What was your impression of the city of Stockholm?I get the sense that Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I spent the week in awe of the city. I admired the Art Nouveau-style buildings on the waterfront, the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, and the vast Vasa, a beautifully preserved 17th century ship that was rediscovered on the bottom of Stockholm's harbor 50 years ago. The extent of commerce in the area amazed me. Downtown I walked among thousands of other shoppers through streets lined with impeccable shops and cafés. I browsed through jul (Christmas) markets and explored expansive underground malls – including the biggest H&M store I've ever seen.How would you describe the Nobel week events, the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony and Nobel Banquet?I attended the physics and chemistry Nobel Laureates' lectures, in which they explained some of the technical ideas behind their work. I attended the Nobel reception and talked to the team of scientists with whom George Smoot and John Mather designed the experiment that won them the Nobel Prize in physics. I heard first-hand the story behind the group's experiment, which revealed measurable after-effects of the Big Bang. At the Banquet, I conversed and danced with students from the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar. We stood for the king and queen, raised our glasses for several toasts and dined with high etiquette – each course had its own set of silverware. What other kinds of activities did you experience?Our chaperone, Helén, planned a wonderful schedule of events. We went on a tour of Stockholm and learned about the varied neighborhoods in the city. We also visited several museums, attended an advent concert performed by Swedish children's choirs and went on a julbord Christmas dinner cruise. We also visited Kungsholmens gymnasium (a Stockholm high school) to attend classes and talk to the students in the international section. This was actually one of my favorite events. The students' openness and friendliness made the experience eye-opening and enjoyable.What do you think will be your most lasting memory?Two of the most memorable experiences were the Nobel Reception and the Nobel Award Ceremony and Banquet because I got to meet such interesting people there. Also, I will remember being interviewed for Swedish television for a short spot during the Nobel Banquet broadcast because it was such a novel experience.Do you have any advice for next year's winners?Make sure to try a lussekatt (saffron bun). They are wonderful. Or, even if you don't love them as much as I do, you should try to sample some Swedish food that you can't get in New York since so much of it is delicious. You're sure to find something new you like.For more information about the essay contest: www.laureatesoftomorrow.orgPhoto: Avishai Don, Natasha Plotkin and Gena Rozenberg at the Nobel Banquet, December 10, 2006 © Hans Mehlin, Nobel Web AB