Last year, we decided to rent a house in Gotland for Easter. Little did we know that it would turn out to be such a wonderful trip, sparking the beginning of a new tradition. This year, we found another charming house in the same area of the island. Packed with chocolate eggs, we set off, driving through the picturesque Gotland countryside after the ferry ride.
When we arrived at the house we rented through Airbnb, we were greeted by the host, Helene, in the garden. Her bike was parked by the entrance, adding a charming touch to the scene. Helene took the time to chat with us, sharing her favorite spots on the island, and her and Graeme shared their love for baking. After this exchange, she gave us with the keys and headed back to her own house, which was just a few minutes’ ride away.
Graeme drove to the nearest supermarket, and in the meantime I started unpacking our things while Moa played. Someone knocked at the door, and when I opened it, there was Helene with a freshly baked loaf of bread. She also brought a little jar of Gotlands sourdough starter for Graeme. Gestures like that make me very happy. We enjoyed her bread for dinner and went to sleep fairly early to prepare for an early start the next day.
We had a slow morning at home. Graeme baked bread and prepared breakfast, while Moa and I played in the garden while still in our pyjamas. There’s something beautiful about beginning the day outdoors, especially in the serene Gotland countryside. It makes me dream of owning our own house someday.
After breakfast it was time for the yearly Easter egg hunt! I hid a bunch of colourful eggs filled with candy and chocolate around the garden, and then sent Moa and Graeme to find them. We did the same last year when she was two, and I love the idea of this being a cherished tradition and a core memory of her childhood.
The rest of the day was spent driving around the island, visiting vintage and second hand shops that we love. The first one was Pavals Provence in När. After that, we drove to Klintehamn to visit one of my favorite shops, Kuriåsa, where I found a porcelain cutting board to add to our collection. Then we went to Landa, and there I bought the perfect picnic basket.
We were having fika at the bakery when I received a message from Helene. She had arranged a visit to a local farm for her family to see the sheep and calves, and invited us to join. We drove back to the other side of the island to meet them. During the visit, Moa had the best time playing with Helene’s granddaughter Bella; they quickly became friends for the rest of the trip.
Marta Vargas 
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