Category: Uncategorized

I’m Intrigued: Eurovision 2023

Posted on by Ola Wysocki in Uncategorized

Springtime. The sun is shining longer (hopefully), the weather’s getting warmer (hopefully) and we are emerging from the long dark winter (hopefully) which means no signs of snow, though I simultaneously call Chicago and northeastern Poland home, so who knows, we get more snow for Easter these days than Christmas– but I digress.

Parentheticals aside, while springtime means awakening from my seasonal depression, nothing gets that going more than the Eurovision Song Contest. This year, thanks to TikTok and a new friend who’s obsessed with ESC and actually follows all of the preliminary country selections (shout out to my PL bestie Kacper), I feel like I’ve had the opportunity to get more into it. I will not claim to be a ESC expert, however, I do have a ton of fun giving my unsolicited two cents.

As I did last year, here are some of my standouts, honorable mentions, and takes of all other contestants based on a quick YouTube viewing of the available music videos.

My Faves:

AUSTRIA

“Who the hell is Edgar?” You could argue that this is 2023’s version of “Give That Wolf A Banana” with its zany premise but I find that Taye & Salena makes this work far better. It’s just the right amount of quirky and upbeat, something that will make it standout from the ballads of the contest. It balances humor and elements of dramatic flair well and I’m interested in seeing how this is staged for the live performances. This would be a fun, albeit it surprising, top winner, but I would be shocked if it didn’t at least make top ten.

CZECHIA

Y’all already know that it is the symbolism of this song and the underlying political themes that get me going. Add the Slavic sisterhood that sings strong in my heart and we have ourselves a winner in my eyes. The song combines four languages, Czech, English, Ukranian and Bulgarian, but “My Sister’s Crown is connects all people who experience oppression, whether from society, trends, technology. It is art, aesthetic, traditional yet modern: it’s a statement. This is everything that “My Słowanie“ should have been back in 2014. I am VERY intrigued to see how the live staging of this goes, as a lot of folks on social are saying that they’re not sold on how the awesomeness of the music video will translate to the stage. I doubt this would be the Top Winner, but I hope it makes top ten!

ESTONIA

I really like Alika’s voice. She is only 20 years old but her performance is so mature and powerful. I wish this song had more hype behind it– it’s literally one of the best songs this year and I feel like folks are sleeping on it. And the staging from the National Performance I saw with the ghost piano was really cool.

ITALY

I’m a sucker for Marco Mengoni. After BLANCO basically butchered (am I wrong?) last year’s duet with Mahmood, Mengoni seems like a warm hug. I wish I could be annoyed that Italy is sending over another ballad, but truthfully, Italy does ballads extremely well. Marco is no exception, putting his all into a super emotional interpretation. This is his second ESC rodeo, so I have a feeling he’ll do well. I’m hoping for top 5!

NORWAY

Is anyone surprised that this is one of my standouts? Strong female anthems is something that we are big fans of in the house of Ola. The song itself is a tad repetitive, but regardless, I will willingly march in Alessandra’s conquering legions. I feel ready to kick ass (potentially in a viking-like helmet). This battle cry of a song is an undeniable bop and she’s got a phenomenal live performance already under her belt. I think the only thing that may work against her is the fact that the song has been viral in some TikTok circles for quite some time (I think the first I heard it was back in January).

Honorable mentions:

CROATIA

I had to go and watch the most recent live performance of this batsh!t crazy number after the quick recap video because I was so intrigued. I’m here for the dictator diss track and honestly, a LOT of Poles love this entry (admittedly, mostly because of their hate for Blanka). I mean how could you not love a song that starts off with “Mama kupiła traktora?”

FRANCE

Yes. 100%. She is the moment. I am putting this on my “Who Run The World” playlist. Last year’s “Fulenn” was ROBBED so justice for France! Hell of an entry. If her stage presence is anything like that in the music video, I cannot wait to see a live performance of this. It’s easily top ten in my book.

MOLDOVA

ANOTHER SLAV SLAY. A pagan Slav slay at that. I admittedly don’t know too much about Moldova, but it seems like an authentic and ethnic bop. This is giving me both Shum and Kalush vibes (it’s gotta be that flute that they all seem to incorporate). I will be very pleased if this makes it past the semi’s.

SPAIN

Ok, this Blanca’s voice is incredible. I feel like we’re about to summon some kind of Spanish witchcraft with this hypnotic song. It’s traditional music but in a modern package; truly one of my favorite tropes of the ESC.

