Monday, February 21, 2011

Orientation, Day 2

So, the field trip was AWESOME!  Rena and I, and a group of other people who arrived late (about 20 in all) had to go in the morning to the "Jesus Hospital" for our health check (yes, the hospital really is called that). It was about as I expected.  They drew blood, took our urine, x-rayed our chests, weighed us, measured us, checked our eyesight and hearing.  It was all rather "invasive" considering we had to do all the tests in front of EVERYONE (both Korean and foreign).  Typical Asian style.  I had to do something similar in Japan every year (since all government workers in Japan have to get medical checks once a year) so I was kinda expecting it, but the other EPIK teachers were a little embarrassed by it.

Anyway, the Hanok (traditional) Korean village was really cool.  Tons of old buildings, which you all know I love, and activities.  A priest explained how a traditional Korean wedding is done, and some volunteers got to dress up in traditional garb and get married Korean style!  It was really funny though because at one point, the priest's cell phone went off in the middle of his explanation.  It was hilarious to see this very traditionally dressed priest answer his cell phone.  Then we got a demonstration on how to play a traditional Korean drum!  They had enough for everyone, so we had a whole drumming thing going on.  It was so much fun!  Then we wandered around the town for a bit, visited the oldest elementary school in Korea, a cathedral (about 30% of the population here is Christian) and a shrine.  Then we got to try out traditional paper craft and made heart shaped picture frames with neat Korean paper glued to it. 

It was another tiring day.  Rena was exhausted and went to bed at 7:30.  I managed to make it till 9 before I passed out.  I want to get my clock on Korean time as soon as possible.

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