3-18-22 Milan and then on to Varese

So, I haven’t been able to open up my blog for quite awhile.  I don’t know why, but finding out that there is something going on with Word Press (the company that operates my blog site).

But, when you try to work through their help center the people trying to help you suddenly disappear into some unknown space continuum or wormhole (now guys … that’s some pretty heavy shit from yours truly)!

Anyway, a month later now that I am up and running again I will try and catch up … because I know you are all dying to here about my (mis)adventures in football!

Trust me … it has been a blast to this point.

After landing in Milan – well, it is cloudy and it has been raining on and off.  But, theoretically it should clear up pretty soon.

I have to say last year my six month stay in Switzerland was pretty damn rainy.  My friends there told me that it was as wet a summer as they could ever remember.  I am guessing that was my fault and I just hope I am not bringing bad luck to my friends here in Italy!

Well, my friend Paolo picks me up with two of the Varese Gorilla players.  He is driving a sawed off van that is custom wrapped with the Varese Gorilla logo and colors.  Pretty damn amazing if you ask me!

Along with Paolo – who’s apartment I will be staying at – are Guido (the team’s running back) and Jack who is better known as the “Viking”.

Now the “Gorillamobile” is not the most powerful van I have ever seen.  Also realize we are at the base of the Alps so we are going to driving up and down some pretty big inclines.

But, they aren’t worried so why should I?

It’s pretty much an hour drive from Milan Malpensa Airport (shouldn’t it be a Jetport?? – never get that one.) and we get to Varese and Paolo’s apartment.

Now a little aside here.  About two weeks ago there was a fire in the building where Paolo lives.  Fortunately in the basement and no damage to the structure.

But, there is certainly a smoky odor, and the lights in the stairwell do not work.  Thanks for flashlights that are on your cellphone right??!!

Paolo is so apologetic.  But, what do I care?  I am here to see the area, don’t think I will be in the apartment except to sleep I would think.

I unload my suitcase and then Paolo takes me to the “City Center” to wander around and grab a pizza.  He knows I am dying to try a real Italian pizza.

The “City Center” is a really cool area.  Shops, restaurants all situated upon a warren of alleys, broadways and courtyards.  Beautiful place I have to say.

The pizza is “DNP” – Damn Near Perfect.

OK, now I am guessing that the day is over and I can go home to settle in and maybe wash off some jet lag.

Not so fast “Kemosabe”.  It is Guido’s birthday!  So what do we have to do.  Meet at a bar in City Center and have a birthday celebration right.

While there I met many members of the team and their girlfriends, wives and friends.  It was great.  But, come on that jet lag thing is for real.

Finally somewhere around one in the morning we get home and I can hit the sack!

Since I am writing several of these blogs after the fact – you have to know.  This one o’clock in the morning thing is not going away!