A Very Visual Physical

Living in a different country, particularly one in which the people speak another language, you can basically guarantee constant confusion. Luckily, I consider myself a relatively laid back person, so I don't mind "going with the flow." There have been many occasions that my teammates pick me up or send a taxi to take me on some sort of mystical adventure. Some examples of these adventures have been meeting for lunch, a trip to the mall, or a night out at some local bars. Other experiences were not as predictable...

One day, I was taken to a building with my team with no explanation. Once I realized this was a doctors office, I assumed I would be getting your average check-up or physical. I was mistaken. When my turn came up, I was taken to a private room, where I was instructed by a non-English speaking doctor to take my shirt and bra off. I suddenly became very uncomfortable. Mostly because of my uncertainty of his instructions. He was using many hand gestures, but still, this wasn't English and I couldn't be sure. What if I completely misunderstood? And just started taking my top off like some wild American college girl in the movies when really, all he wanted me to do was sit down and lift up my arm sleeve? I was beginning to panic. Luckily, my interpretation was correct. I was then told to lay on my side, facing him, at which point he slapped a handful of cold gel and have me a chest ultrasound.

A few days later, I was taken to the doctors again. When I walked into the office, there was a new non-English speaking doctor in the room along with a treadmill. I was once again instructed to take my top off. A nurse proceeded to stick about 15 wires to my chest, stomach and back. Next thing I know, I'm running on the treadmill with no shirt while they're observing and taking notes. I felt like the sports version of Eleven, back when she was still stuck with the scientists. Spoiler alert: I can't open the upside world.

The doctors visits and strange tests with foreign doctors continued. Within a few weeks I had my blood drawn, peed in a cup, was injected with a few needles, and went to the gynecologist three times (which included more nudity). Why was all of this necessary for basketball? I couldn't tell you.

My "go with the flow" attitude has been taken to a completely new level. Now, whenever I see a car pull up front of my apartment, I never know if I'm going to end up drinking some tea at a cafe or naked under fluorescent lights.