Stepford Vikings

I step off the tram in Oslo and take a look around.  The town is coming to life and most people are, like me, on their way to work.  I am a bit anxious today as I am about to deliver a course that is new.  I hope that all has been planned for but I feel Murphy’s ghost hovering around me.

Two hours later and we’ve stopped for our first coffee break.  I am struggling with the new content because Scandinavians – Norwegians in particular, I find – are not known for their ability to provide feedback.

I tried cracking a joke at one point to break the ice.

Ten Blonde Vikings stared at me solemnly.

My gateway back to normality ...

I lectured some more, then asked if anyone did not understand my explanations.

Ten Blonde Vikings stared at me solemnly.

On a hunch, I asked if anyone had understood.

Ten Blonde Vikings stared at me solemnly.

I hope they just need coffee to get going.

A few more hours later, after lunch, I still am no closer to knowing how things are going but I am glad that the theoretical part of the class is about to come to an end and we will soon start seeing demonstrations of the product itself.

Someone at the back raises his hand.  I am giddy with the thought of some feedback and give him the floor.

He gives me a stern, let’s-rape-and-pillage look and shouts out his question, banging on the table for good measure.

“WHEN <bang> WILL <bang> WE <bang> SEE <bang> THE <bang> PRODUCT?

Nine Blonde Vikings stare at me solemnly.

One Mediterranean Lecturer bit his tongue.

Encountered any odd Vikings recently? Leave a comment and let us know how you fared.

~ by unexpectedtraveller on October 29, 2009.