With eyes still watering from my lateral flow test and all NHS checks done, I pop my face mask in my pocket and head down from my humble abode on North Street towards Ashton Gate, or as I prefer to call it... the theatre of dreams.
The trip to the ground is a short journey I usually make once or twice a fortnight. But due to the bizarre world we are currently living in, this is my first visit since watching the Bears maul Harlequins 28-15 in March 2020.
To try to describe how fantastic it feels to be back is difficult; it’s almost as if I am a fresh-faced kid watching my first game again.
I walk past the old familiar haunts where many an hour has been spent enjoying liquid refreshment whilst debating all things Bristol Rugby. The sense of excitement and anticipation is palpable and mixed with a strange sense of comforting normality returning.
I heard a few grumblings of discontent about ticket prices this week but personally, I would have sold my granny to get my hands on a ticket for this game.
Flanked by my fellow podcasters, Tony and Miles, we entered the stadium with excitement flowing through our veins, immediately seeing old friends brought a reassurance that normality does indeed seem to be returning.
Walking up the steps of the concourse and getting my first glimpse of the hallowed turf in 15 months was indescribable.
What was the first thing that caught my eye as I looked down from my lofty perch? None other than the magnificent, sculpted torso of Semi Radradra, complete with that splendid full-flowing beard.
It is such an injustice that we haven’t had the pleasure of seeing him, Earl, Malins and Sinckler perform their box of magic tricks live before.
The banter began within minutes and it was as if we had never been away.
This is my happy place, being amongst my closest friends, watching my club. The noise that was generated by those of us lucky enough to attend literally made the hair on my neck stand up.
The sense of pride and emotion I felt when the team came onto the pitch will stay with me forever.
Sorry granny, but it was a price worth paying. Up the Bears!
You can listen to Bears Beyond The Gate on all major podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify and Buzzsprout.
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