Reykjavik, Iceland.

After an hour amid random whirlwinds of snow we drove our little Nissan Micra to the Reykjavik Lights hotel. It was 9AM but the city was still shrouded by a saturated darkness. This was an interesting welcome.

A 3-hour power nap later we were out and about in the city. First stop: Hallgrimskirkja, the most iconic building in Iceland with its uniquely shaped outline. We caught the 2PM Boxing Day service where a choir of Icelandic boys performed for the congregation.

A quick drive takes us to Perlan, with a beautiful vantage point to capture the sunset and recreate childhood cartoon memories.

Our first restaurant destination is Icelandic Fish & Chips, where 3 fresh daily catches are lightly battered and served with your choice of salad and dipping. We went for the classic tartar sauce along with mango and honey mustard. All were finger-licking good with deep fried goodness.

The day wraps up with a proper finale. We had doubts whether we could catch the elusive Northern Lights given forecasts calling for cloud cover that prevents a proper viewing; thankfully the meteorologists prove false prophets for the night.

Looking up at the serendipitous flickers of green and a sky full of stars that might not have been, I count my blessings. In that moment, I am truly the luckiest person in the world.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” -St. Augustine