Two weeks ago my Uncle gave me a quick call as my Auntie hasn't been very well, he was ringing me to give me the opportunity to go to the Rugby World Cup with him in Cardiff to watch Ireland vs Argentina in the quarter finals.
Of course with me being a massive rugby fan I jumped at the chance of going, so for the two weeks I was waiting for an official answer as to whether I would be going or not. So on Saturday (the day before the game) my Uncle called me to let me know that my Auntie would not be going to the game, but there was a catch he also would not be going. This was at 6pm so I have 12 hours to find someone to go with me for an epic day travelling to Cardiff (I live in the Midlands so it was roughly a 2 hour journey each way) I asked Mr P and he was not interested as he isn't the biggest rugby fan so I was racking my brain as to who to take with me. I rang my mum and put the idea to her about my dad coming with me.
HE JUMPED AT THE CHANCE!!!
So that was it we had to very quickly plan what we where going to do.. so bless my dad he decided to do the driving to Hereford for me for us to be able to catch the train so me being the best daughter ever made him Bacon Sandwiches for the journey.
He picked me up at about 6.30am to be able to get to Hereford to catch our train (more importantly to get a parking space) we where 45 minutes early so popped in to Hereford to have a cup of Tea before the Journey.
We managed to get a seat on the train on the way to Hereford which was great as so many people had to stand up.
Once in Cardiff the atmosphere was amazing so many different people singing and drinking, people were trying to sell tickets last minute, people selling scarves and flags and people doing face painting (which I would do if I wasn't allergic to it)
We tried to meet up with my cousins before getting to the stadium but I just couldn't here them on the end of the phone it was sooooooooooooooo noisy!
So we decided to meet them in the stadium. Walking to the stadium with a sea of people in Green and Light Blue was an experience and just having random people talking to me was different. I get a little bit panicky in busy places and my anxiety started to kick in.
We got searched going in to the stadium as your not allowed to take any bottles in which is understandable.
We managed to meet up with one of my cousins and her partner before the match as we where sat next to each other which was brilliant my dad decided to buy all the drinks (which for a stadium were a really good price)
The game was really good it was a shame that Ireland lost but Argentina completely out played them and deserved the win. The singing of the National Anthems gave me goose bumps as the Millennium Stadium had the roof closed which made it so much louder. We where sat with a group of Irish supporters all around us which made the experience so much better.
At the end of the match it was like a stampede trying to get out the stadium but my dad and I decided to stay a bit until more of the supporters had left just to make it easier for us.
The train journey back was shocking they had only provided 2 carriages for a start and the amount of people that had to cram on the train. Dad and I managed to get on but we had to stand, and the amount of people pushing against us was stupid. I got a little worked up
All in all the experience was amazing, and its something I wont be able to do again for a long time. I am so glad for the opportunity I just wish it was on a better occasion.
Speak to you all soon
Laura x
