So I'm officially done with the first week of classes. And they are HARD! They are normal-difficulty college classes, but in Spanish. You try reading forty pages of dry historical theory. It takes a while. Now try reading that in Spanish- that takes MUCH longer. I'm also worried for writing essays… I was told going abroad would be a GPA booster (obviously that's not why I chose to travel…), but I am having my doubts. On a happier note, on Friday we went to...

Fun Facts about Ecuador #1: 1. Boston thinks it's health-conscious with more healthy food options and the installation of new bike lanes, but does the city shut down a busy, main street EVERY Sunday so that people can bike? Does Boston hold public aerobic classes in the local park- huge stereo system and music included- for hundreds of participants? EVERY Sunday? Quito does! 2. Ecuadorians don't have the same concept of personal space as we do in the US. In the...

Hola, mi amigos de los estados unidos! Yes, I am still alive after a full day of orientation, two days of class, and almost 4 total days in Ecuador. I feel like I´ve been here for longer than just a few days. Tuesday was orientation for the international students. I successfully navigated the 3 bus transfers to and from the university (my host mother was very proud- she bragged about me to her sister). I was NOT successful, however, in remaining awake during...

So I finally made it to Quito. After taking off late from Boston, sitting on the runway in Miami for over an hour thanks to thunderstorms, almost losing my passport while sprinting frantically around the Miami airport with 4 bags, I was settled into my free hotel Saturday night to get some much needed rest. As disappointed as I was that I wasn't yet in Quito (I was also missing my first meeting with my group), I did enjoy a long hot shower, a wonderfully soft fea...