Iceland: Journal Entry: how did Max talk Iris into this?

Upon our inevitable return home, I’ve been contemplating a response to an expected question: how did you convince Iris to join you on this adventure?  Surprisingly, once we returned, and comfortably eased back into our chaotic routines the opportunity to answer this inquiry lie dormant in my subconscious, no one asked and as we re-told our stories I considered that perhaps no one would.  However, eventually, and as expected someone dared to make an appropriate inquiry.

In this entry, I would like to answer this question.

To illustrate the reason why I expected this question and to fill in some details about the parties who were involved: let me give a brief introduction to Iris, and her backpacking/camping career.

Iris a youthful and energetic woman who lives in Toronto and enjoys a structured/ambitious lifestyle:

• Raised in humble origins she came into her prime when she embarked on a journey to conquer the big city of Toronto and eventually evolved into a genuine big city girl
• Although she shares a deep love for the metropolitan lifestyle a special spot in her heart belongs to those wonderful simple beginnings: riding a bike through an open field, enjoying the fresh country air, sampling locally grown delicacies, etc…
• Her camping experience was limited: prior to the trip to Iceland she had a single serious camping excursion; this included a guided tour through the Peruvian Andes; the trip was an arduous ordeal both from the mental and physical perspective.  In addition to challenging terrain, uncomfortable weather conditions, and crippling altitudes, Iris faced motivational psychological trials [standard rights of passage that appear when a person is thrown in a completely foreign environment].  Struggling along, with friends by her side she triumphantly scaled the mountains and came home with an invigorated sense of achievement.  Another bucket list item has been crossed off successfully.

In summary: Iris is not known for her backpacking prowess and in a stereotypical fashion, it was likely that I would be held responsible for luring this young maiden into grueling mountain passes of Icelandic wilderness.

So, given the before mentioned introduction: how did I talk Iris into this?

Simple, Iris wanted to go herself.

Some plausible reasons why [in my humble opinion]:

• There are two types of people who you will find in Iceland: photographers and those who enjoy nature; we love hiking [averaging close to 300K steps a week between the two of us – in Iceland, we averaged 400K] and we love journalistic photography.  To us, it seemed like visiting Iceland would equate to killing two puffins with one stone
• Iceland is a perfect place to visit if you want to advance your outdoor experience following Peru
  • It is safe: low crime, lack of dangerous animals – in Peru we were warned to be careful and stay close to safe areas [Hotels or in presence of our guides]
  • It is gorgeous – OMG, beyond amazing
  • This was my second visit so I had some experience
  • The country promotes the backpacking way of life: the capital of Iceland holds a popular campsite in the core of the city

This image was taken at the Reykjavik. We had a lovely dinner enjoying some freshly bought tomatoes.

• We wanted to make use of our growing inventory of camping equipment
• I am sure, a part of her wanted to spend time with me, participating in activities that I hold dear to my heart [even though those activities involved a reduction in scheduled shower sessions]

And finally, for any man who might find himself in a similar situation and wonder, how?  Be honest, be ready, be patient, prepare, and above all consider that the whole point of spending time together is: to be together.  An amazing view, a warm cup of hot chocolate after a long chilly day, a soothing humming of an ancient waterfall as you wish your partner “good night” – each aspect of the adventure is an icing on the cake – the filling is that you’re together.