I am waiting for my connecting flight to Newcastle upon Tyne at 8am local time (2pm Singapore time) as I write. I have not written for a long while and decided that I can try capture some sights and scenes on my trip.
It all actually happened just a couple of weeks before this trip that I had seriously put my plan of visiting St. James Park for the first time in my life into action. Not having a lot of spare cash and a bigger family that we have, I could never put ideas of my wishes and wants into motion, much less have these dreams in the first place. I had leave to clear for the current calendar-year and did not wish for leave to be forfeited like the previous year.
Since Newcastle United had done relatively well last season - finishing fifth in the league, they qualified for the Champions League competition this season. I had hoped to watch the team in the same competition when we qualified two years ago but that wish was, like most others, shelved and more serious things were considered in life. I wanted to catch two home games - a Champions League and a Premier League game and a chance presented itself when I checked the calendar. We played Benfica on 22 October and Fulham on 25 October!
I had initially hoped to make the trip with my wife but she could not change her leave days to coincide with the dates of the games. Still, my wife suggested I go alone.
After a few weeks of communicating with Sales Executive Mr Drew Harper from NUFC, where he provided me the options and assisted me in the purchase of tickets, I finally dared to look at flight tickets and accommodation. I had sought assistance and advice from Singaporean fans who had gone to catch a match but received no help, much to my disappointment.
My wife has always been supportive of my thoughts and decisions, so when she heard that I was toying with the idea of travelling, she was all up for it. She helped me make online flight and accommodation bookings whilst I concentrated getting the match tickets alone. Things gradually began to take shape as we secured tickets from Air France online via booking.com and accommodation to Four Points Flex at Sheraton, which is just by the Central Metro Station. She further helped me sign up for e-Sim so I could have a mobile plan to use in England and I got travel insurance from my ex-colleague, Janice.
My wife and son sent me off at the airport last night after dinner there. It was after they left that I checked with the staff at the departure lane if I was at the right place. The lady I spoke to said I was but asked me if I had my ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) approved. That sent alarm bells to my head - what was it?
It turns out to be sometime like a VISA requirement and I had to pay a little extra for express approval of the travel document. At the eleventh hour, approval came through to my email just as the counter said they were about to close for the day! Phew!
So this started my trip full of uncertainties to watch the games of the beloved club I have been supporting since 1996!
