Hello Everyone,
Loren Arrived!! It was actually pure luck that we were able to meet up. Sodertalje has two train stations. I had a player drop me off at the one that a train would most likely come from Stockholm. The problem was Loren was not arriving in Stockholm, he flew into a smaller airport south of Stockholm. He then took a bus to the train station. Luckily the bus dropped him off at the right train station and we were on our way. We spent two days in Sodertalje while planning on little excursion. We chose to go to Ireland for about 5 days then to Amsterdam for a couple. He has a friend that lives ten minutes south of Amsterdam. That would save a little bit on accommodation costs. The plane tickets for the both of us two go both places was less then $150 which I found to be pretty amazing.
We flew from Stockholm to Ireland on a night flight which arrived in Dublin right at 12 AM. We bought bus passes to go to the city centre. The buses stopped running at 11:30 so we then had to buy a bus ticket on this air coach. It did not set us back to much we were able to use the bus pass the next day. The air coach dropped us off downtown and we started heading the way Loren remembered from the last time. Except it was not the way and we had to make a U-turn. I was a little nervous as we wandered through downtown with my heavy bag on my shoulder, but sure enough he knew where he was going and we stayed at a hostile named paddy wagon. We were pretty hungry so we were looking for a pub serving fish and chips. A lot of the pubs were open just not serving food anymore only that black stuff, I think it is called Guinness. We had to settle for Eddie rockets (exactly like Johnny rockets). The following day we did two real cool things. The first was tour the Guinness factory. Which was neat and they have a panoramic bar at the top which looks over the entire city. That night we went on a literary bar craw (Which basically means you learn while you drink). They had two actors who spoke and acted out different parts from different authors around Ireland. We visited four pubs and also walked through Trinity College (Catholics were not allowed to attend the school until 1972). I also learned that Dublin had one point in time had over 4,000 pubs. Today they ONLY have 857 (just proving I did learn something).
The following day we spent all day traveling to Killarny. It is a small town that reminds me of a Colorado town or Jericho from the TV show. It has flags hanging all through the city from the buildings, a very welcoming feel. Loren had been here before so we stayed at the hostel he was at last time again. We got this crazy idea to rent bikes and ride them about 30 some miles around this ring. Now if this was in Indiana it may not be that bad, but we rode up about 2 ½ mountains. There were many places we had to actually get off and walk. We also rode about 6 miles extra that we did not mean to when we got lost. It took us about 6 hours with a half hour stop at a café. The trip was really amazing, the views and waterfalls along with the mountains were amazing. After riding up the second mountain I don’t believe my legs or butt were thinking the same thing. It was a sense of accomplishment when we returned. Our legs were really wanting a hot tub so we decided to go to the richest resort in killarny and ask to pay for a hot tub. She sent us down to where it was and no one was at the desk. We figured that meant they wanted us to just go in and enjoy the steam room and hot tub. That may have been the best decision I have made since I have been in Europe. Dinner that night was at our ancestors place Cronins. Loren said we our Irish and German and that is close to our name so I figured that has to be family. For some reason they were not buying it when trying to pay the bill. That night was spent out at a couple small pubs where the locals can tell stories all night. I really enjoyed the town and it is defiantly someplace I would like to come back to. On a side note I’m glad growing up I learned the basics of looking both ways before you cross the street, but I must say it did not help me one bit in Ireland as I continued to look the wrong way as they drive the other way on the island. Loren and I both were almost hit about three times.
Due to the fact that we had no idea we would be going on a trip like this until about a week in a half ago neither of us have much money to just be doing whatever, which means some uncomfortable travel at times. Friday night was spent in a hotel lounge as our flight to Germany left at 6:20 Am. We enjoyed one more fish and chips before heading out of Ireland. We met this really nice girl on the plane that offered to take us almost to Utrecht (which is right outside of Amsterdam where Loren’s friend lives).This could not be just an ordinary ride when you are dealing with Loren and I. From the outside the van looked like a regular Chrysler van but the inside told a different story. They had taken all the seats out and made a window barrier separating the back from the front. Her dad told us to stay down so we couldn’t be seen. What can I say it was a free ride to the train station and cash at that point was getting low. Other wise we were going to have to take a bus, then a train and it would have added about another two hours to a night/day that was already spent traveling.
