In September 2021 I took a trip to Iceland that I will never forget…. It was such a beautiful experience that I decided to publish a song about it: “That Memory”.
It was a group trip organized by SiVola.
From Rome to Reykjavik: My trip to Iceland begins
On September 6, 2021 (a Monday) I left Rome Fiumicino taking a low-cost flight offered by Wizz. Almost a three-hour flight to get to Reykjavik: the airline was punctual and no problems occurred either on the outward or return journey.
My experience in Iceland can be encapsulated in this beautiful sentence that I photographed as soon as I arrived at the Icelandic airport.
Seeing Iceland is like observing another planet. You find settings that make you really wonder if you are on the planet earth you have always known. Pristine nature with colors that, when viewed over the phone, seem to be retouched/photoshopped.
Volcano Fagradalsfjall
The first night we stayed in the hotel.
The next day, we first visited the volcano Fagradalsfjall.
Fagradalsfjall is a volcano located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland. It began erupting on March 19, 2021, marking the first volcanic eruption on the peninsula in over 800 years.
The eruption occurred in Geldingadalir, a valley on the southwestern slopes of Fagradalsfjall. The lava flows from the eruption have created a stunning and surreal landscape, with rivers of molten rock flowing down the mountain and steam rising from the cooling lava.
The eruption has drawn a great deal of attention from locals and tourists alike, with many people making the trek to see the volcano up close. The Icelandic authorities have established a safe viewing area for visitors, which allows them to watch the eruption from a distance while ensuring their safety.
The eruption of Fagradalsfjall has also provided scientists with a unique opportunity to study the geology and geophysics of the area, as well as the impact of volcanic activity on the surrounding ecosystem. Overall, the eruption has been a fascinating and awe-inspiring event that has captured the world’s attention.
Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir National Park is a stunning natural wonder located in southwestern Iceland. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular destination for tourists who come to admire its unique geological features and learn about its historical significance.
One of the most remarkable features of Þingvellir is the Almannagjá fissure, which is a deep crack in the earth’s surface that runs for several kilometers through the park. The fissure was created by the movement of the tectonic plates that form the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which runs through Iceland. As the plates move apart, they create deep cracks and fissures in the earth’s surface, which can be seen at Þingvellir.
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In addition to its geological wonders, Þingvellir is also an important historical site. It was here that the Alþingi, Iceland’s parliament, was established in 930 AD, making it one of the oldest parliaments in the world. The parliament met at Þingvellir every summer for more than 800 years, until it was moved to Reykjavik in the 19th century. Today, visitors to Þingvellir can see the remains of the parliament buildings and learn about Iceland’s rich political history.
Another interesting feature of Þingvellir is the Silfra fissure, which is a deep crack filled with crystal-clear water. The water in Silfra is some of the purest in the world, and it is popular among divers who come to explore its underwater caves and tunnels.
Overall, Þingvellir National Park is a fascinating and unique destination that offers a glimpse into Iceland’s geological and historical past. It is a must-see for anyone visiting the country, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
Another fantastic attraction that is impossible to miss are the Geysers.
The geysers of Iceland are some of the country’s most iconic natural wonders. Located in the Haukadalur valley in southwestern Iceland, they are a popular destination for tourists who come to see the powerful eruptions of hot water and steam.
One of the most famous geysers in Iceland is Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes, sending a plume of water and steam high into the air. The eruptions are truly spectacular, and they are a testament to the geothermal activity that takes place beneath the earth’s surface in Iceland.
In addition to Strokkur, there are several other geysers in the Haukadalur valley that are worth visiting, including Geysir, which is the geyser that gave its name to all geysers. Although Geysir is less active than Strokkur, it still erupts occasionally, and it is a fascinating sight to see.
The geysers of Iceland are not only beautiful and awe-inspiring, but they also play an important role in the country’s geothermal energy production. Iceland is one of the few countries in the world that generates the majority of its electricity from geothermal sources, and the geysers are an important part of this system.
Visitors to the geysers can also explore the surrounding area, which is home to several hot springs and mud pots. These natural features are a testament to the power of geothermal activity and the unique geology of Iceland.
Overall, the geysers of Iceland are a must-see destination for anyone visiting the country. They are a fascinating and beautiful natural wonder that offers a glimpse into the power of the earth’s geothermal activity.
Andrea Pimpini is a student of Economics and Management at the University of Chieti-Pescara and, from September 2022 to February 2023, he is also an Erasmus+ student at the University of Split (Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism). Andrea has also taken three courses offered by the prestigious CERGE-EI Foundation and, being a Japanese language enthusiast, has taken two courses provided by the Japan-Abruzzo Association. In 2022, Andrea took the courses “Music Business Foundations,” “Copyright Law in the Music Business” and “Building your career in music: Developing a brand and financing your music” offered by Berklee Online on Coursera.org.
A big hobby of Andrea’s is music and, thanks to his college and web experiences, he manages everything on his own (print and radio promotion, digital marketing, etc.). Media success is not long in coming: in 2020, live streams are shared on national newspapers such as Sky TG24, alongside well-known names from the Italian music scene (Modà, Francesco Renga, Nek, etc.). In 2021, Billboard places Andrea at the top of a chart for 3 consecutive weeks. Finally, in 2022, Il Messaggero, one of the most popular and best-selling newspapers in Italy, interviews Andrea.