Chasing the Aurora in Iceland
In faraway Iceland, there exists a place of magic and mystery, of revelry and reverence, where worshipping and embracing the best that nature has to offer is inevitable.
In this icy land where the mist rises and seems to envelop the glorious rays of the sun, the mesmerizing and blindingly beautiful phenomenon called the aurora borealis can be viewed whether on foot, by car, on a boat or on a luxurious yacht. Bright-green and tantalizing blue streaks of light illumine the sky and one can’t help but realize that it is only a supreme being that can bless the world with such an astounding creation.
This special trip to Iceland was planned by dynamic and lovable architect couple Nikki and Jason Buensalido, together with Nikki’s best friend Patty Que Veloso and her family. Our group joined the bandwagon as soon as we learned about this sojourn.
We were about to descend in the Reykjavik airport when the pilot declared, “There’s a likelihood that we will see the aurora borealis on the left side of the plane.” Embracing the sight of the so-called Northern Lights from the clouds as you are aboard the plane, it’s as though you can touch divinity. However, this announcement was just a prelude to what we would encounter. The pilot turned off the lights inside the plane as we all stared outside at the stark night sky at -5 degrees. However, the aurora borealis was elusive at the moment.
We joked, “My sister Jaqui is the real aurora because her real name is Jaqueline Aurora!” We had a hearty laugh on the Transavia airline. Our other rambunctious companions Dr. Marite Vergara and my ever gregarious BBF Büm Tenorio Jr. were deep in the arms of slumber having experienced a very lengthy 32-hour flight from Manila on board the world’s No. 1 Qatar airline.
I have seen this fire streak in the sky above in Tromso, Norway but I was told Iceland is not just about the Northern Lights. There is much, much more than what the eyes can see and fathom.
Indeed, Iceland is home to a number of stunning waterfalls, geysers, black sand beaches, and glaciers. Experience vibrant Reykjavik, relax in hot springs, and chase the Northern Lights. At every turn, adventure awaits in a land of unique landscapes!
The icy-blue lagoon where steam rises like a Japanese onsen is a must-see spot. Iceland’s dramatic fjords magnify the silhouettes and shadows of the watery caverns and mountains that seem to touch the sky as if in solemn prayer. With bated breath, we waited for the stark explosion of geysers that catch you by surprise as they dramatically rise from beneath the earth, similar to a volcanic explosion, though not of fire, but of ice.
You can best appreciate these natural wonders by swimming in the fjords, soaking your body in the steamy water source while sipping champagne and stargazing. The kids in our group were simply enthralled as they pointed out the various constellations in the sky. From Cassiopeia to Orion’s Belt, Big and Small Dipper, Saturn and more.
Chasing the aurora is one activity people gravitate here for. One can’t just stand still to see it, admire and appreciate it. One must literally chase it. There are aurora borealis guides who assist you in this quest. You don snow suits and boots as you brave the freezing, below-zero climate.
The aurora borealis is caused by light coming into contact with the earth’s magnetic field at certain points, creating this wonderfully bizarre occurrence usually from October to February. NASA helps track the aurora—though not 100-percent accurate—through what they call Aurora Maps but nothing is ever really guaranteed. You just simply pray that you’ll spot this miracle in the sky.
We chased the aurora borealis from 9 p.m. to way past midnight. We had driven an expanse of the city, stopping a few times only to find out there was no aurora on our first attempts. On our last two stops in spots way distant from each other, we witnessed a poetry of green and blue lights in the sky. What a sight to behold when the white streaks splayed across the sky first turned green then blue through the lens of our phone cameras. Then, even without the aid of the camera lens, we watched the aurora with our own eyes. It was an experience of a lifetime.
Iceland is made more charming and quaint because the Christmas spirit resonates in the air here as you can smell the sweet scent of cardamom, cinnamon bark and chestnuts roasting. Red and green wreaths adorn the lovely homes as snow surrounds this magical mise en scene. It resembles a heartwarming scene of a Santa village.
For delicacies, we feasted on lamb shank, fish and chips, sausages in a nearby pub and cafe. Carafes of beer and fruity spirits accompanied the tasty meal. They offered shark meat, which we politely declined. This is a delicacy among the Icelanders.
It is a blessing to be able to experience such magnificence that reflects the omnipotence of the One above, for He is the One from which such dazzling beauty emanates.
Visit the royalty and revelry of Reykjavik. It may be costly but then again, travel is perhaps the only activity that, though you spend on it, makes you richer and wiser. Chase the aurora borealis and embrace this once-in-a-lifetime feat.