Reactions to the Rest from the Official Roundup/Recap

Albania: With all of the ~drama~ I could easily see this being the theme song of a telenovela. Like Day of Our Lives but make it Albanian. That being said, I weirdly find it comforting and while I’m not Balkan, I’m easily swayed by its music. It’s those Slavic ties, kochani.

Armenia: “I just wanna make art, read books and just find someone who likes me enough to kiss my face.” Girl, same. I don’t hate this song, but I also don’t absolutely love it. I think the artist has strong vocals, but the lyrics honestly feel a bit whiny and the sharp changes in music style throw me off.

Australia: Ok, I’m still a bit new to ESC, but why are they in the contest? Is it the old colonial British Empire relic kind of thing? Regardless, the song has potential, I think it’s really gonna depend on the staging and their energy. Also was not anticipating that (personally, I found it unnecessary) screamo/metal moment.

Azerbaijan: I’m getting Beatles/Blink-182 mash-up for some odd reason. While decent, I would be shocked to see them make the final.

Belgium: I’m here for the lyrics and the overall vibe. I would not be surprised to see a “lip sync for your life” in any global iteration of Drag Race. I could see it playing at clubs in Boystown.

Cyprus: This song is 100% playing after a dramatic moment on Love Island UK. Most likely at the firepit. Otherwise, kind of forgettable.

Denmark: Are the Danes hiding the fountain of youth? How is this man almost 26 years old? It’s a cute entry, but I think it relies HEAVILY on the robot/auto-tune. While I don’t think it’ll do too well in the contest itself, however, like last year’s “Snap,” I have a feeling it’ll do well commercially.

Finland: Where do I even being with “Cha Cha Cha?” It’s quintessential Eurovision and while I don’t think I initially understood it, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it after a couple of listens. I’m anticipating high votes from the public. I’m here for the hype and we’re all in for an incredible live performance during the final.

Georgia: Not my vibe and I don’t really understand the lyrics.

Germany: I’m sorry, but nein on “Blood and Glitter.” Admittedly though, it’s because I was never a real metal fan. .

Greece: Admittedly meh of a song but the artist has potential, I like his voice.

Iceland: A strong message, but personally I think it’s forgettable.

Ireland: U2 2.0. I said what I said. However, with that in mind, it does have some hints of generational nostalgia that makes it an inspirational listen.

Israel: TikTok seems to love this one, but I can’t. It feels like three separate songs in one. Also same as Australia; why is Israel here?

Latvia: The music video in the roundup compilation was giving me cult vibes. The live performance and staging was a nice suprise. I’m not quite sure why, but it’s giving me 30 Seconds to Mars vibes. It’s honestly a quality song, but I don’t see it making the finals unfortunately if it relies solely on popular vote.

Lithuania: The artist has an incredible voice and I appreciate the thoughtful addition of “Čiūto tūto,” which I’ve learned is a meditative sound Lithuanians used to sing in while standing/dancing in ritual circles. As always, I feel like Lithuania is criminally underrated.

Malta: It’s funky and the lead singer is a cutie. It’s in a tough initial bracket though, so I will be intrigued to see if it will dance its way into the final.

Netherlands: Powerful lyrics. Highly underrated. I think it’ll make the finals, but not crack top ten.

Poland: Oj kochani. There is so much to say about the sh!tshow that was Poland’s selection. The public voted for Jann’s “Gladiator,“ I wanted Dominik Dudek to go through (not a revolutionary song but I really connected with the lyrics as of late), but TVP had other plans and went with Blanka. Generally, I can’t say I was wowed with any finalist, and it’s annoying because as a country we actually have some pretty excellent artists, but they’re either super established and don’t care about something like ESC or knowing that the selections are through government-backed TVP, many don’t care for that given Poland’s current right-winged political climate. I don’t necessarily agree with all of the online vitriol Queen #Bejbah is getting, the song itself is catchy (albeit basic). We could do so much better, though.

Portugal: A fun cabaret-inspired moment.

Romania: Based on the recap video, we seem to have located Beetlejuice’s missing pants. Also don’t really understand the background dancers.

San Marino: Eh.

Serbia: After last year’s masterpiece that was Konstrakta’s “In corpore sano,“ I gotta say this is a let down and also kind of gives me the creeps.

Slovenia: A fun little bop. The lead vocalist is charismatic and charming, and overall the band looks like they’re having fun during their live performance.

Sweden: The Internet’s basically decided she’s the winner for this year’s edition. I’m not saying she doesn’t deserve to win, because let’s be clear: she’s hella talented as a performer (that and I don’t want to be stabbed by those Wolverine nails she had). The song is powerful and she owns the stage without any background dancers or vocals. But it just feels like a 2012 deja vu moment. Watch it, compare, and tell me if I’m wrong.

