Another weekend, another adventure. After running a few more camps through the beginning of last week, the time finally came to travel to Stockholm for what they called, The All-star Game.
But, before we left, Erek and I took advantage of an opportunity to meet some more people through the University in Gavle. One of our camps during the week was a three hour clinic for future physical education teachers to learn baseball in case they wanted to teach it or be forced to instruct it to their students. Again, I took for granted the basic knowledge of baseball after attempting a mini scrimmage with the young adults. Though we explained the rules, people still ran through every base, did not tag-up, didn't understand a force out etc... When told to tag someone who had over ran a base, one guy simply ran up to the runner and tagged him with his hand as if to follow by saying, "you're it!" It is little things of that sort that can really make one a better teacher and allow one to understand the important issues of the game and how to transfer knowledge. Amidst batting practice, Erek chatted up one girl who informed us of a campus party during the week. She put our names on the list, and picked us up later in the evening (9-pm and it was still quite bright outside). We arrived to what looked like typical college dorms, but better (no RAs!). Everyone was drinking in the halls, rooms were open, music was playing and the floor kitchen was alive with people playing drinking games in the dining area. After meeting a few people (very welcoming and nice people--no one was weird about us being there and were only willing to help and have fun), we went to the campus club area where the bar and party was taking place. The college-hosted parties at my school were usually of no interest to anyone, but here they seemed pretty popular! We only went in for a moment to get our hands stamped because no one really shows until midnight or 1am. They paid for us to get in and were generous in making drinks for us and giving us beer. Back in the dorms we played some PS3--haven't played that ever-- and other drinking games like, "Lebowski"-- while watching the movie, one must drink every time "the dude" says, "fuck," in any context (gets pretty rough). Anyway, after a while in the dorms we went back and entered a large dance floor flooded with lights and loud remixed beats from Swedish and American Artists (they love Lady Gaga here). I think Erek was the only one in a t-shirt--most wore collard shirts and "dressed to impress," and there is nothing wrong with that--just funny how I'm used to seeing more people in just t-shirts and jeans. After a long night of dancing and losing our way around the bar area we ended up back at the girl's apartment that invited us to the party. She lived in a 200 yr. old building, and you guessed it, decked out in IKEA.
In the morning we went to a pizza place in the mall--every pizza place is exactly the same--still not quite sure if I like it. There is not enough sauce, and when you get shrimp and oysters on the same pizza called a "marinara," something is not right.
We had the rest of the day off because it was some Swedish holiday--although no one really could pin-point what exactly for--I think it was some religious date though. In speaking of days off, it seems as if kids have the life here (and they do not know it at all!). In some of the camps we have throughout the week, the kids are free to leave at the end--their teachers are very laid back with them and what time they leave--most kids, even the 11 and 12 year olds ride their bikes to the field, and the teachers tell them where to go next and that is it. Parents in America would not be having that for very long! I am not saying that they are terrible teachers, just that they are less stressed than most American schools. We tell kids that we had to go to class straight through the day and couldn't leave--had recess once a day and gym class only a couple days a week. They can't believe it! Some schools start the day with a "baseball lesson," then go to class--others are vice versa and with soccer and other sports. I guess is it typical in Sweden that an active and healthy lifestyle is necessary and athletics are a big part of growing up as a kid. Even a lot of the girls participate in many sports and we always see people running in town or at the gym. One of the kids on the youth team told Erek and I that he was sitting in his only class for the day and had to write or do something ten times and they were done for the day. He said his teacher was texting on his phone and just said leave when you finish! For college, a girl we made friends with said that they must check their class schedule online everyday because it changes so much--even during the day of class, it could be changed--there is no real set schedule! More laid back and less systematic, but could be a little annoying. The kids have a lot of half-days and one of the kids say they need to be there by 8:30am--that is late! lol. After one camp, some of the younger kids stayed after because they didn't have to be anywhere until 1:00pm (the camp ended at 10:30am)--so they stayed and talked with us, and wanted us to sign several different things (we asked if they were serious--pretty funny how kids will take an autograph from anybody). We signed cell phones, hats, balls, shirts, shoes, and bike helmets--hilarious. I could go on for days about the kids during camp, especially when they are young and barely know any English--usually teacher must translate, but many run around lost or just give a blank stare at either Erek or I. Again, I am not talking Swedish education down--most are really smart and pick up things quickly--I am just saying it is much different than back home and a lot of trust is instilled--from what we've seen, no parents are calling the principal wondering why their child is biking alone back to school etc... (I'm sure they have complaints, but most seem okay with everything). Usually after camp, Erek and I go into town to eat and go to the gym and we see the same kids we just had in camp (we just think, "aren't you supposed to be in school?"). Pretty soon the whole town is going to know us--We coach several schools within a couple months and see familiar faces all the time.
