So I finally attended Eurovision. And, as expected, it was some of the best times of my life. It was an immensely amazing experience spent with old friends and new friends and I can't wait to do it all again next year.

Here's some random highlights.

The flight:

Singing Sha-la-lie on the plane with Costas and Felix, especially the line about being on a plane to Oslo was the perfect start to the trip. Apparently there's a video somewhere.

The Belarussian Party:

The first event I attended, and I walked in and went to the bar. Knowing how expensive Norway is, I started counting out Kronas. I had counted about 90 NOK when the barmaid looked at me. She asked "You speak English?" and my heart sank as I realised that beer must cost even more than I expected. Then she said "It's free". Just imaygine!

The Belarussian Rehearsal:

This was the first rehearsal I watched, and I couldn't have asked for a better beginning. It has everything that makes Eurovision so special to me: terrible English pronunciation, mullets, fake tan, OTT dresses, magic pop-out wings at the keychange, and falling butterfly-shaped confetti. It was truly magical in the hall watching that Friday, and after the free beer and the ludicrous but SO Eurovision performance, Belarus had won my heart already.

The Icelandic Delegation:

They were fabulous throughout the whole time, and I had some great times with them. From Hera talking about "her" airports at the press conference to drinking free wine and singing and dancing to a EuroMedley with the team in a park, and even singing along as they performed Someday and Je Ne Sais Quoi at Latter. They were fan faves and rightfully so, just a shame that they were never gonna go top 10. But the atmosphere in the arena during their performance at Semi 1 was magic.

Poland and Malta (Marcin and Thea):

These were *the* 2 party people, and were so approachable and came up to me as often as I to them, danced on the stage to Verka Serduchka. Gave them both a big hug after they failed to qualify on the Tuesday night, and they promised me they'd be partying all week still anyway. And they were. Bless them both!

The Bosnian Embassy Rooftop:

Gatecrashing a party for Bosnians, Balkan Eurovision singers (and the Polish singer was there obviously), we got plied with free food, beer and sunshine! Watching BBC coverage of Eurovisions I had frequently seen rooftop parties in the sunshine, but didn't expect it from Oslo. Perhaps my favourite afternoon of the whole stay, it also gave opportuntites for more individual highlights:

Shouting "Hallo, Copenhagen?" at/with Femminem

Singing "Samo malo samo malo samo malo samo malo" at Milan Stankovic

Singing "Zbudi se" and "Narodnozabavni Rock" at the Slovenians

Ole Ole:

From listening to it on the plane with Costas and Felix and doing the clap, to the multiple times the fit Jewish DJ from Berlin played it in EuroClub, the song - which has always been a favourite of mine - became one of the anthems of the 10 days for me.

Työlki ellää:

More handclaps! It's all about them! This became the press centre fave, and deservedly so. Sadly the girls just missed out on qualification, but that didn't stop them enjoying the dance remix on the stage at EuroClub. There was also a drunken bus journey with the endless repeat. Everytime you "mut kaupal rikastuu" and end, someone starts a "Mä laulan" and you're off again. Endless loop of fun.

Topless Moldovans:

Jumping off a stage into a fishpond, dancing and taking off their shirts was a great cap on a great afternoon in the park.

Getting the wrong bus:

That afternoon was also a complete fluke. I got on a shuttle bus where the driver promised to take me "to the music". Instead of going to the arena, however, the bus stopped 5 minutes later at some National Heritage site. Where there was a picnic for the delegations. With free reindeer, picnic food and, most importantly, wine! We got rather tipsy with the Icelandic delegation, Jonas, Henke, Nille, Christina and Camilla while watching Bobbysocks, topless Moldovans and modern Sami music.

And I'll conclude part 1 there. I reckon there'll be at least 2 more parts, even if lots of the time was rather blurry! :)