I actually plan to write and talk about this very trip end of last year but failed to do so due to my laziness as well as the many pictures to go through and choose from.

Anyway anyhow this was the trip, the one that happened one week before my birthday last year at the very last month of the year.

Never did i imagine going on a 14 hours flight again all the way to Manchester, United Kingdom to watch a live match of a Barclays Premiership Game.

Its been 3 months since then and i could still tell you about how awesome it was from the start till the end of the trip. It was a well planned trip with full itinerary from the organizers of the contest.

Yes i actually won this trip through this contest The Spirit of Champions, all thanks to Smirnoff, the brand that brought me all the way to Old Trafford.

The itinerary of the whole trip was well planned from the start where we were picked up from a representative of Manchester United Football Club sending us to Premier Inn, the place we stayed the whole trip.

The people from MUFC were actually thoughtful that they had us going to one of the top Chinese Restaurant in Manchester on the very first night seeing that all 3 of us were Chinese. We were allowed to order anything and that got me secretly Wow-ing straight away. Started with Red Wine and the rest of it was just purely well done!

Grabbing every time we have in Manchester, we went to this nearby Club/Bar with the name Varsity and had ourselves a glass of beer each.

The scene was happening and everyone were pretty hyped up as Christmas was nearing that time where i was just chilling with the 3 others.

The next day was the bomb!! After having an all English breakfast, we were picked up and sent to Carrington, the training ground of Manchester United Football Team.

Seriously, i never see that coming when i was first told i won the contest. I mean like having the Marketing person of Manchester United Football Club and the Marketing person of Smirnoff welcoming you at the Carrington training centre is just wonderful.

Not to mention i was practically freezing once i stepped into the place. Nemanja Vidic was just 3-4 steps away from me sitting on the couch talking with some of the trainers/coaches and i could see Ryan Giggs coming out from another door passing in front of me going pass another door and i was just there. Stoning. Hard.

It was insane. I was already flying.

A training session at the gym followed by the ones at the field made me realize that i was not dreaming and it was all happening right in front of my eyes.

The Stadium tour plus the lunch at Red Cafe after that was awesome and i was smiling the whole way through, in Manchester United jersey that is.

Time was spent well in the evening exploring around the City and going to the Christmas Markets that was totally awesome as i loved the atmosphere to bits!

There was a wide variety of stores selling all sorts of stuffs and i just couldn’t keep my eyes of most of the things, walking slowly amongst the crowd and looking carefully at the items made me feels like a small boy who’s curious about almost anything everything!

Had dinner at Rosso Restaurant & Bar then that very night. A place that belongs to Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United. One high class dinner which i couldn’t possibly afford paying of course!

A big thanks to MUFC again for the dinner and that marks another awesome night of my life being in Manchester.

Woke up in the morning next day and had a short walk in the city with the cool breeze just had me wanting to stay there in Manchester permanently. Everything was perfectly fine for me and i just love everything over there.

It was the match day. Manchester United vs Aston Villa.

Having lunch meal before the kick off in Europa Suite was another unforgettable experience i must say. Gary Neville made a short appearance in the suite and once again i was stoning, throwing away the chance to get a picture with him.

With the game ended with Aston Villa 1-0 win over Manchester United, that marks the only disappointment i had the whole trip then.

Wanting to put the game result behind my back, heading to the most happening Club in Manchester was what i did that very night.

The crowd was crazy, the music was awesome and the drinks were damn cheap! Oh and both me and Ren didn’t get the names of the girls above LOL!

I really wished that time never past that fast where it was the last day already. It was pretty cold with an average temperature of -7 Celsius but i loved it to the max!

Spending time just walking around the city, going from shops to stalls getting some stuffs for the family.

This Hot Roast Ham Roll is the bomb i tell you, they sliced the meat in front of you and eating it while its hot in the cold weather is one of the best thing that happened in my life!

Christmas was in the air where caroling could be heard from far and there were quite a number of street performers along the roads in the city. All of that which made me wanting to stay longer.

A cup of coffee and some intimate moment with “Bumblebee” was the very last thing i did in Manchester.

I was already missing Manchester during the 14 hours flight back to Malaysia.

The kinda experience where i dare not even think or imagine about it. Meeting the football stars in person and taking a group picture with them, that was one of the best thing that happened to me in my life.

