Sunday, January 4, 2009

Lei Clijsters

An iconic Belgian sports figure has passed away today. Perhaps known better as the father of Kim Clijsters (the famous tennis star and former number one), Lei Clijsters lost the battle with lung cancer early this morning.

Before he managed his daughter’s tennis career, he was a top class football player who captained the last Belgian team to win a European Cup. He represented the national team in two world cups, including our fourth place finish in Mexico 1986.

My deepest sympathies go to the family Clijsters.

The ailing machine

We’re down and out again. I pulled some ligaments in the big toe of my right foot. Currently, I’m receiving ultrasound and laser treatment for the injury. As that wasn’t enough, an MRI has shown degeneration of the meniscus in my left knee. Result, I’ll be out for 6-8 weeks. Since I will begin my course in about two weeks, perhaps it’s a bit of a blessing. Just focusing on studies and rehab will keep me busy enough.

I don’t expect that it will have too much of an impact on my racing season. I don’t have to peak until August and November anyways, so I should have plenty of time to recover and get ready. The prospect of having Powerman Singapore and Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya added to the racing calendar is incredibly exciting.

Goat penis

Just to put you at ease: no, this is not a twisted pornographic blog post. Last night, I had dinner with some friends at a goat restaurant. I knew that one of the culinary delights on the menu was goat penis. When it comes to food, I have no limitations. To put it simple, they wouldn’t allow me to compete in fear factor.

It was a pure coincidence that I ran into some of my ex-students. I immediately asked them if they could order the goats family jewels for me. Out of pure excitement, I asked them how big it was. Obviously, the others at the table started laughing. Sometimes I can be endearingly naïve.

I expected the chefs to cook or grill it, but it turned out they had only cut it up in smaller pieces and we had to cook it ourselves in a pot of soup. Practically everybody at the table thought I was off my rockers for having ordered this dish. Still, I couldn’t resist my curiosity. The penis had been sliced into small pieces, as were the balls.
Overall, I have to say it was in interesting experience. It was tasty, but not to say a culinary mind blowing highlight. Another box in my to-eat-list has been checked.