Shuttlecock?

Looking back I can see the trap that was laid for me.  Ok trap isn't really the word to use, but I'm using it!!  They had already got me once with Ping Pong!!  You'd think I'd know better when my Pricipal asked me if I wanted to play badminton.  But I didn't.  Face meet palm.  Again.

 

I was asked about a month ago if I'd be interested in playing.  I said yes... " Sure that sounds interesting".  Like an eager fool.  **Always approach questions with caution and apprehension when in Korea!**  However, nothing came of this for about a month.  

My school had just finished a random volleyball practice and all the teachers were gathered eating chicken (as you do after playing volleyball), when both the Principal AND the Vice Principal asked me again if "I'd like to join in playing badminton".  Signs were flashing all around - other teachers were lowering their eyes, my one co-teacher was giving me a concerned-run-for-your-life-look - but there I was faced by the two leaders of my school as they did all they could to withhold their claws from reaching out and pulling me in!  Run!  Say no!  Get out now!!!  "Sure, that sounds great!"  Ohhhh you poor lost soul.

For 70,000 won a month I had just signed up to play badminton 3x a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) with an instructor, my Principal, Vice Principal and Byuhn Suhng-jin (homeroom teacher of 2-1) - who had probably never said more than 'Hi' to me in my entire time at Daepyung.  Awesome!!  Where's my raquet!?!

To be fair, it's actually not too bad.  I was complete crap at ping pong, but with badminton, I'd go as far to say that I'm alright.  I can return a volley and I do well to cover the court ("Two-step" as the instructor loves to tell me.  I think it's all he knows in English!), but despite my original hesitiation, I do like going to practices.  It's a great workout to be sure!!  And my lazy ass needs that!

 

I even understand how this is an Olypmic sport (although I still don't - and never will - understand how ping pong qualifies).

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w97-G6cumhA?wmode=transparent]

 

 

**hoping to get some pictures soon