Sticky buns

When work comes to an end on Tuesday it is time to get some exercise. I am taken to a large sports complex located in an even larger square. When I was first brought here a week ago I was wondering what kind of exercise my coworkers had in mind. The place looks like Qualcomm stadium in San Diego. I am impressed by it's size and wondered just what was in store for me. To my surprise it's badminton and ping pong!

Situated to the right of this large stadium is the rest of the complex. There's a large hall for badminton and above a pro shop there is a ping pong room. the badminton is intense. up until now I've only ever played this at a backyard barbecue with a racket in one hand and a cold beer in the other. Not here. The play is fierce and lively. The amount of whip attained by the really good players causes a loud "thwack!" sound that when first heard scares the bejesus out of me. The reaction time required for a shuttlecock doing light speed towards your chest is less than a second. It is nearly impossible to react in time. I feel like Curly after being pounded atop the head by Moe's clenched fist. I'm left running in place while wiping my hands over my face. "Nya, Nya, Nya!"So I pair off with someone willing to play at my speed. It is fun and draining. There are maybe a dozen or so courts all in use. Even though a few of us are smiling at our foul ups most of the people playing are very serious. There are no fans in this building so the air hangs heavy with the smells and perspiration of all who are inside it. After playing for an hour or so and absorbing every one's natural musk I move up to the ping pong room. Hoping to find lighter air and a sport that I might have a little more success at.

This room is no different in terms of temperature and moisture but it doesn't bother me. I can't believe I'm playing ping pong with the Chinese. This is awesome. While playing I think back to all the times I lost at ping pong and of the certain people out there (possibly reading this) that have had my number through the years. I envision myself training hard for the duration of my stay and coming back to the states for vengeance. Last week I played for 45mins. tonight I played for almost 3 hours. I have even obtained a secret weapon. More on that later. The crew comes to this place twice a week. I could definitely enhance my skills.