It's been a hectic time the last two days since we arrived in Taipei. I finally got the chance to sit down and relax.
When we arrived to the hotel on wednesday, other athletic trainer, Robyn and I went out to lunch but we got lost walking around two blocks over and over trying to find a 'good' place to eat. Most of the restaurants look disgusting and unhealthy food. (remember, we cannot drink tap water outside of the hotel, or else it will cause diarrhea). So, we ended up being hungry and had to go with the soccer teams to City Hall to register and collect the badge and passes for the games. It took us 2 hours waiting to get ours. Anyway, while we were at the building, I went to the bathroom and I was about to wash my hands, and saw two guys from another country (I think Turkey, but I didnt recognize the flag). They were washing their hands for a long time, finally they washed their face and hair, and THEN, they took off their shoes and put their foot in the sink to wash their feet. I felt disgusted and ran away from the bathroom. I guess it is part of their culture or something that they do from their country.
Today was the big game day for men's soccer team. They played Ireland..... well we lost to them 0 to 2. We didnt play very well, and the soccer field was WET and puddles everywhere. Yeah, of course it was raining hard and typhoon is expected to come this weekend. When players try to pass the ball in the midfield, it suddenly stops due to the puddle in that area. Hopefully, we will bounce back and beat Japan on Sunday.
I want to share this experience with you working with an injured player that has go to the emergency room. A player got hit in the ribs and had trouble breathing and felt very dizzy so he passed out on the soccer field. When I got to him, he was conscious and saying that he felt like he was hit by a truck. We put him on a stretcher so the game can go on. When I was working with him, bunch of taiwanese medical staff came over here, and will probably have to go to the hospital for precautions, I TRIED to communicate with the taiwanese staff, and thankfully the international sign language interpreter came over, so she could communicate with me in sign language and lip reading, then she interprets to the Taiwanese interpreter, then translate to the medical staff. It was like a 4-way. It was just overwhelming working with the Taiwanese medical staff. In general, I had a tough time understanding them with their accent and speaking soft, and I guess they dont understand me as well.
That player just got out of the hospital, and got to the hotel room resting so he is okay but sore.
Later on, I will have to tell you more on communicating with fellow athletic trainers, team doctors, coaches and athletes later on. But I gotta go and check on that player, and head to the training room.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Tis the rainy season.....Rain, Rain... go away!
We learned that its the rainy season at this time of the year. It has been raining every day in the afternoon to early evening. It was odd that this particular time in the afternoon and not any other times (morning and night) that storm comes. Also, there were lightning and thunder which we had to call off afternoon practices. Everyone were frustrated and need to get things rolling, but we managed to get through.
Yesterday, we had a scrimmage against local Taiwanese soccer club. We didnt play very well but it was a big bonus so that will help them prepare for a huge game against Ireland this friday.
Today, we are heading back to Taipei to get settled. I didnt get the chance to look around Chiayi City due to busy soccer schedule so hopefully, I will have time to look around Taipei.
There wasnt much to say and I am sure that a lot of exciting things when the Deaflympics begins (First soccer game on Friday and Opening ceremony on saturday). I believe that the country of Taiwan had done a great job advertising the Deaflympics. I was watching ESPN sportscenter, and they were talking about Deaflympics for 5 minutes and it will be on TV for 4 hours (I couldnt understand the rest since it was in taiwanese language). It will probably be on TV in Taiwan not USA. I thought it was so cool!
Yesterday, we had a scrimmage against local Taiwanese soccer club. We didnt play very well but it was a big bonus so that will help them prepare for a huge game against Ireland this friday.
Today, we are heading back to Taipei to get settled. I didnt get the chance to look around Chiayi City due to busy soccer schedule so hopefully, I will have time to look around Taipei.
There wasnt much to say and I am sure that a lot of exciting things when the Deaflympics begins (First soccer game on Friday and Opening ceremony on saturday). I believe that the country of Taiwan had done a great job advertising the Deaflympics. I was watching ESPN sportscenter, and they were talking about Deaflympics for 5 minutes and it will be on TV for 4 hours (I couldnt understand the rest since it was in taiwanese language). It will probably be on TV in Taiwan not USA. I thought it was so cool!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Zow An!
