated at a continental divide. We had the cheekiest instructor who had relocated from Mexico and who was as funny as he was helpful. We suited up in our dry-suits, snow pants, thermal socks, and all. Once fully dressed, only our lips and cheeks were exposed, both of which went numb within seconds of entering the water, as did our hands, covered only by wet-suit mittens.

As we floated along, I marveled at the crystal clear water below that illuminated shades of blue varying from aqua to navy, and everything in between. We moved through some narrow nooks until we ended in a larger pool where we all dragged our numb bodies out of the ice-water. Once we finally thawed out, we then stayed with Pete's niece, Abby, while her parents took their turn snorkeling the lake - and, although she barely recognized them in these alien-like suits, she giggled once she heard their voices.

After the snorkeling adventure, we headed over to explore a crater with blue-green water pooled at its base that was about an hour from the national park. Tired and (finally) warm, we called it a day and headed back to the Airbnb for the evening.

Our final day would end up being one of my favorites, which is saying a lot for this trip, as every day felt pretty magical. Pete's sister had found a nearby hike leading to a thermal river - safe and warm enough for swimming. We trekked a couple of steep and misty miles into the mountains until we saw bathing-suit-clad people relaxing in a steamy river. We scoped out a good spot in the creek-bed nestled between the cold, fog-ridden mountains until we had to brave the cold again for the wet trek back.

After getting cleaned up back at the Airbnb, we had plans to join the whole fam at their cousin's house for a farewell dinner of sorts. There, we enjoyed a lovely meal, even lovelier conversation, and a sense of togetherness that had prompted the entire trip. Gifts were exchanged, as were light-hearted jabs about football clubs and family memories. It was warm and familiar and cozy and something I'll cherish forever.

All in all, it was an unbelievable trip - the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Many thanks to Pete and the whole Chiglinsky clan that crafted and carried out a great trip with beautiful views, unique activities, and very special memories.

Gallery

To Do or Not To Do?

Iceland is such a fascinating place - so yes if you're interested! I've been lucky enough to visit twice yet leave with very different experiences and memories each time. It is one of those places where the possibilities for adventure are endless - from geysers, waterfalls, craters, and mountains to volcanic beaches, glacial lakes, rolling hills and more, Iceland makes you feel like you've landed on Mars. I highly recommend you visit this hot spot of geological wonders - you won't regret it.

#Iceland #LoAroundTheGlobo #TravelBlog #TravelBlogging #Europe #Vik #BlackSandBeach #BlueLagoon #Travel