This summer’s journey brought us to Iceland for the ultimate nature adventure and to celebrate my birthday in 22 hours of daylight!

My cousin, Rina, and I booked an escorted tour through ScanTours. The theme of our tour was Glaciers, Geysers and Waterfalls, so rightfully named for the various sites we visited in the southwest, southeast and interior regions of Iceland.

The country's name is quite deceptive, since most of Iceland is actually green (at least when we were there this past June/July). Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and the warm waters that flow from the Gulf Stream provide a surprisingly mild climate. During the summer months, the midnight sun shines, and the landscape is so richly-colored. The weather varies from region to region and can range between 40 to 60 degrees (Fahrenheit) in the summer -- sure beats the 90 degree humidity of NYC! Iceland’s winters are also milder than NYC (or so they say). During the winters, there are only 3 to 5 hours of daylight, but the northern lights can be seen.

Rina and I quickly adapted to Iceland and its inhabitants, who were very hospitable and quite attractive. The native tongue is Icelandic, which is so similar to Old Norse (or what the Vikings spoke) that modern Icelanders can read most ancient literature. The majority of Icelanders also speak English in addition to many other languages. And the best thing about Iceland? American Express is widely accepted unlike most other European countries, so don’t leave home without it.

REYKJAVIK

Our first stop was Reykjavik, a small, very colorful and lively capital city which houses two-thirds of Iceland's population. The city got its named from the first settler, Ingolfur Arnarson, who named it Reykjavik or "smoky bay," after seeing smoke rise from the ground -- it was more than likely steam from geothermal springs or geysers. We saw the best panoramic views of Reykjavik (Photo 1) from the tower of Hallgrimskirkja Lutheran Church (Photo 2), the tallest structure in the city, standing 277 feet high.

We strolled along Tjornin Lake, a natural breeding habitat for several species of birds. We also passed by the Government House (Stjornarradid) which is home to the prime minister (whose number, by the way, is listed in the public phone book). We walked by the city’s most famous food vendor -- a hot dog stand (Baejarins Beztu Pylsur), made famous by patron, Bill Clinton; and Reykjavik’s prison (Photo 3 below) – a pretty nice looking prison.

One restaurant you will have to try if you ever decide to visit Reykjavik is the Fish Market. Its 8-course tasting menu is a must have! And don’t let the name fool you – they serve 8 full portions of the freshest meat and fish dishes the country has to offer. Another great restaurant is located in the glass-domed Perlan a.k.a. The Pearl (Photo 4), which sits on top of Oskjuhlio hill. The “revolving” restaurant provides 360 degree views of the city, and this is where we toasted champagne and celebrated my birthday dinner. Thank you, Rina! =)

While in Reykjavik, Rina and I also enjoyed a home-cooked Icelandic meal compliments of Snorri, Arnar and Magnus a.k.a. the “When in Reykjavik” boys, who welcomed us into their home and whipped up some skyr (similar to yogurt but so much tastier), plokkfishkur (a mixture of cod fish and mash potatoes) and ponnukikur (pancakes), and malt and orange soda (the Icelandic Christmas drink). Afterwards, we headed to Kolaportid Flea Market where our young tour guides gave us a real taste of Iceland by feeding us cubes of rot-cured shark (hakarl) – what I can only describe as the nastiest thing you could ever taste! Thanks for the forewarning, boys! It tasted like eating a raw bat (not that I've ever tasted one, but it's what I would imagine it to taste like – acrid, ammonia-like, rotten and rubbery). The hakarl cubes are usually washed down with the Icelandic liquor, Brennivin, sometimes referred to as “black death” -- what I should have drank to kill the taste.

SOUTH and SOUTHWEST REGIONS

After leaving Reykjavik, we headed south through the countryside. Although there seemed to be no trees in Iceland, the countryside was absolutely stunning! Icelandic horses, sheep and ram freely grazed the green pastures and the highland mountains. The air was so fresh and clear that you could see for miles into the distance. Iceland, which is about the size of Kentucky, has only 300,000 inhabitants, 60% of who live in the Reykjavik area. So the vast majority of the country remains uninhabited, unpolluted and naturally preserved.

Located in the southwest region are the infamous geysers – The Great Geysir (Photo 1 below) and Strokkur. The Great Geysir has been dormant for nearly a decade, including the time of our visit. But it can sprout water up to 200 feet. The smaller geyser, Strokkur, sprouts water every 5 to 10 minutes to a height of about 65 feet. If you visit, be careful not to stand too close to it, since the water will scald you.

Our tour guide brought us to some of the most beautiful landscapes I had ever seen! Did you know Iceland has over 10,000 waterfalls?! We visited some of the best in the region, including the Gullfoss “Golden” Waterfall (Photo 2 below), a double fall where the Hvita River pours into a ravine that stretches over one mile; the Haifoss Waterfall (Photo 3 below), the second highest waterfall in Iceland; and Skogafoss Waterfall (Photo 4 below), my favorite one! Only two words can describe the experience of standing in front of it -- simply amazing!

