BRITS AND BEYOND: My Eurovision 2025 Adventure — From VIP Rides to Business Class 

By Andreas Arnaz

This is the story of one of the most unforgettable trips I’ve ever taken — my journey to the Eurovision Grand Final in Basel, Switzerland. What started as a music event turned into a four-day rollercoaster filled with police operations, amazing food, last-minute upgrades, and memories I’ll never forget. Here’s how it all went down.

Late Night Departure

It all began on a Friday night in Zaragoza. At 11:15 PM, my mom and I got picked up by a VIP vehicle and headed to the bus station. We arrived around midnight and waited for our coach, which didn’t show up until 2:15 AM — sleepy but excited, we finally got on.

The bus was actually pretty cool — it had individual TV screens for each seat, which made the trip more enjoyable. We rolled into Barcelona at around 7:35 AM.

Takeoff to Basel

After arriving in Barcelona, we made our way to the airport via shuttle bus. At 9:15 AM, we boarded a Vueling A321 in economy class. I did something I’d always wanted to do — I asked the pilot if I could see the cockpit. And guess what? He said yes. It was absolutely insane. I stepped inside and just stood there in awe. One of the coolest things ever.

By 10:30 AM, we had landed and arrived at our cousins’ place in Basel. The rest of the day was already packed — we bought official Eurovision Grand Final T-shirts, spotted Swiss special forces and anti-terrorism units (super intense but cool), and then went to eat at Vito Pizzeria, where my cousin works. He made us what I can only describe as the best pizza I’ve ever tasted. No exaggeration.

The Big Day: Saturday

The next morning, we kicked things off with breakfast at what’s probably the best pastry shop in Basel. Fresh, flaky, and amazing. Later we biked to a second-hand market, though nothing there really caught my eye.

Then, while heading to lunch, I almost got hit by a tram — Basel’s trams are no joke; they don’t stop for anyone! We finally made it to Dans Lab Basel, where I had a sandwich with cheese, avocado, and lettuce. Super simple, but honestly, one of the tastiest sandwiches I’ve ever had.

After lunch, we chilled at home, had some pasta, and I watched an episode of The Rookie (one of my favorite shows). Around 6 PM, it was finally time. We headed out to St. Jakobshalle for the Eurovision Grand Final.

But… things got tense. At Clara Platz, our tram got stopped by a Palestine protest. Most people got off, but my mom and I stayed seated. I won’t lie — I was a little scared. I thought something bad might happen. Police and special forces quickly took control, and according to my cousin, the protesters were taken to a building where they were cut off from food, water, and communication. Total isolation.

Eurovision Vibes & Shocking Results

Once we arrived at St. Jakobshalle, the atmosphere was electric. Thousands of people were everywhere, with armored police vehicles standing by. We said hi to my cousin Nemo and entered the arena.

The show was next level. The lights, the crowd, the performances — I couldn’t believe I was really there. I was rooting for the Netherlands, and honestly, I thought they deserved to win. But in the end, Austria took the crown. Not a bad song at all, but it still felt like a bit of a robbery.

Sunday: Football & Rest

The day after the final was much more chill. We went to watch my cousin’s football match — unfortunately, his team lost 2–1. They didn’t play their best. We spent the rest of the day relaxing and getting ready for our flight home.

Flying Back in Style

Monday morning arrived, and we took the tram and shuttle back to the airport. And here’s where it got crazy again: our seats got upgraded from economy to business class. Yes, business class! Way more legroom, free drinks — it was amazing. The plane was an A320, and even though it’s not the biggest, flying business made it feel like a private jet.

We landed in Barcelona next to an A380 — probably the most beautiful aircraft I’ve ever seen in real life. Then we were picked up by a sleek black Mercedes-Benz that looked like a limo. VIP treatment all the way. From there, we took the train to Zaragoza, caught a premium bus, and finally made it back to Huesca.

Final Thoughts

This trip was way more than just going to see a music show. It was a full-on adventure filled with surprises, emotions, and unforgettable moments. I got to visit a cockpit, survive a protest on a tram, eat some of the best food of my life, and even fly in business class. Eurovision 2025 in Basel will always be a core memory for me — and I’m already looking forward to the next one.