Dead right. As a teacher I'm expected to 'make learning fun'. Wtf. Sometimes it's just hard work. The joy is in the a-ha moments. It's the feelings of accomplishment you get after struggling through a problem. And believe me, sometimes games teach you jack shit - they are too busy 'having fun' to absorb and experience deep learning.

I think I might have mentioned this to you before...it's about bring intrinsically motivated. Then learning itself isn't actually boring at all.

the excitement and enjoyment coming from the ability to apply what is learned well.

Yes. And to just experience the pleasure of learning itself. I mean, learning is just cool, isn't it? We know that!