Next stop: Llandudno, Wales

[zimena]

I can't believe this is happening, but I'm going to the snooker again! This time it's to the Welsh Open, which starts in Llandudno on Monday morning.

All of this happened quite quickly and unexpectedly. It started when the best friend decided that he cannot afford the trip to Manchester that we have been planning since last Summer. I posted a bit about that last weekend. I'm not angry, and I undestand his reasons, but I was definitely disappointed about that. However, once the initial disappointment had faded, I started thinking that I could do things a bit differently.

For example, I cancelled our hotel in Manchester. Then I booked a different one for myself, for the same days we were initially supposed to stay there. Only, this time it was just half the price. And it's still close to the snooker venue there. I still haven't completely decided if I'll be there, but that's not a decision I need to deal with quite yet.

More importantly, though: Booking a cheaper hotel for that trip made me realise that I could perhaps also try to go to Wales now. I didn't really think that would be possible, as it's so close to the start of the tournament. However, I managed to secure tickets for the first three days. That should mean that I get to see Mark's first match, as well as his second one if he wins the first. Which he should, as he's playing Haydon Pinhey, who got on the tour last Summer after qualifying via Q School, and hasn't really done much of note as a pro yet.

For now a certain Ronnie O'Sullivan is also in draw, and scheduled to play on Tuesday. But seeing as he's been pulling out of any and all tournaments lately, I have no faith that he'll be there. But as long as he's on the list, I can't help it: I also feel excited about the possibility of seeing him play live. Let's see about that, though.

As for the actual travelling, my flight is leaving from Oslo very early on Sunday morning. Meaning my amazing cousin is driving me to the airport there. We don't know yet if he'll be able to pick me up from there on the evening I'm supposed to come home, but we'll figure that out. If he can't, I'll most likely just get a hotel in Oslo for that night, and then get the bus or train home the next day. I'm not stressed about that, it'll work out in some way or other.

Comments

[kitarella_imagines]

Have a fun time! 🎱 (that is the nearest to a snooker ball emoji I could find! lol)

[zimena]

Yeah, we need to use that ball, too. Somehow, there's no snooker-specific emoji yet.

I'm sure it'll be great. I'm kinda done packing now, but I feel like I'm still "finding" little things to put in the bag.

[kitarella_imagines]

Yes I thought there would at least be a pool table we could use.

Happy snooker-watching!

I'm excited because my motor racing boys will be back in 3 weeks time! To take away the winter blues.

[nineveh_uk]

Have a great trip! I'm very fond of Llandudno, which relatives used to live near. Admittedly now is very much the off-season, but the venue is great, and the wide sweep of the bay is a lovely setting. If you get decent weather, the promenade is a big long sweep along the whole bay, completely flat.

[zimena]

Oh, I love that the place is so familiar to you. Thanks for the tip about the promenade. I'll definitely try to go there, and generally try to see a little of the place, too - not just the venue.

Also, the fact that you noticed/pointed out that it's flat is very touching. Thank you.

[yuuago]

Wow, that sounds really exciting! I'm glad you get to go. Hope you'll have a great time.

[zimena]

Thank you. I'm sure I will :)

[maju]

I'm glad things are working out for you so well.

[zimena]

Thank you! It's lovely that this happened. I hadn't really expected to go here.