I took the bart from Berkeley and got there a little after 6pm. It was weird that I was freaking out about finding my way around things. I felt as if I was 9 years old and scared. I had to stop and tell myself that I've traveled to many countries and all were not English speaking countries. I got to places fine. Why was I in a panic?
All the $2 seats were sold out and I bought the next cheapest seat which was $13. My sister told me I didn't need a hat. I ended up in the sun, very hot. I think the $2. are too high up, it's the farthest section.
I remember when I was a toddler and still lived in Taipei my dad would invite families over for a sleep over. All the kids would sleep in sardine style on the living room floor. It was covered with pillows and blankets. He would wake us up middle of the night to watch World Little League Series live on TV. All the snacks and drinks were lined up against wall so all we need to do is open our eyes and watch baseball. It was a lot of fun. I am so glad my parents put us through fun things like these.
I remember when I was 10 years old. My sister Helen would make me watch Atlanta Braves with her. They weren't even that good then. It was the era of Dale Murphy and we would wait for Dale Murphy to show up on TV and cheer for him as if we were at the ball park. I don't even know why she made me watch it with her and cheer with her and I don't know why I followed along but it was somehow fun anyways. I think I enjoyed cheering more than the game itself or Dale Murphy.
This was my first ball game at the park. We were watching A's against Mariners to cheer for Ichiro. But we were surrounded by A's fans and we kept quiet because we were out numbered. We had seats right behind Ichiro. All the A's fans were there with intense passion. A guy brought a drum and flag to cheer A's on. I realized that this was American Heritage. This is the only place where people showed patriotism. This is where people go back to their roots. This was not just a ball game. It is much more significant than that.
With all the activity at the stands, it was more interesting than the game. The shoutings from A's fans against Ichiro fans were heated. I think it was the effect of beer people were having. It was fun to do the wave and try to get on TV as the camera rolled around.
I thought to myself that life is like the ball park. There will be plenty of people against you calling you names, booing you, chucking things at you, wishing the worst for you. Then there will be others who cheer you on. Either way in the midst of all this you still have to stay focused and determined to carry out what you were set out to do.
