(no subject)
So, when I do get my own internet connection, there is a lot fo update on - though it will hardly seem relevant then. Today, however, I feel the need to annoy the kiddies with my typing (bloody loud clacky keyboard) while they are taking a test.
Today has been one of those days where you wish you just did not get out of bed. As part of new visa laws, foreign language teachers in Korea must have medical examination to receive their foreigner ID card. I have been here over a month now, and I really should have this card. Back when I first got here and I had a decent amount of time, I was constantly asking people where to get my medical. It took 3 weeks to get the name of the hospital. In the week and a half since then, I have been super busy outside of work, moving into my new place, getting furniture delivered and waiting for the internet technician to come and install my internet (another saga there).
Today, I had the time to trek down to the hospital to get my medical. I had previously asked if I needed to call ahead to organise an appointment or if I could just go down there unannounced. They said that no appointment was necessary - so off I troddled. So, after a subway and a bus ride and then a bit of a walk, i arrived at the hospital. For some reason the information desk sent me to the emergency ward, which I thought was a bit odd, but I was relieved to find an English speaker there. He was so kind to inform me that although no appointment was necessary, that department of the hospital was on holiday today. He suggested that I go to a nearby hospital ($5 cab ride) as they would be able to do the medical check today.
So into a cab I hop. In was during this cab ride that I discovered an interesting little fact about Korea that one would have thought I would have noticed during my last 15 month sojourn here. On the 15th of every month, the whole country shuts down for a short while to do a national emergency drill. So for a nice 15 minutes, the taxi driver and I sat on the side of the rode while people in reflector vests tried to look important.
After getting to the new hospital, I am first given incorrect directions and then also told that at this hospital the medical check will cost double the amount at the other hospital. After calling a friend and seeing if she could do a little translating for me, we decided that it would be better to do it at a different hospital on a different day. So.. after 3 hours I still do not have a medical check, that frankly I should have had nearly a month ago. I also managed to waste and entire day achieving nothing when I should have been buying a new iron (after mine exploded - yes exploded- on Sunday) as well as buying a heap of stuff that I need to get so that I am ready for my housewarming party on Saturday afternoon.
I will not explain the issues I had at work today that meant it took me an hour to photocopy the test papers for the 8 students that I am now teaching.
I want to kill something. Today has not been a good day. I will be opening a bottle of wine when I get home.
Today has been one of those days where you wish you just did not get out of bed. As part of new visa laws, foreign language teachers in Korea must have medical examination to receive their foreigner ID card. I have been here over a month now, and I really should have this card. Back when I first got here and I had a decent amount of time, I was constantly asking people where to get my medical. It took 3 weeks to get the name of the hospital. In the week and a half since then, I have been super busy outside of work, moving into my new place, getting furniture delivered and waiting for the internet technician to come and install my internet (another saga there).
Today, I had the time to trek down to the hospital to get my medical. I had previously asked if I needed to call ahead to organise an appointment or if I could just go down there unannounced. They said that no appointment was necessary - so off I troddled. So, after a subway and a bus ride and then a bit of a walk, i arrived at the hospital. For some reason the information desk sent me to the emergency ward, which I thought was a bit odd, but I was relieved to find an English speaker there. He was so kind to inform me that although no appointment was necessary, that department of the hospital was on holiday today. He suggested that I go to a nearby hospital ($5 cab ride) as they would be able to do the medical check today.
So into a cab I hop. In was during this cab ride that I discovered an interesting little fact about Korea that one would have thought I would have noticed during my last 15 month sojourn here. On the 15th of every month, the whole country shuts down for a short while to do a national emergency drill. So for a nice 15 minutes, the taxi driver and I sat on the side of the rode while people in reflector vests tried to look important.
After getting to the new hospital, I am first given incorrect directions and then also told that at this hospital the medical check will cost double the amount at the other hospital. After calling a friend and seeing if she could do a little translating for me, we decided that it would be better to do it at a different hospital on a different day. So.. after 3 hours I still do not have a medical check, that frankly I should have had nearly a month ago. I also managed to waste and entire day achieving nothing when I should have been buying a new iron (after mine exploded - yes exploded- on Sunday) as well as buying a heap of stuff that I need to get so that I am ready for my housewarming party on Saturday afternoon.
I will not explain the issues I had at work today that meant it took me an hour to photocopy the test papers for the 8 students that I am now teaching.
I want to kill something. Today has not been a good day. I will be opening a bottle of wine when I get home.