Softly softly in Dubaiiiitt!

Well, the time had to come to try out the softball here in Dubai after passing so many wonderful summers in London playing mixed (co-ed) softball. Meteors 3 had been great to me, and it was a painful separation in a season where we finally managed to get promoted after falling down the year before (or possibly the one before that!). I won't not never forget the way we got that last out that got us promoted - scrappy but great throw from The Haymaker came into to myself at home, and a desperate tag took us to the virtual podium.. what a great feeling.

Well - that was Londres, and 'co-ed' softball is very different to man-softball, so it was with a tiny bit of trepidation that i turned up to the floodlit diamonds (count 2) just off Sheikh Zayed Road (junction 20). Many other English guys turned up (albeit with very little softball knowledge), and many Canadians. I got stuck straight in, and had a good bunch of big hits (with a lovely $500 bat). I also managed to squeeze my way onto the mound to do some pitching, and try and impress - der boy done good.
The Diamond was immaculate - the grass is like a cricket infield - and the cage and surrounding all in great condition. Of course the weather's always good, so this looks like a good thing to do in Dubes. Plus i quickly got to know a couple of Vancouverians, who seem cool, so the softball future looks rosy. The only drawback really is that it's not mixed, which is part of the attraction of the s-ball.

Ah yes, another drawback is that the possibility of organising a tournament between my beloved Meteors and a local bunch of teams seems unlikely.. sniff :'-(

The big plus though regarding the location of the pitch is that directly behind the hot dog stand, that also sells cheap beer, is the highlight of this area.... a brothel. Yep - a real brothel, where you shall find the best local Emirati prozzies. Nothing wrong with that of course, just don't get caught drinking a beer on the beach... ooh no!

Let's see how this season goes!