Keep Down and Stay Calm

Castles, Stone Circles and a guest spot on Emmerdale Farm - my UK adventure is nearly here (see map for attached). Travel commences Thursday April 14! Watch out United Kingdom. Shuttup!

2nd Semi Final Predictions

1. Azerbaijan – Drippy but Safe
2. Armenia – Fruity but Safe
3. Denmark – its’s a Perfect Match
4. Ireland – Boring but Safe
5. Israel – Another Male SuBo
6. Sweden – Watch my Guitar trick
7. Turkey – Pide anyone?
8. Lithuania – Vilneus in 2011?
9. Croatia- Femineneminemen
10. Georgia – Another Female SuBo

1st Semi Predictions

Entries to Qualify from the 1st Semi Final…

Slovakia – the Wood Nymph
Belgium – James Blunts Flemish Cousin
Greece – Woof!
Iceland – A Double D Diva
Moldova – Opening Act
Albania – 3rd Times the Charm?
Serbia – Androgyny Express
Latvia – Lucky She’s in this Semi
Russia – Praise the Lord for County Block Voting
Malta – Don’t Blink!

The Late Money?

So, which entries are emerging as this year’s Dark Horses?

Belgium – Tom Dice – Me and My Guitar

Tom Dice is Belgium’s answer to James Blunt…now before you run screaming for the hills it’s in a good way not in a creepy scary way. The song is a simple acoustic number and the sentiment avoids falling into Bluntism blandness. This will qualify as it’s in the weaker of the semi-finals and don’t be surprised if it polls well inside the Top Ten. With this years crop of male SuBo’s Tom Dice may be a nice little Jason Mraz/ James Blunt inspired remedy to all the Disney moments. Belgium will finally break it’s run of being dumped from the final and will return to form. He's no stranger to competition as he finished 2nd in 2008's Flemish X Factor. Roll the dice. Darkhorse Top 5 finish.

Sweden – Anna Bergendahl – This is My Life.

I’m not 100% convinced by this little Swedish poppet with her guitar but she’s shortening in the odds. There’ll be a special little trick on the night that will have the audience going…”how did she do that?”…and she’ll be rewarded with a place in the final on the trick alone. She is in the tougher Semi Final (#2) but she’s very sweet and the song jaunts along even if it does not really go anywhere. Like last years Popera offering this is a risky choice veering away from catchy power pop and will see her finish in the bottom half in the final.

It’s going to be a close run thing, as a clear-cut favorite has not emerged. Betting would indicate that the winner will be from Azerbaijan, Germany, Israel and Denmark but one powerhouse performance on the night could see a roughie get up.

All Roads Lead to Oslo (as the airports may be closed)

Yes, it’s that time of year again…where a killer key change, a swathe of slinky backing singers or a unexpected costume reveal could lead you on the road to Eurovision glory. Even with Europe in financial turmoil this little song competition marches into its 55th year and even with the threat of Volcanic ash potentially closing down more European airports the show will go on.

Hold onto your mirror-balls here are my predictions for Eurovision 2010.

My Top 3

Denmark – In a Moment Like This – Chanee &N’Evergreen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPzXy-iHVgA&feature=related

This duo could easily take top place this year – it’s got everything a little pop gem needs. Both leads are glam Eurovision perfection – the male appears to be the love child of Michael Bolton and Owen Wilson and the female looks like she’s stepped off the set of the defunct Cashmere Mafia. The set is reminiscent of Perfect Match or Blind Date – who does not love a slide away reveal? And did I mention the key change…wanna know, wanna know, wanna know….if we’re off to Copenhagen in 2011. Definite Top 3 finish.

Norway – My Heart is Yours – Didrik Solli-Tangen

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=eurovision#p/u/69/B7cf9IVvovE

The return of the fiddle…there’s 5 in this act. According to the official Eurovision website Didrik was born on a summer day in the town of Porsgrunn …not sure what this has to do with anything but the boy can sing. He’s an attractive early twenty-something SuBo. The song takes a little while to warm up but when it does it’s GOLD. If Alexander Rybak can win Eurovision with his fiddle the immensely cuter Didrik could walk away with the top honours with this Disneyesque ballad & his five fiddlers. A return trip to Oslo could well be on the cards. Top 5.

