Pics

Blogging is not for the faint of heart which is why I'm posting the pics from this week, not John. Here are they are!















Some of the guys at a club we went to after the game last weekend. Time for a comparison picture...















Yes a little different at face value, but no matter where you go football guys find a way to have a good time.















The field where the Juniors practice. It is essentially the grass-less left-field of a baseball field. These kids show up every Wednesday and Friday, though. They love the game.















Los Tres Pioners belated Christmas card

That's all for now. Our game starts at 4 P.M. local time so that's 10 A.M. for you east coasters and a early 7 A.M. start for you left coasters. Word is the Pagliaro's are hosting a pre-game tailgate via skype starting two hours before the game. Be sure to tune in to the game here...

http://www.pioners.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=170&Itemid=109

Next post coming after the game.

-Pau

First Game!

Pioners Win!!!!

So on Saturday we beat Valencia in a blowout. Everyone played well, but actually could’ve played better. The final score was 40 – 14.Playing football again reminded me why I love the game so much. It’s just so much damn fun, however football here is very different than the football I know back home, mainly because a flag flies every time the quarterback throws a pass over 15 yards, a play lasts longer than 5 seconds, or the ref just wants some attention. I really can’t complain, though. It certainly helped us out in some cases. Our running game was solid too and I don’t think we had one offensive holding call the entire game. At the end of the day the game was a huge success. We won, no one got hurt, and Shef can tackle! He played both ways most of the game – he clearly earned his Euros. He caught a touchdown, as well.

A-Rob played lights out. Despite a slow start by the offense, I think he threw for three T’s and ran for two. Not a bad day at the office. Plus, it looked like the guys were really buying in to what he was calling (he is the offensive coordinator – every QB’s dream).

As for me, I felt like I played well. I had some tackles (even a couple hitsticks), some pass break ups and, of course, a blown coverage or two. Communication on the field can be problematic, but that’s something we can fix. Overall, I was impressed with our team’s skill and focus. It’s nice to see that the game is important to these guys. I’ve heard that it isn’t always that way in Europe. While some things about football here are completely different, their reasons for playing are the same – hit some dudes, enjoy the company of their teammates, and to win.

Perhaps, the best part of Saturday was the simple fact that we won. I just love winning. I could go on forever about why I love it, but I think it’s just better to say that I love it so much because I hate losing more than anything in the world. I don’t think were going to be doing a lot of losing here. The team seems to share my same passion.

Alright, enough of the game. Week number two in Barca included some interesting events/reflections. First of all, I went to see La Sagrada Familia on Friday. When you first see it, the Church looks completely out of place. Amid what seems like a typical Spanish residential neighborhood, it sticks out like a sore thumb. It is one of the most unique structures I have ever seen. Antoni Gaudi, the man with the Sagrada plan, designed the Church in nature’s eyes, which is to say that every last structural and artistic detail can be traced back to something in our natural habitat. Everything from the design of the Church’s columns to the natural light beaming through the stained glass windows shows Gaudi’s devotion to recreating a forest within a Church. The peculiar thing about Sagrada to me was the fact that it is still being built. It doesn’t have the feel of a Notre Dame or any other of the classic European Churches I have been too. While there is plenty of history to the unfinished spectacle, it does not feel weathered or ancient when you walk into it. I’m not going to bore you with the classic touristy pictures I took, but take a look for yourself – plus, I didn’t do anything awesome so there’s no reason to post photos. Google took better pictures than I did, anyways.

The good weather that I mentioned in the past post has faded and now it is cold. Which is unfortunate for me because I did not bring a coat. Apparently, January is cold in Barcelona too. Whoops. I now wear two hoodies when the sun goes down. Despite the temperature, the days are beautiful. I don’t think we’ve had a one cloudy day yet – this is a very different experience for me as growing up in Cleveland provided no sun during the months November, December, January, February, and March (insert bad joke about how much Cleveland sucks – most likely involving something about Lebron leaving us. Nope. Still not bitter about that…Definitely not bitter at all.)

