Phew. After all the waiting and anticipation, it's finally over.
That's right, people. I saw my Boys last night, and what a night it was.
I arrived in Manchester at around three o'clock and got shown around by a native. This was really good because I am utterly crap at directions so having someone around who could make sure that I didn't get lost helped immensely. After the clock hit about six I couldn't keep my mind off of the concert. We ended up in a bar a little bit before I headed to the arena, and they played Backstreet's Back on the TV and me and about 4 other girls got more excited than we should have, obviously identifying ourselves as the ones who would be screaming our heads off at the live thing later that night.
I got to the MEN Arena and retrieved my ticket, and bought myself a commemorative shirt. I then went and found my seat and was pleasantly surprised to see how well I had done for myself. And of course, all there was left to do now was wait.
I tried to make friends with the people sitting on either side of me, but no one seemed quite as enthused about everything as I was. Oh well.
As soon as the lights went off I was 12 years old again and all the cares of the world melted away.
I have to say, that even though all this time has passed and I would love the Backstreet Boys no matter what, that they really still do have it. I think this show was even better than the one I saw those many 8 years ago. I screamed and sang every single word right along. I called friends and let them have a little piece of the great time I was having. Everything happened so fast, and before I knew it, it was over.
One thing I thought was strange was that I seemed to be the only one screaming and singing. The girls around me just stood there politely the whole time, and every once in a while would look at me when I let out a whoop. The girl in front of me seemed really annoyed when I would yell. Sorry, but this is a concert, and if you're going to be lame, then at least let me have your seat! I was pretty sure everyone within earshot of me could tell that I was American. REPRESENT.
After the show was the real test of my navigation skills. I had booked myself a bed in a hostel for the night, and now that I was guideless, I had to find it on my own. Luckily for me, I met up with 3 French girls who were going to the same area as I was, and we worked together to get to our destinations. I went straight to bed so I could get up early to head home the next morning.
On a weird note, I woke up in the middle of the night with a screamingly painful charlie horse in my calf. Funnily enough, the exact same thing happened the night after I saw the Backstreet Boys the last time...
Anyway, I managed to find my way to the train station, get on a train, then on a bus home without a hitch. I really am becoming good at this whole traveling thing.
Not only did I have a splendid night with my Boys, but I also proved to myself that I can get around by myself in an unfamiliar city 5,000 miles away from home.
Not too shabby!
KTBSPA, dawgs.
Pictures at:
www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2037632&id=1074360098&l=96ec9a59d3