Now I am in Holland where I found out the reason why they like to be called the Netherlands. The actual meaning of Holland is “ass land”. Not sure how many people knew that so I thought I would educate everyone. I was having a problem dodging cars in Ireland now it is the bikes here. I have never seen so many bikes. I thought I saw a lot in Germany, but holy cow. We saw a lady carrying a 32 inch TV on the back, A small kid with a windshield, and little kids bike added on to a parents bike to just peddle. It is an extraordinary site and I know you are thinking “Brandon they are just bikes”. I recommend coming here and trying to ride with them and then we can talk (I mean they have there own street lights and path for them). We spent a whole day in Amsterdam doing everything we could a lot of walking and a canal boat tour. We viewed a movie (kingdom, very good) and ate a ton of food like pizza, ice cream, and fries.
Basketball wise I will be going to Germany Monday to try out with a team in first division. They had an injury on the team and our looking for a replacement. It seems to be a very good situation for me as I will be able to have my choice of teams. I will know more of this in the coming days. I know Germany will have to be able to offer a lot to make it worth it. I don’t mean money wise more professional wise and living situations.
This is BC gone for now
Oct 22, 2007
Oct 12, 2007
Traveling the world
Hello Everyone,
Wow! Three teams in less then three months, I’m trading teams faster then Michael Finley chasing the NBA championship (he got his ring so maybe that will mean good things for me). I’m pretty happy to get out of Hungary, where I felt like I might be kidnapped and sold like the movie “Hostile” (a horror movie based in Eastern Europe where people paid to kill Americans in unique ways).
I can’t begin to tell you how unprofessional that team was. Starting from day one, I could tell it was not going to be the best situation, when they dropped me off at a restaurant to eat with two players that were on the younger team and spoke very little English and said “you know how to walk back to your apartment right?” I was given no schedule the whole week I was there, also no advancement of money to get drinks or snacks at the apartment. I was beginning to understand why the other American started acting crazy and was released. There was not even a weight program; the coach came in and said “do whatever, we leave in 45 minutes”. The town itself is not a place you would aspire to live (No offense to the Hungarians making a living there). It is a very small, two stop light town (After eight PM comes a two yellow flashing light town). There is a fog that moves in every night but smells more like a burning forest. They only have street lights on the main roads, so I got a good view of the big dipper every night (well when the smoke/fog/smog was not too heavy). It was defiantly a good learning situation coming from France to Hungary. Next time I come to a place like this I will be out of there faster then the cubbies freefall out of the playoffs.
Of course my trip to Kormend would not be complete without a messed up story. Can you guess what they took me and the other American to Budapest in? (if you said a mail truck then you are right). Yes, a three seater TNT global truck filled with boxes. They could barely find a place for our luggage. At least this time I was able to speak to the person next to me. I stayed one night in Budapest in a 36 Euro room that was actually really nice. The desk also catered to me by hooking me up with internet. I walked down the block to a family restaurant, and ordered a steak. The steak did not arrive until I touched down in Sweden, but it was worth the wait (sarcasm mother). It was a very inexpensive meal as well. I had 2 teas, soup, steak, and a pancake dessert all for less then 15 euros (I would have included bread since I ate like 5 big pieces, but I think that was complimentary).
The flight to Sweden was short and sweet. The airline did not offer any free beverages on the two hour flight (I was a little parched). When I arrived in Sweden I was welcomed by the sight of my own breath. It is flipping cold here already. I know some of you wish it was that way in US, but I’m not ready for this much cold yet. I need my nice, chilly but mild autumn night. After the hour trip to Saudertalje, I met with the coach. He is a really straightforward guy witch I respect. He explained to me the tax laws in respect to Americans in Sweden. He talked to me a little about the system and that I had two days to show him what type of player I am. He is looking for someone who will fit in his system, but not complicate other pieces he already has. It is a very complex situation with Americans playing in Sweden. They can only have Americans for less then six months in order to avoid paying more on taxes then they actually pay the player. This would mean if I make the team I would actually fly home until November 19 and then come back in hopes to finish off the run and get the team to the championships. I have practiced well and I feel this is how the situation will end up. This situation would be nice, Sweden is a nice country and everyone speaks or at least understands English which is a major difference from the other two destinations. There is another player in Sweden from Butler, Thomas Jackson. He graduated two years before I attended Butler, but I have played with him in the summers. He is a very good player and person so hopefully I will be able to meet up with him sometime. I have contacted him to see if we are close at all.
