Hello to my fellow Gooners all over the globe! I hope you have enjoyed the Summer break.
Using the word 'have' seems a little odd in early July of course, especially with even the UK enjoying quite incredible summer weather right now but with our squad back in training and an incredibly exciting Asian adventure beginning very soon, the preparations for the 2013/14 season are very much well underway.
All those who have followed my ramblings over the last thirteen years or so will already be aware that I don't tend to get too involved in the annual rumour mill, preferring to take the attitude that if I slept throughout pre-season and woke up on the opening day I would still be at that fixture supporting my team whoever runs out in the red and white.
"The last two trips to this part of the world have demonstrated the sheer passion and enthusiasm in all Gooners based there"
Talking of colours, how tasty is our new away kit?! For me yellow and blue is Arsenal's away kit and many of our greatest memories as Gooners come accompanied with that very combination. Here's hoping it proves to be our lucky charm this time round.
As per the norm my summer has been made up of music festivals, cricket and enjoying the sunshine when away from my working environment - but tomorrow my thoughts very much turn to all things Arsenal.
Once again I am lucky enough to be in a position to be heading for Asia, my first port of call being Jakarta, a location like all the cities and countries on this particular pre-season adventure I have not visited before.
The last two trips to this part of the world have demonstrated the sheer passion and enthusiasm in all Gooners based there and I expect the next couple of weeks or so to be no different.
No disrespect to the following clubs but I have watched our team play at destinations far and wide down the years, including the likes of Scarborough, Carlisle, Yeovil and Macclesfield. Over the next couple of weeks I aim to try and get across how the whole experience feels to a 'homegrown' Gooner who has never visited these countries before.
And for those who always ask... it will be 'warts n all'... within reason of course!
Cheers
Frank
@stubbsy70
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