Returning to Varberg, Sweden
Next, like a fluttering homing pigeon, I needed to return to Varberg, Sweden, where my grandmother and grandfather first met at this church. Each time I’m here, I’m reminded how much Varberg feels like a home I never want to leave.
While standing in front of my grandparents’ first meeting place, I didn’t think it was possible to feel one morsel happier…until I turned around and saw Le Juice, a vegan restaurant right next to their church. I’m pretty sure my grandparents were smiling down on us, happy for this entire experience we were having in their honor (and that we could be well fed at the same time).
But I wasn’t the slightest bit hungry (I was too excited about being in Varberg).
Thankfully a certain someone had an appetite (with many of the dishes also gluten-free).
After visiting Le Juice, we drove away from the center of town, to south of Varberg. I was so happy to see my mormor’s old family farmstead. Much had changed since I was last there, but much had remained the same.
I was excited to walk this land again.
And to think about what once was…
Just down the lane (or across the field) from the farmstead, we visited this stunning view. On the other side of these dunes are rock outcroppings and the sea in which my mormor swam.
Now, the Kusthotell sits on this land that once rolled, undisturbed, out to the sea. These buildings were first erected as a hospital, to help tuberculosis patients, most of whom were children.
The hospital was placed in this location due to the belief that the fresh air near the water promoted healing. Now, one can roam free and explore as they wish, including a little shop with eko vegan gifts.
But the humbling experience? In honor of the little lives lost and buried here, one can walk behind the hotel…into the children’s cemetery.