Undercover Group and Concealed Links
A serendipitous day trip to Iceland's south unveiled an array of new connections and revelations for a traveler. The journey began with a private guided tour called "The Secret Circle," offered by Glacial Experience, and led by the company's owner, Kjartan Valgarðsson.
Upon meeting Kjartan for the first time in a black Landcruiser, an unlikely bond was forged instantly, as they discovered they shared three common acquaintances—all of whom happened to be the traveler's cousins. The shared connection sparked a conversation about the hidden ties that bind Icelanders, with the warmest form of address in the Icelandic language being "frændi minn" or "frænka mín," which translates directly to 'my relative' in English.
The group then visited Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir, a travel blogger, where a further connection was made. As they ventured eastward, they marveled at the breathtaking scenery, which included the volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull, and the Vestmannaeyjar islands, each one shining like a diamond against the ocean.
The tour took an unexpected turn when a chance encounter occurred at a gas station in Árnes. The traveler was greeting by an old friend who had relocated to Germany, followed by an emotional reunion with the friend's husband, who turned out to be their son. In a delightful twist, it was revealed that Kjartan and the husband had once shared an apartment during their studies in Iceland.
Moving on from the heartwarming reunion, the group visited Hjálparfoss waterfall, which appeared ethereally white against the surrounding black lava rocks, resembling the wedding veils of two brides. The journey continued to Háifoss waterfall, one of the country's highest, where a half-hour hike down a narrow trail revealed its mesmerizing beauty. Háifoss, or the 'snow-white horsetail,' was swept to the side by the wind, with a rainbow forming at its base.
The next destination was an enchanting rift called Gjáin, which had served as a filming location for Game of Thrones. The magical landscape, filled with numerous creeks, waterfalls, and lava formations, was a picture straight out of a fairy tale.
The tour concluded with a unique perspective of Gullfoss, Iceland's most famous waterfall. Approaching it from the east bank of Hvítá river required traversing a challenging road only suitable for well-equipped 4x4s. Standing behind the waterfall, the upper part seemed larger and wider, while the lower part was not as visible due to our position. The endless line of tourists, clad in vibrant outdoor apparel, could be seen from this vantage point, reminiscent of Ludo pieces carefully arranged on the board.
As the trip drew to a close, a final revelation awaited. Passing Ingólfsfjall mountain, Regína pointed to a nearby farm and revealed that her grandfather had once owned the land. Upon hearing this, Kjartan reacted with surprise and joy, realizing they were third cousins. The conversation then turned to discussing their various family connections, with the traveler expressing a desire to uncover more common ancestors using an indispensable Icelandic genealogy website, Íslendingabók.
In conclusion, the day trip was a fascinating journey filled with unexpected connections, breathtaking landscapes, and heartwarming reunions. The travel industry in Iceland plays a crucial role in bringing people together, although it can also present challenges such as overcrowding and financial strain for families organizing reunions. Nonetheless, the potential for family ties to be rekindled or strengthened is an undeniable aspect of Iceland's thriving tourism scene.
- The traveler's relationship with Kjartan deepened as they discovered they shared a common ancestor, making them third cousins.
- Despite the various challenges in the tourism industry, it has been instrumental in connecting individuals and families like the traveler and Kjartan.
- The traveler expressed interest in exploring their family history further, planning to use the Icelandic genealogy website, Íslendingabók, to uncover more common ancestors.
