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October 19: Didn’t get it once in the hole.
Ilja and I went to the English teacher for the first time, and we have to confess, we did not like it. Spoke for an hour about nothing. We were taught simple words: “table”, “door”. Generally speaking, what we already knew.
What we want to understand is how to make phrases, sentences. Learn how to talk about everyday things. Now I don’t even know what to do. We’ll go once more, of course, but if it will continue like that, then we’ll look for another teacher. We were expecting something else entirely.
But now for something pleasant, because we played golf here! The team had a night out with the sponsors, went to a special place. It was my first encounter with this new sport. I liked it. Should there be another occasion, I’ll play again. Although I didn’t have any success yet. Didn’t get it once in the hole. And I couldn’t make the long-distance shots every time. Didn’t hit it with the first swing. Often I either missed, or gotten a piece of the green. Good thing experienced guys suggested which club to use. It’s all right, the first step is always the hardest.
Playing golf is a bit of diversity. Because my day goes by simply: practice, lunch, nap, dinner, sleep. We almost never go out into the town, and it’s a really small one. Very few places to take a walk. So mostly just stay in the hotel. Also, Ilja and I finally went the movies. It was the horror movie Halloween. Knowledge of English was not really required. It was still pretty scary without the words.
Looks like soon we’re going to be moving to a house or an apartment, haven’t decided. But Ilja Zubov decided to buy a car. Obviously, he’s right, it’s convenient with one. But I won’t be doing that yet. But there’s nothing else to spend money on. Although, as you know, salaries of NHL and AHL players differ substantially. But I don’t have any financial problems, everything is great. First paycheck was on October 15.
I want to get back to our golf party. After the game we went to a restaurant, had a team dinner. Some speeches were said, though, obviously, it was hard for me to understand what they were about exactly. So Ilja and I just sat there together through it all. But there was no team dinner in our understanding, when rookies are responsible for paying for the food.
I’d like to note another detail. In the CSKA, and also in Ottawa, we would warm up before games with a soccer ball, kicking it back and forth between guys. They don’t do that in Binghamton. Everyone gets ready for a game by themselves.
During games here our mascot walks the arena stands. But I have to admit I’m at a loss as to what kind of animal it is. Though he’s very good at getting the fans excited. And if they like it, then everything’s all right. Now, after three home games, we’re going on the road. Very interesting how it’s done here.
So, all in all, I’m doing great. Looks like my parents and girlfriend will visit me only in Canada. And that’s an additional incentive to make Ottawa as soon as possible.
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