The Swedish province of Gotland served as a nexus of commerce in the era of the spice trade. Merchant ships traveled from all corners of the globe to trade their wares within the Byzantine walls of Visby, one of the most influential port cities in the Hanseatic League. This island in the Baltic was entrusted with great power and responsibility, and consequently, endued with a strong sense of its own independence. In the town museum we saw replicas of the barrels and crates used by traders as well as maps and diagrams of the spice routes. This, along with the tour of churches that we went on served to lace history with the element of tangibility. Yet, there remains a difference between feeling the presence of the past and living it – which was exactly what we were about to do.

After shining all day, the sun inched closer to the horizon and night began its descent upon our island. One thought sat firmly at the forefront of everyone’s minds: the Viking games. When it comes down to it, we all want glory. What’s more glorious than victory at the Viking Olympics? We had spent most of our time on the island getting up close and personal with the ruins from a time wedged between fairy-tale and reality, but what would it have been like to live amongst those ruins? As we donned our Viking tunics we were about to find out. The games pitted student against student, and we became barbarians – ruthless and cruel, with our minds set only on domination. Not really, but it’s not far from the truth. My team, Team Fikachu (a clever combination of a beloved Swedish social institution and everyone’s favorite Pokémon) soundly defeated the other team. Dizzy with success we sat down with our adversaries for a post-game feast illuminated by candles and the occasional display of fire-blowing. Victory is a more potent spice than any other that has passed across that island; roast meat has never tasted so good.

Kristina Taketomo
Carleton College