A Tale of Two Travels

As my heart pitter-patters for the next destination, I figured it would be a good time to finally document last year's two big travels... Kaua'i and Iceland. 

 

Kaua'i. In early October, we went to Kaua'i with Hasen's family (about 30 of us) and the greatest part is that the trip was basically free, a place to stay + sky miles = cha'ching. This was the first time Hasen had ever been, so the only previous memory he associated with Hawaii was the rich brats from his childhood bragging about going with their family every year... so he was a little skeptical before the trip began. Needless to say, it was a hit, he loved it. Such a beautiful place.
 

 

Na Pali Cost, Hawaii

ICEland. Exactly a month after Hawaii, we were off to Iceland. This was also a screamin' deal we couldn't pass up - $600 round-trip flight & music festival tickets to Iceland Airwaves included.  Of course we spent way more than expected once we were there... but it was seriously worth every penny. I immediately fell in love with this majestical & mythical place.  With its volcanic black-sandy beaches, lush waterfalls, geothermal pools, intense winds and ever-changing weather,  Iceland is the most unique and surreal place I've ever been.

The seven of us rented a house in the colorful city of Reykjavik

Hasen, Teri, Joey, Chris, Emily, Rachel & Erin

Downtown Reykjavik, Iceland

Hallgrimskirkja Church, Reykjavik

'Foss' - the Iclandic word for waterfall

...and there were plenty to see

Gullfoss, Iceland

Skogafoss, Iceland

What 50+ MPH winds will do to you.
Poor lil' Rachel, we almost lost her to the wind (see video)

My favorite day, was when we went to the beach. 

Not your typical day at the beach, very cold & rainy, 

but one of the most beautiful places i have seen nonetheless 

Reynisfjara beach, South Iceland

Basalt columns in Reynisfjara beach

We have so many pictures from this beautiful place

 

The music festival was the cherry on top of this amazing trip. Phantogram was a highlight for me.  

Waiting over an hour and a half for Sigur Ros to start.

Chris, not so happy. 

It definitely ended up being well worth the wait. 
Being an Icelandic band, you can tell Sigur Ros' music was inspired by this magical place. Their music is just as beautiful.