Radom Posting

I should be in bed, but I just got my computer back and I am in withdrawal. Those of you who know me, know I am attached to the damn thing. I have almost
completely finished installing everything. There are many things to tell everyone about and pictures to upload, but that will have to wait. So stay tuned for recap of the Chief's tournament party and our trip to Daegu as well as the ins and outs of living in Korea.

Oh, I do remember one funny incident. I was walking to the bank and I saw 3 Korean boys goofing around at the light waiting for the crosswalk. Initially, they looked funny because they weren't dressed typically Korean. Those of you who live or have lived here will understand. One of them was giving his buddy a piggy back across the cross walk. I caught a bit of their conversation - Korean with English swear words thrown in. Then, they realized I heard what they said and that I was a Way-gook (foreigner) and the kid giving the piggy back yells "I'm not gay, I'm not gay!!!" at the top of his lungs. I'm sorry that I was the only one around to witness this episode as well as understand it.

Remembered my reason for posting now. Here is the introduction to Logan in Overtime by Paul Quarrington. I have been one of the fortunate to find a copy as they are hard to come by. It's one of my favourite hockey books. I am reading one now - Tropic of Hockey and I can't stop laughing. It reminded me of this book. Thought I should share a laugh.

"Let's pretend," a voice suggested, "that we're one of those Frank Capra movies."
"How do we do that?"
"You know. Here we are, up in the heavens, looking down."
"Right. And all you see on the screen is a bunch of nebulae and assorted twinklies."
"Exactly."
"With violins," another voice suggested.
"Do they like this sort of stuff?"
"Some do, some don't."
"Okay. Here we go. Look down. Look away down there. Look at the town of Falconbridge, Ontario, population, thirteen thousand."
"Thirteen thousand and one if we count him."
"There he is. Staring right back at us, coincidentally."
"Is it he with whom was are going to fuck around?"
"Well," came a voice, considering, "he's doing a pretty crackerjack job of fucking around with himself. We're going to help him."
"What's he got? Marital problems? Financial difficulties? Mental anguishes? Emotional instability? Physical abnormalities and/or diseases?"
"He's got all sorts of general problems. We're here for something specific."
"Like what, for instance?"
"You guys ever hear of a game called hockey?"

Chiefs vs. Thunderbirds

The Chiefs ventured down to Daegu to take on the Thunderbirds. As well, it would allow us to make Sparky's birthday a memorable one.

I have never been to Daegu and it's similar to Seoul, but I little more spacious and the air seemed cleaner. We had a gorgeous weekend, Sunday I just wore a sweater the weather was so nice.

We took the KTX down and we are in groups of 4. My group of Marc, Isaiah, Tommy and myself seemed to sit in the wrong car. We got shushed within 20mins of being on the train. It was a Friday night, at 9:30pm, and this ad-ju-ma thought we were being too loud. Eventually, so did the KTX people who frequently came by and told us (not in so many words) to shut-up.

It was a fun ride down and here are a couple of pics and a video from the ride.

Isaiah doing his Kermit the Frog impression.

Once we got out of the train station, our hotel was literally a hop, skip and a jump away. We all got settled in and then it was off to the Thunderbird's bar, which is owned by Moose, one of the players. Eventually, all of the team showed up and a good time was had by all. We all slept in and somehow all got wake up calls the next more. We hung out in T-Bone's room and ate pizza. This was not a touring weekend, it was specifically hockey and drinking.

We went to a Korean restaurant nearby. I think it was a form of Kalbi, but I am not sure. I didn't eat too much as usually, but I joined in and had some drinks before the game. We got to the arena and that was an adventure. It is tucked back in behind various sports buildings.


The rink was Olympic-sized, which many of us were not prepared for. I also ended up centering a line with Isaiah and Big D. Large ice surface and lack of stamina - what did I get myself into.

Our bench before the game.

Halfway through the first, those beer that I drank before the game hit my bladder, which made it difficult to focus on the game. Fortunately, I wasn't the only one. After a much need trip to the bathroom - gear and all, I headed back for the second period.

Rene "water-skiing" behind the zamboni.

I thought I played pretty well and held my own. I didn't make too many mistakes. Had a chance to be the hero and missed a gapping open cage, throwing the puck towards the net and having it glance off the post. We ended up losing in the last minutes 5 - 4. Can't wait for the rematch.

Me taking a face-off.

After the game, we headed back for the hotel and got ready for the bar. Well, I did, cuz it takes me a little longer then the rest of 'em.

By the time I got to the bar, a good bunch of my teammates were quite happy and decide that because it was Sparky's birthday, they should get his pants. So, that is what they did. Poor Spark walked around with no pants for a good while before someone took pity on him and gave them back.

Into the wee hours, a bunch of us went to Frog, which is a wicked club in Daegu. I think I crawled home around 5am.

All-in-all, it was a blast. Road trips are lots of fun!!! Hope to do it again.