Monday, November 27, 2006

Nordic Quirkiness #4

It's been quite a while since my last post, and even longer since my last Nordic Quirkiness. It took a while, but I promised that my next observation about Norwegian culture would be positive, and I intend to deliver on that promise. On Saturday evening I attended my second ever julebord which was arranged by Vinmonopolet. The whole tradition of the julebord (literally, "Christmas table") means that every year, one's employer sponsors food and booze for an evening. Stories abound about extreme drunken behaviour at these events. The most extreme I have heard could possibly fall into the category of urban myth, but who really knows? It concerns a slightly disgruntled employee who, in an extreme state of intoxication, decided to urinate on the salmon.
Rest assured there was no such transgression at my julebord and the food, despite a lack of vegetarian options, was unscathed and generally well received. There was also plenty of booze and fun, and I found myself enjoying the tradition of the julebord very much. I did in fact, managed to get rather hammered, suffering greatly the next day. And although my behaviour was not as boorish as the individual mentioned above, I imagine there was some unsteadiness, and slurred speech. Which brings me to the best part of this fine Norwegian tradition - I was not alone. Apparently nearly everyone misbehaved, and I thankfully did not have to hear choruses of "man were you ever pissed!" on Monday.
On another note, we have recently returned from Paris, and I'll post some photos soon. A big hello to my family of friends back in Van. - if any of you are reading this.