The North's First Minister, Mr David Trimble, and Mr John Hume looked rested and relaxed when they arrived in Oslo, despite having flown from an earlier awards ceremony in Washington DC. They travelled in a private jet laid on by Dr Tony O'Reilly. The fact that their families were with them was one of the reasons for their composure, according to friends. Mr Trimble is accompanied by his four young children and the Hume family is also well represented.
"As we would say in Derry, I've brought all the wains with me," the SDLP leader said good-humouredly. As the foreign press stared in bemusement, he added, "I'd better explain that to all of you: my family have all come, all my children, and those of them who have children have brought their children with them as well."
Oslo may in the grip of winter but neither man was fazed by the cold. Mr Hume quipped that there was an old saying in his native Derry: "If you're reared in your bare feet you'll never get pneumonia in the snow."
Before today's ceremony, the two men will have an audience with King Harald and Queen Sonja, who will also attend the prize-giving at the city hall.
Although a rehearsal yesterday was kept strictly private, reports said it went well apart from some concern about the narrowness of the ledge on which the Nobel laureates have to stand.
Today's ceremony includes speeches by the two recipients and performances by musicians such as James Galway and Phillip Moll who will play Dance of the Blessed Spirits by Gluck and The Swiss Shepherd by Morlacchi.
Afterwards, the world will see a live interview with the prize-winners on CNN, before an audience of reporters. The day's events also include the lighting of a peace flame in the presence of 4,000 children from 38 schools.
Tomorrow, there are meetings with the Prime Minister, Mr Bondevik and the Foreign Minister, Mr Vollebaek. The British ambassador, Mr Richard Dales, will host a lunch for the two men and the Irish Ambassador, Mr James Sharkey - like Mr Hume, a native of Derry - will host a reception in the evening. There will also be a concert featuring the Cranberries and Phil Coulter.