In the early evening today, my host and organiser Mehpare of GAP Consultancy here in Gaziantep, told me that Necdet, her husband, had invited me to the big football match between Gaziantepspor and Beşiktaş J.K.
It has I think been nearly four decades since I last went to a live football game, at a time when my favourite team Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) were a team that could beat any other team. From then until now, I had watched football on the TV, being able to see close-up, views from different angles and replays.
On a cold night we arrived extra early, in fact one hour too early, but that was good as we were able to savour the local food, to return to sit in the comfort of a box.
Gaziantepspor v Beşiktaş J.K. 20/02/2009
When the game started it was like yesterday since I was last at a match and I was really enjoying the game. But then I missed a piece of the match. I was immediately upset that I had not paid attention at that point, but a thought quickly raced through my brain giving me a sense of comfort, I would see the replay.
Hang on. I was not watching the TV, there would never be a replay. Am I stupid or something? My mind was in conflict for a split second.
Strange how the mind plays tricks with us, how it assumes something will happen because it always does.
Once I got my brain into gear, I was able to enjoy the experience even though Gaziantepspor lost three nil.