Episode 16

Asking Icelandic Strangers About Their Happiest Memories – Anne Marie's Travel Experiment

In this episode, Andrew sits down with Anne Marie Wells to hear about her solo hitchhiking trip across Iceland, where she spent weeks asking strangers one question: “What is your happiest memory?”. From there, she would venture out to visit the scene of the memory. Anne Marie shares the emotional highs and quiet moments that defined her trip and how curiosity and courage opened doors she never expected.

Guest: Anne Marie Wells

  • Poet, playwright, and author
  • Creator of the books Write Some Cool Sh!t and Mommy, Why am I a Bird?
  • Upcoming memoir Happy Iceland
  • Website: annemariewellswriter.com

Topics Covered:

  1. Why Anne Marie chose to spend her 30th birthday in Iceland
  2. The origin of her “happiest memory” question
  3. Conversations with strangers across Iceland’s landscapes
  4. Unplanned encounters and the kindness of locals
  5. The emotional impact of traveling solo with purpose
  6. How the experiment became a forthcoming book
  7. Lessons on spontaneity, reflection, and joyful connection

Resources and Links:

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About the Podcast

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One Off Travel Stories
Travel podcast dedicated to sharing unique and captivating travel stories.

About your host

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Andrew Tawaststjerna

Andrew Tawaststjerna is an experienced traveler with a deep-rooted passion for learning about new cultures. He is from Toronto, Canada, and has lived in France, Switzerland, Singapore, and the USA. He has led volunteering projects in Ecuador, with Fundación Ecuador Volunteer, and in Zambia and Namibia with Microsoft's Africa Transformation Office. Through work, studying, volunteering, and exploring he has had the opportunity to visit over 65 countries and has made some amazing friends along the way.