Day two

So today was day two. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get into the center very much. I was hoping to have some pictures so everybody who reads this blog could see how beautiful and historic this city actually is, but for now you just have to take my word for it.

Today was an interesting day. I woke up this morning to find my Dominican roommate gone. Where he went, I had no idea. My American roommate, Chris, and I were required to go and take a physical. Before we left, we went to the grocery store. It is very difficult to shop for food when you can't read the labels. Very difficult! I did the best I could and went with the essentials. Hopefully some of the families will start inviting us over for homemade dinners!

Back to the physical. I was under the impression that physicals were taken previously to signing a contract. When I heard "physical", I thought we were just going to a local doctor to get our blood pressure taken and maybe somebody would use a stethoscope. I was wrong. It was an all out physical.

It all started when we were picked up by our teamate Claudio. He is 27 and a footdoctor. I have come to learn that you can be a doctor in Italy with just 3 years of schooling. He made a point to tell us he is not allowed to do surgery, which is why the schooling process is done quickly. There is only so much you can do outside of the foot. Anyway, he is really a great guy and knows a very good amount of english. He lived in San Diego for a few months, so he is very familiar and tolerant of Americans.

Anyway, we drive through Reggio and arrive at a hospital building. Obviously, this hospital building is nothing like what is in New York. To my surprise, it is small but very advanced and technologically saavy. We walk in and walk directly to the sports medicine wing. We walk through the double doors and are greeted by a man and woman who have no idea how to speak a word of english. Not a word! Within one day at least I know how to say hello and goodbye!

Anyway, with the help of Claudio they start asking us questions, standard questions like our name, birthday, etc. Then we are told to go with this older woman who is way to tan and way to fashionable for her age. She "tells" us to take off our shirts. She proceeds to take our blood pressure and pulse, standard physical practice. She then tells us to lift up our arms. With my hands in the air, she puts what looks like a goth belt around my chest. Not only is this belt strange, but the inside is laced with freezing gel. Instantaneously I get the chills as she velcros around me.

She then proceeds to put me on a bike (like the ones at the gym) and attached me to all of these wires. She motions me to start peddling, and to keep the pedals per minute at 94. I started peddling, and as I peddle the machine attached to my body starts spitting out paper. What the paper said, I have no idea. She starts turning up the intensity, and I start breaking a legitimate sweat. By the time it is all said and done, I have been riding for ten minutes struggling to keep pace. She then proceeds to tell me to stop, and takes my blood pressure again as she wraps me in what had to be paper towels. The physical was over with, and I have no idea if I passed or not.

We then were required to go to the field as they were hosting a camp for young kids. We arrive, and no surprise that I cannot communicate with any of the kids. We stand around looking for something to do, but the kids didn't seem to care at all. They thought we were famous athletes, and all they wanted was our autographs. I must have signed over 30 autographs for kids who I couldn't even communicate with. It was an amazing experience, and it reaffirmed why I came to Reggio in the first place.

After some hitting and throwing, we got back to the apartment, cooked some dinner, and had some drinks. Tomorrow is the first doubleheader of the year. I can't play due to not having my Italian passport yet. It really does suck, but I look forward to seeing the guys play and getting a better understanding of what the competition in Italy is like.

By the way, I later found out my dominican roomate (on his own) caught a train to Milan at 8 am. He just wanted to see the city. This is Italy, and all the cities are amazing destinations and easily traveled. I plan to head to a few soon!

I'll keep you all posted! Goodnight.