Switzerland: Such a mature voice. The dynamic ballad carries an anti-war message and I have a feeling the sentiment of the ongoing situation in Europe will carry it into the final.

Ukraine: A fresh and unpredictable song from Ukraine, given how much it normally leans into its folk traditions. I know as last year’s winning country, this will make it to the final, but curious to see where it lands in rankings.

United Kingdom: Dua Lipa vibes. It’s definitely a summer bop!

Nowa Huta: Off-The-Beaten Path Kraków

Posted on by Ola Wysocki in Polish culture, travel tips, Uncategorized

Disclaimer: This post is NOT sponsored by eNHa, I genuinely enjoyed my time during the tour and believe this is a worthwhile experience for anyone looking to enrich their Krakow visit past the Old Town and visits to Auschwitz or Wieliczka.

As a city that survived WWII, physically unscathed for the most part, Kraków is known for its charming historic Old Town. I’ve had the fortune of visiting a few times before, so I sought out experiences that were off the beaten path.

Forever fascinated by this specific time in history and driven by a (somewhat odd) sense of nostalgia for an era that wasn’t ever mine, I stumbled upon a tour of the district of Nowa Huta. Originally founded as its own city, it was once the Polish communist party’s answer to the very anti-communist city of Kraków. One of only two entirely pre-planned socialist realism cities ever built, a visit, whether for tourists but also for Poles, is like traveling back in time.

Even after the fall of communism, Nowa Huta had a bit of a bad rap throughout the 90s and early 00s, but is now slowly beginning to revitalize; eNHa Trip is one of those initiatives trying to breathe some new life into Nowa Huta by taking folks into its past. All of the profits from eNHa tours go into supporting community initiatives to help Nowa Huta thrive. Greeted by an authentic Fiat 126p aka a “Maluch” (which my mama told me she owned before she immigrated to the US) as my ride for the day and awesome guide Mateusz, I had a blast exploring a new neighborhood.

Some highlights included:

The Aleja róż, or Avenue of Roses, is just off the Central Square of Nowa Huta. The promenade, with its hundreds of roses, became a leisure spot for the locals of the proposed proletariat paradise. Unsurprisingly, it became the home of a giant monument to Vladimir Lenin in 1973. Also unsurprisingly, not everyone was happy with the monument. 1979 witnessed a failed attempt at blowing old Vladimir up. Although the powerful explosion had all the windows in the area knocked out, the revolutionary only lost a heel. The monument to Lenin was finally removed in 1989 after Poland’s free elections. Two years later, it was sold to a Swedish millionaire, and now it can be admired(?) in a theme park near Stockholm. While Vlad will almost certainly not make any kind of official return to Nowa Huta, I was pleased to learn that the city is working towards replanting the roses.

The main gates of Nowa Huta steelworks and the grand entrance to the Kombinat office buildings, together with the famous sign “Huta im. T. Sendzimira” (meaning “T. Sendzimir’s Steelworks”) which was altered after the fall of communism. Mateusz took me through some of the older administrative buildings and the fallout shelter– an experience made even more eerie due to the fact that lights in the underground shelter weren’t functioning, so we explored by flashlight.

Admittedly, at face value, you may wonder what could be so exciting seeing administrative offices, some old paperwork or hearing recorded conversations of some of the guards from the factory- but as someone who leans heavy into nostalgia, it felt like walking through a movie set. Most of the rooms and halls are preserved perfectly and haven’t changed drastically since the 1950s, giving its visitors a time capsule they can walk through.

Riding in the Fiat 126p— The Fiat 126p is a (dare I say) cute little car, produced under a licensed agreement between Poland and Italian company Fiat. In the ’70s Poland was under the socialistic leadership of Edward Gierek, who was in search of a car that would suit the needs of the masses and motorize the country. The little Italian Fiat 126 was chosen as a model, the successor to the 500 (Cinquecento) and assembly of the Polish version began in July of 1973.

Also called a Maluch (Polish for “little one), despite its ridiculous small size, it was supposed to be used as a family car and could fit up to 4 people. The Maluch gained a lot of popularity in Poland, because was the only available and affordable choice for regular working families. While iconic, these are definitely not zooming around the roadways of Poland like they used to- it’s not that common anymore. Car collectors and auto enthusiasts (and apparently Tom Hanks) predominantly celebrate the car and often showcase them at festivals around the country. Although no longer quite practical, this nostalgic, adorable auto has earned its place in the hearts of many Polish generations.


