A Cottage in Gotland

gotland kitchen flowers teapot

I came to Sweden to volunteer on an organic tomato farm, The farm was incredible, the people really sweet, and the work incredibly satisfying, but in a lot of ways it just wasn’t a good match for me at this point in my trip. I left the farm not knowing where I was going or where I would sleep that night. There were no buses that day so I hiked a mile out of the farm and then hitchhiked to the nearest train station. Honestly, it was a pretty invigorating and freeing experience to leave. I always try to find the best in situations. I hate to quit anything so I stick it out as long as I can. But I’ve learned there’s really no reason to trap yourself. I came on this trip to get away from that suffocating feeling that for me the rat race creates. So, I left. I was so happy to have seen the farm, been able to garden there, and to meet the incredible volunteers but I knew leaving was right for me. I spent a few days in Stockholm getting my bearings and searching for a place to live. I found the sweetest off-season cottage in Gotland. I have always wanted to come here. I even have a Pinterest board about my imaginary Gotland cottage and the life that goes with it. I found the place pretty quickly and the owner needed an answer straight away because they were leaving to go out of town so I just went for it! I spent the first week just hibernating like crazy, so happy to be on my own again, have my own kitchen, and my own space. I started making bread, and soup, foraging for apples, and filling the cottage with flowers. It felt like I’d been given a million dollars! This is a little corner of the kitchen. I love going for walks to the sea, through the forest. I live far away from everything so I walk and take the bus. This type of lifestyle really forces you to slow down and be in the moment, to be resourceful and use what you have around you. No need to rush around. I am engaged with life, but in all the ways I want to be.

Photo: Chelsea Fuss.

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