Bewitching Blackpool

For all the places that I had been in England, the seaside town of Blackpool seems to implant a deep impression in my memories. It seems the most unlikely of choices, because apart from the numerous theme parks and piers there, the town looks like any other town. However, I am mysteriously deeply attracted to this small town.

Blackpool tower.

It was a random choice to select this serene town as a place to have a visit during one random weekend.
As mentioned, there were not a lot of attractions to mention. However, I am happy to go anywhere, since it was a weekend. And it was just around 30 miles from Liverpool, where we were studying.

Anyways, the journey was a blur to me. I honestly cannot remember any part of it. The memories actually started to come back when we stopped in front of Sacred Heart Church. It was showering at the time. We had no clue where we were in Blackpool and the boys decided to scout in front with the girls hugging each other at a corner, hiding from the rain. Eventually, we mapped and figured out the place, and decided to march to the promenade  , where the city centre is. The first attraction in sight was the Blackpool tower (unknowingly to us at that time). We had breakfast at McD's, before heading to the piers.

The weather was cooling at the time. Rain and drizzle took turns and it was windy with the sea breezes consistently hitting us. We stop by at one of the amusement centres to avoid a sudden heavy rain, and spent a few hours playing games there.

Coral Island, one of the amusement centres.

As the sky brighten up around 10am, we took the wet road again. Most of us split into groups. Me and my usual mates start the journey from the North Pier and headed south.

One of the things that contribute my liking to Blackpool was the beach. It easily reminded me of the beaches of Tanjung Feringhi in Penang.

Us at Centre Pier.

Heading further, we reached South Pier, where the Pleasure Beach theme park was. As the gang decided to hit the amusement machines once more, I chose to take a walk further down the seaside promenade. It was very relaxing to do so and I have the fondest memories of Blackpool during the long walk.

The calming scenes during the walk. Another reminder of Penang, where Gurney Drive is.

As evening approaches, we decided to call it time for our day trip. It was slightly a regretful decision, as later I realized that the town actually came to life during night.

I actually made it my first priority to visit Blackpool once again with the next opportunity to visit the UK. Hope it arrives sooner than later. =)

Given the Chances

When I woke up today, I did not expect to see the score 3-0 with Liverpool at the right end. The team lost to West Brom with the most boring of displays. However, they beat the crap out of the other Manchester team. In fact, it could be 5-0 had it not for a goal-post moment for Suarez and glaring miss from Kuyt with an open header.

Carroll's two goals had been two brilliant moments. Really happy to see him score for the first time. If he had come from the academy, that would have been an achievement. And speaking of the academy, that is what really impressed me actually. For the last decade, only Gerrard and Carragher had been the product of the famed Academy. Rafa Benitez multi-cultured the academy with lots of imports. But so far, only Emiliano Insua came close to be on the first-team sheet any other time. Everybody else, the club just buy buy buy. And most are either not up to standards or not given chances for a breakthrough. 

Half way through the season with Dalglish in reign, I am glad to see three players from the Academy performed. Mind you its only less than 6 months since King Kenny was in charge. First of all it was Martin Kelly. Till his recent injury, I would say he played with aplomb in every match, Man U included. Then, there is Jay Spearing. Short and stout, but his contribution on the field can be matched with Kuyt's work-horse like stamina. Two starts, and ahead of Joe Cole, it pretty much sums up how he had developed.

Then last night, it was John Flanagan's turn. Flanno, as he was affectionately known, was getting a debut in Anfield and against big spending Manchester City. Came out victor with a 3-0 score. Can't ask much more from an 18 year-old right back, ain't it?

Heck, he didn't even look 18 to me. But hell yea, he played well.

It reminds me of the days when Arsenal had an, well, arsenal of quality left-backs. Ashley Cole, Clichy and then Kieran Gibbs. We currently have Johnson, Kelly and Flanagan. Now that is depth. And two are from the Academy mind you.

Hence, the fans are hopeful that more will turn up. The likes of Pacheco, Bruna and Suso should light up Anfield in the future. Given the chance.

Like It's Her Birthday

The title is just a pick from the current song that I am listening. Coincidently, it is my birthday. Heh.

Someone reminded that I am 24. I kinda forgot about counting how many birthdays I have went through. After all, its the only thing that doesn't matter counting.

As usual, I have tons of excuses about why there aren't many posts lately. Of course, my recent marriage to my work is one of them. Not to mention the lack of dedication and commitment. A major problem that has become synonymous everything that is me. Hence, it has become a personal resolution to discard such a bad habit on me birthday.

On another note, birthdays are kinda like a longer version of 30 Seconds To Fame. My FB notifications kept beeping so frequently that I have to switch me phone into silent mode last night. No, I am not saying you guys are irritating. The notification alerts are. Anyway, thanks for the wishes.

Of course not much celebrations nowadays. Not a kid anymore you see. Plain simple dinner with family is the best I have hope for always. Birthday cakes are totally out of the equation.

And here we go, +1 to age. Till the next post, ciao.