Midsommar

Our future landlords invited us to Sweden to celebrate Midsummer. It was a wonderful opportunity to get a sense of how Christian and Jhed live and to see if living together would be a good fit.

Amanda and Aart, the Scottish couple we’d met back in December on Palawan, were also invited, so we were greeted with a cheerful hello right at the airport.

After a two-hour drive from Copenhagen to Halmstad, we found ourselves standing in front of a small, charming brick house with a garden.

Victor, a friend of the Swedes, spent the next few days with us, and additional guests were invited to the Midsummer celebration. That’s how we got to know everyone currently involved with Mecaja (the name of the resort) or who had been involved in the past. Everyone was very warm and welcoming, and there was plenty to eat and drink. One shareholder, slightly tipsy, promised to cook authentic Swedish meatballs for us in the Philippines... We’re looking forward to it.

Jhed taught me how to cook adobo and pancit, and I tried my hand at rolling spring rolls, with moderate success.

We kicked off Sweden’s biggest holiday, Midsummer, by picking flowers to weave into wreaths for hair accessories, and at two o’clock we set off for the maypole. Maypoles are scattered throughout every neighborhood, so everyone can easily walk to the festivities.

The event started with the pensioners' club in traditional costume, who did their best to sing "Damdideldam" and dance around the maypole. This was followed by the "more modern" dances, which are geared more toward families. These involve mimicking various animals or household activities. A lead dancer stands on a chair by the Maypole, and everyone else dances in a wide circle around it, cheered on by the spectators.

After about an hour, the festivities were already over, and everyone headed off to a party at home or with friends. Shortly after, we also sat down to eat and celebrated late into the night (it was already getting light again).

The kids had a battle with their newly bought Nerf guns, and the adults grilled and ate. Afterward, we had the traditional strawberries for dessert.

We also made the most of the remaining days, visiting a national park, the city, and the beach.

It was a truly wonderful visit, and we look forward to seeing everyone again soon.