...Arnold Schwarzenegger.

My bucket list is now shorter. Well, it's not even the bucket list. It's the dream list. Bucket list items can be done just when you have time and/or money, like going on Safari or what-not. This was more special. I paid to get this level ticket, but the the fact that he visited Hong Kong is not something that I can just decide one day to pay for. It's not there waiting for me for when I get enough money. Stars had to align for me to meet one of my heroes.

Anyway, it was such a fantastic day. I got a VIP pass to the Arnold Classic Asia 2016, in Hong Kong (the first time the event has been held). This included entrance to the Multi-sport Festival, VIP seating at the Arnold Seminar, and a photo with the legend.

It was quite strict and fast. Literally just seconds for a photo opportunity and nothing else. We were told that we could not get him to sign anything or chat to him. Though when I went to shake his hand he said "Hi how are you?" all in one with no breaks. I'll never forget that. I was so excited that I was speechless, unable to even answer him. I felt like a fool. But it was a great experience. Then afterwards we all sat down and listened as he spoke for an hour about the last 40 years.

He may have lost mass and some form, but he still emits such a strong presence, and he is clearly a strong guy. His handshake was firm, and he moves with power. It's like seeing an old gorilla. Their muscle isn't beautiful like some young 20-something bodybuilder. It's got character, it's got scars, it is possibly uneven, but you know they have strength. The whole occasion was elevated to something that felt really important. His entourage are constantly protecting him, like a president or something; clearing the way for him, making sure signature hunters sit down and stop bothering him etc. etc., and the whole time his "people" are watching everyone. He signed a few items, but 90% of the pack were told to sit back down. Such a professional unit to have with him.

Unforgettable experience for me. I will always remember it. His look was like he will look in Why We're Killing Gunther, which he is filming at the moment. So when I'm watching that in years to come, I will always relate the two. And it is extra special for me to meet Arnold because I have missed the multiple times that Stallone has visited Manchester for An Evening with... because I've been in China, so to meet another one of my heroes, and "IN CHINA" (of all places), is quite special.

So, the Multi-sport festival is basically one large room exhibiting different sports and brands. I got protein freebies, saw lots of different sports (judo, strongmen, yoga etc.), and even spotted Arnold again as he did a walk-through of the floor. All the fans are following him as he is surrounded by his men, and at one point he goes to the toilet and all the fans follow, lol. There was also a ladies bodybuilding/bikini parade on the main stage, which was pretty good. Fake tan is so ugly, though. I wish they'd have just pose in their natural skin.

ANYWAY...awesome day. Wanted to share it with you guys.

Photo(s) or it didn't happen.

You should have told him: I actually prefer Stallone, but this time I don't mind sloppy seconds.

How much?

Around $260.

I'm not sure if I do prefer Stallone. I mean, I do, of course, prefer Sly. He is #1 for movies, and I've always been a Sly fan first, then an Arnold fan, but in terms of sheer inspiration, philanthropy, and magnetism, Arnold wins. It's close. I wouldn't ever call meeting Arnold a feeling of "sloppy seconds". Steven Seagal maybe, but never Arnold. He is a hero to me.

Very cool man happy u got to meet him.

I also met bodybuilders Justin Compton, the winner of the Men's IFBB Pro Arnold Classic, and Clarence De Vis, who was supporting one of his sponsors at a booth. I walked by, and two gorgeous girls asked him to take his top off and pose with them. One was an Asian honey and the other was a tanned Latina, and so he takes his shirt off and it's all bumps on all three of them. The image was pure sex. I was admiring him, then her, then him again, then the other girl, then her, then him, then I left. It was too much for me. But everywhere I turned there was another guy with his top off or a perfect beauty walking by. It was, in a way, paradise.

Oh, and Jim Lorimer was also there, which I was surprised to see. He was in a wheelchair. But he only made a brief appearance at the Arnold Seminar.

That's cool, congrats. Arnold was the first celebrity I met after I have started doing this professionally.

I really want to meet Steven Spielberg. Definitely my #1. Unfortunately he doesn't do that much press anymore because, well, he just doesn't have to.

To quote Magnus:

Cool story bro!!

Very cool. Congrats.

grats yo

Very cool!

Awesome. I always love it when someone gets to meet one of their idols or gets to do something they have always wanted to do. Congrats.

Arnold's a great guy and very charismatic too.

Times like this I wish I had any idols.