From SA to UK: A trip of a lifetime to watch Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium

Everyone has that "pinch me" moment when reality smacks them in the face with either bad or good news.

This time around, I experienced the latter, thankfully.

My editor told me I would represent News24 Sport on a trip to the United Kingdom.

I would enjoy the ultimate experience alongside BP South Africa and Castrol's competition winners on the long weekend voyage in the Northern Hemisphere.

The winners are from all walks of life and reside in different corners of South Africa. Like myself, most of the group also experienced their first trip abroad.

WATCH | Inside Arsenal's state of the art Emirates Stadium

As a group, we would get an exclusive tour of the Emirates Stadium and attend the mammoth Premier League clash between Arsenal and Liverpool at the immaculate arena.

I bottled my excitement for a month until I saw my flight tickets with my name on them. 

Apart from the FIFA World Cup, attending and covering a live Premier League match is the pinnacle for every football-loving journalist, 

It was a dream come true.

My excitement levels, even with a bit of jet lag, went up a notch arriving at London's famous Heathrow Airport before the break of dawn.

Our itinerary for the weekend was packed and centred around the stadium tour, dinner with Arsenal legend David O'Leary and a whole matchday Premier League experience.

Heated seats and Wenger busts

The Emirates Stadium was everything you expected and more.

Upon our arrival for the tour, we were welcomed through the Arsenal club store situated on the cusp of the iconic stadium.

You could purchase any memorabilia with the Arsenal logo stamp of approval - scarves, stationery, mugs, hats, jerseys, bags, soccer balls and more.

The attention to detail in the club store and throughout the