That same week (I apologize if some things seem to run together--been just adding a little each day--after this post, I will probably just keep a daily or every day post to keep it simple), we had the Americans vs. the Swedes baseball game. We traveled to Stockholm to meet with about another 14 Americans who were also coaching and playing baseball on different teams within Sweden. They were all great guys--couple from California, Alabama, Georgia, and a couple from other countries/continents (Lithuania, Australia). We went out in Stockholm with some of the guys from Tranas (the Bama kid, and 2 Georgia guys) after the first games. Long night of subway trouble and expensive bars, light rain, morning light, long walking, and nonetheless, Swedish women. The games were pretty exciting--the field is great--very well groomed, nice dugouts and seating (we played on the National team's home field). It was a try-out for the Swedish guys and they were basically using us as an opponent so their coach (ex-major-leaguer--2 world series rings-Dennis Cook--has some Swedish ties and decided to come out and help Swedish baseball). We played 4, 9 inning games in 2 days, and it began the start of the Sweden summer (well sort of-- weather his nearly 70*F!!--perfect sun)--Was a great weekend for baseball! We played the U23 team and the National team each day. I mainly played centerfield each game--making contact, but didn't record a lot of hits, but I feel like I am seeing the ball well--that's just baseball. Erek was hitting the ball very well and was out of position a little in right field (he is a middle infielder), but overall as a team we were pretty good. We beat the younger guys by a decent margarin, but ended up tying the National team twice lol. I thought we probably should have won both games--we hit the ball solid, but right at people and not enough to put up runs. I even pitched a little over 6 innings in the second game. I haven't pitched since high school, but I felt good! The defense made some great plays to help me out, and I will try an pitch more when we need extra arms in our league games. Overall though, I was impressed with some of the Swedish players--if their pitching becomes more developed, they could be a decent contender in the world championships one day (all about the youth--they have to get more kids to try baseball--just not popular). A few guys on our league team did well--one of them, Tomas, is an impressive hitter--a lot of power and after filming his swing the other day, has great mechanics--unfortunately he was the last man cut--told him they already have several lefty hitters (most are lefties in Sweden because of hockey--players are usually left-handed shooters because the right hand is used better for control of the stick)! It is odd to be a right-handed/sided hitter. If he improves a little more with catching (already good) and defense, he should be an easy pick next year. His brother was on the team last year and was chosen again for this year--a solid hitter and pitcher. One young kid on our team, Johan, I think 17 yrs old, played well for the younger team--for his age, he is a good ball player--maybe needs to work on his throwing mechanics (too over the top in his throws for an infielder), but he is athletic and has good hands and awareness. He would be a good high school player if he were in the U.S. and I'm sure he will be on the team in the future. I can't go a single blog without mentioning something about food--they once again fed us well with a kebab salad type meal and pasta with chicken. The hostel they put us in was more like a small village or cottage. I guess Swedish hostels are usually pretty decent (other countries can get nasty). Again, the place was laid back--we walked in late after the game and said we were with the baseball teams and they handed us keys for two rooms. The two other guys from our team weren't even planning on staying, so they weren't technically allowed or on a list, but they handed us keys anyway! One guy even stayed the next night--didn't pay. Our room was typical Swedish with two single beds, a TV, a bathroom (literally you could sit on the toilet and take a shower at the same time--one floor and area--they never seem to separate the shower floor from the rest of the bathroom--floor gets soaked!), and a wardrobe. The buildings looked more like little trailers set in separate areas (pictures I post will do it more justice). After our first games, us and the Tranas guys didn't get back from the city subway until 4am--it was quickly bright once again! Upon finally hitting the bed to get some sleep before another long day of baseball, the fire alarms kept going off!--They were the old school ringing bell alarms--so obnoxious! They lasted about 10 minutes and finally we were able to get some sleep. We didn't have to be at the field until around 12:30pm, so I felt fine. On the way walking, some Leksand guys picked us up off the highway and took us to the grocery and we bought some filler food for the game. We again beat the younger guys and tied the elder team. Overall it was an amazing experience and I feel like I can't complain about anything ever again because I'm having too good of a time.
