Quick Update

I know, I know, I have been slacking on the blog entries. To tell you the truth, there really hasn't been that much going on. This week has consisted of mostly practicing and eating, so really nothing new. I figured I would take this down time to go into some more detail about what I have been learning here, and maybe some info about some of my teammates.

So basically the most exciting thing that has happened to me recently is that I joined one of the local gyms. I was working out at the "facilities" at the field, which was basically a bench press and a pull up bar. To be honest, that is all I really need to workout, but the confines were very small and almost demoralizing. It's hard to motivate yourself in a workout tent. Anyway, so my friend Paul recommended I join his gym. We ventured there on Tuesday with my teammate Alle for my free day at the gym.

The gym isn't very large, but it has two levels. The downstairs is a pool area. Don't get too excited, it's not an Olympic size pool or anything. It is basically used for water aerobics classes, which I think I won't be attending. The upstairs is the main gym area. It is pretty typical, with all the cardio machines and all necessary equipment. The weights are measured in kilos, not pounds, so its a fun way to learn. The gym, however, is a social gathering ground.

Just from one day of working out, I realized that the Italians aren't there to strength train. They are there for fun, to talk and meet people. It's actually nice, and they notice right away who the "Americans" are. This obviously isn't true for all, but most. It should bode well for me, in regards to meeting some new people. Paul swears it is a great way to meet girls, which I really don't doubt.

Now, let's talk about some of my teammates. If you read the blog, you have heard some recurring names, such as Paul, Taka, Alle, and Fillo. So I'll give you some details on who they are. Paul is the "veteran" foreign player on the team. He has been playing in Italy for 6 years. He actually owns three passports, Canadian, American, and Italian. I have never heard of that being possible, but clearly it is. Him and I are Oriundo's, which is an American citizen with an Italian passport. Under the rules of the FIBS, after your sixth year in Italian Baseball you officially become an "Italian". This means he will no longer take up a foreign slot. He has played in Reggio while they were in the IBL and in Serie A, as well as Parma. He has done a lot to help us acclimate here, and is probably our best player.

Taka, Alle, and Fillo. They are the younger guys on the team, and are very good friends. They have been nothing but nice to us, taking us in and showing us around. I believe you know a little about Taka already, so I'll go into some detail about Alle and Fillo. Alle is the starting second baseman. He is short in stature, but in great shape. He is studying at University to be a physical trainer. Fillo, on the other hand, is tall and lean. We call him the model, because he looks like Ashton Kutcher. He is the starting Italian pitcher. He throws well, and has a pitchers body. They all read this blog, so I'm sure they will be excited to see that they were talked about. They love New York. Actually, most Italians love New York. It seems that the new trend here is people wearing the I heart NY shirts. It's not the worst thing in the world to see, and it really makes you appreciate where you are from. Hopefully they will visit when I'm home, so most of you can meet them in person.

Now for some upcoming events. This weekend we head down to Anzio. After the games, we will not be taking the bus home. Chris and I are going to stay in a hotel in Anzio, then take the hour train ride into Rome on Sunday. Our plan is to see the Colloseum and the other major sites on Sunday, and then Monday go and see the Vatican. Rome has a famous pub crawl, so we should be checking that out Sunday night. I should have plenty of pictures and stories coming up. Hopefully I'll also have some good news in regards to the games!

I hope everybody is doing well at home. I am supposed to mention that my I got my athletic skills from my Uncle Nick. I believe this is on the premise of his one newspaper article that he has from his youth. I would personally chalk it up to hard work and dedication, but I guess there are some genetics involved. Either way, I hope you all have a great day and I'll talk to everybody soon!

A full day of rain out

Given that we only play one day a week, I was extremely anxious to play this weekend. On Friday afternoon, it started to rain. It wasn't heavy rain, but the drops were very large. It proceeded throughout the night, and as I went to sleep I had hoped that it would stop. When I woke up the next morning, it was still raining. I knew we would be in trouble.

We arrived at the field only to see the infield under water. They don't have quick dry here, so the first plan of attack was to spread the water around and rake it. We proceeded to do this, and it minimally helped. It brought me back to my days at Quinnipiac, when they would destory the field with sand and quick dry. It made me laugh a bit, but I also thought it was a quick and easy way to play. It started to look more somber by the minute, and seemed that we weren't going to play.

Normally in situations like these, they would postpone the games until Sunday. Unfortunately, this team was from Messina, Siciliy and had flown into Reggio. They were scheduled to fly out in the morning, so there was no choice. The only thing to do was sit and wait.

