the party

after a day of sightseeing for the out-of-towners, it was finally time for the big do. and what a party! despite all the last minute changes (new vegetarians, late arrivals, etc), it pretty much went off without a hitch. as master of ceremony, i was in charge of welcoming everyone and organising the speeches. i also made the rounds of all the tables a couple of times to check that everyone was all right.

in the end, there were 8 speeches plus some singing - a fine Danish tradition! it was really moving to hear all the nice things people said about my father. nearly cried a couple of times. i was surprised to be included in one of the speeches: N's father had prepared something quite long, where he basically explained how long he'd known dad and how happy he was that the friendship continued through the kids. very sweet. then we got H. to join the band and play some good old jazz. it's funny how he hates to talk in public but playing the piano in front of people's not a problem. i was impressed that he even explained what they were gonna play. but he certainly put people in the dancing mood so i didn't even have to worry about that.