Here we go, here we go...

...well, nearly. But close enough to justify my first post on this year's ESC Nation blog!

Shopping in central Lewisham on a Saturday afternoon has been survived with minimal damage to soul and body, and so the packing can begin. Super-early flight from Gatwick in the morning, so for once we're treating ourselves, insofar as a cheap 'n' cheerful airport hotel and a Wetherspoons dinner can be described as a treat! Beats getting up at 3 in the morning and hoping the taxi turns up, though...

Now that we know accreditation can be picked up from tomorrow already, most of the Nation team should be assembled and in place bright and early for Austria to kick off proceedings on Monday morning. The new setup, with no press centre until Friday and the first four days of rehearsals being broadcast to Euroclub instead, will be interesting to see in motion. (And since it's a club, I wonder if they'll have beer...)

Anyway, that's all for now - time to christen a brand new suitcase with some brand new clothes. Next stop Malmö (...via Gatwick. And Copenhagen. But you get the idea!).