Thought I'd have me in the photo for once. Was going to put up one of the Three Graces, Liverpool Cathedral or Metro Cathedral but I thought this one was apt as that night will long be remembered - my first ever and possibly last ever visit to the historic Anfield and the famous Kop end (the current Anfield stadium will be replaced by a new one in the not too distant future).
I'm not really a Liverpool supporter but have always liked them, like I like West Ham, Chelsea, Barcelona and Milan. Unless you live in a place like Everton or Anfield Road, i don't think u can ever really support Liverpool or Everton coz the emotional connection aint quite there. Even if u didn't like them, you'd still thoroughly enjoy the experience at a place that has produced such wonderful memories for the city of Liverpool and football lovers all over the world. The noise esp from the Kop end is unbelievable. The spirit of the place is v much alive despite it being all seater now - used to be a terrace like they have at Carisbrook but even with the seats, people still stand when the game's on. Shame it was one of Liverpool's more forgettable performances, crashing deservedly to a 1-0 defeat to Marseille in the Champions League - should have been 2-0 if that goal wasn't wrongly disallowed for Cisse being offside at the Kop end.
Nevertheless the experience was definitely unforgettable.. Still can't believe I got to help pull down those famous banners that u see on TV for Liverpool games at Anfield at the Kop end before a match, gotta sing "You'll Never Walk Alone" and many other Liverpool fan songs.. it sends a shudder down ur spine.. Definitely the best moment of my European tour so far.. Now there's the issue of the rugby..
Anyway, I spent two nights in Liverpool and thoroughly loved it. Liverpool is a really beautiful city, a city teeming with life. It's got some brilliant architecture, past (esp the so-called Three Graces on the waterfront which are the head offices of Royal Liver Group and the famous Cunard Group which built many ocean liners) and present (Metro Cathedral) and future (a lot more buildings which are popping up everywhere with Liverpool becoming 2008 European Capital of Culture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The pubs are brilliant and the people are so lovely with their Liverpudian accent and "ya alright, my love".
Have to say out of all the cities I've spent time in, I would live in Liverpool, Newcastle or Edinburgh. It's easy to say that coz those are the only cities I've really been to. Liverpool just for the history, the football and that it has the feel of a city that's progressing v quickly - a lot of construction and restoration was going on while i was there - plus the food is prob the cheapest i've come across in the UK so far (may not be the same after next year though i think). Newcastle is Liverpool in diminutive. Maybe a bit too far up north. Edinburgh has plenty of history. Hard choice.
Whatever the choice, it'll prob still be ahead of Cardiff unfortunately. Cardiff is a nice city but not sure it's quite my type of city. It's great for the rugby and the atmosphere is terrific when there's a big rugby game at the Millenium Stadium on over the weekend but it lacks the character or beauty which Liverpool, Newcastle and Edinburgh have. Not too many sights but if you're there for the rugby, it's not a bad place at all. Prob the only city in Britain which I've visited so far which cares about rugby.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Liverpool (plus a bit of Cardiff)
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