Taiwanese translation for "Good Morning" I am learning few words. We have several taiwanese language interepreters everywhere to help us, so Ive been asking them few words. So far, I know good morning, thank you, Sorry. When I speak to them, and they smiled and understood me so I got fired up and know little about taiwanese language.
We have been busy with the training camp, its two-a-days for most sports. (Whoo! Don't I love two-a-days practices? hmmph) We train at National Cheng Chung University. It is about 30 minutes away from the hotel since we have to drive through the rural town and mostly farm. I took few pictures of the campus, track and field stadium and of course soccer field. Also, on the soccer field, there were dragonflies everywhere and I tried to take a picture of them but couldnt get a clear shot.
The number one enemy is the WEATHER which is HOT and HUMID, like around 85 degrees and 80 percent humidity at 8:00 am. At the first practice, the players were struggling to get through, and I had to take care on few of them. Then the next two practice, they got through and are getting used to the weather as long as they take care of their body by hydrating, and eating fruits. So far, we had no problems eating taiwanese food. But they are in a great shape with positive attitudes to overcome the heat and humidity and focus one at a time and GO FOR THE GOLD!
In the next few days, there probably wont be much to say since we will be doing two-a-days practices, eat, meetings, treating athletes, and sleep........
Fire away if you have any questions or want to know more about anything! I will post pictures up flicker coming soon.
We have been busy with the training camp, its two-a-days for most sports. (Whoo! Don't I love two-a-days practices? hmmph) We train at National Cheng Chung University. It is about 30 minutes away from the hotel since we have to drive through the rural town and mostly farm. I took few pictures of the campus, track and field stadium and of course soccer field. Also, on the soccer field, there were dragonflies everywhere and I tried to take a picture of them but couldnt get a clear shot.
The number one enemy is the WEATHER which is HOT and HUMID, like around 85 degrees and 80 percent humidity at 8:00 am. At the first practice, the players were struggling to get through, and I had to take care on few of them. Then the next two practice, they got through and are getting used to the weather as long as they take care of their body by hydrating, and eating fruits. So far, we had no problems eating taiwanese food. But they are in a great shape with positive attitudes to overcome the heat and humidity and focus one at a time and GO FOR THE GOLD!
In the next few days, there probably wont be much to say since we will be doing two-a-days practices, eat, meetings, treating athletes, and sleep........
Fire away if you have any questions or want to know more about anything! I will post pictures up flicker coming soon.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Pictures!!
I had trouble trying to post pictures on this blog. So, I am using flicker website so click on the link. It took me an hour to figure how to post pictures so I couldnt, can anyone help me out on how to post pictures on the blog? E-mail me at jeepman239@yahoo.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24879088@N04/?saved=1
Enjoy the pictures! (some pictures are not good so I couldnt delete them). Sorry!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24879088@N04/?saved=1
Enjoy the pictures! (some pictures are not good so I couldnt delete them). Sorry!
A-Vio-Vio-Yu!!!!
Thats a Tsou, Alishan Tribe's language which means that "I am joyous to welcome you." Noted in a welcome letter that we received when we checked in the hotel. I learned a new word today!
We landed safely this am (friday August 28th) around 5:30 which is one hour early. Then, we rode in a nice charter bus (6 total). The funny thing is that a police car with the sirens on is leading us all the way to Chiayi City, which is about 3 hours south of Taipei. We are staying there just for one week for training camp and then head back to Taipei right before the opening ceremony (September 5th). We looked around Taipei and drove through from town to town. We find it strange that we havent found Taipei 101 (World's tallest building). There were like million acres of rice farm everywhere and several beautiful temples. Oh by the way, no surprises that the weather is HOT and HUMID, probably 3 times worse than St. Louis. It was already hot and humid at 6:00 in the morning when we got out of the airport. It is gonna be brutal to those athletes! Sigh! After we checked in at the hotel, then we finally went to grab some lunch, we were all nervous to eat taiwanese food, but it came out better than expected. I ate T-bone steak, with rice and soup at the food court at the mall. Hopefully, I wont get an upset stomach or too many trips to the bathroom! (Rebecca, I will try to eat few exotic food but not right now so give me time and let me get used to taiwanese food :-)
When we walked around, it was very difficult to communicate with Taiwanese people but luckily, there are interpreters (english) everywhere so that helps a bit. Also, we figured out the currency, 1 American dollar equal 33 taiwanese dollars. We shopped around the mall and looked at the prices, so they are little bit cheaper than USA.
