We were unable to get tickets to the Nobel ceremony. At first, this was disappointing and we held out hope that something would change. We then learned from the Anne, head librarian of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, that the reason that we were unable to get tickets was because Liu Xiaobo’s wife had sent out all call to their friends from around the world, asking them to gather as a force in Oslo for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. So many responded that they were unable to give them all tickets. Many of his friends would have to watch the ceremony from monitors.

And so, we watched the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony from the Nobel Peace Center, just across the street from where the ceremony was happening. We watched it on a giant screen in the gallery where the special exhibit on Liu Xiaobo was opening the next day. It was very inspiring to read his writings, to listen to past interviews of he and his wife, and to be in a room filled with Chinese people who were there to celebrate their countryman winning this prestigious award, in spite of their government’s anger.

Our seats were in the very first row. We watched the power of the empty chair, and listened to the speeches. As we sat in the warmth of the Peace Center, Niko, Sam and I tried to take it all in. However, the comfort and warmth of the building combined with our jet lag overtook us and each of us at different times, nodded off. I couldn’t believe it. Here we are at the climax of our trip, unable to stay awake! Isn’t that just like life? All I could think was, Thank God we did not get tickets. How embarrassing it would have been to fall asleep at such an important event!