Just watching a few of the interviews of my friends website - www.escdaily.com (go visit, its a refreshing change from the rather favourited Oikotimes site).
Learned 5 things from watching:
1. Jon Lilygreen representing Cyprus (but hails from Wales) appears to be proper mental. At least he'll be laugh to be around at the parties and is more than welcome to join our gang
2. Tom Dice has great taste - the Belgium guitar boy cites his favourite Eurovision entry as 'My Star' by Brainstorm. Additionally, Tom Dice is in my mind THE big dark horse for 2010 - what a simple performance done so well
3. Lithuanias InCulto are a pure joy to watch on stage, despite the 'joke' tag they should qualify for being entertaining AND a good band
4. Albanias Juliana Pasha has proven to more than just myself that her mighty voice deserves a top 5 place this year
5. And lastly, Eurovision feels a lot further away than just 17 days away.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Its been 11 months...
I did go to Moscow last year, and as soon as the fun started I tended to neglect my blogging duties for Euroclub and Eurocafe and sleeping till 2pm.
This year, I will not repeat that mistake!
I'm attending the event once again in Oslo, and its been on cards since about ummm... my 3rd day in Moscow. I basically returned to home (Sydney) in June, booked my flights in July and its all set.
Since last writing, I also became a travel agent in my 'real' life. Some say its following a underlying love, others would say its just to facilitate my travels :P
I'm booked to leave Australia on 15th May - into London for a day, and then 3 days in Iceland (although considering current circumstances that involve a volcano, that could change), and then 10 days in Oslo. I'm doing stuff after Oslo as well, but Eurovision is certainly the highlight. Again, not a cheap trip by any means, however it is one I don't mind paying for. The experience of Eurovision last year made me happier than anything I can think of for the past 5 years - I met lots of lovely people who I now call 'friends' from around the world, and I danced and sang my little heart out for a week to some very fun music indeed. And the show itself blew my mind. I've never seen anything as big as Eurovision, or experienced an event that people all loved so much.
Eurovision is a very special thing, and it goes beyond just 2 semis and a final every year. The parties were a highlight, and the people.
Anyway... please follow my blog. I'll be giving my thoughts on the entries, and also posting up some Australian following of Eurovision.
In fact, expect another post come the end of tonight.
This year, I will not repeat that mistake!
I'm attending the event once again in Oslo, and its been on cards since about ummm... my 3rd day in Moscow. I basically returned to home (Sydney) in June, booked my flights in July and its all set.
Since last writing, I also became a travel agent in my 'real' life. Some say its following a underlying love, others would say its just to facilitate my travels :P
I'm booked to leave Australia on 15th May - into London for a day, and then 3 days in Iceland (although considering current circumstances that involve a volcano, that could change), and then 10 days in Oslo. I'm doing stuff after Oslo as well, but Eurovision is certainly the highlight. Again, not a cheap trip by any means, however it is one I don't mind paying for. The experience of Eurovision last year made me happier than anything I can think of for the past 5 years - I met lots of lovely people who I now call 'friends' from around the world, and I danced and sang my little heart out for a week to some very fun music indeed. And the show itself blew my mind. I've never seen anything as big as Eurovision, or experienced an event that people all loved so much.
Eurovision is a very special thing, and it goes beyond just 2 semis and a final every year. The parties were a highlight, and the people.
Anyway... please follow my blog. I'll be giving my thoughts on the entries, and also posting up some Australian following of Eurovision.
In fact, expect another post come the end of tonight.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
OK - time for the recap...
Sat in 2nd row at the finals next to the Norwegians. You can imagine it was a bloody brilliant night, full of atmosphere. I promise you the opening part of the show looked just as amazing in the arena. Thats the first time I really liked Dima Bilan.
Downside to the show - well, that morning the gay parade attempted to start and the police arrested everyone. The tv news showed that, but neglected to mention the amount of people who were injured etc. I believe that included one of the guys from De Toppers - the Dutch entry. When we got to the arena it was surrounded by police. We were asked to hide our flags and to stick to the pathway made the line of the police. You could see the looks on their faces like they were one step away from clubbing us all to death. Friggin' scary shit. I went in via the media entrance to avoid them all - probably best for guys who are wearing kilts (I was like their protection being a female, hehe).
