Visby, population 23,000, on the Swedish island of Gotland, is called "the city of roses and ruins" - roses thrive in the limestone and the place is filled with medieval ruins. More important, during the tourist season, it’s one of the best party towns in Sweden. If you’ve been to that land, you know this is quite the accomplishment indeed. In the summer, residents let their homes to visitors, much like the good people of Saratoga Springs, NY, during track season. The island is so charming, the Pippi Longstocking movies were filmed there, but Visby wasn’t always so cheerful. In 1361, 1,800 farmers lost their lives to elements of the well-trained Danish Army. The casus belli was the presence of a nest of pirates called “the Victual Brothers”, who started out as good guys and, in short order, became bad guys. In the late 20th Century, courtesy of GE Capital, I spent quality time on Gotland. Here’s what happened.
© 2024 John Oliver
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