There is currently a show on Norwegian television called Alt for Norge (translated "All for Norway"). It brings together several Americans of Norwegian decent that are competing in various "Norwegian" challenges in order to win US$50,000 and the opportunity to meet their Norwegian family. Challenges range from singing the Norwegian national anthem (yes, in Norwegian) to rappelling down a waterfall, to cleaning out a cesspool at a mountain cabin. It is mostly in English, and pretty entertaining.
In the spirit of the show, we have tried to give Betty and John (Kimber's parents) their own version of these distinctly Norwegian tastes of culture. In the past week, we have been to a mountain hytte (cabin), hiked and biked in the mountains, prepared and eaten familieribbe and pinnekjot (see posts from around Christmas), driven the 27 switchbacks at Lysebotn, and marched in the 17 Mai parade.
Sorry John and Betty - no $50,000 for you.
As for the last activity, the 17 Mai parade is in celebration of Norwegian National Day. It is sort of like the 4th of July, but more formal and better dressed. There are several parades in town, beginning with the Children's Parade in the morning. Children from every school march (generally every school-age child in town) and people in traditional Norwegian or formal clothing line the route. There are Norwegian flags everywhere and the children all sing traditional Norwegian children's songs and school spirit songs.
Sidney and I both marched with the British School contingent. Kimber, Betty and John watched the parade and then went to a friend's place for brunch. Sidney and I went back to the school, as required, for registration and polse (hot dogs) and cake.
John is feeling a bit under the weather, so we do not plan on attending the other two parades in town tonight. Since we were up so early this morning, I think we will all be taking a nap this afternoon instead.
Gratulerer med dagen to all the Norwegians out there!
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