It seems like I’ve come such a long way, but it’s a little disheartening to realize that I’m not even half way to the end of my year of NHL isolation. My fifth month in Korea had a lot of action. Within two days of each other I had seen both my first Asia League hockey game, and the country of Japan. I also encountered my first real dose of ridiculous high school, Jersey Shore type drama that could make last season look like a day at Disneyland. Oh wait…
My trip to Japan was not nearly as exciting as my trip to China. I can pretty much summarize it as terrible weather, gigantic hotel rooms, udon noodles, and a fat dolphin, which I named, The Fatty. Gofuckuverymuchie! Also, and maybe the worst thing of all, I finally experienced my first royal screwing over on account of “Engrish.” My resort claimed to be “clothing optional,” what they really meant was there was no formal dress code. Imagine my surprise when I was reading through the hotel manual and I see that I’m not permitted to dress in a manner that would distract or disturb the other guests. Well then! At least they had a nice, LEGITIMATE spa.
You already know all about my first Asia League experience, but you’re still waiting on the ending to my final road trip for the 09-10 season – oopsies! Why do I have a feeling this going to be an ongoing struggle? It’s a shame really because the last day of that trip in Denver was really quite epic. Oh yeah, and speaking of hockey, a little thing called the NHL season started up this month. My buddy, fellow Torontonian and Leafs fan extraordinaire, has allowed me to adopt his ritual for watching Leafs games in Korea. I will make a post on this later. However, no matter how much I beg to watch some of the other games, he claims that only Leafs games will be shown in his house. He’s been here for nearly 2 years. It’s nice to see the dedication to his team because it can get very difficult keeping tabs from overseas. As such a huge fan, I don’t know how he can stay away from Leafs Nation for multiple years. I tell ya, I couldn’t do it!
As for the aforementioned drama, I don’t really have much to say on that. However, maybe Carmen will fill you in later. Stay tuned for a post from her likely to be entitled, “Dear Old Man Balls…” It’s the new Dear John! Well, until next month….
Top Photo: My most overused word in Japan…
P.S. Yes, there were some more hockey names issued this month. Here’s the updated list:
Boys:
1.Messier
2. Bauer
3. Scotty (Bowman)
4. Ovi
5. Modano
6. Bure (Pavel)
7. Maurice (Richard)
8. Linden [New]
9. Cherry [New] (He’s gay and wanted a name to keep up with Bambi and, yes, Midnight Bambi!?!?!…dun…dun…dun! Read more about him at Canadian Psycho Worldwide!)
Girls:
1. Darcy (Tucker)
2. Vezina
3. Quinn
4. Kovy
5. Souray
6. Bobby (Clarke)
