Monday, February 4, 2013

The Swedes' Superbowl


The Superbowl is the largest television event in the U.S.. Many people have chili making contests or just go ahead and chow down on nachos, buffalo wings, and beer, not to mention layered bean dip. Oh, and there is football. Or a half-time show and commercials if you’re not into sports. For others, many of my facebook friends included, it’s the perfect time to point out how not into sports you are and all the other wonderful things you’re spending your time on. In that vain... I had to ask a friend (who was throwing a party and probably has never watched a full sports game) who was playing.

Food, fun and friends. The three essentials to a party.

Back in December the Rotary Host Area Committee Coordinator, Suzanne had the Rotary Fellows over for a big meal with a rented big screen TV. Together we would view and be merry. But it wasn’t a major sports event or even a Eurovision contest.* It was for the Nobel Prize Ceremony.

In September when we first arrived, dear Suzanne excitedly suggested we gather at her house on December 10 to watch the prizes for Literature, Physics, Chemistry and Physiology or Medicine handed out by the Swedish King. So on that Monday evening we took the train to Stockholm to enjoy the event. While analyzing the Princesses’ dresses, Swedes suggested it was like the Oscars. Of course. Of course, the Swedes’ Oscars is the Nobel Prize ceremony for sciences and literature. Whatever part of me that has pride in American ingenuity or is at all nationalistic, feels a little knocked down by the comparison of our respective major “cultural” events.

Former Rotary District Governor gives presentation on the
life of Alfred Nobel.
The dinner party did not disappoint. Not only did our able host prepare a gorgeous meal for 25+ people, she had also hunted the elk and moose herself. Accompanied with delicious lingonberry sauce and boiled then pan fried potatoes, and of course a nice red wine - the meal was amazing.  (Not to mention the hors d’oeuvres of salmon with a slice of lemon and camembert on hardbread and champagne.)

So while I love a good 7-layer bean dip, the Swedes have something on us thanks in part to a generous gift of the dynamite inventor, Alfred Nobel and the Austrian author and peace activist Bertha von Suttner, who is thought to have inspired the award.


Rotary Fellows listen to remarks about the Nobel Prize and
watch the ceremony on Swedish television.
*Sorry for the dig, Europeans.