The response when Arsenal were drawn against Celta Vigo was very positive over here, mostly because it was an opportunity to travel where you normally wouldn't go when picking your run-of-the-mill holiday spot.

So on Sunday, February 22, six German Gooners flew to Spain. The descent into Vigo airport was a sign of things to come, a beautiful coastline and a first glimpse of the Atlantic. The taxi took us past the Estadio Balaidos and to our hotel. Unspectacular, until we realised it was located three minutes' walk from the ground.

Positives continued at the hotel bar where the group went for refreshments. The first order of "seis cervezas, por favor" came complete with olives, nuts and crisps without additional charge, a treat that should continue wherever we went. Friendly staff continued to serve a large group of fans already gathered down there, always with a smile.

Monday was earmarked to sample the sights of this Galician city, and I have to say we hit it spot on. We made our way through steep sided streets up to the old castle where we had the most fantastic view over the bays, Vigo, its ports and neighbouring villages. A perfect opportunity to unfurl our German Gooners flag.

Vigo is the biggest fishery port in Europe, but the town definitely has a nice, languid charm. Down the hill to the older parts then, and several beers and local bars later we met up with long-standing friends from London. Then we rounded off the night with a sing-song in a crowded place right at the yacht harbour.

And matchday arrived. It started rather brightly with a certain Silvinho strolling through our lobby, joined by his Celta team-mates. Most of the remaining time until kick-off was spent in a superb bar with staff decked out in Vigo colours, as friendly as you could wish for.

As you all know by now, the game itself was a tight affair which could have gone either way. In my view, Celta are far better than their lowly position in La Liga suggests - it's not over yet, friends! Well, you can't really complain about five goals and the first win for Arsenal on Spanish soil, can you?

So it was back to the Celta bar after the match to celebrate and commiserate in almost equal measures. We gave them standing singing ovations and vice versa. Every Celta fan we spoke to wanted us back anytime, so it seems the travelling Gooners were a credit to the Club. Please make sure to extend a warm welcome at Highbury to the Galicians on the road!

Fantastic and most enjoyable trip all around, confirmed by the fact none of us really wanted to board a plane the next day and leave this nice place in the north-western corner of Europe. Muchas gracias, amigos!

On behalf of the Arsenal German Supporters Club - Carsten Bogdahn