Fairytale, Is It True? Always.

Two nights ago Europe voted for its favorite. 25 countries participated in the final round hosted on Saturday night in Moscow. I had been obsessing over the Norwegian entry ever since I saw Alexander Rybak perform in the semi-final. But I was also intrigued by a few others, namely Moldavia, Ukraine, and the fact that Denmark's entry was singing like he was trying to become to opening act for a Toby Keith tour. I watched it at my friend's apartment where we had another one of Jamie's Dinners and some of those famous Manmosas (1664 and Orangina) before the musical festivities truly began. There was also some face painting where we produced drapeau representations of the countries we were supporting.

France, The UK, Norway, Israel and the Ukraine were all representing with flying colors.

In the end, Norway stole the show with a record 387 points and had basically assured itself victory throughout Europe after the 16th country voted. There were celebratory photos taken, recaps of the geopolitical implications given by certain votes (France: 12 points to Turkey!?) and a mad dash to the metro before it closed.

I didn't make it to Sevres-Babylone before the last 10 train headed westward. Luckily I was not alone. When I first entered the station, before I knew that my train wouldn't be coming, I was greeted by a group of about 10 people my age. One of them had a guitar and they were singing dancing and the like. They saw my face and we all sort of stopped what we were doing. I had elected not to wash off the Norwegian flag covering my face before leaving the apartment. They asked me who had won. I responded with a simple La Norvège and the dancing and singing began again. I was greeted with congratulations, hugs, kisses, and a few demands for some face paint. I wished them a Bonne Soirée and they were gone. So was my metro train.

I ended up taking the most crowded night bus of all time. No one was singing or cheering the Norwegian victory with me as my bus wound its way through the rainy streets of Paris.

I got home, washed my face, and went to bed.