Social life in cabins

This is my first trip abroad since the 2024 election. Most of Europe knows that the US has serious problems. 

I take these trips to reset and get away from politics and headlines. Yet, at the same time, I also want to have discussions about current events. Or at least find out more about what other people think in general.

When I got to the mountain station in Hemavan it was great meeting a French girl named Karine and talking about the Kungsleden, her hike, and she asked me questions about places I've hiked. We also bemoaned the state of the world. How we'd never imagined.

Rounding a curve in the trail yesterday and seeing the little group of scattered huts felt so satisfying. Your physical strength immediately lifts. For me I think: Now I can relax. I was greeted by two wardens, one of which offered me warm lingonberry juice from a thermal dispenser. I sat on a step of the porch in the sun and drank it down. The man asked me English or Swedish and I answered sheepishly, English. We chatted. 

As more hikers arrived, I said the Swedish hej hej and a bit of English. Everyone here knows English. They are taught it starting in the 3rd grade. But, I also realize I'm in their country and, anyway, I'm the foreigner. Absolutely no one invited me to sit with them at dinner. No one tried to engage me in conversation. I had the feeling they all knew each other or if not were fellow countrymen. Indeed, there were a few couples and 1 family group. I've never been in a hostel or international community situation where no one tried to talk to me. I'm not sure what to attribute this to. 

After supper and chores–which, again, no one assigned me a job or spoke to me–games were brought out, folks had beers, someone lit a candle. I wasn't sure if I should initiate and no one invited me to hangout. It was very awkward. 

I did a lot of sitting and reading and looking at the sky outside. 

I hope tomorrow’s hut life is better, more jolly and amiable.