Of course I have been way wrong before and if I am again, then I will see what the next destination in Europe will be.
Loren had already changed his plane ticket to France and now is arriving in Vienna. He turned around and bought a ticket to Sweden. He is arriving on Saturday and will be here for a week. So no matter what happens I will have an opportunity to do some sight seeing with him for a week, which will be kind of nice. I would much rather be playing on a team, but you can’t beat free vacations to Europe. There are a number of options we are considering, and with him being a world traveler already we should be able to do and see some sights pretty in expensive.
There seems to a pretty good chance of me coming home for a little bit, which would be nice for me as I would be able to set up some things for the tournament I would like to put on in the summer. Plus I have some other things to get which would help out over here. Sock cap and gloves are on the top of the list (team issues a jacket). Plus I would be able to see a couple Butler games and eat some Halloween Oreos, not to mention seeing the family and girlfriend ;)
This is BC gone for now, But may see very soon
Wow! Three teams in less then three months, I’m trading teams faster then Michael Finley chasing the NBA championship (he got his ring so maybe that will mean good things for me). I’m pretty happy to get out of Hungary, where I felt like I might be kidnapped and sold like the movie “Hostile” (a horror movie based in Eastern Europe where people paid to kill Americans in unique ways).
I can’t begin to tell you how unprofessional that team was. Starting from day one, I could tell it was not going to be the best situation, when they dropped me off at a restaurant to eat with two players that were on the younger team and spoke very little English and said “you know how to walk back to your apartment right?” I was given no schedule the whole week I was there, also no advancement of money to get drinks or snacks at the apartment. I was beginning to understand why the other American started acting crazy and was released. There was not even a weight program; the coach came in and said “do whatever, we leave in 45 minutes”. The town itself is not a place you would aspire to live (No offense to the Hungarians making a living there). It is a very small, two stop light town (After eight PM comes a two yellow flashing light town). There is a fog that moves in every night but smells more like a burning forest. They only have street lights on the main roads, so I got a good view of the big dipper every night (well when the smoke/fog/smog was not too heavy). It was defiantly a good learning situation coming from France to Hungary. Next time I come to a place like this I will be out of there faster then the cubbies freefall out of the playoffs.
Of course my trip to Kormend would not be complete without a messed up story. Can you guess what they took me and the other American to Budapest in? (if you said a mail truck then you are right). Yes, a three seater TNT global truck filled with boxes. They could barely find a place for our luggage. At least this time I was able to speak to the person next to me. I stayed one night in Budapest in a 36 Euro room that was actually really nice. The desk also catered to me by hooking me up with internet. I walked down the block to a family restaurant, and ordered a steak. The steak did not arrive until I touched down in Sweden, but it was worth the wait (sarcasm mother). It was a very inexpensive meal as well. I had 2 teas, soup, steak, and a pancake dessert all for less then 15 euros (I would have included bread since I ate like 5 big pieces, but I think that was complimentary).
The flight to Sweden was short and sweet. The airline did not offer any free beverages on the two hour flight (I was a little parched). When I arrived in Sweden I was welcomed by the sight of my own breath. It is flipping cold here already. I know some of you wish it was that way in US, but I’m not ready for this much cold yet. I need my nice, chilly but mild autumn night. After the hour trip to Saudertalje, I met with the coach. He is a really straightforward guy witch I respect. He explained to me the tax laws in respect to Americans in Sweden. He talked to me a little about the system and that I had two days to show him what type of player I am. He is looking for someone who will fit in his system, but not complicate other pieces he already has. It is a very complex situation with Americans playing in Sweden. They can only have Americans for less then six months in order to avoid paying more on taxes then they actually pay the player. This would mean if I make the team I would actually fly home until November 19 and then come back in hopes to finish off the run and get the team to the championships. I have practiced well and I feel this is how the situation will end up. This situation would be nice, Sweden is a nice country and everyone speaks or at least understands English which is a major difference from the other two destinations. There is another player in Sweden from Butler, Thomas Jackson. He graduated two years before I attended Butler, but I have played with him in the summers. He is a very good player and person so hopefully I will be able to meet up with him sometime. I have contacted him to see if we are close at all.