Thanks to Smirnoff for the once in a lifetime experience, one that i would never ever forget! *smile*

The post Thanks to Smirnoff – The Great Manchester Trip in December 2009! appeared first on JOSHUAONGYS.COM.

11 December 2009.

It was after the stoning experience watching Manchester United team in training that we headed to Old Trafford for the Stadium and Museum tour. Yes stoning would be the most appropriate word i must say, give me 10 tight slaps on my face i’ll still stone there and then if i would go back in time and watch them train again!

Thanks to Greg our host over at Manchester, we were taken care pretty well of. He was like basically taking us into the place like it was his house. Normally people would line up at the ticketing counter to purchase the tickets for the tours and wait for their turn to be in different groups base on different tour times.

As for us – Me, Ren, Coco and Jimmy, Greg just headed to the counter, exchanged a few words and took the passes/tickets and gave us and then brought us in the Museum place then. It’s like being VIP just minus the bodyguards escorting process.

In fact, Greg actually frequents Old Trafford pretty much and it’s like his second home already i think.

crazy amount of trophies!! *proud*

It was my first time entering the Museum as i didn’t have the chance to do so the last time. Took quite a lot of pictures and sad to say, didn’t get to read all of the stuffs written/published there, just snap snap and snap only.

Upon entering the second room, i noticed something familiar, something i knew since i’ve came to know about things around me. I saw the big word MALAYSIA on the wall with the results when Malaysia played against Manchester United earlier this year during the Man Utd Asia Tour 2009.

If you noticed, you’ll see the Malaysian National Team jersey in there the picture above along with some stuffs from FAM!! *double proud*

In memory

The players who used to skipped training LOL! Refer to the Yellow shirt above, WE HAD A PALLY.

HAHA!!

You can totally ignore these stupid pictures of me myself, i was just trying to be…

Stupid… =X

The Treble!!!!!

Didn’t have much time for Museum Tour. Went through each room pretty fast and soon we were into the next tour already going around the stadium of Old Trafford.

Had the chance to go for this tour the last time and it certainly feels good going for it the second time visiting it for the second time!

Didn’t really pay much attention on the briefing as well as explanation of the stadiums with all the history and fact short talks.

Took loads of pictures around instead as well as camwhoring!! =D

Though its the second time going on this Old Trafford stadium tour, i went through different places of the stadium this round and got a slightly different view at times.

For the unfortunate people, they even have seats allocated for the blinds, with headphones provided!

Future Manchester United player?

Went out of the stadium and proceeded to the Munich Tunnel that had quite a tragic story behind.

Went to the players changing room and went back out to the stadium then. The other side of the stadium, the place where the players and managers usually will be during an actual match.

*thanks to Ren for the 2 pictures above! Love it!

The whole stadium still blew me off when i’m there though its the second time, its the Home Ground of Manchester United okay!! and with a place so old and historic, i’m really impressed with how they maintained it so well despite the various renovations/additions being held along the years.

Awesomely build and well maintained! With lots of love and care from the employees i suppose!

Quite a good walk around the stadium this time and OF COURSE i would love to visit it someday sometime again!!

SOON i hope?

Good thing it didn’t rain hehehe!

Full album pictures here.

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12 December 2009.

It was one of the many Barclays Premier League match where Aston Villa travel to Manchester to play against Manchester United. The weather was just perfect that day and that was the main thing i was in Manchester, to watch the live match in the stadium itself!

Left the hotel at around 2pm in the afternoon heading to Old Trafford for the match that will start later in the evening. Reached the stadium in 20 minutes time and the first person we saw at the car park was…

this super hardcore Aston Villa fan… CRAZY!!! LOOK AT THE BADGES!!

Anyways, the reason we were there a few hours before the match was because we had the tickets to Europa Suite where we would have our lunch and etc throughout the day with the VIP hospitality from Manchester United.

Well, it was up till this time that i came to knowledge that there are such hospitality provided by the football club to people who want to enjoy a football game then, different suites at different locations of the stadiums with different pricing that is.

If you’re filthy rich then get yourself in some of the Centennial Club/Executive Boxes/Executive Lounges in the season matches. Go google the pricing and you’ll be shocked how much one must pay then for these. Crazy.

the waiting place for fans to see the footballers they adore.

