The following travelogue was composed after fulfilling one of my long cherished dreams, back in November 2011. Thought of sharing the same with fellow TBHPians. Prelude :
Few years back, chanced upon watching 'The Bucket List'. The movie made me think about creating my own 'Things to do before I die' list. So I created my own Bucket list which, at that time consisted mainly of things that I wanted to happen at that moment of time. But there was one among that list that just came into my mind the moment I started writing down that list. And it had nothing to do with anything that I wanted to happen at that time.
About a year ago, me and my wife were discussing things that we would like to do at least once in our life time. When asked about my individual 'dreams', the same one came back instinctively.
No wonder it is called 'The Theater of Dreams'.
Sunday 06 Nov 2011
As luck would have it, I got a chance to visit the UK this year. And the dream just kept getting closer to reality. But, I had to come back from the UK twice, without fulfilling my dream. So when the chance came along for a visit to the UK for a third time, I had made up my mind its now or never. The first thing I did after reaching my hotel in London - check the availability for the weekend to visit Old Trafford for its Museum and Stadium tour. And there was indeed a slot available at 11.30 am on 12-Nov-2011, Saturday. Didn't give it a second thought. Booked the tickets for the tour and immediately received my reservation number via email. Now had to book the tickets for the long journey from London to Manchester. It was nearly 160 miles, and the cheapest fare for the same was available for Virgin trains - starting at 6.30 am from London. Booked the tickets for the travel and got them printed from our clients office.
Now I am all set and ready for the experience that I have been waiting for - all my life.
Friday 11 Nov : 10 pm
Lying in bed with my eyes wide open. Did I set the alarm at 4.30 am, did I set the second one at 4.35 am and then the third one at 4.40 pm ? Just in case the tiredness from a weeks work at the client office managed to get the better of me. Double checked the alarms and found that everything was set. Just needed to get a good nights sleep. But couldn't - just laid there thinking about the next morning. Thankfully fell asleep after some time.
Saturday 12 Nov : 4.24 am
Suddenly woke up as if from a dream and frantically searched for my mobile. What's the time ? Phew - 4.24 only. Got up and disabled all the three alarms. Now I didn't need anyone to remind me to get up and get ready.
5.40 am
"I will come to your room at sharp 5.30 am" - I remembered my colleague (who accompanied me) telling me last night. Now its 5.40 am, where the hell is he ? Rang him up. "Sorry, just woke up. Will meet you at the hotel reception in 10 mins". Packed my bag - camera, tickets, additional sweater (was warned by colleagues at client's office that it is very cold when you move up north).
I was all set.
6.00 am
As is the case with every "10 mins", it was 6 when we started from the hotel to Euston station from where the train would start. It was 10 mins walk from our hotel. We managed to reach the station at the same time the boarding announcement for our train was being made. Boarded the train and managed to find our seats. The train started at 6.36 am and it was announced that we would reach Manchester Piccadilly at 8.45 am. I was feeling sleepy and soon began to snore away. Just as I was coming into the rhythm, the Train manager (aka TTR) came for inspection. Handed over the printed e-ticket to him. He gave us a smile and said "No body uses printed ticket these days, mate".
8.45 am
The journey was nice - my spells of sleep disrupted twice - once by 2 pastries and a coffee (had bought the pastry on Friday to be used as breakfast and the coffee from the train) and the other by the beautiful country side on the way. I hadn't tried taking videos on my camera till now. But the scenery was so beautiful that I decided to take some videos. It was 8.45 am and we were about to reach the station. Quickly called up Mom to say that we had reached safely and that I would only call back after the tour. By 8.50 am we were standing in the Manchester Piccadilly station.
After enquiring at the station, was told that the best way to reach Old Trafford was by tram. Got the tickets and boarded the tram to Old Trafford. Reached the station. The sign board read - Manchester United Football club - 1000 m. Looking straight ahead, we could see a board - Welcome to Old Trafford. But hang on, where is the famous Sir Matt Busby Way ? Where is the Busby statue ? No it can't be. Took a closer look and found that it was the Old Trafford Cricket Stadium. But on the horizon, we could see glimpses of the Theater of Dreams.
From here on there won't be any detailed travelogue with time lines. The time from now on, is the time of my life. I will let the pictures do the talking. Will come up with a few words where needed, in between. So enjoy the tour !
Train ticket from Euston to Manchester.
Details of the train to Manchester. Note the start time - 6.36 am and it took off precisely at that time !
Thank you Mr. Branson - for the high speed trains.
Manchester Piccadilly station.
Inside the tram to Old Trafford.
Old Trafford station - first sight awaiting us at the station is the direction to Old Trafford.
Long walkway to the Theater.
The sight of this board brought a big smile on my face - just 1000 m separates me from my dream.
Looking back at the station.
Old Trafford cricket ground.
Sign board to Old Trafford.
The roads leading up to the stadium were immaculate.
First glimpse of the Theater.
Pub.
A series of shops - all painted in Red. (as if that was a surprise)
The famed Sir Matt Busby way.
We were bustling with excitement at this sight.
THE THEATER OF DREAMS !
The entrance enclosure adorned with player posters.
My version of the famous picture of the 'United Trinity' overlooking the Old Trafford.
Statue of Sir Matt Busby.
No longer a dream. There I was - just taking in the sight, overwhelmed and absolutely delighted
Museum and Stadium tour pass.
At the entrance of the museum.
First section of the museum is dedicated to two of the modern day greats - first being Scholes
and next being Giggs.
Envy of other clubs ! This is just one of the many cabinets filled with trophies.
This is just Sir Alex's trophy cabinet. Most of the clubs don't have these many at their club trophy cabinets.
Champions league medals (the center one being the winners medal from 2008 - Moscow Final)
Any guesses ? this is the cast worn by Wayne Rooney when he was injured before the World cup.