Did I ever update on the last game? I don't remember, my mind is a bit of a blur, but I definitely have the clarity of mind to know that I must absolutely must explicate on yesterday's game. There is nothing, absolutely nothing in this world quite like baseball in Korea, and especially so in Busan. I think that's why I like it, nevermind the sheerenergy generated, the pure excitement, something almost childishly naive in pure.....enjoyment. It's the same quality that reminds me of home, that is Vegas and Nevada and my own sweet little town of Boulder City. I love that in all my travels I have yet to find a place that is like it. Chicago, New York, D.C., sure they're exciting but I've never felt the same uniqueness I feel is fated in an economy that has grown out of nothing and become a worldwide name. Where else can one move between Venice and Egypt via a monorail? And just a few minutes, almost, outside of the city limits and you are lost in a mystical, awe inspiring black velvet world pricked with diamonds and the knowledge that under this sleepy soft blanket, life stirs that only wakens when the sun goes down...and others that will creep out with the rising of the new sun.
But, I should return to the game. Something I might call "tackle football," or a combination between baseball, football, pardon me American football, and hockey. The atmosphere brought back memories of hockey games with my best friend from high school. Two injuries on the visiting team's side (which is crazy in itself, who gets injured in a ballgame?)
Meanwhile, my friend and I are intermittenly snacking on fried chicken dipped in some very odd red sauce, which, while not at all unappetizing, cannot be placed as simple "bbq," or even "sweet and sour." The Korean men below us, typically enough, are sharing fish cakes and, in my memory, have carted over a cooler full of beer (very common at Korean ballgames, and quite likely other kinds as well.) We, however, mostly get overwhelmed in the chants and I attempt to intervweave a Korean grammar lesson into the middle of the game, most of which I will probably forget by the game's end. Still, I pull out my moleskin, so out of place but I don't much care, none of the people around me are exactly watching me, we are, after all, at a game which they are much more interested in--- as am I, for that matter.
Now, let me try to put you in the game. I don't know how it occurred exactly. Perhaps I'm not familiar enough with baseball. Perhaps I glanced away to pick up a piece of fried chicken. But somehow, Garcia (Ga-Ru-Shi-ah) has thrown, thrown his bat and both teams have run out to the field and the Lotte Giants are fighting to hold Garcia back, who is hot and about to throw punches, but manages to calm down eventually. Atmosphere only intensified by a series of plays resulting in bases fully loaded, home runs by the opposing team which literally pained my heart, which was in turn gladdened every time Lotte scored. Then, in the middle of it, it starts raining. And, naturally, a sea of multi-colored umbrellas magically appear, molecules in the air, maybe, coalesce into many umbrella-shaped objects.
My friend asked me if I minded if she left, it was getting very late. But I just couldn't tear my eyes from the field. And, oh yes we went an extra winning, but the Giants pulled through at the very last second!!! Seven to six. I stayed till the very end, at which point Mother Nature graciously fully let loose her latest flood upon this city and I, with what seemed like half the town, scrambled to find transportation home. I caught the very last bus, attempted various conversations with strangers, and crashed, at last, in my very own bed. Woo!!!
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