'Thank you for the music'

I had an epiphany.
"It's the 60th anniversary of Eurovision this year Tone and it's in Vienna! Let's go!"
This simple statement was met with a nose curl, a look of disgust and a quick shake of the head. I knew I had to do some serious groundwork to get this happening.
A few hours later I had researched flights, hotels, tickets and the basic cost of living in Vienna-I'd somehow managed to find some possibilities in what seemed to be the most expensive city in the world. Tony was still unconvinced.
I befriended a travel agent over the phone and explained my predicament. I needed to go to Vienna, yes, it did have to be those specific days and eventually told him why. I wanted to see Eurovision.
"You're going to Vienna to see Eurovision?" He responded incredulously. I gave him a withering look down the phone and began a five minute rant on why Australians love Eurovision. He chose to get back to work finding me bargain basement flights without commenting again.
Armed with cheap-ish flights and backpacker dorm rooms, family show tickets and buckets of enthusiasm, I tackled Tony again. I'd borrowed a 'Lonely Planet' from the library so had visual backups of all the pretty sites Vienna had to offer. Neither of us have ever been before so there was still a chance.
Seeing my exuberance, Tony heard me out. It was the 60th anniversary, Australia was actually performing this year and we'd watched it the last two years on repeat, still singing along to some of the best songs. He didn't have many reasons why we shouldn't. I think in the end, the fact that we might never have this opportunity again was what wore him down.... That or his new mantra of 'Happy wife, happy life'......
I began telling everyone we'd meet that we were going to Eurovision. My excitement knew no bounds although it was obvious that no one else shared my enthusiasm. In fact, in the UK, talking about Eurovision is about as appealing as vomit. I don't know why, they always seem to have great songs and have won it quite a few times. Their entry this year was a groovy little number that has us toe tapping already and hype was beginning to swell in the media. This was going to be one hell of a week!
Skipping over our ridiculously overpriced train tickets and raucously drunk men swearing like pirates on our 'quiet' train, we arrived in Manchester for the night before our flight. A few hours later, we were in the air-beginning our Eurovision adventures! The security in Manchester was awkward.....the screening lady was so close I could feel her breath on my cheek and after she had rubbed all over my chest and inner thighs I couldn't help but blurt out that I felt like maybe we should kiss now....
Landing in Vienna, we were greeted by a massive banner of Conchita and saw that old Eurovision footage was playing on a loop. Delightedly we sat down to watch, singing away to her 'Rise Like a Phoenix' feeling the excitement build. Eager to settle in, we carried on through departures, finding a stall of information for media and delegates of Eurovision. Chatting away to the lady, she gave us magazines and maps complete with an A3 poster of Conchita. Happy days! We bought our week long transport card from the super helpful man and boarded a fast train into Westbanhnhoff close to where we were staying. Although I'd initially tempted Tony with backpacker rooms, I'd managed to find a hotel close to the stadium that was cheaper-no skanky shared bathrooms, brilliant! The rooms were massive and we had a brand new bathroom so we were delighted. Normally I wouldn't care about a TV but I think the biggest disappointment was our TV was tiny-we didn't want to miss a minute of any Eurovision performances!

I'd done some research into the area and found some restaurants that were recommended so went off exploring looking for dinner. We found this amazing little local pub, complete with gingham curtains, old wood paneling and big stein of beer. We ordered the local schnitzels, one having the extra bonus of being dipped in an omlettey batter and tasted their regional grape juice. Tony seemed to become obsessed with schnitzels from this point on and I think I was forced to eat one every other night whilst we were in Vienna. Can't say we don't embrace local culture!
The following morning we began exploring the beautiful city that is Vienna. The sun was shining and we had a week of rain forecast so I wanted to explore the beautiful gardens of Schloss Schonbrunn whilst we had the opportunity. It was stunning! Arches dripping in blooming roses, carefully clipped hedges and tended gardens saw us weave our way into the main section behind the palace. We were met with hectares of marble statues, labyrinths and mazes, numerous water fountains and one of the oldest zoos in the world.

