English 
Updated on February 26th, 2025
Did you see the Northern Lights last week? For the first time ever (in my non-scientific assessment), they were clearly visible in the south of the UK where I live.
The skies above my hometown were lit up with a vivid glow of pinks, greens, and blues. I saw it, resplendent all-over social media the day after. It was so evident that it was even observed from the gardens of well-lit areas. I saw photos with sheds and roofs of neighbouring houses clearly displayed.
I was out having dinner with friends. I walked home. I sat in my second floor flat overlooking the local area, where I occasionally see amazing sunsets provocatively peeping over the surrounding blocks of flats.
And I missed it!
I can’t believe I missed it!
I was gutted, but it took me back to one of the most mind-blowing nights I spent chasing the Aurora Borealis in Iceland.
As part of a fantastic yoga retreat in the north of the country, I had spent the most incredible day exploring the fascinating landscapes around Mývatn.
Mývatn is a place like nowhere else on earth. It sits at the point where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and is a geologist’s dream. The area has everything from volcanoes, bubbling mud, steaming earth, otherworldly landscapes, bright blue lakes, and a smell that you will not forget in a hurry! You can read all about it HERE.
We were heading home, after basking in the hot springs watching the sunset. My heart was already full with the sights and smells of a magical day. Our guide stopped the van, looked at the sky and returned with an announcement.
The conditions were perfect to see the Northern Lights!
What?!?
It was the end of August and although seeing the infamous display had been on my Life List since its creation, I wasn’t expecting to be lucky at that time of year. We were a little early to see nature’s most spectacular nocturnal show.
We went with hope and excitement. We drove out into the middle of nowhere, where the light pollution would be at a minimum. We were asked to watch out of the window and shout of we saw anything.
Watch for what? Despite all those years dreaming of this moment, I suddenly realised that I had no idea what I was looking for!
But I dutifully searched, hoping that when something different happened in my section of the sky that I would know.
Then one of the girls tentatively whispered that she thought she could see it. She also had no clue, so we all looked at her in disbelief.
Wide-eyed with hope.
And she had!
We stopped the car as our guide confirmed the sighting before finding an appropriate spot where we could all stand and admire the view safely.
I didn’t know how I could photograph the moment. I had planned to learn all the tricks of how to use my camera before the actual Northern Lights trip. Instead, I just stared in disbelief, pinching myself as whisps of light danced in the sky before my eyes. It felt like a dream and I was filled with awe and gratitude.
And it was white.
Not green, blue, or pink. Just white.
But it was beautiful!
My heart was full. So, did you see them? Have you seen them? I would love to hear all about the experience. Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.
This week over on YouTube, I continue my escapades around Tasmania, Australia. For my latest video, you can join me on a road trip from Launceston to Freycinet National Park in where we make some not-to-be-missed stops. First is a lavender farm, an Instagram and photographers dream (and have you ever tried a lavender latte?). Then onto one of the jewels in crown of Tasmania, the Bay of Fires, so named for the red lichens which light up the rocks around the coast line. You can see it all for yourself HERE.
Until next time,
Safe Travels
Sue x
This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
More of my Adventures…
Blog – Myvatn Geothermal Area, Iceland -12 Unmissable Places to Blow your Mind!
Blog – What is Iceland Famous For? – 25 Reasons to Fall in Love with Iceland
Video – Tasmania, Bay of Fires & Lavender Fields MUST SEE stops on a Tasmanian Road Trip
🏠 For accommodation, I use Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
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