Concealed Association and Undisclosed Relationships
In the picturesque town of Árnes, a surprising encounter took place at a local gas station when a childhood friend was met, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure. This encounter marked the beginning of the "Secret Circle" tour, organised by the travel company Glacial Experience, which took participants on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of southern Iceland.
The tour commenced at the home of travel blogger Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir, who welcomed the group with open arms. From there, the journey led them to the Fossárdalur valley, where the awe-inspiring Háifoss waterfall awaited. Cascading down 128 metres (420 ft) into a deep gorge, Háifoss is one of Iceland's highest waterfalls, its snow-white appearance a stark contrast against the surrounding black lava rocks. The waterfall is divided in two by a black rock in the centre, creating a mesmerising sight that left everyone in awe.
As the group continued their journey, they were captivated by the magical view of Gjáin rift, located in Þjórsárdalur valley. This enchanting area is filled with numerous creeks, waterfalls, and lava formations, providing a truly unique and otherworldly experience. It is no wonder that Gjáin was chosen as a location for one of the episodes of the popular TV series, Game of Thrones.
During the tour, the group also visited Hjálparfoss, a waterfall in Fossá river, which appeared white against the black lava rocks surrounding it. Granni, another waterfall, was discovered near Háifoss, cascading down the cliffs.
As the group approached Gullfoss waterfall, they found a new perspective of the famous landmark as they came from the east bank of Hvítá river. Gullfoss plunges down two different drops, the first one being 11 metres (36 ft) high, the second one 21 metres (69 ft).
The tour also took them past the volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull, and the Vestmannaeyjar islands were visible as they passed by the ocean. In the distance, the island of Surtsey, which emerged from a volcanic eruption in 1963, could be seen.
Perhaps the most surprising moment of the tour came when it was discovered that Regína and Kjartan, the tour guide and company owner, were third cousins. This unexpected connection further emphasised the strong ties of family that are so deeply rooted in Icelandic culture.
In Iceland, family connections are often traced through a broader kinship network, and terms like "frænka mín" (my female cousin or female relative) and "frændi minn" (my male cousin or male relative) are key for describing cousin-like relationships or other close family bonds within the extended family circle. These terms underline how Icelanders acknowledge and preserve family connections, often involving cousins and other extended relatives as significant parts of their social and familial life.
Kjartan Valgarðsson, the tour guide and owner of Glacial Experience, led the group on a journey through Iceland's breathtaking landscapes, offering a unique and unforgettable experience that showcased the beauty of the country while highlighting the importance of family ties in Icelandic culture.
- The group's captivating journey also included volcanoes, as they passed by Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull, with the island of Surtsey in the distance, which emerged from a volcanic eruption in 1963.
- After visiting the mesmerising Gjáin rift and the enchanting waterfall Hjálparfoss, the group travel ed to Granni, another waterfall cascading down the cliffs.
- As they delved deeper into their unforgettable adventure, the group learned more about the local lifestyle and kinship network, discovering that their tour guide, Kjartan, was a third cousin of travel blogger Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir, emphasising the strong ties of family that are so deeply rooted in Icelandic culture.
