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Life Gets Easier ... Except in Elevators
By Taylor Coppenrath | BURLINGTON FREE
PRESS (1/29/06)
Life in Greece is certainly becoming easier as
I adjust to both the lifestyle and my new team.
I have really settled into my routine and I know
what to expect with games, practices and travel.
Lately, we have had some really good games where
it seems like we can't be beat by the best team;
on the other hand, we come out some nights and
play like we could be defeated by anyone.
Despite all of that, we are really beginning to
bond more and we will only become better the more
we spend time together.
As some of you may have heard, shortly before
Christmas we signed Lionel Chalmers, a former
L.A. Clippers point guard. That has turned out
to be a very good acquisition for the team. Right
from the first practice, he has been very supportive
and positive to everyone, which I think is something
we need. I know it is tough to make the adjustment
to the international game, but Lionel has done
pretty well so far and I am confident that he
will continue to improve.
A little while back, we went to Ljubljana, Slovenia,
for a Euroleague game against Union Olimpija,
and the trip started off interestingly. We began
the journey by flying to Frankfurt, Germany, which
is north of Slovenia, and then flying back down
to Ljubljana as opposed to finding a more direct
route. We get frustrated sometimes because it
often seems as though we end up spending more
time in the air than on the ground.
After finally arriving at the hotel, something
happened to me that I am sure most people would
never want to experience. Four of us, with our
bags in hand, made our way over to the lobby elevators.
We entered the elevator and pushed the button
designating the second floor. As soon as we began
to move, I looked up and noticed that the elevator's
maximum capacity allowed only 450 kilogram (about
1,000 pounds)! Just as I pointed that out, the
elevator began to shake and suddenly stopped!
So there we were, two big men and two guards with
all of our stuff jammed in this small elevator
in Slovenia. We pushed the alarm and began joking
around at first, but then we realized it might
be best not to waste our oxygen in case we were
in there for a long period.
It began getting hot so we started taking off
our jackets. Shortly thereafter, we heard a man
outside fiddling with a set of keys. After about
10 minutes, they finally opened the door and we
were free. From there on out, we decided to take
the stairs. It was an experience that I am sure
none of us are soon to forget.
That's it from my world. So long for now and GO
AEK!
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