Today started a bit differently from others. We did not have to meet today as a full group for class but rather had time to rest and work on our final projects. A few of us went up to Hampstead Heath, a massive park in north London, around noon. It was the furthest north I had gone and I took quite the route to get there using both the underground and overground trains. Once there, we climbed to the top of Parliament Hill and got a great view of the city.
Our group found some shade because the day was around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the sun was beaming down hard. Once in the shade, we talked about the mini modernist novels that we wrote for class and how everyone was feeling.
We left Hampstead around 3pm and I was trying to get back quickly because today was the last day of the English Premier League and I needed to watch Manchester City win the title. I used the bus to get back to a pub near our hotel in time to watch. All of the games happened at the same time and Man City was only one point ahead of Liverpool. Basically, City had to beat Aston Villa, their opponent, if they were going to be the champions of the Premier League.
I sat down in the pub and luckily the City game was on. I sat there in my sky blue jersey as six or seven Aston Villa fans entered the room. My heart was racing even before the whistle had started the game. After the first half, Man City were 1-0 down! The Villa fans were loving it and I had to sit there and listen to them cheer while I ordered my food.
In the second half, some more people came into the pub and were cheering for City. It turns out they were fans of Everton, Liverpool’s rival. Needless to say, they really did not want Liverpool to win the Premier League so they were helping me cheer for City. Villa scored again right after half and I was trying hard not to lose hope.
At the 75th minute, moments after he ws subbed in, Ilkay Gundogan scored an absolute banger of a header. I raised my hands and the air filled with excitement, as the Villa fans remain quiet. Only two more goals to go.
As quick as my hands were back down at my side, Rodri scored a screamer from outside the box. I yelled and jumped out of my seat, all of the Everton fans were celebrating too, and someone came from behind me and gave me a hug of excitement. Only one more goal remained.
Not even five minutes later Gundogan scored another beautiful goal and the pub erupted with joy. I lept out of my seat, not believing any of it. With around ten minutes left plus stoppage time, it was just up to City to hold their own and they would be champions. The final whistle blew three times and I cheered with all of the Everton fans.
My heart rate did not slow down until well after the game. I will sleep well tonight.
Blog post provided by Jarrod Price, a senior environmental and marine science major.
