Norwegian Christmas Drink

On Halloween, while busking at the Times Square subway station dressed as a witch, I was approached by an unusual man. For more details of what happened back then: see the Halloween post.
Out of the blue, a Norwegian angel by the name of Tore e-mail to let me know there is a video of that occurrence.
As you’re watching the video, please notice how one of the Andean musicians is watching the goings on (leaning against the pillar on my right) and Frank, the guitar player/singer/whistler, is watching from my left hand side: (please turn off the music on the right hand bar before viewing the video)

Tore also told me that the soda is only sold in Norway during the Christmas season and there are many different brands and flavors of this drink.
Wikipedia says:
Julebrus is a Norwegian soft drink, usually with a festive label on the bottle. It is brewed by most Norwegian breweries, as a Christmas drink for the minors, who aren’t eligible (by law) to enjoy the traditional juleøl (English: Christmas Ale). Although the soft drink is supposed to be for sale through December only, it is often found in stores as early as late October, along with the various sorts of Christmas candy.”

Tore told me that the guy I met buys several crates of this drink every year and fills his entire basement with it, so he can drink it throughout the year.
The people filming us are from a Norwegian newspaper (vg.no) which was doing a fun feature about this drink this December.
The crew followed the guy all around New York where he tries to give away a soda bottle during each episode (though he’d rather just drink it himself really 🙂 )

I am amazed that Tore saw this video all the way in Norway and was able to track me down and contact me. The wonders of the 21st century 🙂

By the way – the drink I was given is all gone now, but I am keeping the bottle as a souvenir from a peculiar day in the subway. Also – the label on the bottle is really pretty.

Tore wanted to know what the song I was playing in the video is. It’s called “3 Little Notes” – a French song made famous by singer Ives Montand.

Tore ended his e-mail with:
“I thought the witch costume was extra cute, but your happy spirit was the best part 🙂
I’ll be sure to say hi if I get a chance to visit NYC 🙂
Take care
Tore”