Thursday, March 13, 2008

Britney, Hitler, and the Viking Ship

No, I'm not turning my blog into a tabloid.
Last night I saw something that never in my life I dreamed I would see. It's possible that seeing Hitler & Eva Braun two feet away from you is shocking enough, but to then have Adolf then start singing Britney's 'Oops I Did It Again'... well that's just downright disturbing.. disturbingly hilarious anyway. No, this wasn't some alcohol-induced stupor (again), this was what they classify in Stockholm (at least at this particular venue) as a drag show. I should have payed to see the thing. These performers were... well they were actually performers let's put it that way. After Hitler & Eva was a Finnish a capella group, which had the house roaring with laughter (apparently the Swedes think the Finnish mode of speech is hilarious and non-sensical as we think Kiwi's are). The show finally ended with a spoofed version of 'My United States of Whatever', and the applause was thunderous.
Interestingly enough, the venue only held a hundred or so patrons. Either way, I think drag shows everywhere could learn a thing or five from these guys (or girls.. I can never tell which). Having some drunk old coot up on stage making fun of people is wonderfully entertaining for 10 minutes or so, but it gets old. In all a great night, Troy & I ended up hanging out with some great people we met at the start of the evening, and will probably be meeting up with when we go out partaying again this weekend.

Yesterday afternoon also brought some spectacle & intruigue to the scene with Troy & I visiting Stockholm's 'Vasa Museet'. Off the top of my head (and forgive me for the history lesson!), the Vasa was a ship built for King Gustav's naval fleet in the 1600's. On her maiden voyage in 1628 (On Sun August 10th to be precise, hey maybe my memory is better than I thought..) she hit heavy winds in the bay, and because of a lack of ballast, sank to the floor. Yah, that's one heck of an expensive owie.
For 331 years this thing sat in the freezing waters of the bay, until it was discovered by a man taking core samples. In the late 60's it was lifted from the seabed and in the 70's moved to it's own museum, and that's where it sits to this day. This thing is incredible. It was preserved really well because of the conditions (the video said a lack of woodworms, but I say because of the freeze-your-ass-off water up here - which probably leads to a lack of woodworms.. darn! Foiled again.).
In any case... well it's a freaking Viking ship! It's hard for that not to be cool..

So there you have it.
We've been in Stockholm 3 days now and - well for a start I'm broke.. it's really expensive here. But I can't get over the people in this place! For those of you wondering, yes, the rumours are true. Sweden is blonde-haired, blue-eyedville.. It would be creepy if they weren't all so damned good looking really.. Anyway, we're off to explore the old city, so I'll end it here!
Cheerio ladies (& lads!)

JW

5 thoughts are now mine:

bcpatrick said...

The best drag performances I've seen have been at the Imperial Hotel in Newtown, AU--where they filmed Priscilla. You Aussies can sure put on a show! ;) ...and as for the creepy blonde-haired, blue-eyed thing...have you ever seen the movie, "Village of the Damned"? ...run, James, RUN!! :D

Luke said...

Wow, that all sounds like fun. I want to go on a viking ship damnit! And re: having some drunk old coot insult people for 10 minutes... surely you're not refering to Miss Candy!? Haha... it's funny because she/he/it doesn't even make the effort to vary her one liners from week to week.

Jimzip said...

Luke: Oiveigh.. I know she doesn't. It both saddens and bemuses me!!

Patrick: Indeed?! Well that's reassuring actually, haha. Good to know there's hope out there for the drag shows of the world! And that Aus is one of them! :)

Jimzip :D

Dave H said...

Oh Hey Jimmy,
Your hardy tales through Swedens slickbacks and transvestites have been both informative and a much needed trip down reminiscent avenue (sharp right off memory lane).

I was reminded of Sweden's T.G.I Friday's $80 burger and chips deal (A bargain to the untrained eye). However after much reflection i'd suggest that on the next encounter of those swirling pillars of red and white, for the love of god, RUN. I pray you have given heed to my request, and enjoy frivolous spending on Melodi souvenir's and hot dogs.

Glad you're having fun, just thought i'd give an ahoy, and tell you that i am now current in your blogged adventures, and that the last Lost epi won't disappoint not that you need me to know that.

Say hi to Svenske!

Dave

Jimzip said...

Thanks D-Zone! (Until further notice you will be called D-Zone by the way. You MUST do all in your power to encourage its use in any and all social situations.. Signed, The Lord Mayor of Bristol.)

Thanks for catching up! I love Sweden, it's beautiful and the people are lovely! I'm coming back here for sure. London was quite spectacular also. The history! Oh the history!! Incredible.. Anyway I'm rambling so I'll end it there. Oh and I haven't seen the last 3 episodes of Lost!! So not a peep! ;)
Cheers D-Zone. (You may now call yourself whatever you wish again btw. I would hate to have you suffer any longer! Signed, The Lord Mayor of Bristol.)

Jimzip :D



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