With local runners zooming past us, we meandered up to the top of the hill where we saw the 'Gloriette' fountain and the incredible view not only over the palace and grounds but of Vienna city. It was so beautiful, sadly the photos don't do it justice. Getting our bearings within the grounds for what we would come back later and explore, we jumped on the amazingly fast and efficient underground and headed into the main circle in the city. I'd read that catching a tram gave one an opportunity to see the circular planning of the city and also admire the decadent buildings so we head off, spotting the university, opera house and museum quarter as well as numerous incredibly opulent buildings that housed mundane things like

McDonald's. We did two tram trips to complete the full inner circle before we noticed there was a Eurovision village set up opposite the town hall. Jumping off at 'Rathaus' (Kate, this one's for you!) to check it out, we found ourselves in a Willy Wonka style tent city of hardcore Eurovision fans. Vienna sausage stalls and beers flowing freely, we walked through the bubbly crowd towards a stage where sound checks were being carried out. Hearing familiar sounds, I realised Australia's entrant Guy Sebastian's back up singers were belting out his song and went closer. Sure enough, it WAS them! Another couple who looked suspiciously like Aussies were standing by and I began chatting to them about what was

happening. They were indeed Aussies and they were seasoned Eurovision followers. Apparently the 'Big 5' were all here in preparation of tomorrow's live performance. Germany, France, Italy, England and Spain all go straight into the final as they are the ones who fund Eurovision. As Australia had a 'wildcard' entry we had somehow wangled ourselves into this instant final status also and our new friends explained what would happen. If Australia managed to win (they were hot favourites, so not entirely impossible) then it was tipped that they would give the UK rights to host the 2016 event with us having planning rights. It wouldn't be possible to host it in Aus as logistically, time zones would mean crazy event times either for Australia or the rest of Europe. We were only allowed to perform for this special one-off 60th anniversary so we truly had come for a once in a lifetime opportunity. Seeing Guy Sebastian perform under the Eurovision banner was definitely an incredible thing were we able to witness.
Tony began teasing me as I'd shuffled my way to the front of the stage watching with eagle eyes to see if Guy had arrived. I got a dig in my ribs and there he

was! Standing on the side of the stage chatting to the roadies about sound checks. Hooray! Next on stage were the hot Italian boys who were classically trained and were very 'Il Divo' ish. They were sensational live and sounded incredible even with ordinary acoustics. I noticed that when they got off the stage, they were tolerating selfies and signatures so gave it a go. I'm not normally one for groupie mentality but Eurovision fever seemed to have gripped me. Why not? I thought, there was a good chance I might actually get a photo of them as the crowd was small so I politely asked if I could have a photo. The hottie with the red glasses kindly agreed and Tony snapped a few good ones before the volunteer usher gently pulled him away. I was delighted and Tony thought it was hysterical. We headed off for another schnitzel checking out St. Stephens church on the way to dinner, watching old Eurovision reruns on TV as we drifted off to sleep.
The following morning we had a busy day planned so got into our adventuring early. There was a local market that I wanted to torture Tony with so we meandered through it buying some beautiful spelt

bread rolls (one in a love heart shape just for me :-) local cheese, sun dried tomatoes, meats and some incredible vegan fruit slab. All organic fruit and nuts, it was similar to a bliss ball but ten times better! It even had a Eurovision flag on it so it had to be good. We continued on into the city to check out a Jesuit church I'd read about. It was hidden away but an incredible find. We had once again stumbled upon a free concert-the church organ was having a practice for a recital planned for that weekend. The chords were reverberating off the roof with impressive volume and it certainly set the scene for a foreboding and imposing place for worship. The opulence knew no bounds in their marble columns, alternating pink and green including some carved into twists complete with

baroque style frescoes and a gold edged roof. Imagine what that wealth could have been spent on....teachers? Doctors?
On our way to one of the numerous local parks, we stopped to admire all of the beautiful horse and carriages that were assembled in a square. This city is like one big beautiful fairytale.
Setting up our little picnic of food, we sat down in the park and watched the world go by. Ducks were swimming on the pond, lovers were linked arm in arm and corporate types were multi tasking phones, lunch and walking. I was really excited as I was meeting up with a friend I hadn't seen since leaving high school. She was working for a travel company and had the good fortune to be part of a group invited to Vienna for Eurovision. She was being wined and dined all week but had made time to catch up. She's lived in the UK for years now but embracing our antipodean heritage, we met and had a few brewskis at the Aussie Pub. It was so awesome meeting up with Skip again, we reminisced about old school days, listened to her adventures caravanning around Australia and now

