Yesterday was the 17th of May, or syttende mai as we say in Norway. It's Norway's national day, the date the Norwegian constitution was signed and thus officially became an independent nation.
Like Christmas (or jul), it's very much a celebration where kids are in focus. The schools organize children's parades, with the various classes carrying self-made banners and waving flags, with a marching band and the official school banner at the front, carried by the oldest kids. After the parade, the kids return to the school to engage in various games and activities (where you can often win prizes), and there are stand selling ice cream, hot dogs, cake, and soda. You can read a bit more here.
Our family traditionally celebrates by booking a table at one of the organized hotel buffets, and eating out. Unfortunately I've been sick for the past couple of weeks with what is most like a small lung infection, so I wasn't able to join this year, nor do anything else very fun, so I was understandable a bit down.
So Kanda made me this surprise gift art, of a young - and very patriotic looking - me! A very nice surprise that helped brighten up my day. Thanks again, Kanda.