“Memories” on Facebook are funny things. They can remind us of simple, sweet moments, grand occasions, or even bitter losses. Today, my “memories” featured a picture of the fabulous Cathedral in Reykjavik, Iceland. The Hallgrimskirkja Church is the most iconic urban landmark in this truly extraordinary country. I visited Iceland one Easter a number of years ago. I miss being able to travel—and I want to go back.

During my heady days of globe-trotting, I booked a trip to the capital of Iceland, leaving New York on Wednesday and returning on Easter Monday. At the time, Iceland Air used Boston’s Logan Airport as it’s hub, so I took a quick flight from NYC to Boston and then changed planes to fly the rest of the way. Apparently, I made the transfer but my luggage did not. So I arrived to my hotel empty handed, only to realize that Iceland takes the high Christian holidays seriously. The Lutheran Church of Iceland is the official state religion and businesses are closed for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. So whether I liked it or not, I would be wearing my red skirt suit for my entire trip. (Think a Nancy Reagan power suit.) I stuck out like a very sore thumb!

So, I saw the sites and rested and dined, looking like a wayward flight attendant. But, I can roll with the punches, and the highlight of the trip was Easter services at this stunning cathedral. I understood little—the Icelandic language is a stretch—but nothing could have been better than seeing the choir of angelic little Icelandic children singing about the Lord’s Resurrection. I treasure that memory and want to go back—as soon as the pandemic is over.