Badminton and Kick Baseball

Yesterday afternoon I joined the teacher's badminton club here at Dong Mak Elementary School. Every Monday and Wedenesday about ten teachers (and the school's principal) get together to play after school. When one of the teachers invited me to join them, I knew it was a good idea. I did not however, show up prepared top exercise. (Note: I where a shirt and tie to school everyday. Also, in Korea, students and teachers do not wear shoes in the school - they change into slippers outside). So I arrived at the gymnasium yesterday in dress clothes and slippers. As soon as I entered the gym I saw that all of the teachers had changed into track suits and were sweating quite a bit. As I decided that I would watch this week and play next week, the principal (who speaks almost no English) turned to me and handed me his racket, gesturing that I should take his place in the game he was playing. I would also like to note that the principal was wearing the Red Sox hat that I had given to him as a gift when I first arrived.
Fifteen minutes later I was running around the court in blue dress socks, dress pants cuffed up so that they would not drag, and a tucked in white t-shirt. Add on to this that I have not played badminton in at least ten years and you can imagine what I must have looked like. Nevertheless, it was very fun. After we played some of the teachers had ordered Korean pizza and beer to welcome me to the club. Once again I was made to feel very welcome by everyone.

Today, I have been observing a sixth grade class. Their third period was gym and I was allowed to join them for "kick baseball" (which is almost identical to Jim Gately style American kickball - readers from Sterling will appreciate this). I played defence on both teams and made a few big plays in the field. The students seemed to enjoy having me play on their teams and I enjoyed playing. This is quite a job I have.