After the show my friend Paul and I were interviewed by Russia Today news - featuring the GAYEST man ever as host. Paul lent me his Union Jack flag as we stood in the freezing cold waiting for the interview to start live to air. I'm most certain I looked thoroughly shocking and now I'm told I'll get a copy of it on dvd to watch over. arghhhhhhhhh!
Went to the afterparty where much free alcohol (as per usual) was consumed, as well as some very alcoholic strawberries and icecream. We didnt spot many acts there - they had their own VIP section.
Around 6am the party was winding down and despite my best efforts to leave, Paul kept pulling me back inside. In the end he dragged me over to Euroclub, insisting it would still be open. It wasnt.
Anyway, best thing ever! I cant wait for Oslo Eurovision 2010!
Sat in 2nd row at the finals next to the Norwegians. You can imagine it was a bloody brilliant night, full of atmosphere. I promise you the opening part of the show looked just as amazing in the arena. Thats the first time I really liked Dima Bilan.
Downside to the show - well, that morning the gay parade attempted to start and the police arrested everyone. The tv news showed that, but neglected to mention the amount of people who were injured etc. I believe that included one of the guys from De Toppers - the Dutch entry. When we got to the arena it was surrounded by police. We were asked to hide our flags and to stick to the pathway made the line of the police. You could see the looks on their faces like they were one step away from clubbing us all to death. Friggin' scary shit. I went in via the media entrance to avoid them all - probably best for guys who are wearing kilts (I was like their protection being a female, hehe).
After the show my friend Paul and I were interviewed by Russia Today news - featuring the GAYEST man ever as host. Paul lent me his Union Jack flag as we stood in the freezing cold waiting for the interview to start live to air. I'm most certain I looked thoroughly shocking and now I'm told I'll get a copy of it on dvd to watch over. arghhhhhhhhh!
Went to the afterparty where much free alcohol (as per usual) was consumed, as well as some very alcoholic strawberries and icecream. We didnt spot many acts there - they had their own VIP section.
Around 6am the party was winding down and despite my best efforts to leave, Paul kept pulling me back inside. In the end he dragged me over to Euroclub, insisting it would still be open. It wasnt.
Anyway, best thing ever! I cant wait for Oslo Eurovision 2010!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Oh, theres only one night left with everyone here for Final and I feel like the comedown has already started. It will be utterly empty on Sunday night :(
Its like Melbourne Comedy Festival comedown or Edinburgh Fringe comedown. And I hate it. I think I've taken the right decision though to book into a hotel for tomorrow and just sleep it all off after a MASSIVE one planned for tonight. I only know 2 people still here on Sunday night - 2 Norwegians. So we are going to dinner together on Sunday which is nice.
I truly love the Eurovision spirit
If I told you I've made about 60 new friends here I wouldnt be exaggerating. There's most people from the UK fanclub - about 40 of them. And at least another 4 UK people from the media. There's a group of 5 Norwegians. 2 Russians. A handful of Swedes. 10 Irish. 3 Spaniards (who in fact were screaming at me from across the road "Australian girl" because I was walking alone to Eurocafe and they wanted me to wait and walk with them to be safe). I don't know, there's a lot of others... too many people. I have had so many photos with people taken as the "aussie girl". Probably more than Alex for Norway! Apparently he 'doesnt do photos' cause too many people ask for a photo with him.
Oh yeah, and I'd say 90% of them are gay men. You dont come to Eurovision to pick up as a woman, thats for sure. Simon from the UK club last night had 2 women (who we suspect were the 2 dopey Russian girls who blog on esckaz) trying to pick him up. I had to tell them in broken English that they are in the wrong place. hehe
Plans are already underway for next year. If Norway wins, I'm there!
I have been ordered to take my inflatible flag tonight by everyone to show off the Aussie flag. I'm in 2nd row. Its BOUND to be on the broadcast. Please, please watch the final for me, if nothing else. Its on Sunday at 7pm.
Here's also hoping nothing bad happens today. The gay parade is on and hopefully no-one gets hurt. I think everyone I know is smart enough to stay well away. But theres also been reports that the police found bullets and a gun hidden in the arena on Tuesday night - possible Eurovision assassination? Fucking frightening. But you cant live your life being scared all the time.
