Posts for Tag: Barcelona

McLaren F1 Team Gala Dinner at the Hilton!

There are trips that one remembers for a long time to come. There are experiences that stay with us for lifetime. 13th May 2017 was one such date.

I was busy attending the Spanish Grand Prix with Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team when I got to meet Mr. Wright, the co-host in the Pirelli Suite. Mr. Wright, a very gracious man invited me to attend the McLaren F1 Team Gala Dinner happening at the Hilton Diagonal Mar in Barcelona, the hotel I was staying at!

I started watching F1 in 1998 and have been a fan of McLaren & Mika Hakkinen since. 2007 saw Kimi Raikkonen leave for Ferrari so my loyalties became divided but McLaren are a team I always want to see do well.

It was impossible to resist such an offer. I rushed to the Hotel, got ready & down I was ready to attend the event! Hilton, sponsors for McLaren definitely know how to host events.

The event was attended by Sponsors viz. Hilton, Logitech, Reuters, Chandon & open to Fans & Guests of the team.

Logitech also tied up with McLaren to announce the latter's entrance into the e-sports arena, announcing World’s Fastest Gamer – the world’s most intense and demanding competition for virtual racers. It’s a contest that will see the winner offered the best job in esports – a role with the Formula 1 team as one of its official simulator drivers!

Time to give you a quick tour of how McLaren hosted its guests for the evening :

The Pre-dinner meet :

Cocktails, Hors d'oeuvres, Paella, Conversations & more!

The Host for the evening welcoming us ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3Vo6Qni5Dg

The Host soon announced that we would be joined by a Former McLaren Driver & 2 Time World Champion MIKA HAKKINEN!

FAN MOMENT!

Mika Hakkinen Q&A ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGm5cta0aJo

Mika Hakkinen wished us well for the evening and he was soon followed by Fernando Alonso! The Evening just got better!

Fernando spoke at length about McLaren's chances for the weekend after his brilliant qualifying result which saw end up in P7 and also the preparations for Indy 500 which was to be held on the Monaco GP weekend. Fernando would head to the airport after the race to get onto a Private Jet to head to Indianapolis for the Practice Session.

Fernando Alonso Q&A ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HepeePy6VQU

I got the chance to get quick selfies with the McLaren Team Principal Mr. Eric Boullier & a rushing Fernando Alonso!

We were now invited into the Ball Room for dinner. The Ball Room in all its glory!

Dinner Service commences! Lip-smacking! One of the best Desserts I ever had!

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren joined us over dinner for a quick interview. The new boss has an elaborate plan to bring the team back to the sharp end of the grid and I like it!

Video Link of the Interview :

While we were enjoying our dinner, Mr. Pedro de la Rosa, Ex-McLaren Driver, Movistar TV Presenter & a thorough gentlemen entered the Ballroom to entertain the guests with his stories! What an amazing human being! He even handed out the latest gear of Logitech - G29 Gaming Wheel & Joystick to a lucky draw winner!

Video Links of his Interview ( Part 1 & 2 ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NhS32n94Ms

McLaren's hospitality didn't end with the Gala Dinner. The team were gracious enough to offer Signed Caps, Signed T Shirts & a Mega Prize of a 3 day 2 Night stay at any Hilton Property of the winner's choice! The audience were asked the questions, hands were raised & prizes won! I couldn't win any though :( :(

Mr. Stijn Bastiaens, Sr. Direction Loyalty Parternships for Hilton Hotels giving out the prizes :

I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Stijn who was so happy to meet a Gold Member on HHonors!

Parting Shots from the night :

Saturdays on a Race Weekend are pretty quiet for me when I travel - head to the hotel, hot meal and a shower, get the gear ready and have a good night's sleep. 13th May was really special and I had no intention of making it an early night. I did try my hand at the Simulator which had the Logitech G29 Wheel and I must say its far better than my ageing G25 at home. The ergonomics, buttons' layout, feel, force feedback feels just about right and no I am not trying to flatter anyone. I highly recommend this wheel for gamers.

It was a pleasure meeting F1 loyalists who shared the table with me. It was great to connect with people who are as passionate as a F1 fan can be!

I would like to thank McLaren F1 Team for their hospitality and a memorable evening. A big thank you to Mr. Stijn and the team from the Hilton Diagonal Mar for ensuring top class service throughout the evening. Hatsoff to Logitech for kick-starting the campaign which could open up new opportunities for gamers in the real world.

Finally a thank you to Mr. Wright from Right Formula for inviting me to this wonderful event.

I wish McLaren F1 & its Sponsors all the best for the season ahead! Onwards & Upwards from here!

The Flying Diaries : BOM - BCN - BOM ( Emirates First & Business )

The First Race of the 2016 F1 Season that I had the privilege of attending was the Spanish Grand Prix. The Race was held on 15th May. I decided to opt for a Mixed Class Experience on Emirates since both the legs to Barcelona were Airbus A380 and the Return legs on the Boeing 777-300ER, so First Class on Outbound, Business Class on Inbound.

