I have heard so many great things about Iceland. A couple of people in my family went to Iceland last year, and they had only positive things to say about this country. It honestly made me excited but also nervous about the trip: I wanted to see everything, but what if I couldn?t? I?m happy to report that I have seen so many beautiful things here. From the golden circle to the city of Reykjavik, it was all incredible. Iceland is like nothing I have ever seen. The closest place I can compare it to is Scotland or Ireland and those places hardly compare. Iceland naturally does not have many trees, but the rock formations are incredible. The rocks are mostly covered with moss, and that combination makes for a picturesque landscape. With the lava rock fields in the countryside, Reykjavik is just as pretty. It is not your traditional city. With not many buildings over two stories, you can get a fantastic view over the city from the church that sits atop the hill in the city. Another goal I had when coming on this trip was to gain an understanding of the local people and businesses. I?ve heard about the cultural differences between America and Nordic countries but I have not seen it for myself. I hope to meet and learn from the people I meet along the way and see what they think about Iceland as a local. For starters, I think Iceland is a more relaxed country in general, and America is more fast-paced. This was refreshing and showed me that the American way of life is not the only way. I think it is important for anyone to learn from other cultures and apply that knowledge in their daily lives. I believe it makes for a well-balanced lifestyle, which is why I am so grateful that Texas A&M is giving me this opportunity to learn more about another culture.