We grabbed lunch at a very popular bar mleczny (milk bar) and of course, no tour of Communist-era Europe would be complete without a photo-op with an original WWII military tank that saw battles on the Eastern front. We ended the day at St. Mary’s Church of the Lord’s Arc – the first church built in Nowa Huta after an arduous campaign by the locals, as the original communist town had no churches at all. It later became a symbol and rebellion base against the socialist regime.

Thanks to my Polish roots/stories from my family, the day became a quirky and real conversation of what life looked like for Poles after the war when they fell behind the Iron Curtain and what we both thought of Polish society today as a result of this particular history. If you’re even remotely curious about the PRL-era or doing something a little different during a stay in Kraków, I can’t recommend it enough!

For more information about the prices and types of tours, be sure to check out the Nowa Huta Tour website.

I’m Intrigued: Eurovision 2022

Posted on by Ola Wysocki in Uncategorized

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us! No, not Christmas, but EUROVISION! As a resident Europhile and generally a fan of pop culture and current events-I’m stoked! Honestly, I didn’t become interested in the contest until about 2014 when Poland made it past the first round for the first time in forever. Was My Slowianie my favorite? It’s complicated (but generally, yes, I dig it for a variety of reasons) and we can explore Poland’s entries throughout the years at another time. For now, let’s focus on the matter at hand: our upcoming final this weekend! Here are some of my standouts:

UKRAINE:

Ukraine is overwhelmingly being projected as a favorite to win. This has garnered a mix of reactions. Many comments I’ve seen throughout social media are crying that the current political climate is giving the folk-rap band an unfair advantage and that the song competition shouldn’t be political, to which I call BS. Eurovision has always had both obvious and subtle hints of political intrigue, whether it was the UK getting last place the first year they competed after Brexit or Austria’s statement to have Conchita Wurst as their representative. It’s really one of the safest ways the European continent (and apparently Australia and Israel) can “duke it out” without getting arms involved. The artists have a platform for a cause that’s important to them and they’re using it to connect with the world. Also- isn’t that why music can be so powerful? It can evoke such strong emotions and having a song that stands for something is a heck of a lot more interesting than something that’s just catchy.

Kalush Orchestra’s “Stefania” has become a rallying cry to Ukranians throughout the world amidst the ongoing war that has ravaged the country since late February of this year. It’s a tribute to one of the band member’s mother, but with the war, the song has taken on a new meaning where Ukraine is the mother in the song. 

I love this entry regardless. Kalush Orchestra reminds me of one of my favorite Polish folk rock bands, Enej. I’m a fan of any folk-infused Slavic music– I think it’s a wonderful marriage of heritage/tradition and popular culture and on a personal note, it makes me feel at home. I applaud them for keeping the song in their language as well, instead of trying to translate it ( cough *pander* cough) to the masses. Additionally, Ukraine’s been putting in some of the most interesting entries into the song contest in recent history, and not just Go_A’s SHUM (though that too, is a banger if I say so myself. The music video itself is everything that makes my Slavic heart happy with its ‘weirdness’).  

ITALY:

There has to be some pressure to follow last year’s winners, Maneskin. Does this live up to “Zitti e Buoni?” Assolutamente, no, but at the same time it’s difficult to compare the two, as they live in two different worlds of music. I have mixed thoughts with “Brividi”. I admittedly am not too familiar with BLANCO, but I love Mahmood so much and I’m still salty that he didn’t win with “Soldi” back in 2019. It’s a beautiful duet with some emotional lyrics about how even the best intentions cannot save a relationship from any stumbles or mistakes. I love their voices together, the harmony of the chorus hits just right. That being said, I don’t think it’s winner material. I think they’ll definitely make Top 10, maybe Top 5, but I’d be surprised to see them as the winners of the overall competition.

LITHUANIA:

I’ve had a Monika LIU song grace one of my Discover Weekly playlists in 2021 and I’ve been a (albeit tangential) fan ever since. The songs I’m familiar with really give me a sense of nostalgia and I appreciate that it’s something different. She mentioned she’s here to make the Lithuanian language cool and I am here for her mission. Also she just oozes class. 


POLAND:

Normally, I cringe at Poland’s entries, but Ochman was a surprise. As a fellow US-born Pole, straddling two cultures, I feel oddly proud that he’s representing Poland at this year’s competition. The lyrics themselves aren’t revolutionary and they’re a tad repetitive. It’s definitely a moody ballad, not unlike some of the ones below, but I think it’s Ochman’s voice paired with the awesome staging I’ve seen in the rehearsals that makes me think this will give Poland a chance to at least make Top 10. A girl can dream, no? 

