#3 Johanna | Tour guide in Iceland

One of the best decisions I have made was joining a private tour to the South in Iceland and that I got to know my wonderful guide, Johanna. I told Johanna my story and asked if she mind sharing her story.

Being seated in a cozy and bright restaurant with natural sunlight just next to Skogafoss, we started our chat.

Q.1 How long have you been working as a guide?

I have been a tour guide for 2 years and I was working in a guest house and as a farmer.

Q.2 Why did you start your career as a guide?

I am a nature-lover. I like driving on a jeep, meeting new people and enjoy listening to their stories, just like your story.

I moved to the town 4 years ago and tried a job with office hour but I was sick of it. Honestly, I have never thought of being a guide.

Q.3 Do you think growing up in the South helps to cultivate you as a nature-lover?

Yes, there are lots of mountains in the South and one of my hobbies is hiking. I also worked as a farmer for a long time and that I am close to the nature.

Q.4 There is a saying “People living in Iceland are happy”. Do you agree with this statement?

For me yes. I am always happy when I wake up and that I believe it will be a bright day. I love all the seasons and even celebrate for the seasons.

How about people in Iceland in general?

I believe people are most of the time happy. We have cases of suicide here too and it is especially common with young men these days. These may be depression-related.

Q.5 How would you describe your life in Iceland?

It’s crazy! Every day is about day tours, staying in highland or on the road. I may be working on outdoor training if I am not working. I try to balance all the roles I am playing, my work, my hobby and my family (P.S. I am a grandma).

Q.6 Do you have any words of encouragement for my students or people who are struggling to take an adventure?

My sharing is “always work hard”. I have been working very hard for my jobs in the past, even as a farmer. I think we can always quit our job.

We can do whatever we want and if you are not happy or don’t have passion with your job, why not trying another one?

If you think you can, you can achieve anything. Passion in life is important. I have strong passion in life and responsibility for my work, like I have to be 100% sure for all the drives while I am on tour. I never take risk as I am responsible for the lives of others. My life is like driving a car. I look forward but not looking backward.

Q.7 Do you think working as a guide will be your life-long job?

Yes I do but we never know what will happen tomorrow. There may be new things popping up.

Apart from her story, I also asked Johanna further about Iceland and people in Iceland.

Q.8 What do you like best in Iceland?

I like the water and the fresh air best and people in Iceland appreciate our water very much. We usually drink water and milk during our meal instead of wine.

Q.9 What is the perception of Iceland people towards natural hazards?

We are well-prepared. We are not afraid of natural hazards and we live with them. We know that there is well-trained rescue team in Iceland and if natural hazard occur, we react step by step.