If you will permit me, I would like to take you back in time to the year 1989. Paul Seevers, that being me, is 8 years old and living in Wauchula, Florida. His hair is bleach blond from the Florida sun, so much so you can’t see his eyebrows. He is in his tuxedo, dressed to the nines in his blue cumberbun. Why was he dressed so? Paul, you see, was participating in the most prestigious contest in all of Hardee County, Florida. The Pickle and Princess Contest.
Now to be honest, I don’t remember much about it. I do remember I didn’t win, though. But looking back, I’m glad I do not have the dubious distinction of being crowned The Pickle of Hardee County. Oh the poor chump who was left with that title.

So why do I bring this up? Sunday afternoon I was sent reeling back to this point in my life when I attended the Little Mr and Ms Modern Indian School Talent Contest in downtown Kathmandu.

The oldest daughter of the family I am staying with, Strina, was in the contest. I was told it was to be two hours. Somehow I doubted this, and four hours later…

There were 24 girls and 23 boys in the contest, and there had been earlier rounds previous to Sunday. They all introduced themselves and answered questions, and finally they narrowed it down to six boys and six girls for the final round. They came out and were all asked the same question and were given two minutes to write their answer. The boys were asked the following question: “What is your favorite organ in your body and why?” I’m not even going to touch that one…
The girls, on the other hand, were asked this question: “What member of your family do you love the most and why?” Hopefully this did not raise any arguments when the contestants reached home that evening…

In the end, Strina was Second Runner-up. She did an exceptional job and was very confident. She should be proud of herself.