I can’t stay long dear reader, as we’re off on a field trip to Bratislava today, but I just popped by to let you know that That Jody & I only managed to wangle our ways into the welcome reception last night! A stunning do in the Wiener Rathaus, screened to tens of people across the world live via the wonderweb. We bagged a ticket through a very good friend in the Italian delegation who needed to boost their numbers a bit, so off we went to their hotel to join them and Il Volo for our ride to the event. We didn’t get to go up the red carpet, mind, only limited numbers for that and frankly we didn’t want to divert all that papping from the artistes themselves, our egos are already massaged enough. No, we had to stay on the bus and be taken up the back entrance. Once there we had a mangy old red carpet casually strewn across a courtyard, but once inside we were on level pegging with everyone.
The venue is stunning: huge arched ceilings and a good 50 metres from end to end. We’ve never seen such a well laid out bar with complimentary glasses of wine waiting for us in the kind of proportion we’ve come to love. One by one the delegates arrived up the red carpet and joined us as we received them. Whilst waiting local TV came amongst the tables to interview people and as we’d just met up with friends in the BBC they grabbed me and started asking me questions about the UK delegation and our chances. I’m afraid for a moment I inadvertently became the mouthpiece of the Corporation, so if anyone reads any rumours about me becoming the next Director General in the rags back home this morning it’s probably just a bit of confused reporting on the back of my starring role. They asked how it felt to be one of the favourites. Erm… Are you sure you’ve got the right BBC?
The night went on with us glad-handing the stars; we’ve become like second families to them now they come to greet us. A quick chat with everyone – Måns, Christer, Deborah, Electro Velvet… Molly from Ireland was delightful, Vaidas from Lithuania was clearly mithered by his onstage paramour who said he just doesn’t shut up when they’re out. The Blackstreet Boys backing Macedonia now think I’m their biggest fan after I was introduced as such – I had to bluff my way through that one, it’s lucky I’ve heard of their Hot Diggity Schizzle. After we’d drank the free bar dry (not on our own, the Czechs were there too) we jumped on a truly international shuttle bus with Norway, Macedonia, Ireland and Slovenia and hot bussed it over the EuroClub, which on first impression is going to be fun. More people to talk to there – including a trio of Icelandic representatives Hera Bjork, Fredrik Omar and Selma, and a little set by Conchita herself in the sweltering upper room. I have to apologise to Hera Bjork for her catching me singing a very rude version of her song at the top of my voice not realising she was standing next to me. It’s lucky she has a filthy sense of humour…
Right – we’re off abroad, and back for the Ambassador’s Reception later. Have a fine day, y’all, and I’ll check back in tomorrow.