Slovakia – Horehronie – Kristina

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kghCqyMLPFA&feature=related

This is one of my personal favourites. This Slovakian wood nymphette is radiant as she emerges from hiding behind her backing dancers that are dressed as trees…ahhh, only in Eurovision. The song is boppy and Estonia’s entry last year proved that you can place highly singing in your own language. + the pronunciation of the title could be construed as something a little naughty in English. Bless! She’ll qualify for the final. I’m hoping for a Top 10 finish.

The Bookies Favourites

Germany – Satellite - Lena

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QSgNM9yNjo

This is odds on to take the top prize – which would be huge considering Germany has languished in the bottom quarter of the results for the best part of the last decade or so. I’m not convinced though…apparently she’s Germany’s version of Lily Allen (is that a good thing?) but the song is not engaging. I’d love for Eurovision to return to the homeland but I need a bit more convincing before I jump on the Lena bandwagon. It’s a huge hit in Europe already so it’ll poll and place Top 5 at worst. Berlin for 2011?

Azerbaijan – Drip Drop – Safura

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU4AVBHjXgU&feature=related

Drip Drop? Yep, that’s the name of Azerbaijan’s entry. This entry will definitely poll well but to be the shared odds on favourite to win is a bit rich. She’s cute but the song is…well…wet. Apparently she’s also been rehearsing with a lot of material (actual textiles) so she may be going for spectacle over substance. Not sure what happened to the backing dancers shirts either? Must still be in the laundry.

Israel – Milim – Harel Skaat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GelsXCyV5Nk&feature=related

Another SuBo ballad by another pretty boy…ho hum. The punters like this but I think that it’ll suffer from not being in English when there are other ballads this year just as good that most will understand. Two things worry me – he struggles toward the end of the song which could spell Eurovision disaster and I’m also worried about the overuse of pancake on his face – he looks a bit like a ventriloquist’s doll.

The Outsiders

Iceland – Je Ne Sais Quoi – Hera Bjork

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6dpooV4tlQ&feature=channel

Probably the most commercial entry in this years competition and with a ridiculous amount of ballads in this years line up Iceland’s Hera Bjork’s dancefloor anthem could poll well. The one obstacle that stands in her way – that pesky volcanic eruption. Europe may hold her personally responsible for the upheaval and steer clear of this good entry. We’re lucky Yohanna only came 2nd last year as no-one would be getting into Reykjavik for this year’s final if it were to be held there.

Greece – Opa! – Giorgos Alkaios & Friends.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_F-v8OPJ7lU&feature=channel

Another entry that may suffer due to the difficult situation the representative country finds itself in. Lots of lads in leather bleeting out “yaous” and “haaas” does go a long way even if the lead singer is the most unattractive of the bunch. The intro to this clip is a hilarious minute montage of the backing singers preparing themselves for what could only be a singing rumble. If you think they’re “woofing” I think you may be right. Grrrrr! Top 10 finish.

Armenia – Apricot Stone – Eva Rivas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buGOZExVf8o&feature=related

“Many, many years ago when I was a little child”…I think she must be about to sing about fruit. Yes – she is, “apricot stone’s in the frozen ground” and something about hidden in the ground from the motherland. Well, a bit of Armenian pride on show here. She’ll qualify for the final and if she can sing live she may find herself in the Top 10 thanks to the remnants of her stone fruit. BTW – she’s a hand grasper so watch for lots of air grabs on stage.

Nul Point?

UK – That Sounds Good to Me – Josh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8363R9XbGY&feature=channel

No it does not. One word. Awful. Pete Waterman wrote this – he should be shot. It’s like a rejected song from Sinita or Sonia. God, the UK are fortunate to have direct entry into the final. Josh can only hope that Heathrow will be closed due to the Volcanic ash cloud and he can avoid taking the stage.

Estonia – Siren – Malcolm Lincoln

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEcNfmuF4YA&feature=channel

One of my favourite European countries comes a cropper. Did they forget this was Eurovision? This is too left of centre for the Eurovision audience to embrace. A risky choice that won’t pay off. I bet you stop the clip at a smidge after the first minute. It’s a great film clip though.

Hand Grasp End.
Fin!

