Okay. I’m supposed to write about the much awaited trip of my life.
………
OMG. I’m blank. Not because I don’t have anything to write but because I was so out of adjectives and verbs to describe this trip.
Awesome will be my overused phrase. But I’m going to use it anyway. Ha Ha.
This AWESOME trip began nearly 4 months after I received the call that I won the biggest prize in my life back in August. I still remember the excitement of receiving the news. But the waiting period decreased the level of excitement to a point I could put the trip off my mind.
Then, the trip was back ON! I was nervous + excited + overwhelmed. Packed my stuff up and board the plane. It was an awfully long journey (as we had 2 transits, Abu Dhabi and London) but when we stepped down in Barcelona Airport, the reality started to sink in: I was finally in Barcelona, Spain, one of the countries I have always wanted to come to and I was about to meet the best footballer (arguably) in my generation less than 24 hours time!
When we arrived at the hotel, NH Constanza (which was a really nice hotel), we quickly had to freshen up and went for our City Tour. Maxis booked the whole bus for 14 of us. As some of us were rushing to get the stadium on the same day, I couldn’t really absorb the beauty of Barcelona on that first day because I was still tired from the all the travelling. Park Guell by Gaudi was one that stood out on that first day trip (Apart from the world famous Sagrada Familia).
We used the metro to get to the stadium and some unfortunate events occurred (namely pickpockets and racist) so my mood was. In addition to that, I was so frustrated when I saw the second team players’ names on the scoreboard (except for Pique) and NO Iniesta, Xavi, Villa and most importantly MESSI! The stadium was not 100% full but the atmosphere was still great. Reminded me of Old Ttrafford. The Champions League song that I often heard soothed my frustration for a while. The first half was a bit slow and then when I saw Messi warming up in the second half, my spirit soared. The whole stadium did anyway. Messi played! They won 2-0 and I would say it was not the best of the team (or match) but watching Messi in Nou Camp made up for all the flaws I had on that first day in Barcelona. At least in my football list I can tick Champs League off.
Second day. The most awesomest day of my life. Sure, I’ve met some great footballers (when MU came down to KL) but meeting them face to face, get their signature and take pictures with them, in a place where great footballers are produced and trained, was the first for me. Touring Nou Camp Training Ground with explanation by Messi’s personal manager, Paolo was great. He decided to allow us to watch the first team trained (my jaw nearly dropped when he said it) but unfortunately the team was practicing their strategy hence we couldn’t watch them. When we entered the main training field, only Abidal left with his practice. Guess no Iniesta and Xavi.Again.Sigh. But while waiting to get inside, we ogled the players’ cars, like Villa’s and Messi’s and could just berangan of having that much of money to buy anything that you want. There were fans outside, waiting for the players to come out so they could get their signatures. On normal days it can reached hundreds. Crazy to think how big football players are, especially of Barcelona FC stature.
Messi was walking, with his wet hair, and very fresh smell of soap/fragrance towards us. OMG, he looked so adorable and so like how I imagined him to be. It was kind of chaotic with people taking pictures and the organizers asked us to quickly prepare our stuff for him to sign. And guess what? I was the first to go! So kelam kabut and so speechless, and it ended so fast. Of all the things I thought of saying to him, nothing came up. After my turn was finished, I just watched others and couldn’t stop taking pictures. I never stared and look at a guy as long as I did with Messi. He looked so shy and didn’t really say anything (he couldn’t speak English). The session was brief it felt surreal. I was hoping there would be a question and answer session but after all the photographing and signing, he went off with his brothers and manager. We all tried to digest that we have just met one of the legends of the beautiful game. As we went out one the fans was cheering for us. Guess they were full of envy. Haha.
After that, we went jalan-jalan and some of us extended our stay in Barcelona for few days. We took the Turistic Hop On Hop Off Bus and it was a really good way in seeing Barcelona as they are frequent and cover a lot of places. Barcelona was a really beautiful city, with gorgeous buildings and the houses on the hill, very picturesque indeed. Gaudi architecture would definitely left you in awe with the uniqueness and eccentricity of his buildings. Plus, Spanish people were beautiful (as expected) and it’s winter, so I got to see beautiful people in jackets/coats and boots. One of my favorite locations in people watching so far (besides Paris).
One of the days in Spain, mama and I took a flight to Granada, where the famous historical Alhambra stood through the test of time. It was such a beautiful place no words could do it justice. If you happen to be in Spain, this was the place to be where you could observe the convergent of Muslim and Christian history and architecture.. Nasrid Palace was beyond awesome.
We went to London for our last night and met Shafini. It was bloody cold and the day was over so quickly we rushed to get our shopping done (especially in Primark.LOL).
All in all, the trip might not be as perfect as I would like it to be (especially the weather and the short daytime) and I might not be the perfect companion to my mother (sorry Mama!) but it’s right up there with my Euro Trip earlier this year. Both were football related trip, so I guess I am Maxis Biggest Football Fan. Haha. What a way to end my 2010, the year that is beyond awesome it could be legendary (I know it's getting lame but that is really how I felt!Haha). And I have my families, friends and Allah to thank for. Thank you and Alhamdulillah.
Merry Xmas, Happy New Year and let the awesomeness keeps rolling in for the next year J.
P/S: Thank you MAXIS. You are committed to the game.
