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After Visiting 90 Countries and Promising Never to Repeat Destinations, an American Broke Her Own Rule After Falling in Love with Iceland — a Country She Visited Three Times and Considers the Only One Worthy of Being Revisited
Traveling the world is a dream that few manage to achieve with such dedication. The American who has visited 90 countries has always maintained a personal rule: never repeat the same destination twice. For her, the planet is too vast to revisit what has already been seen. “Why go back to the Coliseum if I still haven’t seen the Pyramids?,” she used to say, defending the idea of accumulating new experiences with each stamp in her passport.
This philosophy reflected her curiosity and constant desire to explore the unknown. She believed that each country offered something unique — and that time was too short to repeat itineraries.
But, as is often the case with many travelers, an unexpected destination ended up challenging her own rule.
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Iceland: The Country That Broke the Rule
The exception came from Northern Europe. Iceland captivated the traveler so much that she returned not once, but three times.
“I’ve visited three times and I definitely intend to go back. It’s the only country I would return to over and over,” she confessed.
The first trip happened almost by chance, after a friend convinced her to visit the country. The short distance also helped: departing from Washington D.C., it’s less than five hours to Reykjavik.
Upon arrival, the American encountered a huge rainbow painted in the center of the Icelandic capital. The symbol of inclusion deeply marked her arrival. “It was a beautiful and unmistakable sign that everyone is welcome in Iceland,” she recalled.
Reykjavik Surprised with Culture and Warmth
With about 140,000 inhabitants, Reykjavik seems small, but offers an intense cultural life. “I was surprised by the amount of things to do,” she said, enchanted by the energy of the city.
Museums, cafes, markets, and street art are part of a vibrant and welcoming scene that contrasts with the Nordic cold.
The feeling of belonging was immediate. “I felt at home in Iceland. The people are incredibly friendly and proud to show their country,” she reported.
The hospitality of the Icelanders, according to her, is one of the reasons why the country became unforgettable.
Adventures in the Arctic and at the Heart of Nature
The second trip came just three months after the first. This time, the American boarded an expedition cruise heading north in the country. The experiences were intense and unique.
During the journey, she observed whales at sea, crossed the Arctic Circle, and walked among mountains and lava fields of almost unreal landscapes.
Each moment reinforced the feeling that Iceland was a place unlike anything she had ever experienced.
Five months later, the return happened again. The reason? To see the Northern Lights and experience the country covered in snow.
“Every time I go back, I discover something new. Next time, I want to witness a volcanic eruption,” she stated, showing that her curiosity for the island is far from over.
Cuisine That Surpasses Paris
Among so many surprises, Icelandic cuisine stood out. Famous for its hot dogs and ice cream, Reykjavik also offers a sophisticated dining scene.
Local restaurants serve creative dishes with typical ingredients, and the traveler assures that the Icelandic sweets and cakes surpass even those in Paris.
This praise, coming from someone who has traveled 90 countries, shows how the country can enchant not only with its natural scenery but also with the flavors and details of everyday life.
What Makes Iceland So Special
For the traveler, Iceland brings together everything an explorer seeks: untouched nature, vibrant culture, and a constant feeling of discovery.
Volcanoes, glaciers, lava fields, and black sand beaches make up the contrast that gave rise to the nickname “land of fire and ice.”
“I didn’t want to leave,” she admitted. “Every time I come back, there’s something new to discover.” Thus, the country broke her golden rule and became an emotional refuge — a reminder that sometimes the right place is one we always want to return to.
With information from Correio Braziliense.
Eu conheço 100 países e tb pensava assim até conhecer a Eslovênia. Já fui 2 vz e vou voltar ano que vem.
Como eu gostaria de conhecer! Fiquei empolgada com as informações. Quem sabe!
As pessoas fazem comentários criticando o país, com todos os erros de digitação e português possíveis, coisa de gente desleixada e ignorante! Pelo menos revisem as mer*** que escrevem!