November 13, 2010

Hola Barcelona!

People always say, "Your exchange in Europe will not be complete if you don't get pickpocketed in Barcelona." Lucky or not, my exchange partner could actually strike that off the list. It was also a pity we didn't have time to explore more of Barcelona because the weather was really great at about 19 degrees, which was certainly welcoming for a change! Imagine being able to wear slippers and shorts and go to the beach!

BUT. I'm now proud to say I've watched a football match at Barcelona Camp Nou! It was really an awesome experience for me- I've always been a Spain supporter (yay to our newly crowned World Cup Champion!), so to be able to watch a match in Spain itself is like a little dream come true! Seeing world famous football players like Messi and Villa do their dribbles, passes and tricks up close in real life felt really surreal (would be perfect if I get to see Torres!).

We managed to get tickets for the Barcelona FC versus Vilareal match with pretty good seats- we were seated really near one of the goal posts, so for the second half of the match, we got a really clear view of Barcelona's goals! The boys were really hyped up about the match, excitedly shopping for their favorite players' jerseys, beanies and scarfs at the merchandise store before the match! The atmosphere was really different when you were there at Camp Nou itself, everyone was so passionate about the game and the team they support (although majority of the audience are Barcelona FC fans). We clapped, we cheered along, we got mad when the players missed the opportunity to score, we waved the white handkerchiefs when the referee underperformed. When Messi scored, everyone did the 'kowtow' action and shouted "Messi! Messi! Messi!". Villa is a rising star, he was everywhere in the field and put up a good performance. It was a goal-filled match with the final score of 3-1, a worthwhile match to watch! I could imagine how the crowd would be like at the Barcelona FC versus Real Madrid match, it's gonna be the match that everyone is looking forward to!

Opening of the match





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