We are recent immigrants in Portugal and this was our first year watching Eurovision. It was the first time in my life I think I've understood the enthusiasm sports fans have. I've never been a joiner or fan of something that's a large part of mainstream culture before, so this was a new feeling for me. An exhilarating one! I was hooked! And I very much concur America could benefit from such a diverse, inclusive, and positive influence... maybe one day.
Depends on how long you're in town and what you want to do while here. I'm sure you've got an itinerary already set. Rossio Square is fun to see. I hear good things about the Azulejo museum but haven't been yet. I did get to the Oceanarium and highly recommend it. Try to get to some miradouros and take in the views.
No itinerary as we're just spending a day in Lisbon before leaving on short notice for a brief trip back to the U.S. One day we'll come back down for a longer stay in Lisbon.
That'd be pretty cool. Based on your writings, I think we'd probably enjoy knowing each other. :)
I've written on Medium and elsewhere btw, but thinking I'll start over here on Substack when I eventually get time to transfer my blog and start writing again.
Yeah, that's a whole other rabbit hole I didn't find a way to work in. :-D There's a (small) chance this will be their last year in the competition but I suspect they'll find a way to continue.
If you’re into Euro-things, look on YouTube and search for Jeux sans Frontieres. It was an amazing initiative financed by the EU Commission that resembled a but the silly games loved by Japanese, but had the power in the early Nineties to bring countries together and to let viewers discover cities and towns beyond EU capital. Together with Eurovision and Erasmus, they shaped the last fourth years of citizens and there’s no surprise if many like me identify themselves more as Europeans than as (insert nationality) :) I’m so happy you enjoy this fun side of being Europeans :)
Also look for "It's a Knockout" which is the British version of the same show. The commentary is brilliant. I'm British and saw it live once in the Seventies.
Eurovision is an interesting concept. I love the idea of more than 2 people coming together and rooting for different musicians.
It can take place in Europe because, despite the diversity of cultures, Europeans have managed to come together in order to form a union and a joint currency.
Imagine the horror show if such a thing were attempted on the US! People might storm the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
Ha! Well Eurovision was a thing long before the EU and joint currency. It's hard to imagine the US getting behind one act in the same way some countries do now.
We are recent immigrants in Portugal and this was our first year watching Eurovision. It was the first time in my life I think I've understood the enthusiasm sports fans have. I've never been a joiner or fan of something that's a large part of mainstream culture before, so this was a new feeling for me. An exhilarating one! I was hooked! And I very much concur America could benefit from such a diverse, inclusive, and positive influence... maybe one day.
Thanks for sharing your story, JD! I'm so glad you are also hooked on Eurovision. Are you in Lisbon or did you end up elsewhere in PT?
I'm in Porto, but will be visiting Lisbon for the first time tomorrow! Any recommendations?
Depends on how long you're in town and what you want to do while here. I'm sure you've got an itinerary already set. Rossio Square is fun to see. I hear good things about the Azulejo museum but haven't been yet. I did get to the Oceanarium and highly recommend it. Try to get to some miradouros and take in the views.
No itinerary as we're just spending a day in Lisbon before leaving on short notice for a brief trip back to the U.S. One day we'll come back down for a longer stay in Lisbon.
I hope it goes well. Maybe next time you come we can connect.
That'd be pretty cool. Based on your writings, I think we'd probably enjoy knowing each other. :)
I've written on Medium and elsewhere btw, but thinking I'll start over here on Substack when I eventually get time to transfer my blog and start writing again.
I look forward to seeing the spectacle next year when I live there. Thanks for the update.
Next year, I am thinking I might try to get to a public place to watch some of it. It would be interesting to see how other people react.
That could be fun!
I had to Google why Australia was competing 😀
Yeah, that's a whole other rabbit hole I didn't find a way to work in. :-D There's a (small) chance this will be their last year in the competition but I suspect they'll find a way to continue.
Love it! Wonderful insights, superb summary, and impressive prognostication! Be well!
The prognostication was far from impressive but glad you found it insightful.
If you’re into Euro-things, look on YouTube and search for Jeux sans Frontieres. It was an amazing initiative financed by the EU Commission that resembled a but the silly games loved by Japanese, but had the power in the early Nineties to bring countries together and to let viewers discover cities and towns beyond EU capital. Together with Eurovision and Erasmus, they shaped the last fourth years of citizens and there’s no surprise if many like me identify themselves more as Europeans than as (insert nationality) :) I’m so happy you enjoy this fun side of being Europeans :)
Also look for "It's a Knockout" which is the British version of the same show. The commentary is brilliant. I'm British and saw it live once in the Seventies.
Thanks for the suggestion, Dave!
I sense another rabbit hole in my future ... :-D
Was it broadcast in the US? Very much doubt it's my thing. Glad you enjoyed it.
I know it was available on Peacock+ in the US. It was also (and still is) available on Eurovision.tv and YouTube. It is definitely an acquired taste.
Eurovision is an interesting concept. I love the idea of more than 2 people coming together and rooting for different musicians.
It can take place in Europe because, despite the diversity of cultures, Europeans have managed to come together in order to form a union and a joint currency.
Imagine the horror show if such a thing were attempted on the US! People might storm the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
Yep
Ha! Well Eurovision was a thing long before the EU and joint currency. It's hard to imagine the US getting behind one act in the same way some countries do now.