Eurovision

The morning of Eurovision started with another visit to the Royal Palace where we visited the underground wood storage vaults which are now also an exhibition area which encompasses amazing tapestries and artifacts.
Then a walk through the collection of marble statues and a view of a garden.

It was getting cold so we found a little street cafe and had wine and cheese in the warmth, people watching.

We dressed in our best travel clothes and the adventure began by a train to Globen Station where we witnessed ABBA in their twilight years (4 guys dressed as ABBA) standing backwards up the escalator singing Waterloo.

We caught up with Karen & Gareth at the Globe Star Hotel adjacent to the Globe Arena for a drink and dinner; excited conversation flowed of what all of us had been doing in Stockholm.

Then RoChDa lined up for the Swedish pat down for security purposes. Inside we purchased a few souvenirs before making our way to our seats. Yes we were high up but I loved it as it gave us an amazing view of the stage, screen, lighting rigs, cameras and flying cameras. Pre-entertainment set the mood + a few housekeeping rules then EUROVISION exploded into life with a catwalk entry of models with each artist.

Petra & Måns were our hosts and were brilliant.

Dami performing live was brilliant and the audience certainly agreed.

I was fascinated by the computerised lighting floor which also indicates where artists need to stand, equipment set within 30 seconds and safe passage with red arrows to leave the stage.

Dami clearly won with 311 points as awarded by the judges, alas viewer voting changed the ranking making Dami an awesome second place.

For many years Eurovision had been on Rod's list of events to do and I felt privileged that he bought my ticket for me.

We excitedly talked about the night on our way back to our hotel.

RoChDa had big smiles and treasured memories.

Written by Darryl