How Americans and Europeans Brace for Election Day

Coffee Chronicles 6/100: Cafe "Anne på landet" in Oslo.

Frogner Park, Oslo, Norway (October 20, 2024)

The approaching American presidential elections are a source of concern and interest in Europe. We understand the significant implications at this pivotal moment. Despite not having a vote, we are acutely aware that the outcome of this election is not just a matter of domestic politics. It will reverberate across continents, influencing global alliances, security, economic stability, and even the climate crisis. Our shared global community means we are all stakeholders in this crucial event.

Most American readers of this newsletter will share the fear of a second Trump presidency; in these polarized times, I can only cater to one-half of American readers on Substack. Meanwhile, the other half is chasing me away on the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Cafe in Frogner Park, Oslo, Norway.

In Europe, the implications are hard to underestimate. The re-election of Donald Trump could lead to a retreat from multilateralism. A resurgence of isolationist policies would strain transatlantic relations and could destabilize an already tense international security situation. A victory for Vice President Kamala Harris offers hope for national and international stability and collaboration on the most urgent global issues, including the hardly mentioned -but every day more critical- climate change issue. The American elections worry many of us in the cafes in my city of Oslo and elsewhere in Europe; I frequently hear the names of the presidential candidates mentioned when I travel in the metro or walk in the city center.

It is essential to find moments of peace for ourselves amid the chaos. Yesterday, I took such a moment for myself—a long walk through some of the beautiful century-old neighborhoods of western Oslo, including over the leaves-covered paths of Frogner Park. The park is an oasis in the heart of the city, and in the past months, I have always incorporated it into my running route. The large park is best known for the Vigeland Sculpture Park, where tourists from all over the world shoot selfies while I slalom my way over the central bridge. But this Sunday, I lazily strolled among the vibrant autumn foliage and blended in with tourists and parents with their kids. I felt calm and relaxed, starkly contrasting the stormy political developments.

A small river runs through the park.

I stopped in a charming white-wooden cafe in the park named "Anne på landet', which translates to Anna in the Countryside. Although it opened just six years ago, it occupies a building that has welcomed visitors since 1918. The café's warm ambiance reflects that history as a cozy, typical Scandinavian establishment I know so well from my years in Stockholm, Sweden. I ordered a small Iceland cake and a cappuccino while I joined the other visitors in the small guestroom, where small paintings adorned the white and yellow wooden walls. Other guests occupied most tables and enjoyed their moments of tranquility. No talk of politics here. This afternoon, the world was far away.

The café's menu features locally sourced ingredients that reflect Norway's culinary traditions. It's an inviting space where you can feel at home while overlooking the park's beauty. I felt the comforting continuity of centuries-old daily rituals, like sharing coffee and cake with friends and forgetting about worrying situations you can't improve, certainly not on a Sunday afternoon.

Anne på landet

Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. In the face of the political chaos that seems to engulf American society, it's crucial to remember that we all need moments to step away from our screens, walk in nature, and enjoy a cafe like Anne på landet. If you feel overwhelmed by the current situation, remember that you can take a break from it by prioritizing your well-being: take a walk in a park, meet with friends, or retreat in a cozy cafe. These moments of respite not only refresh and energize you but also provide the perspective and energy needed to contribute to a better world.

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This is me in the cafe Anne på landet: