VIKING VS. VIKINGS
by Ode Wannebo

Shortly after arriving to the U.S. of A., I was asked by the owner of the Minnesota Vikings to sing the National anthem for every home game of their upcoming season. I was so flattered! I took the preparation seriously. Soon I was bombarded with a myriad of stories of singing legends messing up their renditions through the years; consequently, I covered myself from every angle, even printing the lyrics inside my hand.

It was Grand Opening Day, with a several hundred piece orchestra's thundering sound surrounding me as I walked into the center of Metropolitan Stadium in Minneapolis. I had it all under control, you bet, Viking helmet and all. At the final note, in "Home of the brave," an immediate crashing applause from approximately 80,000 people, already on their feet, applauding, screaming, and yelling. I just embraced the applause as usual with bows in all directions. It felt so good. It really warmed my heart. "Those Americans are such nice people, excepting poor li'l me from li'l Norway," I thought. Next Sunday, a total recount of the last experience. The following Sunday, another memorable experience. Can you Believe it? I must have made a "real hit!" If we had e-mail those days, I would have spread the news globally!

At the "Home of the brave," again, the third sunday, the   t r u t h   finally dawned on me...as I saw with my very own eyes...the Vikings came bouncing into the stadium.