So I made it here at last. It’s a long story involving 60 qapik and a bike race, but I’ve arrived at the heart of Europe’s favourite TV show.
I’m hard at work for my ‘official’ employer, so these posts may be infrequent at the moment. We also don’t have free wi-fi at Riigi Heights.
What can I tell you? The locals here are remarkably friendly. When I got to the edge of the Crystal Hall complex, three people – one after another – escorted me to collect my press pass which is worth its weight in lovely cheese. Then someone else escorted me to within an inch of the press centre. I couldn’t ask for more.
I’ve seen a couple of the rehearsals today which by tradition kicked off very late. It was ever thus. Greece was the first song I had the, erm, joy to behold. Should I be nice and all esct*d*y? If so, she attacked it with gusto. However, if I were to be the solid oneurope reporter you know I am, I can only say it was shocking. Absolutely shocking. In fact, worse than shocking. She is really going to have to work on the song to get more than the customary 12 of another nation in the same semi-final.
That assault on my eardrums over, my next time there was for Albania. Now while she looks like she might rather be playing Sunbingo, she performed the arse off this. And this is only day 1. An also-ran now looks like a certain qualifier. At the expense of Greece with any luck.
That’s all for now folks, but I hope to report more very soon.
Stay lucky. 😉