... but seeing as this is a 'locked' forum i.e. members only - I thought I'd post these here.

We have a larrrvely house on the coast in Catalonia, my family & I go there every year and I love it. However, it is strictly Barcelona territory (fair enough as it's just a 2 hour drive away) and there are shirts/shops galore. In 2009 I had a wonderful shop keeper run out, point at my hat (which had Chelsea 1905 on it) and scream 'Iniesta!!!!!!!!!' in my face.

Erugh, it hurt. So I decided this time that I would exact a small amount of revenge - I took my Champions of Europe flag out with me Now alas, they told me to put my camera away at Barca airport, so no picture there.

But, at the souvenir shop

With the main man himself ahem on a towel

I walked around with it draped across my shoulders/tied at the front

... and hung it proudly off my bedroom window for everyone passing to see - I got my picture taken.

It's not much, it may even seem petty, but I got great joy out of it. I got some proper dirty looks; to which I just smiled and kissed the badge on the flag and I nearly got disowned for shouting 'TORRESSSSS' at a coach load of people with Barca tops on... but I didn't care.

Ah CFC... you do bring out the worst in me. Troll

You're lucky to be alive Gem! I wouldn't dare...

You legend, that is fantastic. Thems some big cojones you have Gem.......

Haha well I know the area fairly well, if I thought I may put myself (and my non-too impressed family) at risk I probably wouldn't have done it. I was desperate to go to the Nou Camp and do the tour but I was refused, I had an A4 print out of Torres rounding Valdez...

We have a larrrvely house on the coast in Catalonia, my family & I go there every year and I love it.

Am I envious .. ?

Just a bit.

..and you did all this with no alcohol taken?

Wow! respect! (don't think I've ever used this one to anyone before!)

I am teetotal Moi, all done with no alcoholic influence.

If I had ended up in Munich for my holidays...... I wouldn't have done it. It's just... it's Barcelona. Years of hurt.

Fantastic post!!!

Gem if there's ever a time you feel like marrying a complete stranger, let me know.

That's blinding.Ten out of ten.

Excellent work, Gem, proud of ya!!!

And Granticus, get in the bloody queue!

Ha ha legend!

Shame you couldn't do the tour at the Camp Nou, that would have been brilliant!

Well done.

Nice work....did you get many reactions?

Nice work....did you get many reactions?

A few looks but nothing vicious, I compromised and had the shots done during the day [and not at night when there are more people about and they've had a few!]. I did, however, chose to wear it/do them on the Saturday... when the people from Barcelona flock down to the coast for the weekend

I actually saw a few other CFC fans out there (wearing the shirt etc) for a change too, it was good to see.

By the way, Gem, have you send our messages to Drogba yet?

If Spanish Barca fans are anything like Spanish Barca players, the most you'd have to worry about is one of them flopping to the ground in front of you in order to feign battery and get you arrested.

Although that reminds me of the time I went grocery shopping with a friend of mine who's a huge Barca fan and he wandered off to grab something from another aisle. All of a sudden, I hear screaming and cursing in Spanish coming from nearby. I followed the sound, only to find him in a heated argument with a girl wearing a Ronaldo Madrid top. I just about died of laughter.

By the way, Gem, have you send our messages to Drogba yet?

I'll PM you Moi

You're a Godess, Gem!

Would have been great if you'd found the shopkeeper and shout "Torres!!!!!" in his face.

But I'm sure you're too much of a lady to do such a childish thing.......

Love the dress by the way, even if it does clash with the blue.

Ha ! That's golden Gem, the very essence of "Carefree".

Top class Gem! Some great photos there

Gem,...tut,tut,.....you are a naughty girl

that's classic

Haha..just woke up and this made my day ! Good stuff Gem.

This is amazing Gem.