Classes and other reflections

My classes began today. Although they offically commenced on Wednesday, due to my delayed arrival I was not able to attend the first set of classes. My Spanish grammatics course will be INTENSE, homework intensive, facilitated by a professor who demonstrates no mercy for those who cannot keep up. I feel slightly overwhelmed but have confidence that it will be entirely beneficial for my pursuit of language proficiency. My second course, service learning theory and community action and development should be academically easy however, the internships atteached to this class should be challenging. Initially I was encouraged to research a position at an orphanage however, it now appears as though I will be placed in one of two positions: A women's health center OR a women's prison...
I have heard both locations would prove to be a challenge however, I am actually really forward my visits to both locations next week. I am now done with classes for today and spending my free time prior to lunch responding to some emails and updating my blog (clearly). I will return home for lunch and then come back to school for a dance class at 3:00. Because my arrival was delayed I was not able to purchase any textbooks needed for my classes...therefore am having to pay money to the entirety of both books copied. Fortunately, it is only 1 cent per copy and it should only cost me about 15.00 for both books.

Things that I love about my experience thus far:
-my mama and papa, their warmth and their affectionate nature towards me
-the fact that my mama when speaking to me always holds my hand
-the beautiful view of the entire city from my rooftop
-consistently warm temperatures
-the smell of rain in the afternoon
-all of the females of my group
-walking everywhere
-feeling completely secure and safe
-las panaderias (little bakeries) on every street corner
-the architectural antiquity of the city, including the cobblestone streets
-the fact that I don't have to worry about my passport being stolen because CEDEI keeps them all in a safety deposit box, I just have to carry copies
-our German Shepard, Whiskey
-speaking Spanish until I reach the point of not wanting to speak English
-the educational resources and facility of CEDEI
-interacting with natives
-quaint little cafes that we frequent
-the inexpensive prices of EVERYTHING
-the entire staff-they are so helpful
-plenty of natural light in all buildings

Things I don't care for:
-the odor of exhaust when walking down the street from all the vehicle traffic
-taking cabs with directionally-impaired drivers
-the whistles, honks, stares, and sexual remarks received by the majority of Ecuadorian men
-chaos of traffic and the concept that pedestrians to not have the right of way
-cigarette smoking is permitted in all locations, including classrooms

On Sunday, as previously mentioned in my last blog entry we are headed to Incapirca the site of an Incan ruin two hours north of Cuenca.
Other girls in my group have been trying to upload photos and were haveing difficulties as well so perhaps e can out our brains together and see wat the issue is. I really do hope to have them uploaded soon!