We waited for hours and hours for some sun to come and dry out the field. We started putting dirt on the field to try and help soak in some water. Guys played cards, ate, smoked cigarettes, and played various baseball games like pepper and fungo golf to pass the time. The interesting part of this all was the game was going to be umpired by two women. Never in my life have I had a woman umpire, so it intrigued me. Either way, they made it clear that by 6 a decision would be made.

We already knew the first game was out of the question, it was just a matter of the second game being played. After a long debate and many inspections of the field, it was decided to be unplayable. The teams indulged in some pasta, and then Messina went on there way. It was truly unfortunate that we couldn't play, and to have to wait another week just seemed impossible. There was only one thing to do, and that was to have a good time.

We drank a couple beers at the field in the locker room. After, it was decided that we would meet out at one of the local pubs. I went home, showered, and got ready. We were picked up and went on our way. The pub wasn't very far, and most of the my teammates and girlfriends showed up. We had drank some beers and had some food as almost the whole pub was focused on the Milan soccer game. It's amazing how intense these fans are.

The younger guys had decided that they were going to the disco. Chris and I had only been to pubs at this point, and were very curious as to what these disco's were like. We got in the car and went on our way. I rode with Fillo, and Chris rode with Alle. Our good friend Taka was going to meet us there.

They warned us that we may have a problem getting in because we were American. Turned out to not be an issue, and we walked in. There was an Italian rap group performing. They were awful, but I didn't say anything as I laughed a little bit inside. After they were done, crowds of people started to come in. The club was two levels, and it had a big stage in the center. It started to get really crowded, and the techno was bumping. It ended up being a good time, even though it was hard for me to communicate with anybody. Most of the people (girls) I spoke to understood exactly what I was saying in English, but couldn't speak back. I did my best to speak Italian, and I was complimented on my accent a few times.

Either way, it ended up being a fun night. We got back home at around 3:30 am and I went right to sleep. They told me that this disco was small, so I'm excited to see what the other ones are like. Sometime this week, I should be taking a trip to Venice. This weekend I will be in Rome. I'll keep everybody posted. Pray for no rain this weekend!

Talk to everybody soon and hope your having a great day.

Florence: The Final Chapter

Finally, the last of this Florence posting nonsense. A lot can happen in two days. These are just some pictures of my sister and I around the city. Really quick though, I would just like to remind you guys that you can comment on the posts and whatnot. Let me know what you liked, didn't like, and what you would like to see. I do read them, and it's an easy way to communicate.

There are some things to look forward to, however. My roommate and I are going to start planning ahead of time on places we are going to see. Once the planning is done, I'll let you know! That way, you can have an idea of what's to come.

As of now, next weekend I will be spending the weekend in Rome. That should be great. I'm sure I will have many pictures, videos, and stories. Anyway, enjoy these pictures of me and my sister. She is coming home in a week, so everybody get ready. She will be very jealous of me being here, so don't give her to much grief.

Otherwise, I hope everybody is having a great day! Enjoy.

Florence: A Family Adventure 2

Okay so here's the deal. I had some video footage, and for about 48 hours I tried to figure out a way to post it. Unfortunately, I can't put it in the blog. So I have to post it on youtube. I will put all the links up on the blog, and you can just go from there. I figured this would be a great way for everybody to experience some of the stuff.

I would like to apologize in advance about the bad filming skills, so bear with me on that. I promise I will work hard on getting better. Also, at the bottom of the video there is a little caption that says 360p. Change it to 1080p for HD (for the Florence videos). It just makes the video better.

There should be a third Florence post with some pictures from my sisters camera. Anyway, enjoy the little introductory video and the footage. I plan on doing this for the major cities and events, but it will still remain mostly writing.

Take care everybody and talk to you soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HillvelthZI - Introduction

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UByYlnhhIog - Florence Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDHKepAlf9Y - Florence Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGJO65TiyBI - Florence Part 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1yBoob-NrM - Florence Part 4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdQK2iYrviY - Florence Part 5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdQK2iYrviY

Adventure to Florence

As mostly everybody knows, my sister is studying abroad in Florence. Ironically, and to my mothers displeasure, we are now both residing in Italy. So, I took the day yesterday to travel down south and see her. I decided to do something a little different today. Hopefully I will figure out how to get this video on this blog in one way or another. I'll let you know. Until then, here are some pictures to hold you over.

First, some pictures of Florence:





















Now, some pictures of Bologna:
















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I'm trying very hard to post this video. I'll do my best. Hopefully I can have it up soon. Talk to everybody later.

I would like to thank again my sister Vanna for showing me a good time. She's probably the greatest younger sister in the world (nice little compliment right there).