One String Attached
Written by Mohamed Osman
Visiting Iceland is like stepping into a land of elemental wonders. To be honest, I didn’t set expectations or did a lot of research before I traveled.
As I walked out of the airport, a gust of cool Icelandic air greeted me. Early morning bakery runs, coffee shops hopping, 8 mile hike, hours of driving to see powerful geysers, volcanic craters, majestic glaciers, cascading waterfalls, rye bread baked underground, those were the highlights of the trip.
When I reached the city, I marveled at the colorful buildings and the street art of Reykjavik. In addition to that, I was amazed by the cozy cafes, and robust bakery scene. The warm and welcoming nature of the people adds to the charm. As we further explored Iceland, I was breath taken by the striking landscapes with the abundant waterfalls and rivers. I felt a connection to the water and hoped to carry its adaptability to flow through life’s challenges with grace and embody its resilience to find my own path through obstacles. One of the stops was the black sand beach of Vik, where I felt the power of the wind as it whipped around us. I sought to maintain the curiosity and openness of the wind to guide me to new horizons. The black color of the sand is indeed wonderful. The views of the cave and stone structure are truly astonishing.
We also stopped by another iconic natural wonder. As the geyser erupted, shooting boiling water high into the air, It was a powerful reminder of the fiery forces beneath the earth's crust, constantly shaping and reshaping the land above.
Reflecting on my trip to Iceland, I realize that going with no expectations allowed me to fully appreciate nature’s raw power and beauty by the will of Allah that are on full display. I overall felt a profound sense of connection to the elements around me. Water, wind and fire had each played their part in this Icelandic journey, leaving me with memories of a land where the boundaries between the elements blur in a harmonious dance.
Photography by Nida Syed