her tremendous job full of travel. Giving us some helpful tips and ideas for discounts, we left after a lovely afternoon - Skip heading off to another party and us heading back to watch the performance of the 'Big Five' in the Eurovision village. I forgot to add, Skip has been given FREE Eurovision final tickets. Words don't describe how much I covet those.
On arrival to the Rathaus or the 'Rat House' as we've now affectionately and ignorantly named it, it began to rain. There had been two stands held aside for VIPs but since none of them had bothered to turn up, the plebs in the crowd were permitted into the dry seated areas. We snuggled up next to two British men. Proudly flying their rainbow flags

and a wealth full of Eurovision history and knowledge, we had a brilliant time watching Eurovision repeats and getting warmed for the show. Guy came on first and since no one has heard of Australia, he managed to get quite a good gig out of it singing four or five of his older songs before cracking out an acoustic version of 'Tonight Again'. Tony and I were singing along in the crowds as were our new best friends and I realised as Guy left the stage, there was a possibility I may get a chance for another selfie. Leaving Tony in the stand, I raced down and hung out in front of the

tent like a crazy teenager. There was an absolute nutter of an Aussie chick standing next to me and she'd brought Guy a Koala -all the way from Aus. Wrapped up in our Aussie flag and numerous other cringeworthy gimmicks, she stood out and was actually incredibly sweet. Lamenting the fact that the Aussies were being pushed aside by people who didn't even know Guy's name, I took it upon myself to ask in my best Aussie twang if I could please have a selfie. Guy turned around, gave me a smile and I quickly pulled out my phone for a snap.
Now, I'm not a selfie person and this showed as I didn't know how to swap the camera around from back to front and Guy patiently waited for me to do this. Not only did he wait for me to do that, he also waited when I realised I'd taken a photo of everyone else.....but me. A snigger of 'Got it?' by Guy when I managed to get half of my head in and I swaggered off chuffed I'd gotten this cool little souvenir. I think I've just been labelled the nutty Aussie by Guy, not the other Koala giving chick!
Proudly I reentered the stand and showed my new friends my happy snap. They were very jealous indeed and Tony seemed to be looking at me as if I'd become possessed. The rest of the concert was brilliant. The Italians came back and did another amazing performance and a few other classical songs, followed by the gorgeous and talented Spanish entrant. Then the French lady demonstrated her incredible stage prowess and comfort with performance by not only taking the umbrellas handed to her by a roadie, but grabbing him and dancing with him whilst not missing a beat of her song. Germany didn't bother to turn up (boo) as it was raining so England finished the show with their dancing number. If those ladies can dance in 6 inch heels in the rain then Germany can have a go. Delighted to have seen such a great free concert we said goodbye to our new friends making plans to catch up with them at the stadium tomorrow for the real performance. We went home sleepy yet enthralled at another wonderful day, stopping by to get another schnitzel for dinner and semi final one on telly.
Today was the day!!!!!! The tickets I'd managed to get last minute were for 2pm so we headed off in the morning back to Schloss to see the palace and the zoo. Grabbing an audio guide, we began

exploring this incredibly beautiful palace of Franz Joseph and the Hapsburg empire. The rooms were incredible-decked out in only the best silk wallpapers imported from China and Europe, wooden paneling and parquetry with silver candelabras and exquisite crockery. The palace had been set up as if they were still living there with tables set and their own genuine personal items set out ready for use. It was so beautiful and incredibly interesting. With an hour or so remaining, we headed off for the zoo. This zoo is one of the oldest in the world so we were curious to see how the animals were being treated and in true palace style, we we not disappointed. The grounds wer large and spacious for all of the animals and we loved seeing the polar bear and penguins where one could watch above, below and at eye level what these curious creatures were doing. The elephants were towards the back and running out of time, I was considering not seeing them. Tony convinced me we had time so quickly popped our heads in to see the beautiful pachyderms before I declared it was definitely time to go. I wanted to retrace my steps but Tony thought it was a great idea to go via his 'shortcut' to the lions. Getting more and more off track, Tony soon admitted he had indeed brought me into the lions den as not only were we being eyeballed by a grumpy lion, we were lost. Furious that we may miss our only opportunity to see Eurovision, I forced him to follow me. It seems I am the only one who can navigate a map and have a nose for directions. Passing three men in brown yeolde