As part of our tour, we stopped at Thingvellir National Park (the spot where Iceland is being physically torn in half, 1 inch each year, as a result of the Eurasian and North American plates shifting). We also stayed one night in Fludir (Photo 1 below), where we hopped on Icelandic horses and galloped through the countryside – nothing like horseback riding 10 p.m. at night in broad daylight.

In the south, we hiked near the sea cliffs of Dyrholaey and black sand beaches of Vik (Photo 2 below), searching for Iceland’s national bird, the puffin. But they were all hiding, and I can’t really blame them since folks (like Rina!) wanted to eat them. In this region, we passed farmlands located between the black sand coast and mountain cliffs leading to Eyjafjallajokull (ay-uh-fyat-luh-yoe-kuutl-ul), otherwise known as the E-15 volcano -- the same volcano whose ash plume shut down European airports last April. It erupted just a few days after we booked our trip, and it had us worried we would have to alter plans. But the country seemed to be unaffected by it. As a matter of fact, some locals told us that they find eruptions entertaining and purposefully drive closer to the volcanoes to watch the lava spew.

As we headed east to Skogar (Photos 3 and 4 above), we stopped for some snacks at the Folk Museum, which houses antique boats and cars. Right outside the museum is a picturesque view of rich green hills, a well-preserved church, small houses and turf huts, including one that looked like the home of Bilbo Baggins, the Hobbit. I felt like a kid again, weaving in and out of houses built for little people and exploring new found territory! This area was super cute!

SOUTHEAST REGION

When we finally reached the southeast region, we spent a few nights in the town of Kirkjubaejarklauster (ask Rina how to pronounce it). The name means "Church Farm Cloister" and is located near the Skaftafell National Park (Photos 1 below), where I accidentally insulted an ice climber by calling it a crazy sport (and it is!). This park contains the largest icecap in Europe -- the Vatnajokull Icecap (Photo 2 below). Although the icecap looks fairly even, there is a hidden landscape of mountains looming underneath it.

Just east of Skaftafell is the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon (Photos 3 and 4 above), where we cruised through still waters full of huge floating icebergs. This is the same lagoon where the opening scenes of the James Bond film, A View to a Kill, were shot. Some of the icebergs appeared to be very blue, since the sun cannot absorb the color blue. Our guide pulled a small piece of ice from the water and let us have a closer look, so now I can proudly say that I've touched an iceberg.

INTERIOR REGION

The interior region of Iceland is much colder than the coastal areas. It was in this region that we experienced the true meaning of "rough terrain," driving through bumpy dirt roads and crossing rivers and streams. If you plan to travel there, a sports utility vehicle or four-wheel drive is necessary! Some areas looked like the planet Mars (no joke), and this is where NASA practiced moonwalking before Neil Armstrong.

Our tour guide drove us to a region called Landmannalaugar, surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains (Photo 1 below). This is where we did more hiking and sightseeing near a camp site in the area. We also had the option of bathing in a natural hot spring, where I dared Rina to plunge in – in weather that felt like 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Sadly, I lost my 20 bucks. She jumped in with no hesitation. And for another 20 bucks, she was ready to cover her face with the slimy mineral substances floating in that hot spring (and depicted in Photo 2 below). But it was time well spent for Rina, who encountered other (attractive) tourists and is now known as the "Polynesian honey."

REYKJANES PENINSULA

Our final day in Iceland was spent pampering ourselves at the Blue Lagoon (Photos 3 and 4 above), located in the Reykjanes Peninsula. Most of the peninsula has moss-covered lava fields. The mineral-laden Blue Lagoon is well known for its healing powers and white silica mud, which you can use to cleanse and exfoliate your face and body. While there, Rina and I booked “in-water” massages, a treatment that takes place in a private outdoor area. During this treatment, our bodies were cradled on floating mattresses underneath a warm blanket, while the cool outdoor temperatures provided a refreshing balance between hot and cold. The massage was incredible! As I floated on water with the sun beaming down and my body destressed from head to toe, I couldn't help but think (with a smile on my face) that it's moments like these that I've worked so hard for ... and worth every penny! There was no better way to conclude our journey through Iceland!

[CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS OF ICELAND]

Today I said good-bye to my dear Emily. She was my puppy of 15 years and 10 months. No words can really express how much she meant to me ... to us. She was so independent, and yet so charismatic. When it would thunder outside, my other dogs would learn how to climb steps to be with humans who were in the house at the time. But my Emily toughed it out and hid behind the couch downstairs until the rain was gone. My mom and I reminisce about the fun memories of Emily barking when she needed more food, or running to us, then running away so we could chase after her. Putting her leash on for a walk was always a bit challenging. She would also dance around after she went doodie, and then mom would say, "Emily, what did you do?" Emily would run around to show us where she pooped -- like she was very proud of her accomplishment.  I know, for those of you who have never had a pet you've been close to, you may not understand.  But for those who have, these are only the small things I could remember at the moment. It runs even deeper than that. The positive emotions she bestowed upon us and the unconditional love she gave us is absolutely priceless. She was ever so affectionate, and was a great mommy to Smallfry.

Sweet dreams my puppy ... until we meet again.

(September 2, 1994 ~ June 29, 2010 ... forever in my heart)