The Houstonian in Me.

Today, in the midst of the biggest day of my life (aside from my wedding of course Sharon...), I found out how much of an effect living in Houston for 3 years has had on me.



After lugging around my backpack and making it to Manchester and subsequently, the Youth Hostel (without a map, mind you), it was time for me to finally check in so that I can drop my stuff before scurrying off to Old Trafford. At the counter where I was doing so, I heard a very distinct accent from the person next to me, who was also checking in, and immediately I went, "Are you Singaporean?".




Looking stunned, he said yes, and I told him I was too. His name is Kah Meng and we hit it off immediately, talking for a good 5 minutes about how we ended up there, much to the annoyance of the guy at the counter who was waiting for me to pay during this time. Of course, he said he was here for the game and so I gave him my number told him we will meet up in about 15 minutes so that we can head to Old Trafford together early and make our way to the Bishop Blaize, which I have always heard has a great pre-match atmosphere..



Feeling happy about making a new friend, I finally paid up and made my way to my room. First thing I saw when I opened was a half asleep (and half naked) dude who looked at me weird. I said hi to him as well and again we hit it off immediately (his name is Mike), with me finding out that he's Danish and was here with his brother (John, who was in the restroom at that moment) for their first ever United game. We talked a bit more and I invited them to join me and my new Singaporean friend to go to Old Trafford early and true enough, they did!

We had an absolute blast that entire evening since we were all Old Trafford virgins and I even stayed for a beer after the game (something those of you who know me know I wouldn't normally do) with the Danes before making our way back to the hostel together.

Now, looking back on the day's activities, I realized that 3 years ago, pre-Houston Tim would probably have got on with his own fun and did everything alone without bothering about anyone around him, being your stereotypical unfriendly Singaporean. For post-Houston Tim though, it seems like talking to people and getting to know new friends has become so commonplace that it's almost second-nature to me wherever I go. Of course, meeting people with the same passion helps alot, but I still feel that this is one of the best things I will be taking back from Houston.

A willingness to make new friends, whoever they are and wherever they come from.