Christian monk clothing maybe they sensed our distress and prayed for us-either way, we got out in time and we half ran, half walked back to our hotel to grab the tickets. Phew! We made it!
Eurovision in the flesh-watching the family show performance which was the first dress rehearsal and the show filmed for TV if it all went wrong live. Following it at 6pm was the judging show, another dress rehearsal and then at 8:30pm the live TV show began. We quickly realised that Eurovision is really a TV event. Unless you have VIP front row tickets where the performers sit after their slot, you really do miss the theatrics that TV captures. The logistics of a TV show were incredible to watch unfold, every act had 45 seconds to set up and an LED countdown was projected onto the stage so the roadies knew how much time they had left. Every prop had an arrow it had to be sat on and the TV introduction of each country was what covered up this stage change. The next performer was filmed in the wings at the beginning of the TV promo and then they walked on with their 45 second timer. Watching the show on TV later that night and watching it live highlighted how TV just didn't capture how incredible some live performances were. Malta and Israel were outstanding as was the winner, Mans from Sweden and also Norway. Waving our flags and cheering loudly, we had a wonderful time soaking up the atmosphere and being a part of an incredible event. I had a few more photos before I went.
Tony insisted on having another schnitzel, so we

popped into another local pub where we sat at a massive wooden table with the locals and chatted politics. Our closet diner was a Uni academic so he shared with us a great deal about Vienna's history and recent demographic change, all whilst swilling massive stein of local beer. Explaining we had to rush off to watch Eurovision on TV, he nodded understandingly and ordered another stein. I had a cheeky raspberry schnapps and nearly blew my head off. That stuff is powerful! Snuggled up with chippies, we watched on TV what we'd seen live enjoying the different perspective and noticing the TV editing.
On our final day in Vienna, we once again embraced 'Tommy Tourist' and set off on a whirlwind of sightseeing. Beginning at the Spanish Riding School, we watched the dancing horses go through their training for the evenings performance and the focus and skill required to get them to cooperate not only with the rider but the other horses around them. A massive chandelier hung from the roof and it was easy to see the opulence in the stadium. It must be incredible to come of an evening in full formal attire and see these horses perform. Next was the Belvedere palace and we were stunned by the massive collection of art it housed. Predominantly oil paintings, it had a large collection of Klimt's work, including 'The Kiss'. I've often been teased about my love of colours and inclusion of metallics in my artworks and I'm delighted to see that there is a famous artist who has managed to be accepted into the art world with his crazy colour

scheme. His art is inspiring and I loved seeing his work. Through rooms and rooms of beautiful palace decor we emerged to be greeted by an inflatable 'Incredible Hulk'. His overpowering 'greenness' just didn't seem to match the cool aloofness of such wealth. Unable to contain ourselves, we once again swung past the Eurovision village, sneaking in a Vienna sausage and a coffee before our next tourist stop-Vienna's Time Travel'. This was loads of fun-wax models of past kings and queens animatronics included to make them come alive. They told the story of Vienna's history and each room we entered progressed us through from the Hapsburg empire through to current day. We flew over the city on a 5D ride, went ballroom dancing learning how to do the Viennese waltz, listened to

how Mozart became famous as well as learning about the plague, the massive cathedral and the iconic horses. With such a full day and an incredible week filled with fun, frivolity, old friends and new friends, we felt like we'd seized every opportunity this Eurovision week had afforded us and tucked ourselves onto the plane in blissful delight. This had been one of the best travel experiences we'd had thus far and we will never forget it!

"I'm so grateful and proud
All I want is to sing it out loud
So I say
Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me" ABBA.
Songwriters: ANDERSSON, BENNY GORAN BROR / ULVAEUS, BJOERN K.
(Winners of Eurovision with 'Waterloo' )