Of course I have been way wrong before and if I am again, then I will see what the next destination in Europe will be.
Loren had already changed his plane ticket to France and now is arriving in Vienna. He turned around and bought a ticket to Sweden. He is arriving on Saturday and will be here for a week. So no matter what happens I will have an opportunity to do some sight seeing with him for a week, which will be kind of nice. I would much rather be playing on a team, but you can’t beat free vacations to Europe. There are a number of options we are considering, and with him being a world traveler already we should be able to do and see some sights pretty in expensive.
There seems to a pretty good chance of me coming home for a little bit, which would be nice for me as I would be able to set up some things for the tournament I would like to put on in the summer. Plus I have some other things to get which would help out over here. Sock cap and gloves are on the top of the list (team issues a jacket). Plus I would be able to see a couple Butler games and eat some Halloween Oreos, not to mention seeing the family and girlfriend ;)
This is BC gone for now, But may see very soon
Oct 2, 2007
Hello Everyone,
Well after a week in Hungary, they figured out I am not going to grow eating there food. I had talks with the owner and coach after the games we had this weekend. They were expecting me to be a taller and stronger, not real sure why they thought I was taller. They said I would be a great 3, but they don’t have money for that position this year. I am a little upset with the way the whole process came about because the club here said they were brining me in on a guarantee contract. They have also brought in two other Americans and the team is toying with them as well. This team as been real unorganized and unprofessional through this whole process so in the long run it looks like it might be a good move to get out of here. Of course I need to get another job somewhere though, but I have confidence in my agent that he will come through.
The nice thing about being here in Hungary is I have been able to hang out with some other Americans. The team has not given any of us a car, but we have been able to manage. I will be here in Kormend for a couple of days until I can fly to another team. It makes no sense to fly all the way home to turn around and fly back. That has been the number one advice from everyone I have been in contact with is to stay in Europe. It is a lot easier to say you have a guy in Europe then one across the pond. I am still in great health, eating well, and have a bed (which is more then the other American here right now). I will trust the process and am excited to see where the next destination will be. Never thought I would have lived in three countries in less then three months, but it is an interesting experience. Will try and update as soon as I know more. Until then I will be sitting in this wireless Café in Kormend, Hungary.
I have included an image of the sweet sixteen rings. I have not been able to see it in person, but Brian sent me a picture!!
This is BC gone for now
Well after a week in Hungary, they figured out I am not going to grow eating there food. I had talks with the owner and coach after the games we had this weekend. They were expecting me to be a taller and stronger, not real sure why they thought I was taller. They said I would be a great 3, but they don’t have money for that position this year. I am a little upset with the way the whole process came about because the club here said they were brining me in on a guarantee contract. They have also brought in two other Americans and the team is toying with them as well. This team as been real unorganized and unprofessional through this whole process so in the long run it looks like it might be a good move to get out of here. Of course I need to get another job somewhere though, but I have confidence in my agent that he will come through.
The nice thing about being here in Hungary is I have been able to hang out with some other Americans. The team has not given any of us a car, but we have been able to manage. I will be here in Kormend for a couple of days until I can fly to another team. It makes no sense to fly all the way home to turn around and fly back. That has been the number one advice from everyone I have been in contact with is to stay in Europe. It is a lot easier to say you have a guy in Europe then one across the pond. I am still in great health, eating well, and have a bed (which is more then the other American here right now). I will trust the process and am excited to see where the next destination will be. Never thought I would have lived in three countries in less then three months, but it is an interesting experience. Will try and update as soon as I know more. Until then I will be sitting in this wireless Café in Kormend, Hungary.
I have included an image of the sweet sixteen rings. I have not been able to see it in person, but Brian sent me a picture!!
This is BC gone for now
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