A Boy Scout in the Balkans

So my detour to the Balkans is coming to an end and as I sit here on my balcony sipping a final espresso and being distracted by the fabulous views of the harbour of Gruz, where boats quietly amble into port, I’m compelled to compile my list of the best travel experiences from this trip. One of the big things I’ve learnt is that Sept/ Oct is the best time to visit Dubrovnik as it’s the end of high season and you easily beat the summer crowds and still have access to all of the tours etc.

But first the stats:

Eurovision Countries visited – Germany, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia I Herzegovina, Montenegro.

Words that kept me occupied – Partick Ness’ The Knife of Never Letting Go, Charlie Higson’s The Enemy, Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s Shadow of the Wind and Erick Setiawan’s Of Bees and Mist.

Lonely Planet Guidebooks used - Lonely Planet Munich, Bavaria and the Black Forest, Lonely Planet Slovenia, Lonely Planet Western Balkans. Will be recommending that Western Balkan’s includes Slovenia in future guides (be having a word to Marg in the UK office).

Soundtrack - Little Boots, La Roux, Cascada, Duffy, Natalie Imbruglia, Marit Larsen + endless Eurovision mega mixes (big repeats of Iceland 09 Yohanna’s Is it True?, Ukraine 08 Ani Lorak’s Shady Lady, Switzerland 08 Paolo Meneguzzi’s Era Stupendo, Israel 09 Noa & Mira Awad’s There Must be Another Way, Estonia 09 Urban Symphony’s Randajad and Armenia 09 Kejsi Tola’s Carry Me in Your Dreams.

Top 5 Highlights

#1: Dubrovnik’s Old City, Croatia.

Whether it’s in the baking hot sun or under the cover of the cool clear night Dubrovnik’s Old City is something very special. This ancient Roman fortification is the most breathtaking sight and once on the walls and looking down into the labyrinth of olive and lime tree laden alley ways you realise that all the clichés are about this place are true.

#2: The Bay of Kotor, Montenegro.

Brilliant day trip from Dubrovnik made all the more special with a small tour provider. Highlights included the faded glory of the tiny town of Perast with its forbidden graveyard island, a step back in time to the Istrian glory of Kotor’s Old City and the climb to the top of city wall and the beautiful little island of Sveti Stefan.

#3: Ljubljana, Slovenia.

A gem of a city - a rejuvenated old town with square after square of shops and cafes matched only by the sprawling food and flower market at the base of the Ljubljana castle.

#4: Pocitelj, Bosnia I Herzegovina.

This Stone Town is a step back into the days of Ottoman glory. Gypsy women sell paper funnels of dried apricots and figs at the entrance to the town. The massive fort at the top of the town gives an incredible view of the towns Mosque from above.

# 5: Bled, Slovenia.

Gothic and glorious this town is special and it’s only 1hr 15min bus ride from Ljubljana. I will treasure that I was being the only traveller that rainy day to take the gondola across the lake to the tiny island to ring the Wishing Bell. Eurovision’s Australian telehost here I come! Watch out SBS.

Other unexpected highlights included the spectacular train ride through the Alps, the moving bus ride from Zagreb to Dubrovnik where you see first hand the devastation of the recent war, the staff at the Berkeley Hotel in Dubrovnik whose generosity still flaws me and leaping from the rocks on a beach on Lokrum Island into the cool Adriatic Sea.

Top 5 odd TV experiences

1. Germany’s Yes I Can Dance – fat and faded German celebrities doing Rock Eisteddfod style dance montage’s with viewers voting out the worst each week. Weird yet compelling.
2. CSI Miami in German – Horatio is scarier in German
3. CSI Miami in Slovenian – Horatio is even scarier in Slovenian
4. CSI Miami in Croatian – proves that Horatio is scary in any language
5. The Monk character in the multi-repeated Croatian Soap Opera – any show with a Monk as a character is OK by me.

Top 5 Frustrations

1. Schloss Nymphenburg, Munich closing at 4pm on weekdays….grrr
2. Munich being closed on a Sunday – particularly with no chemists in sight
3. Hotel Arcotel Allegra in Zagreb unable to accommodate breakfast prior to 6:30 due to a 7am departure
4. Gypsies – bloody annoying
5. Being left behind by tour operator for tour of Mostar, Bosnia I Herzegovina.

Would I come back?