Its like Melbourne Comedy Festival comedown or Edinburgh Fringe comedown. And I hate it. I think I've taken the right decision though to book into a hotel for tomorrow and just sleep it all off after a MASSIVE one planned for tonight. I only know 2 people still here on Sunday night - 2 Norwegians. So we are going to dinner together on Sunday which is nice.
I truly love the Eurovision spirit
If I told you I've made about 60 new friends here I wouldnt be exaggerating. There's most people from the UK fanclub - about 40 of them. And at least another 4 UK people from the media. There's a group of 5 Norwegians. 2 Russians. A handful of Swedes. 10 Irish. 3 Spaniards (who in fact were screaming at me from across the road "Australian girl" because I was walking alone to Eurocafe and they wanted me to wait and walk with them to be safe). I don't know, there's a lot of others... too many people. I have had so many photos with people taken as the "aussie girl". Probably more than Alex for Norway! Apparently he 'doesnt do photos' cause too many people ask for a photo with him.
Oh yeah, and I'd say 90% of them are gay men. You dont come to Eurovision to pick up as a woman, thats for sure. Simon from the UK club last night had 2 women (who we suspect were the 2 dopey Russian girls who blog on esckaz) trying to pick him up. I had to tell them in broken English that they are in the wrong place. hehe
Plans are already underway for next year. If Norway wins, I'm there!
I have been ordered to take my inflatible flag tonight by everyone to show off the Aussie flag. I'm in 2nd row. Its BOUND to be on the broadcast. Please, please watch the final for me, if nothing else. Its on Sunday at 7pm.
Here's also hoping nothing bad happens today. The gay parade is on and hopefully no-one gets hurt. I think everyone I know is smart enough to stay well away. But theres also been reports that the police found bullets and a gun hidden in the arena on Tuesday night - possible Eurovision assassination? Fucking frightening. But you cant live your life being scared all the time.
Friday, May 15, 2009
We went out till 8am last night/today. We came home on the Metro with packed carriages of workers heading to their jobs staring at us. Excellent semi to celebrate (because we all got the countries we wanted through and the songs were fantastic).
Qualifiers were:
Greece
Norway
Azerbaijan
Ukraine
Lithuania
Estonia
Denmark
Croatia
Albania
Moldova
As expected, we sat behind the Greeks which meant the audience was extremely loud. They have heaps to be proud of though - Sakis was unbelievable visually. I waved my flag for Norway. We all got up and danced to Ukraine.
We might all be going to Athens next year...
Anyway, all that fantastic stuff happening meant it was a big party back at Euroclub with the two favourites, and it means we got back an hour later than the night before.
I met the other 2 Aussies here last night. I'm not alone! 2 guys from Canberra, my old home town (at least during 2009).
And my mate Ewan finally emerged from his press bunker and came out with us. He got me a 'anti crisis girl' singlet. I love him!!!!
People saw me jumping up and down and squealing miles away, and just knew it had something to do with Svetlana stuff :)
This is what Eurovision is really about. I get the same buzz as Melbourne years ago. I know this will become an addiction and I'll want to see everyone year after year at this event.
Qualifiers were:
Greece
Norway
Azerbaijan
Ukraine
Lithuania
Estonia
Denmark
Croatia
Albania
Moldova
As expected, we sat behind the Greeks which meant the audience was extremely loud. They have heaps to be proud of though - Sakis was unbelievable visually. I waved my flag for Norway. We all got up and danced to Ukraine.
We might all be going to Athens next year...
Anyway, all that fantastic stuff happening meant it was a big party back at Euroclub with the two favourites, and it means we got back an hour later than the night before.
I met the other 2 Aussies here last night. I'm not alone! 2 guys from Canberra, my old home town (at least during 2009).
And my mate Ewan finally emerged from his press bunker and came out with us. He got me a 'anti crisis girl' singlet. I love him!!!!
People saw me jumping up and down and squealing miles away, and just knew it had something to do with Svetlana stuff :)
This is what Eurovision is really about. I get the same buzz as Melbourne years ago. I know this will become an addiction and I'll want to see everyone year after year at this event.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
OK, last night was fricking awesome!
