That Italy won the Eurovision Song Contest this year, is something we all know by now. But what happened afterwards? A week has passed, I got back to Rome and by now I can say I have recovered from this huge and amazing event.
The relief and joy in the Delegation Bubble were indescribable when Italy won the competition on Saturday night thanks to the vote of the crowd. We jumped up, flew into each other’s arms and, for the first time in two weeks, were not warned by the security people “to keep our distance”
First of all, I would like to say how overwhelmed I felt by all your kind messages. Even though you told me en masse that “I was needed to help Italy win again after 30 years” and no matter how flattered I was by hearing this, the Italian win is entirely thanks to the band and their grandiose talent and great song. Although I secretly expected them to win after seeing the reactions during the press conferences and the notorious bookmakers’ predictions going through the roof, the other members of the Italian delegation didn’t dare to be so convinced yet. Hence, the relief and joy in the Delegation Bubble were indescribable when Italy won the competition on Saturday night thanks to the vote of the crowd. We jumped up, flew into each other’s arms and, for the first time in two weeks, were not warned by the security people “to keep our distance”. It was the beginning of a long, long night.
My return flight to Rome was scheduled for Monday morning, but when I got home around 6 in the morning on Sunday, I knew that it was going to be a mission impossible
My return flight to Rome was scheduled for Monday morning, but when I got home around 6 in the morning on Sunday when it was already completely light outside, I knew that it was going to be a mission impossible. It wasn’t so much the tiredness after two weeks of having only slept very short nights, but more the feeling of not having to do anything after all. Not having to be anywhere at a certain time. No need to do a corona test before starting the day. The feeling to be able to throw my phone – which this year more than ever turned out to be the life line of the event – in a corner of the room. No (panicking) calls or messages coming in anymore. The only phone call I made on Sunday was to Alitalia’s customer service who – very kindly – immediately changed my flight.
A Roman agenda never stays empty for long and I had only been home for half an hour when the plan for an aperitivo in Trastevere was made. But with a hungry stomach and one glance at the menu that made my mouth water, the aperitivo became a three-course meal
Three days later, around noon on Thursday, I flew back to Italy. Full of energy and with an almost empty agenda, but at the same time blissfully aware that an agenda in Rome never stays empty for long. And certainly not when the temperatures pass 25 degrees, evenings are getting long and sultry and restaurants can stay open until eleven o’clock again. When I got off the plane and felt the warm air embrace me like a blanket, I felt instantly happy to find that during my month of absence, the change of seasons had indeed taken place. As I said, a Roman agenda never stays empty for long and I had only been home for half an hour when the plan for an aperitivo in Trastevere was made. But with a hungry stomach and one glance at the menu that made my mouth water, the aperitivo became a three-course meal, including a whole bottle of pecorino wine.
As always in life, when one door closes, another door opens. Both on a professional and personal level, I am about to embark on new adventures
While enjoying the wine, some fried mozzarella with fiori di zucca and anchovies, a big plate of carbonara (I seem to be totally uncapable to refuse my favourite Roman dish), and a hazelnut brownie with whipped cream and mango, I looked back on an adventure that will stay with me for the rest of my life. An event I had been eagerly awaiting for almost a year and a half, due to the fact it was postponed a whole year. Winning the festival was, of course, the perfect ending. And as always in life, when one door closes, another door opens. Both on a professional and personal level, I am about to embark on new adventures, which is very exciting, frightening and fun at the same time. When the time is right, I will undoubtedly share more about it all here on the blog.
In the same way that I was able to contribute a little to Italy’s success this year, Italy will play an important role in the new adventures that are evolving in my life
The day after this delicious dinner, I was taking a walk in Villa Pamphili when I was reminded of the fact that it had taken no less than thirty years – including an extra year due to the pandemic – for Italy to win the song contest again. The last time was in 1990, a little over six months before I was born. Hence, the fact that I got to be their Delegation Host thirty years later feels extra special. Because in the same way that I was able to contribute a little to Italy’s success this year, Italy will play an important role in the new adventures that are evolving in my life. By now, you know my poetic nature well enough to know how delighted I am to be able to say that I have come full circle once again. To be continued…