Hollywood Romance
To me, some things only happen in the movies. Even simple things. Perhaps some things are just American, and thus can’t happen in Norway. A lot of these things relate to romance ..
A few things repeat themselves. One of them, ice skating.
I went ice skating with my friends today in Bryant Park. In the dark. It was freezing outside but the rink was lit up and music was playing. And I kept thinking I should have been there with a boy. One of us should have been really bad at skating, and we’d be holding hands. And I’d twirl and swirl towards him and we’d kiss. Because that’s how they do it in the movies.
Another one is painting. Painting always leads to sex, that we know. A little splash here, a dash there, and suddenly you find your face covered in paint and the next thing you know you’re making out with a really cute boy. Because that’s how they do it in the movies.
Oh, and when you’re standing under a lamp post and the first snow flakes fall.
People always claim that spring is the season for romance and falling in love, but I think I prefer the winter. When everyone is covered up and huddle close together, when the mystery remains, when the weather plays tricks on you and the unexpected happens. And .. when its too cold to go outside so days and days can be spent in bed, with coffee and newspapers. I might curse the cold in the mornings, but .. Winter ain’t that bad.
Wouldn’t know about Norway but these things (or let’s say similar things) happen in India too! To be more precise, in Hindi movies (and increasingly in Tamil movies too!).
The only difference is unlike American (US) movies, we guys don’t complicate matters too much. So instead of freezing your bottom off on a skating rink, you usually hang around in a garden with a blaze of blooming flowers adding to the environment.
Instead of waiting for the first snow flakes you just make do with rain, which is much easier on you and also messier, thus adding to the fun.
And to do away with the laborious cleaning after a painting escapade, Hindi movies utilise pottery jaunts. It’s much easier to wash off clay, you see, and it’s totally natural!
Now this makes me think why wouldn’t similar things happen in Norge? After all, if you’re from Bergen or nearabouts it’s perpetually raining and if you’re from the ‘hinterland’, its freezing cold half the year! To add to the romantic set up throw in some dancing trolls or the adorable elks. That should make for a good scenario.. or am I getting ahead of myself here.
Comment by Raghu — November 9, 2007 @ 2:01 pm
Raghu, what a pleasure to see you here. I didn’t know you were in my audience
Well, trolls and elks are more feared than loved, so I’m not sure they make for a nice romantic background.
And yes, perhaps its a bit complicated and unnecessary, freezing body parts off while courting, but think of the advantages! You get to try to keep each other warm .. and there is no sweat!Unlike Indian affairs where you’re too hot and sweaty to engage in anything.
And I completely forgot about pottery! Truly a classic!
As to why these things happen in Norway, I have no clear answer. But the roots are surely to be found in our culture, in our restrained behaviour and uncomfortable presentation. I challenge you all to provide me with an analysis of the lack of Norwegian romance ..
Comment by NorwegianNomad — November 9, 2007 @ 3:22 pm
Well.. Maria madam (did I ever tell you that sounds very colonial a la the Raj times), I concede your point about keeping each other warm but extensive exposure to such cold (which is quite possible considering the otherworldly preoccupation such love birds would find in each others arms, eyes and other limbs associated with romance without slipping into gross public affections of love) could cause frost bites and other brain-numbing damages induced by severe cold. Just like ending up with a sun/heat stroke if you’re hobnobbing out in 45 degrees heat.
However, I’m pained by your blatant dismissal of Indian romantic affairs just as plain sweaty affairs (though some might find that quite raunchy :p).
Truth be told, we’ve more seasons than just the summer and more places than just Delhi (in India). Tell me how much more romantic can it get than the lush foothills of the Himalayas or the lovely back waters of kerala and many other such places. This is not to say that I’ve had many a romantic escapades in such places but then I’m not very romantic person I suppose! But point being…opportunities galore.
And Norwegians aren’t overtly restrained.. you know with things like drinking.. and poking fund of the swedes and talking about the weather and drinking
. I found them quite a relaxed lot. But of course, you would know better than me… but I do feel sad about Norwegian girls frowning at poems or poetic confessions of affection.
Lykke til
Comment by Raghu — November 10, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
My sincerest apologies. I dont know what got into me, dismissing an entire subcontinent .. I feel the Himalaya thing. Had some near-romantic encounters there, too bad no men were around.
I dont frown at poems or poetic confessions. More, more!
Comment by norwegiannomad — November 10, 2007 @ 7:32 pm