On to Umea

Today, we have been transported to Umea. Yesterday, we waited approximately two hours to make our presentation in an abbreviated format before the District Conference attendees. I ran the Powerpoint presentation which held a few exciting moments, as I wasn't able to use my computer and, instead, ran it on a Swedish machine where all the Powerpoint language was in Swedish. As an added benefit, the button that causes the presentation to run automatically on the English version IS NOT the same for the Swedish version, as I found out. Great!

In any event, I got the program going and we made it through our presentation. Last night was the Governor's banquet, where we ate at another conference center and listened to live music. The first song they sang was "Amazing Grace," followed by another hymn. I thought that was exceedingly odd, since everyone I have met here professes a great "tolerance" for other religions and, specifically, has told me they are not religious. When I spoke with my host about the presence of these songs in a business-type of conference, he simply said that they didn't really think about those songs being religious. Perhaps it is because they sing the songs in English, so the import of the words is lost to them, but the clear words of those two songs express a belief in a Higher Power at the very least and an outright profession of faith in Jesus Christ at most. I asked my host if they were worried at all that Muslims or Buddhists in the business organization would be offended by those songs and he simply said "No." I don't think the organizers even thought about that possibility.

After the hymns, a female singer began with her portion of the program. One note for those of you used to a lounge environment: apparently, in Sweden, you have to be quiet while the singer is performing. That was kind of oppressive because we were seated at tables, ostensibly to speak to one another, and not in a concert hall. It probably would have been better, at least to my way of thinking, if the singer had sung Swedish songs, either classical or rock. When she sang American and British hits, she imitated what I think she thought Americans would sing like. Not all of us sing with a gravelly voice and wail. TV is a very powerful medium and, whether we like it or not, the rest of the world thinks we are as portrayed. That is why this exchange is good, I think. I have learned that not all Swedes are tall, physically fit and good looking. Most are, but not all. Not all Americans wear a lot of makeup and have big hair, but I happen to like that look. Ha Ha.

We are starting in Umea and have two more cities to see after this. I have been told that I will be spending one time with lawyers and one learning Swedish folkdance. The Vasterbotten polka has been discussed. I am completely excited about that. Law is very difficult to gain anything substantive from because our systems are so different. But, Dance -- ah. If I can bring back a folkdance, that would be wonderful!!!