The second rehearsals for the second semi-final are completed. A hectic day of activity for the artists and the press, but with time for some culture and fun… Read how the day was.

The Eurovision Song Contest is still far from wrapping the rehearsals up. The Wiener Stadthalle has been a boiling pot of songs, press conferences, questions, trips up and down… It takes an effort which is pleasant at the same time.

The rehearsals went as a rehearsal goes: sing and repeat, sing and repeat. Stop the clock! Technical problem… It’s solved! Thank you!

At the same time time the accredited enjoys another taste of the performance; the changes from the first one are noticed, checked, compared… And the question remains on the final decision… What will be next? Which surprises are ahead…?

The press conferences have seen a parade of artists and delegations coming in for the scrutiny of the accreditted fans and journalists. Questions and photo sessions served again for the people in the Stardthalle and the artists for getting a bit more acquainted. During those press conferences you can get to know a bit about the story of the artists, like how Måns Zelmerlöw feels much better prepared for this Eurovision than a few years ago, when he attempted the entry with Cara mia and Hope and glory at the Swedish Melodifestivalen. Or how Monika Kuszyńska was inspired by the people around her to overcome the overwhelming test that life put her to.

In between activities there is time to chill out, and also to learn about what the host country has to offer. And it was while strolling around the Press Centre that ESCToday found these two ladies, Gerti and Barbara, the Austria Guides, who will be pleased to help you discover the must-sees of their country. As they said, Don’t Google it! Ask me! They, for instance, told us how much they recommend to visit what they consider the best spot of Salzburg: the Hohensalzburg Fortress; they suggest it as a good alternative to the also charming Mozart Birthplace, which is highly appreciated by Japanese tourists, or the The Sound of Music Route, which the Americans would recommend as first choice. We will try to find out some more in the coming days…

A Eurovision-filled day and with a delicious taste of Austria.

The action is not over yet. More is about to come. And ESCToday.com is here to tell you all. Keep clicking us!