The best vacation I've ever had

Two weeks ago, I had the privelege of participating in Carlsberg Kickoff, a football trivia quiz show which aired on ESPN Starsport. The show participants were coming from all over Asia, and from Indonesia, I was one of the lucky six to be chosen.
Since ESPN Starsport (which from now on will be called ESS) is based in Singapore, participating in the show would required all the contestants to stay there for 10 days.

When I found out that they accepted my application to be on the show, I didn't think much about it to be honest. I just think that as a free vacation. You know, ESS paid all our expenses and give us enough allowance to enjoy ourselves in the city. All I know that I really needed time off from work and this is a too good opportunity to do it.

In fact, I got that and a whole lot more. For instance, I got the insight of creating a television show, I got to meet two English Premier League players, I got to meet all those presenters and pundits that I only got to watch on TV before. But the best thing about it, is the new friends I've made along the way.

All the contestants (even the ones from Indonesia), I only met them in that 10 days time. But in that time, it's like we've known each other for years. We laughed, we supported each other, we cheered, we made up songs together. I can't believe I'm having such a blast, with people I barely knew before.

Most of us came from different background, different age range, talk in different language. The only thing we have in common, is our love for the beautiful game. We may support other teams, but in the end, it's football that we love. Football is really is the universal language.

To all the contestants, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, you guys are one of the coolest people I've ever met. To all the crews at ESS (Andy, Kartina, Simon, Jim, Leon, and all of you which I can't mention), you guys made us feel welcome, and a whole lot more. It's been such a blast knowing you all. I hope we all can meet again in the future.

God bless

Chafid (garuda team)