I stumbled back into my apartment around 7am.
I swear those blisters on my toes look a lot worse than they feel. I'm so wearing my boots tonight instead.
Eurocafe... its basically a 24 hour party venue for Eurovision fans. Its a restaurant by day, nightclub by night. It also a karaoke room and a press centre.
You may as well say though that after 1am, its a gay bar. Wall to wall gorgeous gay men dancing to Eurovision songs. Well gay men and a few women. There arent too many female Eurovision fans here (at least attending the parties).
Never really thought I'd be singing and dancing along in a nightclub to the Albanian entry from this year. hehe. It is so much fun though. The place pumps energy by the litre.
And woooo! 2nd semi tonight!
Now, this semi is going to be fucking amazing! I want you all to watch it on Saturday at 7.30pm on SBS.
Keep an eye out for:
Greece - it is just such a spectacular presentation. The Greek fans are REALLY REALLY LOUD. And so they should be. I think they are sitting right in front of us tonight (we are 9th row). It looks excellent (and hopefully sounds good too on the night)
Norway - cause its my favourite little fairytale
Ukraine - acrobatics, sexy Roman costumes, catchy tune...
Netherlands - its totally kitsch but we've all decided we love it. We will be dancing in the crowd so please watch for us!
Predictions:
Greece
Norway
Ukraine
Azerbaijan
Lithuania
Estonia
Moldova
Denmark
Cyprus will just miss out because she hits some bum notes.
Oh god I'd love to see the Netherlands go through. Its utterly shamefully enjoyable.
I stumbled back into my apartment around 7am.
I swear those blisters on my toes look a lot worse than they feel. I'm so wearing my boots tonight instead.
Eurocafe... its basically a 24 hour party venue for Eurovision fans. Its a restaurant by day, nightclub by night. It also a karaoke room and a press centre.
You may as well say though that after 1am, its a gay bar. Wall to wall gorgeous gay men dancing to Eurovision songs. Well gay men and a few women. There arent too many female Eurovision fans here (at least attending the parties).
Never really thought I'd be singing and dancing along in a nightclub to the Albanian entry from this year. hehe. It is so much fun though. The place pumps energy by the litre.
And woooo! 2nd semi tonight!
Now, this semi is going to be fucking amazing! I want you all to watch it on Saturday at 7.30pm on SBS.
Keep an eye out for:
Greece - it is just such a spectacular presentation. The Greek fans are REALLY REALLY LOUD. And so they should be. I think they are sitting right in front of us tonight (we are 9th row). It looks excellent (and hopefully sounds good too on the night)
Norway - cause its my favourite little fairytale
Ukraine - acrobatics, sexy Roman costumes, catchy tune...
Netherlands - its totally kitsch but we've all decided we love it. We will be dancing in the crowd so please watch for us!
Predictions:
Greece
Norway
Ukraine
Azerbaijan
Lithuania
Estonia
Moldova
Denmark
Cyprus will just miss out because she hits some bum notes.
Oh god I'd love to see the Netherlands go through. Its utterly shamefully enjoyable.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Woah! one semi down, one semi and a final to go.
Like everything else in this fine city, there was a lot of confusion as to where and how to get to our seats. No-one at the arena spoke English at the doors and there were no signs pointing to where the Fan Zone was. Eventually through hand signals, I worked out I had to go downstairs. Then they had the doors closed right up until 30 minutes before the show which got people really angry. On the floor, there were no signs as to the seating area so I sat in this great seats that I assumed was mine, only to be told that no, we were at the side of the stage - not the greatest view - blocked by those swinging cameras. Thus, you will not see any of the UK fanclub waving our flags, or me waving my inflatible hand :(
I can understand why we had those seats - you need to seat the fanclubs of the countries actually in that semi final in front of the stage first. We will get our chance on Saturday at the final. I think our seats for the next semi arent bad though. 9th row in the centre.
We didnt have any real car crash entries this year. A few bum notes though. We thought Andorra looked good, and Switzerland and Belarus. We rated them quite highly. But the qualifications to the finals were:
Bosnia
Turkey
Armenia
Iceland
Finland
Malta
Portugal
Sweden
Israel
Romania
Anyway, makes sense. All the Scandis voted for each other and got through. And pretty girls won over rock songs as per usual.
