Medical Exam!

So today was a pretty fun filled day... well, minus the fun. I walked to school with my coworker Joanna to meet up with Mr. Ryu who then drove me over to a Korean hospital. In short I got a blood test, pee test, went to the dentist, optometrist and did some strange other test which included holding my breath for as long as I could (I'm sure there's a word for it I'm just not too sure what it is). This whole medical exam took about 2 hours to complete and each test was done in a separate building so Mr. Ryu and I literally RAN from building to building as if we were contestants in the Amazing Race. At least I got all that over with... now I await the results... hoping I pass with an "A"!
Once that was all finished with, Mr. Ryu ordered me some lunch to the school. I had a big soup with 5 different kinds of meat in it, along with a bowl of rice and some kimchi on the side (Koreans LOVE their rice and kimchi). By the time I was done it was about 6pm and I was scheduled to shadow Joanna's class from 6:45 to 7:30pm. I sat in the back of the classroom and watched as Joanna took attendance and got the kids in order (you have to be pretty strict with them or they will walk all over you). Also, I just found out that in Korea it is normal to hit kids. Mr. Ryu told me that if the children are misbehaving I should send them to the office to learn their lesson. The korean teachers at the school walk around with sticks popping out of their pockets and they hit the kids on their rists and behind their calves. I seriously don't think I would be able to sleep again if I sent a kid to "the office".
Now, if you think that's twisted, listen to this... as soon as the kids stopped talking they all raised their arms anxiously awaiting to be chosen. Joanna chose a girl first and she jumped up in excitement, walked to the front of the class... and started doing............ push-ups?!?! Joanna counted to 10, and then the next child ran up and continued the scheduled work out. It was VERY strange to say the least. After that things got somewhat back to normal. She played a 5 minute movie clip, had the kids answer some questions about what they saw, and did some reading comprehension. Each class lasts for 45 minutes and we have 10 minute breaks in between. I only shadowed one class today (grade 2's) but tomorrow I have a full day of shadowing, so I'll be able to write more about my observations. Typically I will be teaching from around 2pm to 9pm, but the first week I get to leave around 7pm, which is great!
Going for coffee with a new friend tonight, so gotta get ready.
p.s the shower really isn't as bad as it looks!!

Write more soon.

Signing off,

Gillian