AdventureDad

The AdventureDad family is on a different vacation this week.  We're on a ***gasp*** domestic vacation on the  Swedish island of Gotland.  It has so far been a short and easy trip with the children with almost magical experiences in the scenic and child friendly town of Visby We're taking notes and will likely be changing some of our future travel plans.  This place is almost to good to be true and might become a regular hangout for us.

Our normal vacations include long flights with the kids, lots of luggage and jet lag.  The trips are always a great experience  but can be demanding.  Vacation to Gotland is simply ideal for us, especially considering our 1-year old daughter is very impatient and does not like to sit in the car seat unless she's sleeping.

Visiting Gotland adds an exciting event, at least for our son, a 3 hour ferry ride with the car.    After  45 minute drive we drive onto the  ferry and park the car with the bikes still mounted on the  roof (no theft, you're in Sweden….). Standing with my son ride next to the huge ferry as it parks was  a cool start of the trip. The kids can then run around on the large ferry, have a bite to eat, and visit the kids cinema or playroom.  It sure beats a crowded international flight.

Arriving in the center of Visby, the largest (but still tiny) town on the fairly large island, is surreal. It's a modern town in medieval settings.  The town originates 1100 years ago(!) and there is still a 2 mile stone wall surrounding city center.  It's a beautiful sight, and it becomes more special when realizing the wall is 700 years old.

It feels a bit like an ancient Italian village with tiny cobblestone streets. There's an amazing number of cozy cafe's and restaurants. A difference from Italy would be no Italian men running around saying how much they love you after exchanging three words.  Instead you will find lots of stunning blond Swedish women but they are more likely asking for all night partying or wild  sex than saying how much they love you.  I like that better.

Through my work we have access to some real estate in various part of the country.  We were  positively surprised as we walked into a HUGE place with a nice garden and ocean views.  We could easily host a party for 150 people and not be short on space.  Makes it a lot easier as the kids try to kill each other go nuts and chase each other around. 

I'm so surprised and excited by this destination.  It's well known in Sweden but it has never appealed to me before.  It's the perfect place for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or  singles hangout.  The ancient wall around town, the cobblestone streets, and old stone houses give the little town a great mix of old and new.  We must dump the kids somewhere and come back!

Categories: Family, Travel
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