There are two words that can describe crossing the Northern Atlantic Ocean: Blue and white. Blue sky, white clouds, blue ocean, white clouds, blue sky, white clouds… Wait… Is that land?

Anyone who has glanced at a world map has giggled over that frozen landmass labelled ‘Greenland’. How can a country predominantly made up of ice have landed with the most tropical sounding name in the world? Well blame the vikings. Yep those pillaging, raping, bloodthirsty warriors are responsible for the most ironic country name on planet earth. In particular, an Icelandic viking commonly known as ‘Erik the Red’, who was exiled from Iceland for Manslaughter. He settled on the coast of this icy continent and in an attempt to attract other settlers to keep him company on the icy landmass,  gave it the tantalisingly deceiving name.

If you weren’t aware that the white land below existed, you could easily mistake the fresh white view for a lower cloud cover. But on closer inspection you will realise the glaciers and icebergs below do have that slight tint of blue which simply screams ‘ice’.

Seeing Greenland from above is a truly amazing experience that is hard to even describe. I have been so lucky to have experienced it on numerous occasions, and each time I am still in awe.Icebergs that look so insignificant from above are really colossal chunks of ice, some reaching well over the height of 15-story buildings. Each making it’s own journey out down the beautiful blue fjords that cut through the land. The further inland you look, the deeper the ice becomes, eventually leading to those magnificent glaciers, that form the frozen wasteland accounting for 99% of the country.

On my most recent visit to the icy country I had a front row seat, a definite perk of flying on an 8-seater jet. Perk number 2: We got to fly a lot lower than the commercial planes. The view was spectacular. My feelings of insignificance were high as we approached Narsarsuaq, a city of 90 people, for a quick refuelling stopover that somehow became an overnight stay ft. fantastic views, friendly locals and many, many beers.

TBC.