One of the most amazing places for those who love Norwegian culture as much as I do
is the historic Norse Hall located in Portland.
I have been there three times now--
for a Viking Pancake Breakfast with some friends,
for their 75th anniversary by myself
(the hall was built in 1928)
and
yesterday with my best friend for their Syttende Mai parade and festivities.
I love it at Norse Hall for many reasons--
the historical aspect of the building
and the Norwegian culture.
But I also love it at Norse Hall because I've always felt at home there.
~
Yesterday was no exception--
from the warm smile on the lady who met us at the front door in her beautiful bunad,
to everyone else we talked to--
(especially the sweet lady in the bathroom,
the wonderful lady at the raffle table,
the fascinating man who told me all about the history of his folk costume,
the kitchen staff and more);
these are good, kind, fun, warm, hospitable people
who love this country and their Norwegian heritage!
(BTW, I LOVE bunads--the gorgeous colors and embroidery;
the solje they wear with it and more).
Inside the hall we browsed around--
in the ballroom
(where the dancing takes place),
the gift shop,
and later upstairs in search of the Nordic doll couple I remembered from so many years ago.
~
We'll start with the downstairs...
(although Kristin Liv badly wants me to post a photo of the Norwegian dolls first)
Here is their gorgeous carpet--
I LOVE the pattern and rich colors;
it's beautiful!
By the raffle table
(for a great cause)...
2 points if you know what that special cake all wrapped up in plastic is:)
I know--it's one of the few things I haven't tried a bite of that I'd love to try---
well that and lutefisk.
An example of rosemaling--
something I collect and am very, very fond of!
We have several rosemalers in the PNW that I have talked to.
~
OK--time to go downstairs now
and eat some dessert:)
After all it's Syttende Mai...and today everyone can be Norwegian.
Here I treated my best friend
and I to some blotkake...
can you say "yummy"?
It was!
They also had other Nordic items to eat--
but we had eaten just before at Viking Soul
(post coming).
More art--
culinary art--
a piece of blotkake--
my piece to be specific,
right before I devoured it
to be even more specific.
YUM!
HAVE to make this at home!
LOVE this place;
love the wonderful people that make their home here.
Love all the special Norwegians who have been a part of my life.
Love this day.
Blessings,
Aimee
Info:
Beautiful, wonderful Norse Hall's website is
They have some events throughout the year that are open to the general public and
you can also find information about the Sons of Norway,
a great organization
( you don't necessarily have to be Norwegian to join).
A BIG thank you to all the volunteers and people who contributed to the celebration yesterday
and also a BIG thank you for giving me permission to photograph and post photos of their hall too:)
Tusen takk!
4 comments:
So glad you had a lovely time, Aimee!
I am wondering if the wrapped cake is almond. My friend once made an almond cake that was basically ground almonds stuck together with a sweetener. Quite a process as I remember(:
Gracie <3
Thank you! I was thrilled that my best friend was able to take us:)
It is an almond cake--it's called a kransekake. Here is a link for more information...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kransekake.
I've always thought they were quite pretty and they're supposed to taste quite good, but my understanding is the same as yours that they are a bit of a process to make. Pretty neat that your friend made one:)
Blessings, Aimee
Hi Aimee, thanks for taking us along with you to this wonderful place. I would love to have some rosemaling. Especially candlesticks.
((hugs)), Teresa :-)
You are most welcome Teresa. There are at least 3 rosemalers I know of in Oregon and I have seen quite a few types of items done. If you would like more information just contact me via e-mail.
Enjoy your weekend:)
Blessings, Aimee
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