We covered the island in search of labyrinths and other sacred symbols. We explored churches, fields, ancient burial sites, museums and ruins. We made soul collages. We were a small and fun group led by 2 fun and knowledgeable and caring people. We ate well, traveled in comfort, slept well and learned about the world around us and inside us.

The Swedish Midsummer Labyrinth retreat accommodations were superb in a beautiful family run hotel in central Visby. We were well fed at the daily Swedish breakfast buffet. The daily morning circle followed by a daily field trip to various parts of Gotland or a local activity were well planned and led by our two facilitators. I would certainly join this group again in the future.

I have a greater appreciation for classical labyrinths, especially since walking the ancient ones on Gotland. I loved the Midsummer rituals that we participated in with the locals and tourists of Visby. The memory of singing and dancing that silly frog dance around the midsummer pole with a Visby grandmother on one side, and a young adult man and his friends on the other, will stay with me as a treasured travel memory. The St. Clemens hotel was charming, the staff so kind and helpful with everything, the breakfasts marvelous, the loose leaf tea in the reception with saffron cookies available at all times. Things I will remember : the morning gatherings surrounded by the ruins of St. Clemens, beginning with singing, the variety of classical labyrinths to walk, the sea front and botanical gardens so close and meeting the hedgehog in the gardens at dusk. Valarie did a stellar job introducing the group to SoulCollage® in the evenings- I only wished for an opportunity to view everyones cards at the end of the week. Lars gave us history of the images and symbols on the stones and Valarie shared her personal experiences from the perspective of someone who loves the island deeply, having family and friends living there. There was room for the unexpected: art studio visits that popped up spontaneously and crane dances on one of the labyrinths. I wish the tour of the city had been longer- or a second one offered- and I appreciated the stories told by our bus driver/former hotel owner- I can always appreciate more history and walking tours wherever I travel. I was glad I had had a couple of days on my own to wander before the tour began. I spent hours in the museum on one of those days, taking in island history, and I recommend doing that- it made the second museum trip with the group, much richer, seeing what I missed and having more context. Valarie and Lars love what they do and that love was apparent in their sharing with us. I’m digesting the trip slowly, watching and waiting as the reasons for travel to Gotland unspool themselves.

Well paced exploration of Gotland and Visby. Wonderful accommodations . Good facilitators.