Life-long dream is fulfilled. I finally got a chance to visit Liverpool. I knew one day I would watch Liverpool live in person but I never realized I would have to wait this long to finally do it. I was really anxious. I arrived on Friday night and off I went on Saturday morning to Anfield. I have to admit I got goose-bumps when I saw the stadium structure from a far. Was it happening? I had to keep convincing myself that it was real. As a life-long Liverpool fan, this was the moment of truth.

Once I arrived, I just stood there for a while. Admiring the place that I only got to see on pictures and television. The game was not until tomorrow. But wow, what a beauty the place really is. The place was packed with people lining up for the Champion’s League final ticket. My fellow scousers. It felt like home. First plan was to visit the museum and do the stadium tour. The stadium tour was sold out but I was not about to let them deny me the chance to see the inside-and-outside of the fortress. I went straight to the counter and told them they had to let me in. They said ok. I was ecstatic. I had prepare speeches and arguments expecting they would turned me down. I didn’t even have to try. One plus point for you my beloved Liverpool.

But of course, the stadium tour was not until an hour later. So I went to the museum. Climbed up the stairs and the wall for the Hillsborough victims greeted me. What a sight it was. It brought back so many painful memories. Of course, I was too young to understand the size of the catastrophe. Only few things I remembered from back then. The Heysel tragedy, the Hillsborough tragedy, and Michael Thomas’ goal that broke my heart. It felt so overwhelming. I know this whole experience would not sink in until later. I walked past the wall quietly and respectfully.

I was speechless as I entered the museum. All the things I read about, all the things I heard about; they are all in front of me now. The trophies, the stories, the pictures, the triumphs, the agonies all blend into one. I am so grateful for this moment. I moved from room to room, one cabinet to another, one wall to the next, one manager at a time. From Shankly to Paisley to Fagan to Dalglish to Souness to Evans to Houllier to Benitez. I am still sad but mostly mad with what Souness did to my beloved team. How could you ever sold Beardsley to Everton? Staunton? Houghton? McMahon? Gillespie? Marsh? Burrows? Arrrrggghhhhh … ok, I am done ranting. Make me mad every time I think of it.

The museum is so incredibly informative. It’s a silent witness of what this club has accomplished. I said it then and I am saying it now. Liverpool is by far the best and most successful team in the world … bar none. After the visit to the museum, I am ready for my stadium tour. Finally, I will get a chance to see the fortress from the inside. First visit is to the team’s locker room. The players’ shirt on the wall. Wow … Dudek, Kirkland, Josemi, Carra, Sami, Finnan, Kewell, Riise, Hamann, Smicer, Stevie, Xabi, Luis, Cisse, Mori, and Baros. It didn’t feel real. I am here. I am actually here. Do these people realize how significant this is? Looking at all those shirts, those players that represent my team, my one and only Red. They ought to be proud to ever put that shirt on and play for Liverpool.

Once I stepped out the locker room, I finally see the ghost of Shankly. The sign, the sign that has been a mystic for so long. THIS IS ANFIELD. I had to touch it. I just have to. It’s a magic moment for me. It really felt like I was home. Walking down the tunnel, I felt a sudden rush through my vein. I am sure these are the same feelings all these players are feeling when they walk down that tunnel towards the stadium. And when I appeared at the end of the tunnel, I finally got to see IT. It was amazing. The stadium. This is Anfield. The KOP, the grass, the view, the roof, the seat, the stand, the sign, the color. Everything in unison. Is there anything more beautiful than this? If there is, then I haven’t seen it. I spent sometime walking around and just enjoyed the moment. Wow.

When the tour is over, I walked outside the stadium to the Shankly Gates. And there it is, the Hillsborough Memorial. The flowers, the fire, the names, the memory, the tragedy, and with the injustice, the travesty. I stood there in silent paying my respect to you my brothers and sisters. You are not with us but your spirit will live on in each and every one of us. Have a sweet dream and watch over us from up above. You will never be forgotten. R.I.P. Justice for the 96. You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Note: I wrote this article in May 2005 and posted it on my friendster blog. I retain the posting date to preserve the memory.

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