My Travel Dates : 12th May 2016 to 20th May 2016.

Mumbai - Barcelona ( 12th May 2016 ) :

Shots from the First Class Lounge :

The Spread in the Lounge :

First Class Suite onboard Emirates :

Aero Bridge retracting from Airbus A380 ( Video Link ):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KETtYVIxj4E

Taxiing to the Runway :

Takeoff from Mumbai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

The Menu enroute to Dubai :

Croissants and Yogurt for Breakfast :

The Airbus A380 has a Lounge behind the Business Class and one must not miss the chance to visit it :

Nearing touchdown at Dubai International Airport :

Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=543O6kDVW_4

Dubai International Airport :

Shots from the First Class Lounge :

After a quick nap it was time to board the flight to Barcelona.

My First Class Suite :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Takeoff from Dubai International Airport bound for Barcelona ( Video Link ) :

The Goodies Basket :

The Menu for Flight to Barcelona :

Savoury Snacks to start the journey :

Lunch Service commences :

Spending some time in the Onboard Lounge :

76 Business Class Seats :

A Mini-bar in First Class :

A Quick Walk-through the Business Class ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY5ofM45dKI

A Quick Walk-through First Class ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BvKkMto_VY

The Bed ready and set for the nap :

My First Class Suite ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2rUKmEDEyo

I always choose to have a shower an hour before landing. The Washroom doubles up as a Shower Facility onboard the A380 :

Video Link for Shower Spa :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhvUx6oowK4

Some fruits before landing :

Approaching Barcelona. The Compass Feature is beautiful on ICE :

Nearing Touchdown :

Landing at Barcelona Airport ( Video Link ) :

Barcelona El Prat International Airport :

A quick exit from the Airport Formalities and a spanking new BMW 7 Series was waiting for me to drop me at Novotel Barcelona City.

Enroute to the Hotel :

Barcelona - Mumbai ( 20th May 2016 ) :

The Mercedes Viano Van for return transfer :

Driving to the Airport :

All formalities complete in record time, it was time to relax in the lounge, common for First and Business :

My Business Class Seat to Dubai :

Ginger Ale, not anything else ;)

Dinner Options on-board :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Takeoff from Barcelona ( Video Link ) :

The English Premier League Show. Fairy Tale Story of Leicester City FC :

Dinner :

Such a comfortable looking bed :

"Hitting the Apex" a Fantastic Presentation about Moto GP riders :

Approaching Dubai International Airport :

Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bmYFMPjrbY

Touchdown at Dubai International Airport :

A Very Comfortable Bus Ride to the Airport Terminal :

Business Class Lounge in Dubai :

Business Class seats on final leg :

The Menu for the Final Leg :

Really? A Watch this expensive?!!

Goodbye Dubai, until next time :

Takeoff from Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQb0ayaPOrs

Lunch Service :

Touching down in Mumbai :

Landing at Mumbai Airport ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzli7HRoPLA

Mumbai International Airport :

Being picked up by a Mercedes C Class from Mumbai :

A very relaxing journey, lip smacking food, luxurious transfers, what more can an airline do to pamper you! Thoroughly impressed by the service by Emirates and I can't think of flying with any other airline.

The next trip will feature the Mixed Class Travel to Budapest. Thank you for being patient.

Football, Superstars, Fans & Expectations

I was busy writing the Day 3 experience from the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix over the past couple of days but what has conspired in the last six hours has made me stop and immediately switch focus to the World of Football.

Its been a long time since I have written something about the sport but the recent developments have persuaded me to pen my thoughts.

Pic Credit : www.mirror.co.uk

The past week has been quite eventful for the sport. Zlatan Ibrahimovic announced his retirement from the International team at the end of the Swedish European Campaign. Unfortunately they were ousted in the group stages. Zlatan served his country well and the time was right to pass the baton.

Lionel Messi returned from injury for Argentina at the Copa Centenario and propelled them to the finals only to face Chile ( like in 2015 ), miss a penalty in the shoot-outs and come up short again.

Messi was devastated and the tears flowed freely as the 5 time Ballon D'Or winner once again fell short of success for the International Team.

However the news of Messi announcing his immediate retirement from International Football have sent shockwaves around the world. Aguero & Mascherano followed suit.

Is this a knee-jerk reaction by the 29 year old legend? Is he really the reason due to which Argentina's 23 year trophy drought has not ended?

Rooney, Scholes, Giggs, Terry, Lampard, Gerrard, Puyol, Ronaldinho, Casillas, Kaka, Maldini, Nedved, Zidane, Henry, Figo, Raul and so many others made football the sport we adore and love since childhood.

Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo are the biggest stars of the Footballing world with a fan following that no one can keep a count of.

Zlatan too has his fair share of followers even in the twilight of his career.

