Bålarna

The gravel road went deeper and deeper into the woods. I began to wonder if we had made a wrong turn, but soon we turned the corner to reveal the most charming red houses with decorative white trim perching on the edge of a wide vista of rolling hills and peaceful lake. The field between the lake and the houses was a lush green. The green spilled over into peoples’ yards which were filled black current bushes, herbs and vegetables, and flowers. Cords and cords of wood were stacked between the entrance and the carports. Across from the carport were several horse stalls, bee hives, and a hen house. Bålarna has five households and nineteen people who live in two duplexes and a single house all in a row with a view of the lake from the breakfast table. The families knew each other years before becoming neighbors and still appear to be very happy after eight more years together.  “It is hard to imagine a better home,” says a resident. “Here will I live and here I will die,” (Lanne - 7/94) says another. I almost didn’t make it to Bålarna because it presented a distinct public transportation challenge. Although a distance on foot, it makes a manageable bike ride to town. I sheepishly admit that I received a ride in an automobile, but it was well worth the sacrifice.

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