Holding my ticket happily, i was lining up in a whole line of formally dressed up gentlemen. Feeling a bit under-dressed then, i hid my excitement and joy declining my slight embarrassment not being in formal wear. *laughs* It would be a burden to my luggage if i were to bring my whole set of formal wear all the way to UK!

Entering the Europa Suite itself makes me feels like i’m somebody a higher level/class with the actual me then. I was like a small kid having my eyes exploring the place taking pictures whenever i can.

The first thing we had was Champagne. =)

Ren, Me, Jimmy, Coco, Greg our host.
*notice how Greg wear?

Had a picture of us then and ordered what we wanted base on the menu prepared for that day itself. Lets go to the food alright?

Starters – Creamy Chicken and Leek Velouté with Chive Crème Fraîche

Main – Crispy Suffolk Pork Belly, buttered Fondant Potato, crushed Peas, Apple and Onion purée, Cider Velouté

Main – Gently Pan Fried Fillet Organic Salmon served with a fine Ratatouille, grilled Basil Potatoes and black Olive dressing

Dessert – Cold Valrhona Chocolate Fondant with glazed Peaches and Fruit Coulis

It was a 4 course meal for us then and all of it above were deliciously prepared to perfection, stuffs that i wish i could have on daily basis but i can’t afford to there. Note that on the main dishes, Ren had the pork belly and i had the fillet. =D

The match haven even started and i was already pinching myself hard on my cheek.

I don’t know about the hospitality provided in other suites in the stadium on match day, but in Europa Suite, one of the thing that you get is you’ll meet players there. Actual soccer players yes and some might be legends!

In my case when i was there, Gary Neville who captain Manchester United as well as the England national team before appeared and kids were rushing up to the stage getting ready the stuffs that they want him to sign.

Me? I was like 2 steps away from him taking his picture having the doubt in my mind to take picture with him. I chickened out there and then failing in taking a picture with him myself where else some dude from Philippines went up straight and snap a picture in front of me. =(

It was just a short appearance and shortly after he left, the match was gonna start already then.

With Ren. =)

Couldn’t really hide my excitement anymore, i had a big smile on my face when i was out from the entrance heading to my seats there, once again i’m in the Theater of Dreams, Old Trafford of Manchester, the home ground of Manchester United Football Club. It was my second time there, first time here.

A moment not to be forget i told myself as i was breathing the air in the stadium amongst 70,000 other football fans there.

Jimmy, Coco, Me, Ren.

Took another picture right before the match where we were already seated down.

Soon, the players came out and before i woke up from my dreams, the referee have blown his whistle marking the start of the match.

Not wanting history to repeats itself when i was there the last time, i was concentrating on the game and supporting whenever there’s a genuine chance in attacking by the Manchester United players.

Sadly, half time ended with Aston Villa scoring one goal against Manchester United where i had to keep my prayers for Manchester United to score in the second half then.

Went back into Europa Suite to have some snacks and drinks there during the half time break. Before i could even finish my beer, it was already time to get back out to our seats to watch the second half.

Disappointed much, the match ended with Aston Villa winning 1-0 against Manchester United. The second half showed a few really close chances created by ManUtd but the goal scoring moment failed to happen then and i was to get all emo already watching Manchester United lose in front of my eyes for the second time.

Manchester United defensive line was troubled with a numbers of injuries which lead to the 0-1 loss to Aston Villa and i kept telling myself not to get any sad shortly after the players left the pitch.

The away fans.

Headed back to Europa Suite for some after match refreshments with this mug placed on the table where everyone of the people there would get.

Petrov of Aston Villa and Evra of Manchester United was in the suite after the match and there were people who were getting signatures and pictures again. Securities was much tighter then compared with when Gary Neville appeared earlier.

Despite the loss of Manchester United, i had a great time i admit being a VIP for that few hours with the very much awesome hospitality provided in Europa Suite itself. A service i could not probably afford in near future.

It was already night time when we got out from the Stadium. A view i didn’t get to see the last time i was there where the match back then was during the noon.

Took a few pictures on the way back to the hotel and there goes the 2nd live match i’ve watch in Old Trafford where Manchester United plays against other team.

Would love to go through the whole same experience again, with the exception that Manchester United win the next time. =)

For more pictures, click here.