Each day never gets old--no matter how many camps, what age group, or how long practice has been, I am loving each day. Of the time I've been here, I couldn't have asked for nicer people and a better atmosphere--especially after hearing some of the deals other players have, I have realized how good we are being treated! I know it is mainly a sense of being somewhere completely new, and that itself is giving me an endless tank of stimulus, but either way, Gavle is a good town.
That same day we drove home after our final games (a guy on our team we call Bostrom (last name) drove an hour and a half to pick us up!--again, we owe him (not to mention he has fixed my bike tire, installed our living room light and other little things that add up to more than we need). On the way, we picked up another teammate who was in Stockholm, some beer and made our way home. Erek and I were still feeling surprisingly well after the night and day before, so we decided to venture out when we returned home with Patrik and Tomas. Tomas likes moonshine and therefore the night became sideways in little time. "Heartbreak," was the place to be that night--place was crazy packed--Patrik wasn't even old enough to enter, but they never check ID so it didn't matter--As soon as we entered, Erek and I ran into a guy from one of the camps we coached--funny how many people we now recognize. After buying a round of drinks, we hit the dance area where again loud thumping music (not dance-rap like back at home, but rather more dance, new-age, pop etc..) and buzz-enhancing lights blanketed the mass of gyrating clubbers. Tomas went straight to the black jack table and we ran into a group of Aussies who were in town for a tree climbing competition! After random dancing and people asking us why in the world we were in Gavle of all places, we decided to head out when the place closed. One girl questioned Erek regarding whether or not I was really American--lol--she just didn't believe at first that I was American since I was living in such a small, non-tourist like town. She thought maybe I guess I was Swedish just trying to be funny by speaking English. It ended up being another long night of meeting new, interesting people. Can't waste a minute while I am here, even if it causes some drowsiness.
I am going to begin trying to establish a conditioning session on Sundays with maybe some American football for team bonding and so we stay in shape. That Sunday many had to work, so it was just me and another named, Olov. Once again, a exceptionally polite person who is a nurse here and Sweden and works for Gardasil--does a lot of sales and travel. We jogged for awhile through some trails--easy on the eyes (Swedish outdoors is refreshing)--He had already invited us to dinner once, back to his place for a cookout and showed us some damn good Chinese! So we owe him one or two as well.
Well that summed up one week- since so much more has now happened and I do not feel like making this blog 200000000000 pages, I will stop here and begin more of a daily or every other day blog--shorter and easier--- and less boring to have to read!
DIFFERENCES
-Nudity on public TV--not much censorship at all
-I had to pay to use the restroom at the mall--5Kr.--toilets were really nice though--put change in a slot and door unlocks
-They think of anything to be more economical--hand dryers are cold air--not usually heated like in America
-Much of the plumbing is visible in Swedish homes, apts., dorms etc...--helps keep from freezing in winter--easy to locate and fix
-Even toilets (pretty much all of them) have two different buttons for a small flush and large flush--every little thing just to save some water
-All pizza is not pre-sliced--very different, weird varieties
-They love wall-paper--everybody uses it and it is common
-Showers are mainly one floor- in dorms and apartments--not separate from toilet area
-a police officer can take your license away on the spot if going over 30 km/hr the speed limit--never heard of that in the U.S.
-Most water bottled is carbonated--thought it was weird at first, but now I love it--very refreshing--especially the lemon flavored--like pine-sol at first, but once I drank more it became a must have during lunch at the buffet
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