Monday, May 18, 2009

A fairytale celebration of life

This weekend has been amazing. I didn't take a lot of pictures, sorry folks, but I can honestly say that if you want to go to Oslo over a weekend and want to see thousands of flags waving all over the place. Then 17th of may it is.

A lot of people were playing or singing the song Fairytale I mentioned in my previous post, which actually managed to win in Moscow! This likely made the day even more of a joyous occasion for the millions of Norwegians who celebrated the day in some manner.

To top it of Alexander Rybak encouraged people to go and meet him in the airport where my brother works. My dear brother wasn't quite as exited as the people who heeded Alexanders call. Roughly 5000 of them came according to Swedish paper Aftonbladet. This process repeated itself when Alexander returned to his hometown of Nesodden. Not bad for a 23 year old who as a child originally came to Norway as a refugee.

"I'm in looove in a fairytale, the women sang."

Something I'm not used to was the amount of people who chose to dress up in folk costumes. Often these creations are very impressive and beautiful, mostly weared by women and children, with the addition of a couple of brave men. And I tell you, seeing muslim woman passing by wearing the Hijab and then the next second moving past women wearing norwegian folk costumes is definetly something out of the ordinary for me.

Sometimes you need to go away to see life from a different perspective. This weekend helped me a lot to do this. Meeting my brother and seeing seeing how he lives was fun. Then I got the chance to experience the next day being guided by I girl I haven't met for a long time trough the streets of Oslo, where tens of thousands were celebrating. When I eventually had to take the bus home I felt revitalized and happy, a feeling that lasted all the way home.

Being there and experiencing the Norwegian national day my friends, fellow blog readers and writers, were nothing short of fantastic. I also would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for your comments. I read them all and they really make writing these words so much more joyous.

9 comments:

Sarah Sullivan said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful time!! My hubby lived in Germany for a while and is quite fond of his lederhosen - makes me giggle as he is a big guy!! I on the other hand would gladly dress in period dress just to say I did. Hope you have a great week!
Namaste, Sarah

Anonymous said...

Oh that sounds like such a pleasant and fun trip! I agree with you - seeing how others live is always a fun and exciting experience! I am glad that you had such a wonderful time.

Alicia @ boylerpf said...

Sounds like a rejuvenating trip...and very memorable at that!

Sarah Sullivan said...

Just popping by to say Hello and see how you are doing this week!! Have a great evening - or is it morning there - well either way have a good one!! Namaste, Sarah

julochka said...

i flew into oslo that evening, a couple of planes ahead of alexander rybak and let me tell you, it was a bit daunting to walk out of the customs area into all of those people--banners and flags and national costumes--i didn't realize that he had won the MGP, so i was like, what is all THIS about? but there is something special about a bunch of really happy norwegians dressed up in traditional garb. :-) i should have taken out my camera.

Suecae Sounds said...

Thanks everyone for chipping in with all of your comments.

Julochka:

That's such an interesting coincidence. My brother was not amused though! =) I am happy for the Norwegians though, I wonder what will happen to Alexander now, might have to move to Denmark for some peace of mind?

Felicia Monique said...

I love your black and white shot and agree, wholeheartedly, with this comment, "Sometimes you need to go away to see life from a different perspective."

Thank you, also, for stopping by to read and comment on my site. You are appreciated! =)

Unknown said...

Frater SS,

Sounds like quite an adventure! I greatly enjoy the life in your descriptions. Keep 'em coming.

In LVX,
Fra.A.I.T.

sallymandy said...

Thank you for this lovely and enjoyable post. I enjoyed reading about your impressions and experiences in Oslo very much.