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Date : 11 December 2009

It was a sunny morning and i was on schedule heading to Carrington that day.

One of the most amazing day in my life and i’ll remember this very day for sure.

A once in a lifetime experience watching the team of Manchester United training with my own eyes, it really doesn’t matter how much money you have, there’s not a bit of chance that any other normal being out there could step their foot in there, not to brag about it though, but i came to realization that i was in the shoes of what millions of Manchester United fans out there would want to be in.

Putting aside the arrogant side of me, i really felt that i’ve been blessed having such an experience in my life and though it’s almost impossible, i would love to step my foot there in the training center again.

Perhaps i need to earn enough to be a billionaire buying over the club to do so or maybe try to find a job that is somehow related to that then to have access to the place.

All just to have Michael Owen looking at me again LOL! Nah just joking.

If you ask me did i enjoy? Frankly speaking, i was stoning most of the time rubbing my eyes.

Slap me Thank You!

For more pictures, click here. =)

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11 December 2009. Part of the winning trip to Manchester.

My second night there, went to this Italian Restaurant, Rosso Restaurant & Bar with Ren, Coco, and Jimmy.

The owner of this place is one of the richest soccer defender in the world, playing for Manchester United and yes he is none other than Rio Ferdinand. Rosso, a restaurant and bar is just one of Rio’s many ventures along the years and this place just started serving the public a few months ago.

Located in one of the oldest buildings in Manchester, this place can serve up to 150 people max. and they even have a bar that lets people chill around for social meets and etc.

The interior was pretty awesome and i’m pretty sure it’s one of the best restaurant around in Manchester(though i have not fully go to every 1 of them yet =X) as the atmosphere was great. Even the toilet was smartly located in some secret location!

Anyways, upon reaching the place, our host for that night Gordan told us that we could order anything as Manchester United/Smirnoff will take care of the bill, we were pretty excited then that we could try any food on the menu!!

The problem is, i have no idea what was written on the menu, i mean the food title, it was all in Italian. Yes i know a few language but Italian is not in the list, thanks for the description given there as well as some recommendation by the guy serving us, we made our orders, in like 30 minutes time!

Had my Mojito. <3

I’m pretty noob in eating such good food and so my explanation will be quite straight forward with stupid description okay? Straight to the food!

Starters.

Insalata Di Anatra Al Miele ( £ 6.75) – 4.5/5
Strips of Confit of Duck with Mixed Salad Leaves, Honey & Pickled Ginger Dressing with Toasted Sesame Seeds

The night started with a blast with this. The Duck Confit was delicious and when i had it with the mixed salad leaves with the dressing mentioned, it was like i was in heaven already then. Wonder how it taste like then in Italian restaurants here in Malaysia.

Carpaccio Di Manzo (£7.95) – 4/5
Thinly sliced prime, Raw Beef (Hung for 28 Days) dressed with organic rocket, aged parmesan shavings and lemon olive oil.

This on the other hand was wonderful! The cheese along with the extremely sliced primed raw beef with the leaves is just, i really can’t believe i was in Manchester then, having such food that i wouldn’t really dare to order back in Malaysia then.

and it’s only the starters!

Main. Basically we ordered 4 main course meals and shared among ourselves and this is the first one.

Vitello Milanese (£13.95) – 3.5/5
Traditional Veal Escalope Coated in Breadcrumbs, Served with Spaghetti Napoletana

No offense to those who love veal, but this “boneless meat of a young calf” wasn’t really what i loved throughout the night but the Spaghetti was just right as how i like it, the taste i meant. I don’t know is it because of the starters or the other food that i had in my mouth that made the taste go a bit different, but i assume that it is an awesome dish because the others liked it. I think i will like it if it’s not coated in breadcrumbs, just the Veal Escalope Yums!

Pizza Quattro Stagioni (£8.50) – 3/5
Tomato, Mozzarella, Artichoke Hearts, Peppers, Ham & Mushrooms.

This one pizza was served with 4 different styles on each quarter. I like the ones with Ham & Mushrooms as well as the Mozzarella. It was the kind of pizza i loved where the bread was not thick as i hate pizzas with thick bread that makes it so Yuck. Oh and the crust were crispy!!

