I just returned from Iceland, where I traveled to on a whim, with three of my friends. A friend of my friend was in Iceland promoting a short film. This friend suggested that we all go, just for kicks, to get out of NYC. We agreed to an adventure – we were going to the birthplace of Bjork.

A trip to Iceland is an exercise in appreciating color. The volcanic island, known as “the land of fire and ice”, is located just below the Arctic Circle. It is a landscape of moss covered black lava fields and icy blue water.

Dotting the country are marvels of explosive grey geothermal geysers, rushing green waterfalls, and mesmerizing white glaciers.

These spots can be seen on a coach tour called “The Golden Circle”. You can rent a car, but I enjoy sitting back while someone else drives in the fog. And you get to hear Iceland’s history from Inga – our tour guide (sporting a great visor).

I expected a snowy wonderlandÂ…very Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in Narnia. So I packed furry hats and boots and warm wooly sweaters.

I should have packed short sleeves and another bathing suit. The weather in Iceland is known for its unpredictability; unfortunately, I didnÂ’t know it. Layering is key to surviving all the activities in Iceland, whether at a waterfall, or dancing to a band, in a club. ItÂ’s chilly outside, but once youÂ’re inside, itÂ’s HOT.

Although Iceland is grayish (same weather as London- drizzly, chilly, and foggy) the islanders take advantage of every opportunity to dress in wild colors. All the girls in Iceland dress to impress; very similar to London. Black clad New Yorkers (yes, I fault myself, too) should take a cue from the Islanders. It’s as if the 80’s just hit – but updated it’s fashion standards.

Granted, we went during the Iceland Airwaves festival; the best music festival I’ve ever been to. We saw so many great bands – even a few hometown heroes. Heavy Trash (Jon Spencer from Blues Explosion) and !!! (chk, chk, chk -my new fave band and from Brooklyn- danced for hours). So, obviously everyone put on his/ her best.

The brighter the color, the better; a primary colorÂ’s party every night. Satiny red, yellow, and orange dominate club life. Even the girlsÂ’ shoes were these colors; mostly flats.

Every other girl had some sort of vibrant hair ornament; bright colored resin or a fun feather.

Some guys were dressed colorfully, but alas, jeans are a worldwide uniform (again, IÂ’m at fault.)

Not only are the clothes vivid, but also the homes are painted great colors. All the roofs are different colors – even on the same house. Maybe it’s easier to see through the fog. The view from the lake is like looking at a wall of paint chip samples.

The city of Reykjavik is dotted with very intricate and colorful tile work and public art. It seems the whole country is trying to prevent itself from realizing itÂ’s not sunny days.

An orange tabby becomes a sculpture against the black lava rocks (while dining on lobster scraps, by the harbor).

The most surreal color, of our trip, was the intense milky blue of The Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is the waste of the geothermal plant – providing hot water free, to all homes. The hot mineral rich lagoon is made up of water that is too mineral rich to pump into homes. The wastewater has been created into a fantastic spa. The Blue Lagoon is home to the after party of the music festival. The day we went 2 French DJs played ambient music to a mostly hung over crowd. (It was much more enjoyable than it sounds.)

In the steamy, opaque water are buckets of silica mud for your skin. This concoction is the reason that all Icelanders have beautiful supple skin. A facemask of this and a 6-hour soak in the restorative waters kept my skin hydrated for weeks. Word of advice – WEAR A SWIM CAP! Do not get your hair wet in the Blue Lagoon. Our group is a group of longhaired girls – some still reeling from the effects of all those minerals. We all wound up with hair resembling damp sticky cotton candy. No conditioner in the world can help with the effect –luckily, it occurred on our last day of the trip. But, let me emphasize, that it was all worth it. It is the most magical place I’ve ever been.

Icelandair has great packages to Iceland. You can stop over in Reykjavik, for a few days, on your way to London or Paris – for no extra charge. I highly recommend this plan. Iceland is a great 3 night/ 4 day trip.

I feel privileged to have played a small part in the energy of Iceland. I would like to keep it selfishly to myself, but it is just so lovely; everyone should go. When you start packing, remember my tips. Bring your most colorful outfits and definitely a pair of sunglasses. The brilliant colors of Iceland are dazzling and sometimes blinding.