Dream Destinations Entry #1: I'm a Viking Girl, in a Viking World

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In Iceland's outrageous, white-hot capital Reykjavik, I can only assume an immediate connection with my inner Viking would form. Perhaps it would rear its head -- horned-helmet-clad, of course -- while deliberating with locals about whether elves really do exist in the sparse country's nether regions (apparently that's up for real debate, which in all honesty should be intrigue enough for anyone to go). Or maybe I'll go all Viking while romping au natural--soaking up the midsummer's night dew for its so-called medicinal qualities or steeping in the steamy Blue Lagoon, a geothermally warmed pool set in hardened lava that's famous for its eerily calming effect.

In the likely occasion that my Leif Erikson within stays repressed, I'll opt instead to sample the city's mod offerings: browsing for Bjork-style swan dresses among the vintage duds in Sputnik and other boutiques along main street Laugavegur; joining the impromptu hipster dance party and stocking up on Lite-Brite-hued leggings at the quirky Naked Ape shop; noshing on modern takes on traditional Icelandic dishes at the much-hyped Siggi Hall; and reveling on a runtur (pub crawl) in the summer's midnight sun with a geyser of a more dangerous flavor -- homegrown Reyka vodka. Ultimately, I'll join the achingly cool throng at ramshackle Sirkus bar and bed on the fancy side of the velvet rope at the luxe boutique 101 Hotel, with its brazen bathrooms sans doors and fogged-glass showers. But in a place bragging 20 hours of daylight, I trust the hotel room is a mere formality.