Apparently the UK tv cut to interviews with acts instead of showing the interval act (which was AMAZING!). Travesty.
The afterparty entertainment last night was a Russian drag show. Quite a good one. It opened with a Kylie set and the boys reckoned they put it on just for me :P
I drank about 4 beers in 20 mins leaving me a little tipsy.
I was chatting away to the guys about the semi and noticed the lead singer of Bosnia standing right next to me (Davor from Regina). I leaned over and said 'congratulations' and he hugged me to say thank you and then grabbed my pass around my neck and pointed at it and said "AUSTRALIA! Are you really from Australia?". He seemed really excited.
Davor and I ended up chatting for quite a while about Australia. He has family that live in the Gold Coast. He says he would like to go on holidays around Sydney and Queensland after this to relax. I was giving him some tourist attraction recommendations.
So he's a really excellent guy. I mentioned I was staying around the corner from their hotel and said I was very welcome to join them on the bus home from Euroclub. We left around 4.30am when things were dying down and god I wish I had a camera last night! The Bosnians are so happy (as to be expected) and were all singing on the bus. I'm so very very happy for them. I said I want them to win for me because I have bets on them at very good odds.
So... I've had about 3 hours sleep, feeling seedy, but I have a semi 2 rehearsal to attend in a couple of hours. Gotta be there to see Norway and the Ukraine perform! Then home to sleep and off to the Russian party tonight. Should be a big one.
Like everything else in this fine city, there was a lot of confusion as to where and how to get to our seats. No-one at the arena spoke English at the doors and there were no signs pointing to where the Fan Zone was. Eventually through hand signals, I worked out I had to go downstairs. Then they had the doors closed right up until 30 minutes before the show which got people really angry. On the floor, there were no signs as to the seating area so I sat in this great seats that I assumed was mine, only to be told that no, we were at the side of the stage - not the greatest view - blocked by those swinging cameras. Thus, you will not see any of the UK fanclub waving our flags, or me waving my inflatible hand :(
I can understand why we had those seats - you need to seat the fanclubs of the countries actually in that semi final in front of the stage first. We will get our chance on Saturday at the final. I think our seats for the next semi arent bad though. 9th row in the centre.
We didnt have any real car crash entries this year. A few bum notes though. We thought Andorra looked good, and Switzerland and Belarus. We rated them quite highly. But the qualifications to the finals were:
Bosnia
Turkey
Armenia
Iceland
Finland
Malta
Portugal
Sweden
Israel
Romania
Anyway, makes sense. All the Scandis voted for each other and got through. And pretty girls won over rock songs as per usual.
Apparently the UK tv cut to interviews with acts instead of showing the interval act (which was AMAZING!). Travesty.
The afterparty entertainment last night was a Russian drag show. Quite a good one. It opened with a Kylie set and the boys reckoned they put it on just for me :P
I drank about 4 beers in 20 mins leaving me a little tipsy.
I was chatting away to the guys about the semi and noticed the lead singer of Bosnia standing right next to me (Davor from Regina). I leaned over and said 'congratulations' and he hugged me to say thank you and then grabbed my pass around my neck and pointed at it and said "AUSTRALIA! Are you really from Australia?". He seemed really excited.
Davor and I ended up chatting for quite a while about Australia. He has family that live in the Gold Coast. He says he would like to go on holidays around Sydney and Queensland after this to relax. I was giving him some tourist attraction recommendations.
So he's a really excellent guy. I mentioned I was staying around the corner from their hotel and said I was very welcome to join them on the bus home from Euroclub. We left around 4.30am when things were dying down and god I wish I had a camera last night! The Bosnians are so happy (as to be expected) and were all singing on the bus. I'm so very very happy for them. I said I want them to win for me because I have bets on them at very good odds.
So... I've had about 3 hours sleep, feeling seedy, but I have a semi 2 rehearsal to attend in a couple of hours. Gotta be there to see Norway and the Ukraine perform! Then home to sleep and off to the Russian party tonight. Should be a big one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