Im sure our parents will be delighted to know that we found less techno-y clubs to stay out at till 7 in the morning. Frankly, the people of Barcelona have mastered how to have a good time. So much so that at any point of the day you can walk into any café or restaurant and just about everyone slugging back beer, wine, or liquor. Literally, any time. It doesn’t look like the desperate kind of drinking though, in fact, I imagine the thought process is something like this:

“It’s 9 AM. I’m eating a delicious chocolate croissant right now. What could make this experience better? Oh! A beer definitely would. But wait, I have to go to work so I shouldn’t drink now. A ha! I have scheduled a nap at 3 o’clock. Make it two beers. “

Andrew has helped us discover the wonderful world of Doners. He ate them a lot when he played in Germany this past Summer. Basically, they are pitas filled with veggys and lamb/chicken. To me, they are the closest thing I am going to get to Chipotle -filling, loaded with meat, and incredibly unhealthy. In a country that puts more mayo than meat on their sandwiches, I have really come to appreciate our friends at the Doner place (cant remember the actual name). Thanks Doner dudes.

We have a big game against Badalona this week. It is a huge rivalry and everyone is pretty pumped up about it. They have a couple good imports apparently and they won their first game. They beat us in the preseason so we are out for revenge. Until then we are going to keep living the extraordinarily stressful life of a professional football player in Spain. Waking up. Working out. Eating paella. Eating doners. Drinking wine and discovering Barcelona. I’m not going to post the weekly rendition of “Los Tres Pioners doing awesome things” because I don’t have the program for Shef’s camera so you’ll just have to wait until he does it. But, as you can probably predict, the pictures are pretty awesome.

That’s it for now. I guess I lied about the next blog being shorter, but until I start updating it more often this is what its gonna be. Packers are going to win the Superbowl. Take it to the bank. Adios!

-Pau

Hola!

It is tough to explain my excitement as I was sitting in that terminal on Friday evening thinking about the adventure ahead of me. How was I going to like Barcelona? Was our flat going to be livable? Or better yet could I stand another 6 months living with John Sheffield in that flat? How am I going to communicate with people? How have I taken Spanish for a combined 7 1/2 years and still remained utterly incompetent? These were just a few of the questions swirling around my head as my British Airways flight took off at 6:10 P.M. January 7th, 2011.

I'm horrible at sleeping on planes (or any other moving object) so the next 20 hours were pretty miserable. I landed in London at 5:20 local time and had a two hour layover, most of which was navigating the semi-metropolis that is Heathrow Airport. Finally I settled into my gate after going through security, again! As I boarded the flight to Barca I was ecstatic and even more so upon our approach to the city. In my delirious state the beaches and sun looked glorious - I almost thought I was landing in PCB for another Spring Break. This trip would be a Spring Break, but not exactly the type I have grown used too (probably a good thing).

After landing it took a little longer than expected to get my bag, but I'm not complaining. Shef just got his bag yesterday so we've been sharing clothes - just like old times! I met Alex (the GM), Teo (the Coach), and Joaquin (the President) outside the baggage claim and received a Pioners shirt, hoody and hat. I was official. After a little chit-chat, Shef arrived and we were on our way to the flat. We were told that Andrew was landing later so Teo and Alex would return to pick him up at 5.

As Shef and I rode in Alex's car, we couldn't believe that this was actually happening. After 6 months of waiting and anticipation, we were finally here to live and play football. Awesome. We tried to speak Spanish with our "jefes" (bosses) and while it was ugly I think they appreciated our attempts. As we arrived at our flat we noticed how vibrant the area was and after walking around for a bit, how close it was to Las Ramblas - essentially the center of Barcelona. We would soon discover that our flat is huge! It's fully furnished and despite a few difficulties at first (temperamental toilet, no hot water, and a broken fridge - all of which have been remedied by now) it is starting to feel like a home. Here are some pictures of us doing awesome things in a our flat:
















Casually reading in my bedroom


















Andrew showing off his shopping list
















First time ever hanging clothes. Wanted to take all the necessary precautions












Rough practice. Didn't even shower



















The bidet is a versatile bathroom amenity

Man, those were awesome.

