This week, our We’ve got mail feature belongs to Emma, who experienced Barcelona and the Camp Nou as part of her high school graduation present.  She was so touched by the experience that she wanted to share it with all of us…

In a city filled with Gothic cathedrals built hundreds of years ago with beautiful mosaic art designs, Barcelona’s Camp Nou stands out.

Graduating from high school this year [2011] going to Barcelona was my graduation trip. Terrified of heights, and even more so of planes, I slept for two days on planes as I made one overnight trip and one transfer to arrive to the city of dreams.

My companion, more interested in the cathedrals and the art then I was, took me around the city, but first we went to the Camp Nou on the day we arrived, which was a Sunday. Not being able to tour the stadium we ended up walking around it, looking at in all its glory.

Walking on the sidewalk running my hands along the fence, teen aged boys were playing football inside the fenced off area under the eye of an older man.  I stopped as I recognized the buildings behind them; they weren’t just any teen aged boys playing football…they were La Masia boys. I watched them, staring as they passed the ball, guiding it with their soft touches. Then they stopped, whispering to each other they smiled at me and I smiled back. They then waved and again I did the same in return. Before we could do anymore waving or smiling, their coach yelled at them in a language I presumed was Catalan, giving them what I meant as an apologetic look as I left.

Rounding the corner, I saw what I had expected – La Masia – the place where many Barcelona greats have learned how to play Barcelona’s way and learned the values of the game. I was at the front entrance of La Masia, the greatest footballing academy in the world.

The Camp Nou was across the street and without hesitation I turned around and saw it, I was in awe;  it holds nearly 100,000 fans and houses the greatest football team in the world.

Camp Nou Experience

The next day I went on the ‘Camp Nou’ Experience tour and it was truly an ‘experience’.

I should explain that: for many reasons Leo Messi is my hero. Suffering from setbacks like his, I look at Leo Messi and realize that anything really is possible and that “dreams” can come true.

In the process of acquiring new cabinets for their trophies, some of them were not on display, the most recent ones were however and I saw them. Getting my picture taken with Leo Messi’s Golden Shoe, and seeing the Catalan flag Xavi and Puyol waved and then signed after Spain won the World Cup. I got to watch Leo Messi’s first Barcelona goal and see Pep Guardiola play as well on interactive touch video screens.

Walking into a press room I had the chance to get my picture taken with the replica of the La Liga 09/10 trophy Barcelona won last year. It was heavy and I could barley lift it up; I however managed to do so. After the press room I walked into the away dressing room, and then the press area where players get interviewed after the game, pretending I had just scored off of a Leo Messi assist winning the UEFA trophy for Barcelona I had my video taken.  Then I saw the tunnel and stood in Leo Messi’s place, entering the field I was in awe, seeing the home bench I took it to myself to find my seats for the upcoming game.

Game day at the Camp Nou

Game day was next and it was overwhelming. As it turns out our seats were front row next to a corner flag. As the players came out onto the pitch silence emerged and everyone froze and stood up in unison as banners for Abidal and Japan were held proudly.

As the game went on and Barcelona played it was more then I could ever dream of, their passes are lightening quick as are their runs and feet. To my displeasure no action really happened at the corner flag where our seats were, at one point of the game however as I held my Leo Messi sign he turned in my general direction and (I hope) he saw my sign.

As the game ended and the Barcelona song came on the fans all stood singing and cheering, Barcelona had won the game 2-1 against Getafe. The players, as always clapped for the fans before leaving the pitch.

Someday soon I hope to go back to the Camp Nou and see another Barcelona game. Everyone in the city and all of the fans were very friendly, everywhere I went with my Barcelona jersey I received a smile and\or a comment.

I guess no matter where you come from or who you are, Barcelona and the Camp Nou are a place of safety, unity and resistance. The Camp Nou will also serve as a shield to the ideals and values as ideals that have tarnished the rest of European football.

For now and forever Barcelona and the Camp Nou will stand fighting humanity, social justice and strong ideals that along with La Masia and all of their players make FC Barcelona a football club and institution that will always be ahead of its time.