Flying to Manchester reminded me of the glory days of Man U when Eric Cantona was captain and where the Theatre of Dreams was certainly stuff of dreams for most guys.
During my teenage days ( Back in Malaysia), soccer fans were divided into 2:- The Man U fans and Non-Man Fans. Teenage boys would have 'had it made' if they were to get their hands on the red or white coloured Man U jersey which would obviously seal their identity as a true fan.
10 yrs later, I had the privilege to visit this particular part of the United Kingdom. The city is mainly industrial with many brick layered houses similar to each other. Fortunately, the temperature wasn't too chilly when i got there, approximately 7 celcius.
Our first day mainly consisted of visiting Chinatown for the duck noodles and other Chinese delicacies. This was followed thereafter by a big round of shopping. Many of my friends and myself enjoyed shopping in this budget outlet called Primark, and the things there were certainly value for money.
I bought a winter jacket for just $5 pounds and a pair suede boots for just $15 pounds. Primark in the UK is somewhat similiar to the Carrefour here which sold everything from clothing, sweaters, household items, all at unbelievable prices. Some of the items were even cheaper than those in Singapore!
Day 2 consisted of a visit to the Old Trafford Stadium. Just outside the stadium were flowers and messages of condolences to victims for the 1958 Munich Air Crash. On 6th February 1958, the plane carrying the Manchester United football team, crashed on takeoff on a snow covered runway at Munich Airport, West Germany. Seven members of the team died in the crash, and an eighth (Duncan Edwards) died a few days later from serious injuries. Eight accompanying journalists and three club officials also perished in the crash. Matt Busby, the manager, survived after a long illness. Bobby Charlton, defender Bill Foulkes and the goalkeeper Harry Gregg were among the survivors of the crash. It was definitely as sad moment for Man U.
Inside the stadium consisted of a museum which explained the history of the club and players. There was also a trophy room which paraded the large array of trophies and awards that Man U had obtained throughout. In the museum was also a section dedicated solely for the 1958 Munich Air Crash.
As planned, we decided to go for a tour of the Theatre of Dreams. The tour was pretty amazing in which the tour guide ( a very enthusiastic one as well) brought us around the benches, press room, prep room before the matches, the dining room, the lockers and even their bath and jacuzzi area!
The day ended with us returning to Manchester City to do a little bit of shopping and a light meal before retreating to our respective hotel rooms.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
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