Around 10, Teo picked us up and we went out to dinner at a great restaurant just off Las Ramblas called La Fonda. We drank wine, ate paella, and talked about football, family and Barcelona. It was a great way to start the night, but all that Paella was starting to drag me down so I mentioned that we should grab some coffee on the way to the first bar. Andrew ordered espressos for all and wow, were they strong! Just smelling the stuff woke me up. Needless to say, I finished the cup and were were on our way. The first stop was "La Ovella Negra", or The Black Sheep. It was on a quiet street in El Raval (our side of Las Ramblas), but inside was anything but. It is a Barca college bar with great Sangria and plenty of tables to sit, drink and talk. We stayed for 2 pitchers of Sangria and then it was off to Attic. Well, what to say about Attic? First, Holy Techno! We walked in and to say it made Saturday night Toads seem soft would be a great understatement. You're entire body literally vibrated with the bass. The club was pretty full but not so that it was impossible to move. We went into the back room where Carlos, one of our teammates was bar-tending. We got some drinks and started to relax a bit. We ended up staying there for a good 3 hours and left at 5-5:30 - early by Barcelona standards. Once Dude Lady Gaga got on the stage and started strutting his stuff, we decided that it was time to go. Not bad for our first night in Barca.

Sunday was a little bit slower and gave us some time to rest. We met Alex in the evening and he showed us where our gym was and introduced us to another teammate, Rafa. Rafa took us to his apartment and we watched the NFL wildcard games with him, Carlos, and Victor (WR on the team). The games were fun to watch even though we were all pretty tired. We were hoping to hear the Spanish color commentators scream "GOOOLLLLLLL" when someone scored, but it was just an emphatic "Touchdowwnnn", either way it's still better than Chris Collinsworth. Anything is better than Chris Collinsworth. After we went home and tried to go to sleep still fighting jet lag.

Monday was the first practice. It was great to get out there in pads and move around again. It was also clear that I hadn't put on pads in 14 months. Shocker. Luckily we have a two weeks until our first game and since there aren't many subs we get a lot of reps so that should help getting back into football shape. The guys on the team are great. The first thing you have to understand about European football is that these guys aren't getting paid, they are simply playing because they love the game. They are also incredibly receptive to coaching and suggestions. Perhaps most importantly, they accepted us right away and made us feel apart of the team. The whole organization is great to be around on and off the field - we clearly have come into a great situation here.

It's refreshing to see that a football team here is essentially the same as any football team in America. Maybe the talent is not on par with schools back West, but the dynamic is very similar. Guys are ragging on each other, having fun and just enjoying being around each other. Football is tough, but it is also supposed to be fun and The Pioners have clearly mastered that concept.

Barcelona also comes with its set of challenges. Obviously, the language barrier is first, but there are far more exciting issues. For example, as we were getting on the Metro to go help with the Junior ballers Shef got pickpocketed. And to his credit he caught the guy as he swiped his wallet and pushed him against the half closed the door. Luckily for the thief he was able to get off the train before Shef's fully cocked fist was about to meet his nose. All is well that ends well, though, Shef got his wallet back and there was no serious altercation. It was bound to happen at some point and to be honest, it wont be the last time. The three of us have American written all over us wherever we go - we're all at least 6'2", stockier than just about everyone, and carry "Yale Football" bags on the Metro. Cant win em all.

Getting lost in the Red Light district also provided us with some interesting situations. Monday, we decided to walk about a bit. We made it down the harbor and then back up to where we live. On the way back it started getting dark and host of characters began their night shift. In a city full of vices we were offered just about every single one in a span of two blocks. We kindly refused and eventually found our way home. Again, it doesn't help to look as American as we do sometimes.

Personally, I am losing the "Battle de Enchufe", which is to say that every time I try to plug something in it blows up, so I have given those duties to Shef or Andrew from here on out. I've already fried our college radio (iPod player) and my Xbox power cord. For as long as I am here I will not plug anything in, even if I buy some appliance here in Spain.

We hope to keep the blog going for as long as we are here. We don't have internet in our flat which makes it a little more difficult, but we'll manage somehow. Also, they won't be this long so if you have made through this entire poorly written post I thank you and promise to keep it shorter in the future. Okay, time for a siesta. Adios!

-Pau