The one way to make a vacation last longer is to prolong your blog which I certainly have done. This video gives you an idea of the southern coast of Gotland, an island with a rich history off the coast of the mainland.
Churches from the 11th and 12th century can be found across the island.
Viking runes and burial sites with even older bronze and iron age gravesites also dot the island.
Visby, the largest town on the island, is surrounded by a medieval wall.
Cobblestone streets with historic homes, church ruins and some pretty interesting restaurants and shops fill up this town. If you arrive by a cruise ship, be sure to give the locals some business! If you don't know about the tradition of having "fika" every day with your favorite "bulla", now is the time to learn!
This friendly looking chap has a prominent spot in the botanical garden. You may not recognize this Swedish botanist and zoologist but you certainly know his name for his famous contribution to science with binomial nomenclature....Last name begins with L if you need some help.
We didn't spend much time in Visby rather we wanted to explore the countryside and nearby islands. Windmills, thatched-roof buildings and sheep were a common sight.
Traditionally, farmers also had fishing huts along the coast. A few of these villages still exist.
A problem traveling with me is that I always want to stop to take a photo. How many hedgehog crossing signs have you ever seen? Of course, I wanted to stop! Unfortunately, I never got to see any of these cute critters in person.
Exactly one month ago today, we visited one of the world's oldest nature preserves, Stora Karlso.
Thanks to this protected status, thousands of seabirds find sanctuary nesting along the cliffs. The most abundant, the common guillemots, had already nested and returned to sea before we arrived.
This will be our next volunteer "lookout" job. Instead of being on the mountain top, we can overlook the sea.
Farewell from this unique island.
Next time you come to visit, remind us to show you how to play Kubb but it will have to be after "fica".
Click on photos to enlarge. Photos and content by Robin Roberts.
