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!