Right now, it's 4:20 pm (Friday) and that means we are 13 hours ahead of St. Louis time (Central time zone) 3:20 am there. I am pretty tired and sleepy but am trying to stay awake til bedtime so I wont be up all night tonight.
I got the free internet in the hotel room and should be no problems posting on the blog daily if I have something to say. Also, I will try to post pictures as of now if I can figure out with this tech thing.
The training camp officially starts tomorrow. I am sure I will have something to share of my experiences as an athletic trainer at a international setting.
Tomorrow, I will be thinking of Eureka Wildcats teams and especially the football game against Lafeyette Lancers tonight. Go WILDCATS!
We landed safely this am (friday August 28th) around 5:30 which is one hour early. Then, we rode in a nice charter bus (6 total). The funny thing is that a police car with the sirens on is leading us all the way to Chiayi City, which is about 3 hours south of Taipei. We are staying there just for one week for training camp and then head back to Taipei right before the opening ceremony (September 5th). We looked around Taipei and drove through from town to town. We find it strange that we havent found Taipei 101 (World's tallest building). There were like million acres of rice farm everywhere and several beautiful temples. Oh by the way, no surprises that the weather is HOT and HUMID, probably 3 times worse than St. Louis. It was already hot and humid at 6:00 in the morning when we got out of the airport. It is gonna be brutal to those athletes! Sigh! After we checked in at the hotel, then we finally went to grab some lunch, we were all nervous to eat taiwanese food, but it came out better than expected. I ate T-bone steak, with rice and soup at the food court at the mall. Hopefully, I wont get an upset stomach or too many trips to the bathroom! (Rebecca, I will try to eat few exotic food but not right now so give me time and let me get used to taiwanese food :-)
When we walked around, it was very difficult to communicate with Taiwanese people but luckily, there are interpreters (english) everywhere so that helps a bit. Also, we figured out the currency, 1 American dollar equal 33 taiwanese dollars. We shopped around the mall and looked at the prices, so they are little bit cheaper than USA.
Right now, it's 4:20 pm (Friday) and that means we are 13 hours ahead of St. Louis time (Central time zone) 3:20 am there. I am pretty tired and sleepy but am trying to stay awake til bedtime so I wont be up all night tonight.
I got the free internet in the hotel room and should be no problems posting on the blog daily if I have something to say. Also, I will try to post pictures as of now if I can figure out with this tech thing.
The training camp officially starts tomorrow. I am sure I will have something to share of my experiences as an athletic trainer at a international setting.
Tomorrow, I will be thinking of Eureka Wildcats teams and especially the football game against Lafeyette Lancers tonight. Go WILDCATS!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
.zzzzz.....zzzzz..... Or counting my hairline on my head to see how many I have..
While at the gate 4 hours early prior to depart LAX. just kidding, I've been busy chatting with medical staff so I need a break. I get the chance to do the blog and see if I try to update it from my blackberry.
Just a bit warning, some of you know that I am not a night person so I probably won't think right and will proofread twice before I submit this post.
Today has been an interesting day. When we arrived Los Angeles, I had to help Ken carry 9 heavy (50 pound) bags that included all the soccer uniforms, and clothes. I was glad to help him since he couldn't do it all by himself. Anyway, we went to Westin Hotel(one of the sponsor for (USA Deaflympics) to register and gather all the cool stuff, the medical staff got Under Armour t-shirt, polo shirt, gym short, huge luggage, hat, and flip flop. We got jealous with the athletes that got nice full warm-up suits and under armour sneakers which is really cool. We were just wandering around and more athletes, coaches, medical staff, and reporters. I just met with the whole soccer teams (men and women) and the medical staff. We were just getting to know each other (8 athletic trainers, and 2 team doctors (family medicine and orthopedics). Me and other two guys are the only deaf athletic trainers and the rest are hearing but knows sign language. One of the team doctor (family medicine) is deaf and I am impressed that he is only 33 years old. We had a brief meeting and discuss which sports to cover, rules, medicine, supplies etc. Finally, the general meeting for everyone that need to know. Here is the flight intinerary from LAX to Taipei, Taiwan, we leave LAX at 1:40 am (Thursday, August 26th) and arrive Taipei at 6:35 am on Friday August 27th. Then, get in the bus and travel 3 hours to get to the training camp which is around noon. I know that we all are gonna be deadbeat, cranky and looking forward to SLEEP on a bed!