Stinco D’Agnello (£13.50) – 4.5/5
Pot Roast Lamb Shank Slowly Cooked in Amarone Wine with Root Vegetables on a Bed of Mashed Potato with Cheese & Topped with Parsnip Crisps.

LAMB SHANK! MY <3! I loved this one dish so much that i ate most from it. The lamb shank were slowly cooked till perfection and i suppose the wine did the job to bring out the taste, then again the mashed potato was sinfully delicious! I already miss this one then.

Risotto Allo Scoglio (£12.15) – 4/5
Carnaroli Rice, Fresh Black Mussels, Monk Fish & Scottish Langoustine Cooked Gently in Langoustine Stock.

Another new dish i haven try before. Was a bit excited when i saw it coming being served on the table and i quickly get some of it on my plate and loved it instantly! Coco and Jimmy weren’t really a fan of this and i came to the rescue getting all the Mussels i sighted along with the deliciously cooked Carnaroli Rice! Best!

Had some dessert wine to mark the perfect meal of the night! All thanks to the awesome VIP hospitality by Manchester United/Smirnoff that we were able to order anything that we like then with the bill taken care of, it was some kinda experience that don’t often come my way. At least for me it is and i was really happy at the end of the night!

Ren, Me, Coco and Jimmy

The place was fully packed with the people in Manchester. Good company, great atmosphere, beautiful interior decorations, wonderful hospitality and awesome food! Will definitely visit this place again if i have the chance to go to Manchester again!

Rosso Restaurant and Bar
43 Spring Gardens Manchester
M2 2BG
0161 832 1400

Restaurant
Open Monday – Sunday 12.00-11.00pm
Bar
Sunday – Thursday, 12.00 – Midnight
Thursday – Saturday, 12.00 – 3.00am

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11 December 2009. It was the second day in Manchester. At the home ground of Manchester United, after the Old Trafford Stadium Tour and Museum Tour where we were brought to this cafe in the stadium itself to have our lunch.

We – The winners of TheSpiritOfChampions contest. 2 from Malaysia, 2 from Hong Kong. =)

The Red Cafe! Upon entering the place, we were welcomed with lots of devils here and there on the logo of Manchester United Football Club.

Of course, Christmas is just around the corner and they had a Christmas Tree there as well just right when we walked in.

Decorated with posters, pictures all around the places, you will see red everywhere where the chairs actually have the names of Manchester United players. Prefer number 7? Grab a number 7 seat then! Quite a simple concept but i guess the brand name of Manchester United is more than enough to attract the visitors to eat there.

Quite a different atmosphere having meals there.

The Red Cafe of Old Trafford serves Western food where drinks, they have beers to liquors to cocktails, juices and etc.

Ren whom i brought along in this trip with his beer.

Everyone were pretty hungry so i didn’t really snap any pictures of what they ordered and such. Just my orders that’s all.

I ordered a pint of Fanta (£2.80) which is a combination of Lemonade + Orange Juice. Quite a common drink in UK i suppose. Didn’t take picture of that though.

As for food i had…

Texas Combo (£11.50) – 4.5/5
Juicy baby back ribs and tender chicken wings coated in special barbeque sauce served with crispy onion rings, coleslaw and potato skins.

Know what? It was big in portion, and this Texas Combo was exactly like how it was described in the menu. The baby back ribs were really juicy and the chicken wings meat were tender and it was awesomely delicious with the special barbeque sauce. The onion rings, coleslaw and potato skins, i was too full to focus on those then, but i’m sure they are pretty fine.

Cheese Nachos (£4.00) – 4/5
Crunchy Tortillas topped with spicy jalapenos and cheese served with sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo

I don’t know how to describe this, but i must say that the Cheese Nachos that we have in Western/Italian restaurant here in Malaysia is different with the ones in UK. Somehow it is nicer over there. Don’t know how to put it to words. Just Nicer!

Looking at the price stated on the menu comparing to price of the food in Manchester City itself, yes it was quite pricey but then again, it is Red Cafe at Old Trafford, i would pay and eat there if i were to visit the place again. Not everyday i will go there right? Furthermore, the food were awesome!!
*of course, we didn’t pay a single cent. =X

An awesome place especially for Manchester United fans, i would really love to visit this place again and try out other food then. Yum Yum!

Old Trafford, Sir Matt Busby Way
Manchester, M16 0RA, United Kingdom
0161 868 8303

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