Norwegians EXPOsing themselves

Here comes a little update from blogger number two, who has been a bit absent so far!

As you all know, the Norwegian guides have been in training for the last two weeks, with many interesting experiences and encounters. We have become familiar with all the films and other details in the pavilion, discussed cross-cultural communication and differences, become

proficient in first-aid and CPR (NB: some of us are only able to save children), as well as visited and learnt from our fellow nordic pavilions (these visits we will write more about soon). This week, Iceland also invited all the nordic guides to a reception at their pavilion. Th

is great initiative, which included free drinks and snacks, almost made us forgive Iceland for all the damage their stupid volcano has caused. At least it helped a lot;) We had such a good time mingling with all the nordic crew, looking forward to getting to know everyone better!

Like my fellow blogger Trine expressed in the last post, the crowds at this week´s so-called "soft opening" have already been intense. Today, the Norwegian pavilion hosted a private party, with all us guides present. It was originally supposed to have been open to the public in the afternoon, but because the exhibition is still not quite ready, our team leader notified the expo bureau that we would not be open after all. This message was apparently not passed on to the information desks and volunteers, so there was a hefty amount of slightly annoyed visitors surrounding the pavilion, demanding an explanation. To calm down the crowds, we were sent out to talk to the people, to explain why we have not been able to open just yet. An extremely effective crowd-pleaser was quickly discovered: Posing for pictures with the Chinese visitors. Once this trend was started, it was hard to stop it, there was a constant queue of Chinese waiting to have their picture taken with all the blonde, redheaded and other exotic Norwegians. Some became extremely good at this posing, and only took short breaks to go to the bathroom, grab a quick bite to eat, or calm down their sunburn. Special props to fellow guides Tine and Liv here; This captivating duo did an amazing job at charming the visitors, with their evolving poses and ideas throughout the day. I sincerely believe that the Norwegian pavilion would get excellent reviews from today, despite of the fact that it was not even open..!

So we now know of a backup if all else fails in the pavillon! I know I will be practicing my smile and pose from now on;) I´m curious to know how many blogs and homes around China will have pictures of someone from our crew. On the other hand, I´m also starting to worry about our rising self-esteem from all this attention. We must remember that when wandering around Frognerparken back home in Oslo, people will generally not be proclaiming our extreme beauty, nor will they be looking to have their picture taken with us. How will we handle that?! Like we say in Norwegian, "Den tid den sorg!"

One last note before I sign off: Trine and I have decided today that each week, exposingshanghai.blogspot.com will award a few guides at the Norwegian Pavillion the extremely honorable title "Guide of the week". This title will be given to someone who has stood out, or contributed with something special to the group. Suggestions welcome from everyone! This week however, the decision has already been made. Tomorrow we will reveal who the chosen ones are, stay put:)

XOXO Tori aka T-bone