Before I Lose The Feeling....

Back in June I had the pleasure of going to the second Monday of Wimbledon with my lovely wife.  It was a dream come true to say the least.  The day had it all......and more.

I did my research before we headed for London.  I knew we weren't going to be able to go to the "show courts" to see the big matches.  Since we were going to be there on the busiest day of the tournament there was just no shot at making that happen.  There were people camped out from Saturday night on to get those tickets.  Nope.....the Moneys won't be seeing the big boys this year.  There was too much to do the few days we were in London to waste a whole day sitting on a lawn waiting at least one day to be able to watch the Federers and Sharapovas of the world play.  We were going to have to settle for general admission.

We woke up bright and early exactly around 6:02 AM.....approximately.  We were able to get on a train very quickly and headed to Wimbledon which was less than 45 minutes away.  No problem.  I thought we'd probably be in the first couple thousand waiting in line.  They don't start opening the gates until after 11 AM, they let in anywhere from 6000-9000 people usually.  No worries......but then I saw the field of people.  Waves and waves of people, 6 single-file lines as long as two football fields each.....holy crap that's a lot of people!  We ended up being in the 5400s I believe.  Phew!  We were in.  We were going to be seeing Wimbledon live.  Stoked.

And now.......we wait.  No chair, no blanket to sit on, only what we were wearing plus our rain gear to comfort us.  4 hours.  On a lawn.  Moving only to stretch.  You debate on which people around you are actually worth talking to.....one.  And she was borderline.  Sitting there staring at the other people.  Checking out the douchebags with their shirts off hanging out with the other douchebags with their shirts off.  Watching the girls wearing high heels trying to navigate the vast expanse of grassland.  Wondering how long you can last.  And then....you start moving.  Only they tell you it's just a little move.  We're just moving to the other side.  We'll be sitting there for a while too.

When we finally get in around 11:45 AM we are greeted to one of the greatest sights these eyes have ever seen......Centre Court (still can't believe it's spelled incorrectly though).  Chills, goosebumps, and a single tear.  I've arrived.  The biggest event on my bucket list.....cross it off.  Now.....what the hell are we going to do?  Henman Hill!!!  Packed.  All day long.  There were thousands upon thousands on the hill throughout the day watching the big screen which was showing matches from Centre Court and Court One.  Cool experience.

Next we checked out some under 18 matches, some doubles, mixed doubles, etc.  Nothing too exciting except for the 15-13 third set we watched put on by two of the top fifteen under 18 boys.  That was cool.  We watched the guys who took second in Men's Doubles....didn't think they had a chance at getting as far as they did.  Went back to Henman Hill for a while.  Bought some stuff.  Drank some stuff.  Fish and Chips were excellent.  Pretty much took in the whole experience.

It was hot as hell, we didn't see any compelling matches live, spent a ton of money, and it couldn't have been any better.  You're next........Lambeau.  Who's coming with me?