Rudy's Latest Blog Entry - Translated (& Updated)

Thanks for the heads up on the remainder of Rudy's post. I didn't click through to it the first time. The rest of the translation is below, following a link to the source doc:

http://www.adn.es/blog/rudy_fernandez/deportes/baloncesto/20081130/POS-0001-Dia-Accion-Gracias-Portland.html

Thanksgiving Day in Portland

November 30, 2008

Although there are still twenty days until Christmas, the festive spirit is alive in the United States. This is because this week I've been able to live, (for the first time), through Thanksgiving, a very important celebration for Americans. Fortunately, Los Blazers didn't* have a game that day and I was able to be in Portland to celebrate the holiday.

A few friends got together at Sergio Rodriquez' house and we ate the customary stuffed turkey. It was a thing of beauty, especially to experience the holiday like Americans, for whom it is a very special day. Here, in the US, it's traditional on a day like this one to have various sporting events. Although they do play NBA games, the more typical on this particular day is football. Families get together and watch the games together, it's a tradition. There is a similar tradition in the NBA, where they play on Christmas day. Los Blazers have been tapped to play, luckily, at home. We're going to do it against the Mavericks and, (again with luck), I'll have my whole family there, as they are coming to spend the Christmas holiday at the Rose Garden.

Speaking of the Rose Garden, at this point in the season it is now clear that this is one of the toughest courts to play on for any visiting team in the NBA. We are 7 for 7 at home, and we have been visited by some of the strongest teams like San Antonio, Houston, and New Orleans.

The truth is that we have incredible fans. They are knowledgeable and very passionate and, personally, I can't complain. Every time that I go on the court or have the ball in my hands they encourage me and chant my name, and this always gives one confidence. The team is in good form at the moment, but now we have to prove it on a five game tour of the Eastern Conference. It will be a challenge and, for me, and opportunity to get to know a city like New York, where I have never been. 

*Editor's Note: Rudy used the "we" form of did not, thus including himself with the team, but it doesn't show through on translation.

I'll post new ones as they come down the pipe. Please note that I've taken some minor liberties with his wording to use some idiomatic expressions where it made sense...