Messi's decision to call it a day with Argentina underlines the pressure of performing that even the best have to endure while wearing national colours.

Ronaldo too faced ridicule due to a missed penalty and lacklustre play at the Euros.

Both Messi & Ronaldo have scaled unthinkable heights in Club Football but have been found wanting at the International level.

Why?

The difference between Club and Country is huge. A Player plays week in week out with players from different nationalities at a club and a bond is formed. Making Runs off the ball become muscle-memory and a trust is developed. A chemistry is formed that helps propel many to greatness.

International Football on the other hand features less games compared to Club football. A Player teams up with some people who he used to play against at Club Level and sometimes that same style of play cannot be replicated.

Some Clubs have Fantasy Teams whereas a certain player is the mainstay in his International Squad.

Every Footballer dreams of wearing his National Colours and most would still prefer Country over Club, so the passion to win and succeed increases even more. Sometimes a team, no matter how talented simply fails to win it, be it any tournament. England is one classic example.
We have seen naturally gifted players down the years but Football is a team sport - you win together, you lose together, you score together, you conceed together. There are days when a player can single-handedly change the outcome of a match. There are days when that very player becomes the butt of all jokes amongst fans, specially in the Social Media.

Players like Ronaldo and Messi are captains of their respective countries and this comes with added responsibility.
Ronaldo and Messi have borne the responsibility of carrying their countries to the crown, the former more so. Messi has had better players with him in Argentina ( as against Portugal ) on paper at least but the performances on field is what matters. Ronaldo was ridiculed when he missed the penalty at the Euros and was visibly under pressure with the media harassing him about his lack of performances. The Focus then shifted to Messi who missed the chance of winning the Copa, a cup that escaped his grasp in 2015 as well. Social media left no stone unturned in ridiculing both. Both sets of fans had their field days but Messi's radical call should make us re-examine our attitude towards footballers. Messi didn't play alone and like I mentioned earlier, the other 10 have to perform and support their marquee player to be successful. Argentina misfired as a team, not just one individual.

Germany, Spain, Italy, France don't feature players that can outclass Ronaldo's and Messi's abilities ( legendary if I may say ) but they have a solid set of World Class Players who perform as a team and have enjoyed their fair share of success.

Ronaldo and Messi will continue to be successful at Club levels as they are surrounded by players who understand their game and deserve equal credit as the players themselves. At International Level, some go for glory and in their zest to achieve greatness deny these two the opportunity to play at their highest level; the result then is what we see before us.

Messi's decision shows that footballers are human too and the weight of expectations can be too much to bear sometimes. We as fans will never understand what players like Messi and Ronaldo go through mentally, emotionally and physically when they are on the losing side. It hurts deep to finish second best on 3 occasions in the span of 3 years. They are expected to win it all, produce Man of the Match performances everyday, everytime. Was Messi not good enough? No. This has simply drained him and if he feels that his continuity will affect the future prospects of Argentina, then he has thought right. His decision, he knows best.

The banter and ridicule is not going to change but for once as a family we can salute the man who has amazed the world of football with his skills and abilities. We are fortunate to be alive in this era.

Although this post has been restricted to Ronaldo and Messi, there are so many others who displayed the same passion and love for football and have the same aura about them in their respective countries.

I Salute them too..

Yes I am a Big Fan of Messi and although I am saddened by this sudden decision of retirement, I still believe Messi will return to don his National Team colours and drive them to success.

I pray that this only turns out to be a sabbatical and I hope I am not proved wrong...

La Blaugrana at the Camp Nou

1st December 2012, Barcelona, Spain.

FC Barcelona hosted Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou. I had the privilege of witnessing the action from one of the best seats in the house. I was not disappointed.

Outside the Stadium :

It was quite a walk from the Gate I entered into the premises and finally I was there :

The Lounge :

Food!

The Team entering Camp Nou :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFib9DiGzW4

The Team :

The View from my Seat :

Messi, the player the world adores!

Marcelo Bielsa watching his team implementing tactics :

Cameramen who make it easy viewing for us :

Valdes and Pique :

Pique Opens the scoring for Barcelona :

Video Link :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qozziC6rlZ0

Pedro warned for a Poor Tackle :

Xavi the Captain and Pass-master calling the shots in the midfield :

Messi makes it 2-0 for Barcelona!

Video Link :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZZc99bgNMg

Some More Stills :

Iniesta then missed a Golden Chance to put the game beyond reach, Video Link :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fANMBpRxyc

It was 3-0 at Half-time with Adriano scoring in the dying minutes of the First Half

Messi and Iniesta :

Substitutes Warming up at the start of the second half :

Fernando Llorente came on but the damage was done :

The atmosphere at the Camp Nou was absolutely electric, the supporters indulging in a Mexican Wave.

Video Link :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2WgC-M_4Bg

Messi put the Icing on the Cake with a fabulous finish to make it 5-1 !!

Video Link :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fZWm_Ux4Uw