Dubrovnik, Croatia – in an instant – there’s so much more to see here that I’ll need to do next time. The Hamptons of Croatia - Cavtat, Brac Island, Hvar Island, Elaphite Islands, Korcula Island, Trsteno Gardens, Mljet Island with its spooky Monastery, Split, The Istrian peninsula.

Slovenia – I’m disappointed I did not get to Piran and Ptuj but they’ll remain on my wish list.

Munich & Zagreb – probably not

The Kitties of Kotor

My last full day of holidaying has come so quickly and the end to my Balkan adventure looms but with one last day trip booked I was off to Montenegro. After an early collection from my hotel (7:45am) Nic, our guide, informed me that we were only a small group of 4 today. I was soon joined by Britt and Sarah, North American teachers currently working at the International School in Brussels, and Wendy, a Hong Kong business woman. With the group assembled we were on our way. Nic turned out to be an excellent guide (driver & guide in one) who gave us a potted history of Montenegro and its relationship with Croatia.

The Montenegro tour takes in 3 basic elements – a ride around the incredible Bay of Kotor, a stop in the city of Kotor with a tour of its old city and a late lunch in the seaside playground of Budva (with a quick tour of its old city). Coming via Croatia the road to the Bay of Kotor winds like a twisted liquorice ribbon around the Cypres lined hills. Towns dot the base of each hill, all active with boats and fishermen going about their trade. My favourite stop was a little town called Perast, a town that dates back to the 15th century, dominated by the 50+ foot steeple of St Nickolas’s Church. The reason I fell in love with this rich nautical town was due to the two little islands just off of the shore. St George’s Island contains an abandoned Monastery guarding the graves of long passed nobility shaded by the cool of tall cypress trees. The island is off limits to tourists and locals; a permanent and solitary graveyard. Just next to St George’s Island is the man made Lady of the Rock Island that contains an active church (boats ferry to the island every weekend for service). The notion of rowing to Church struck me as a romantic and truly Adriatic one.

On arrival in Kotor I was immediately struck by the glamour, wealth and power of this ancient city. This is Montenegro at it’s finest (some shots from Kotor were used in Casino Royale). Kotor’s Old City is guarded by a 4.3km wall that snakes up the mountain and draws resemblance to China’s Great Wall. The UNESCO listed Kotor Old City is an intricate labyrinth of marbled streets dominated by the beautiful people sipping their espresso in the populated squares. Cats sun themselves on the doorsteps of ancient Churches hoping for a scrap of pastry from one of the local patisserie, being gobbled by the members of the tour-groups milling around the sights. After a quick climb to the Church that sits atop one of the hills overlooking Kotor it was time for some souvenir shopping…it was then that we chanced upon an American film crew shooting a scene for the horror film Road Kill in one of the cool little cafes. (unfortunately they did not require any Australian extras…doh!).

With Kotor left behind it was onto Sveti Stefan, a tiny island crammed with terracotta roofed houses. This playground for the rich and famous is connected by the tinniest of isthmuses and has been a holiday spot for the wealthy since the 15th Century. It was with dismay that we were informed that Sveti Stefan has been leased for 30 years to a Singaporean hotel company and is currently under renovation and inaccessible. Oh well – photos from afar will have to do. The bonus was a glimpse at Tito’s old holiday house in the cove next to Sveti Stefan.

Last stop on the tour was the touristy Budva – basically a little beach and boat town with a cute little old city. All four of us sat with our guide Nic and ate an excellent lunch right on the pebbled beach with more cats milling at our feet. I tried the local dish of a seared pork steak stuffed with local cheese and prosciutto accompanied by my new favourite dish, a cucumber salad. Washed down with the local Pivo (beer) this was a perfect way to finish the tour of Montenegro. A quick look in Budva’s Citadel and we were back on our way to Dubrovnik via a cute little ferry ride across the bay of Kotor itself.

Farewelling my new friends from Brussels I was greeted with the most amazing sunset – a rich red, like the pomegranate fruit - a sensational and fitting final sunset for this Balkan adventure.

Eurovision Rating: Crazy solo female singer in a ridiculously large dress single a Europop track with lyrics like “la la la” and “dum de de dum”. Costume reveal and glamorous backing dancers see this entry qualify to the final and place just inside the Top 15.