Back In Mexico

I finally have a chance to sit down and write about my first few days here in Mexico. It's been non-stop ever since I left Austin. My flight left at 6:30pm, connected in Houston and arrived in Veracruz around 11. On the flight to Veracruz I met and sat next to an owner of the best Rock and Roll bar in Veracruz, Dawson's. He and his buddy were getting ready for a big night in Veracruz. Chuck was trying to convince me to stop off at his bar before I caught the bus to Fortin. Once we landed and got through customs I got a taxi as quick as I could to the bus station because I knew the last bus was leaving soon. I was too late, the next bus would leave in the morning, so I asked the taxi to take me to Dawson's. I got to the bar dropped off my bags and sat down with Chuck and the band. A few minutes later the crew flying the plane showed up. We had some wings and then the band started playing. I'm not big on Rock n' Roll, but these Mexicanos could play. It was pretty amazing. They were singing all the best Rock n' Roll songs you all love and know. I had a good time hanging out, but really just wanted to sleep and get to my destination. I hung in there as long as I could and eventually left the bar around 4:15 and caught a taxi to the bus station. I just missed the 4:30 bus because I didn't have enough pesos. I went to an ATM to pull out some pesos and by the time I got back it was too late. I had to wait for the 6 O'clock. The next hour and a half I sat in a daze, falling in and out of sleep, waiting for the next bus. Once I got on the bus I slept the two hours to Cordoba. Once I got to Cordoba I caught a Taxi to Fortin. My head was down the whole fifteen minute ride to Fortin as well. I got to the Hotel at 8am and was so happy my journey was coming to an end. I was ready to grab some breakfast and head to sleep, but as soon as I put my stuff down I was told we had practice at 9. I sucked it up, ate breakfast and made sure I had a cup of coffee and went to practice. It was good to get back out on the field and move around, but after practice I took a four hour nap. It was probably the worst conditions to take a nap in, but it didn't matter. The heat, sweat and loud noise from my roomates didn't bother me a bit. I was out and woke up ready to go. I went down stairs grabbed some dinner and then headed to a pro basketball game with the team. It was some pretty good ball, Cordoba won and they introduced the baseball team to the fans.
Day two, which is today was eventful as well. We started with a 9am practice. It went pretty smooth, it looks like I'll be playing secondbase and leading off. The team has new ownership this year which is exciting because Cordoba is a baseball city with a rich history and the ownership is really doing a lot to stur up support. After practice we went to the Owner's ranch. It looked like a "novela", a mexican soap opera. There were horses, a big house with open breeze ways, an out door patio, pool and workers catering to the owners needs. We ate and the owner spoak to us. I'm able to pick up a lot more spanish this year, but it's still a little choppy. He pretty much told us he was happy to have us playing for Cordoba and he was looking forward to bringing good baseball back to the city, Championship ball. We left the ranch came home, showered up, then took off to downtown to be introduced to the city. Each player was introduced one at a time. The people cheered, took pictures, and seemed to be in good spirits about this season. After the little presentation we came back to the hotel ate, and I just finished signing my contract.
We start the season tomorrow against Mendoza, the same team that knocked us out of the playoffs last year. They are talking about a capacity crowd. We'll see. Cordoba, Cordoba, Cordoba!!!