NETHERLANDS:

The fact that S10, real name Stien den Hollander, is only 21 years old makes me question what I’m doing with my life. “De Diepte,” which translates to ‘The Depth,’ is about depression and mental health after a tough break-up. I would learn Dutch just to sing along. I love the melody, her voice, the beat- all of it. It also happened to be on one of my Discover Weekly playlists a few months back and it’s been in my head ever since. I think she will easily make Top 10!

Here are my thoughts about the other entries from the brief clips of the Official Recap:


Albania- It’s giving me Game of Thrones/romance novel cover. I understand she was a bit of a fan favorite, so I’m surprised she didn’t make it to the finals. 

Armenia– Reminds me of a female version of The Lumineers. I kind of dig it. 

Australia– It’s giving me emotional breakup. If I had an ex that I disliked, this would probably be something I’d pretend I’m singing to them in a dramatic music video.   

Austria– Good dance pop moment. Definitely adding to my “Rusz Dupe!” (Move your ass!) playlist for my workouts.

Azerbaijan– Meh. Nice voice and melody, but not really memorable. 

Belgium– Awesome voice and again, it’s giving me break up but like more of an empowering sense, like a “ciao bambino, your loss” type of empowering.

Bulgaria– Ok, what were those drummer’s spiral cymbals? How? Otherwise a decent little rock song, but nothing to write home about.

Croatia– Alright Balkan Taylor Swift vibes.

Cyprus– Kind of forgettable. Sorry.

Czech Republic– I feel like I’ve heard this before and it’s definitely going to be one of my summer faves for 2022.

Denmark– I can appreciate a female rock group.

Estonia– I’m blasting this on the open road when I take a road trip out west.

Finland– Less intense version of Maneskin. I know the Scandinavian countries are more known for rock music entries to the contest, but I’m not as wowed as I was with Italy last year.

France– I feel like this is very SHUM-esque. I’m not mad at it. Honorable mention from me! 

Georgia– The Muppets? A circus? What’s happening?

Germany– Meh…

Greece– I’ve definitely heard she’s a favorite for this edition. It’s definitely a typical Eurovision ballad, but I’m indifferent.

Iceland– A departure from Daði og Gagnamagnið. Icelandic HAIM?

Ireland– Fun poppy song. It’ll go in my Who Run The World playlist (it’s my female empowerment playlist).

Israel– I want a tunnel of lights like in this music video clip. I don’t know what I’d do with one but it looks awesome. 

Latvia– INSTEAD OF MEAT, I EAT VEGGIES AND 🐱. This was definitely on my Tiktok many times and let’s be real, that first line feels like they included it just for the shock value.

Malta– Decent pop. Felt like the video was trying to be a United Colors of Benetton ad or an ode to Michael Jackson’s “Black and White,” though. 

Moldova– Ok, after my declaration of love for anything folk-infused, you know I was going to vibe with the “Hej Ho! Let’s go, folklore and rock’n’roll.”

Montenegro– I liked the melody and the violins/stringed instruments backing her. She has a lovely voice too. 

North Macedonia– I like her voice. I wish I had more to add because she looks cool.

Norway– I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE HYPE. Is this this generation’s “What Does the Fox Say?” Like, I get that it fits the “weird and quirky” vibes of the spirit of Eurovision but I just don’t how this song makes it to the finals and not Latvia.

Portugal– Definitely gets an honorable mention from me. Again, here for an all-female indie atmosphere and I can also appreciate the idea of “Saudade” which is a Portuguese phrase that directly translates “missing” in English,  but really is best described as a “sort of longing wistful nostalgia for something or someone beloved” that is no longer there. I think it’s beautiful. 

Romania– Did I miss why he’s singing in Spanish?

San Marino– It’s difficult for me not to try and compare him to Maneskin. I don’t think he pulls it off as well, though. 

Serbia– It’s got a fun drop into the chorus. If I was a betting gal, which I’m not, while I can’t predict the winner, I can predict that the audience will inevitably screw up the rhythm as they try to clap along to any live performance of this. 

Slovenia- Cute, nice little disco funk moment. I just wish the lead vocalist had more stage presence. 

Spain– My friend Donny kept saying she’s trying too hard to be Shakira and I can’t unsee/unhear it. Definitely going on my summer playlist, though.

Sweden– Another good power ballad. 

Switzerland– I appreciate the message and I think he’s got a nice voice, but I’m not wowed. I don’t get how he qualified into the semi’s. 

UK– Ok, the singer looks like a fun time! I know the UK gets to the final anyway because of its Big Five status, right? Regardless, a decent song! I’ll probably add it to a playlist of mine at some point.