On approaching the hotel car park lined with vehicles that appeared to be from a line-up of Jeremy Clarkson's next television programme, my sister Bre (visiting from the USA) smiled and said, “This is going to be good.” What an understatement!!!
We won the EPC annual Wimbledon raffle prize…and this is an unembellished recap of our experience.
Saturday we arrived early to get in and enjoy our all-inclusive lunch at the Wingfield Restaurant attached to Centre Court. We then took our seats and spent the next two hours watching some amazing tennis from the Williams sisters, in both the singles and doubles finals. Positioned directly behind Serena in the doubles match, it was quite a thrill.
The BMW whisked us back to the hotel where we enjoyed our evening at the Canizzaro House’s pool, Jacuzzi and gym.
Sunday we awoke hoping to see the bright sunshine, WRONG! Rain dampened our arrival but not our spirits. Sitting in the food court under Centre Court we had to protect our seats for 3 ½ hours until the rain-soaked crowds were told that play would begin in 20 minutes. The tennis was amazing as most of you watched: first Nadal powered forward, then Federer systematically worked himself back into the game with his powerful serves. Once again the heavens opened and tarps were rushed across the grass. People filed out of their seats to try and find some shelter or something warm to drink.
Play resumed with Federer mounting an impressive attack and the crowd seemed to migrate their allegiance towards the man from Switzerland. He truly proved why he is the world's #1. Until yet again RAIN stopped all play.
I was quite fortunate being an avid Real Madrid fan, because as we wandered around the grounds we happened to cross paths with Ramon Calderon the president of the world famous club. I was able to persuade him to take a photo with me! Of course we all know he was never here to sign Cristiano Ronaldo!
With the pain of a 2 hour journey ahead and the late hour, Bre and I wavered back and forth about calling the driver to have him take us home. Luckily we made the right decision to stay, and were rewarded with the best sporting event I have ever seen outside of the 2002 Ryder Cup final (which being a Yankee was bittersweet).
Thanks to the Edgbaston Priory this was an AMAZING experience my sister and I will never forget!
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