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