In so many senses of that phrase. I want to share our trip to Gotland and also we have exciting news about our new apt (that is new, new apt as it is different from the one we were planning to go to).
First off, Gotland was just amazing. The ferry from Stockholm to the town of Visby was 3 hours. It was a big ferry like the ones in AK or WA (Pudget Sound). Saniya was all over the place. There was a play room for her. They are Pippi Longstocking crazed here, so she watched part of the movie in Swedish as well. All four of us had our own seat, but we only paid for 2 adults. Kids are free, but get a seat as well. It was great! We arrived and rented bikes with a child seat on each bike and a cargo cart. Rob still likes to tell me how HEAVY the cart is. It was pretty brutal, I have to say. But he was kind drama about it too. We stayed about 4 km up the coast from Visby. The campground was on the water. We peddled along a bike path on the waterfront. It was beautiful and relaxing going to and from. We stayed at a campground near the town the last night and that was a whole different story. More of that later, but let's just say "teenybopper party zone".
So Visby is a preserved medieval town. It has the original walls and towers from the 12th c. The house are from the 14th C. and on. They are cobblestone lanes. There are medieval church ruins all over the town and an impressive cathedral from the 13th C. still in use. Traffic is mainly bikes and pedestrians so it was great for cruising around with kids. We spent 3 days there roaming the streets. We also went to the Visby museum. Rob can tell you all about that.
Then we headed north. We spent 3 and 1/2 days on the bikes. We cruised the country side for medieval churches. There are over 100 on the island all still in use. There are ruins of churches as well. There is minimal car traffic, so we could meander on country lanes and stop when needed. The churches were incredible. In the churches are wall paintings from the 12th C. on. Each church labeled what history it offered. There were intense wood doors and huge keys in the key hole and a sign say "Valkommen (Welcome) please close door when you leave". Our amazement was this art work and precious artifacts that were 800 years old and there was no vandalism, no one watching to make sure they remained safe. We would just go in and hang out and see incredible art and then close the door when finished. No one runs off with it, or disrespect it, or harms it in anyway. That was I think just as incredible as a society, as the art.
After that, Rowan and Saniya were so NOT into being on the bikes at all. We crossed to the adjacent island of Faro on a small car ferry. Saniya was INTO it. We went to a beautiful white sand beach with small rolling waves and clear water. We camped just behind the beach. We spent 4 days there, just hanging out and enjoying the sun and water. Rowan loved the sand and Saniya loved the water, until she became scared of the fish, and then she loved the shore BY the water making sand castles.
We headed back to Visby after that. It took us 2 days of biking. We stopped at more churches and stayed in a hostel. The hostel was very family oriented. It was nice and we think we will try more hostels in Europe. It wasn't the youth only type of place where I have spent way to many nights in the past. There were young people, older women, other families. A nice mix.
In Visby we stayed at this hilarious campground in the town. It is where the 15-20 year olds come, set up a tent, drink and that's it. It was like the parking lot camping party zone. We were not near them, but to see them and hear them was hilarious. It was our last night before the ferry. There were people coming in at all hours with their RV's, Saniya wet the sleeping bag she and I were sharing, it was a classic night.
The ferry back was funny. There were so many families with small children. Maybe because it was the end of July? I don't know. I felt like we were at a toddler amusement park. We had a Saniya meltdown going from the ferry to the train to take us home. So, we missed the train and waited for another. Then it started raining walking to our house after the train. But, really in all, that feels minimal to all of the other problems we could have experienced, but didn't.
It was a slow going, but really good trip. The bikes and the camping was great to pace ourselves depending on the little ones. The complete lack of amenities was not so great, but we kind of got used to it.
Rob will add some better history of the island and pixs.
I almost forgot... Well, we received word while away that the complex we were intending to move to in a year had an opening. At first, we dismissed it and thought, "we have a contract with the family that is going to Italy". Then, I had a sleepless night and really considered the options. This meant an incredible financial savings, close to Rob's work, Rowan and Saniya won't have to move again until we leave, no changing school and friends. So, Rob and I reconsidered. He had refused the apt. the day prior, but they still let him take it when he phoned the next morning. We move in Sept. 16th. We will need to leave here mid Aug. We set up a temporary apt for two weeks. Now we will have to find another place for 3 weeks after that, but then we will stay put. It is 900 sq ft., 2 bedrooms, balcony, cable tv, phone, all utilities, and completely furnished. It looks like we can get a crib, or childrens bed or adult bed. We just request it. It is for postdocs only and normally a year waiting list. Rob said that someone canceled and that is why we were offered it. Here is the website for it:
http://www.swgc.org/index.aspx?pageID=32
It is the round part around the highrise. We have the 3 room apt. I think their is a gym, childcare center on site, playground and well, I'll let you know what else when we get there.
Here are the qualifications, so it is really specific and amazing we qualify.
GUEST APARTMENTS FOR SCIENTISTS
Wenner-Gren Foundations offer apartments for foreign guest researchers working in laboratories in Stockholm. The Center is situated close to the city center as well as to the University of Stockholm, the Royal Academy of Sciences, the Karolinska Institute, the Karolinska Hospital, the Royal Institute of Technology and the Stockholm School of Economics. Those who are accepted as tenants receive a fellowship (subsidy), which reduces the rent considerably.
Due to the very long waiting list for tenancy at Wenner-Gren Center the Foundations can only accept applications from postdoctoral scientists with a PhD-degree. The Fundation cannot accept applications from students.
Applications must be submitted either before arriving in Sweden or within six months of arrival.
Six different sizes of apartments are available from the smallest studio with kitchenette of 21 square meters (226 square feet) to the largest one with four rooms and a kitchen of 110 square meters (1184 square feet).
All utilities are included in the rent. The apartments are fully furnished and accommodate individual and family needs.
Please note: As there is a constant demand for lodging it is important that visiting researchers plan their stay at Wenner-Gren Center well in advance giving at least 12 months notice of their expected arrival.
So, we are jazzed. We gave 3 months notice to the other apt, and they are going to try to get someone else by Sept 1 so we won't have to pay at all. We'll see. I think it shouldn't be a problem for them. We really felt bad though.
So, hope everyone is well. Can you believe it is early August? Man....
Yaz