Oh by the way, interesting numbers....approximate 195 USA athletes and 40 support staff (coaches, medical staff and media) will fly in ONE plane. I have never rode in a plane with so MANY deaf/hard of hearing people! I had to admit that I had deaf culture shock.
Another website that you could watch games online. www.deaflympics.tv. I haven't looked at it yet.
I took some pictures and will put it on the blog when I check in at the hotel.
Good morning, good afternoon or Good night to yall since I am all confused with the time zones. I will figure it out when I get there. Later!
Just a bit warning, some of you know that I am not a night person so I probably won't think right and will proofread twice before I submit this post.
Today has been an interesting day. When we arrived Los Angeles, I had to help Ken carry 9 heavy (50 pound) bags that included all the soccer uniforms, and clothes. I was glad to help him since he couldn't do it all by himself. Anyway, we went to Westin Hotel(one of the sponsor for (USA Deaflympics) to register and gather all the cool stuff, the medical staff got Under Armour t-shirt, polo shirt, gym short, huge luggage, hat, and flip flop. We got jealous with the athletes that got nice full warm-up suits and under armour sneakers which is really cool. We were just wandering around and more athletes, coaches, medical staff, and reporters. I just met with the whole soccer teams (men and women) and the medical staff. We were just getting to know each other (8 athletic trainers, and 2 team doctors (family medicine and orthopedics). Me and other two guys are the only deaf athletic trainers and the rest are hearing but knows sign language. One of the team doctor (family medicine) is deaf and I am impressed that he is only 33 years old. We had a brief meeting and discuss which sports to cover, rules, medicine, supplies etc. Finally, the general meeting for everyone that need to know. Here is the flight intinerary from LAX to Taipei, Taiwan, we leave LAX at 1:40 am (Thursday, August 26th) and arrive Taipei at 6:35 am on Friday August 27th. Then, get in the bus and travel 3 hours to get to the training camp which is around noon. I know that we all are gonna be deadbeat, cranky and looking forward to SLEEP on a bed!
Oh by the way, interesting numbers....approximate 195 USA athletes and 40 support staff (coaches, medical staff and media) will fly in ONE plane. I have never rode in a plane with so MANY deaf/hard of hearing people! I had to admit that I had deaf culture shock.
Another website that you could watch games online. www.deaflympics.tv. I haven't looked at it yet.
I took some pictures and will put it on the blog when I check in at the hotel.
Good morning, good afternoon or Good night to yall since I am all confused with the time zones. I will figure it out when I get there. Later!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
4 more days to go!
4 more days to leave St. Louis and arrive in Los Angeles around 11:00 am, and then meeting with Sports medicine team at 4:00 pm. Then I guess we will be waiting until 1:40 am on Thursday August 27th to leave Los Angeles to Taiwan. To be honest, I am not looking forward to be in an airplane for almost 20 hours but I will enjoy meeting with sports medicine team and athletes in the plane.
Also, I found out that Ken Noll, the president of USA Deaf Soccer organization (www.usdeafsoccer.com), is from Edwardsville, Illinois will play for the soccer team. We realized that we are in the same flight from St. Louis to LAX and return. I only met him twice and am looking forward to getting to know him and learn more about Deaflympics and the soccer team.
I found another cool website, http://www.usdeaflympics.org/ It will provide updates on each sports with roster, news, and scores. Stay tuned.......
Also, I found out that Ken Noll, the president of USA Deaf Soccer organization (www.usdeafsoccer.com), is from Edwardsville, Illinois will play for the soccer team. We realized that we are in the same flight from St. Louis to LAX and return. I only met him twice and am looking forward to getting to know him and learn more about Deaflympics and the soccer team.
I found another cool website, http://www.usdeaflympics.org/ It will provide updates on each sports with roster, news, and scores. Stay tuned.......
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