Carnaval, Classes for next session, Los Baños

I apologize for the most recent blog entry. After reading it over today I found it to be rather negative in nature. I did not intend to vent about any frustrations.
On a more pleasant note, plans have been finalized for Carnaval. Carnaval is a four-day national holiday. This year it falls on February 17th-20th. Carnaval was originally established as a four-day feasting period before Ash Wednesday, similar to Madri Gras in the States. To celebrate, I along will 11 other group members are going to Baños Ambatos. A resort region 4 hours north of Cuenca, equipped with natural hot spring, rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, and hiking. We will be there from Saturday until Tuesday. On Sunday of Carnaval Ambatos hosts a parade with entails getting very wet and very flowered. Flowers and water are the two primary elements featured in this parade. I am really, really excited for our trip!
Although classes just began I just chose classes into which I will be enrolling next session. I will be taking a Latin American history course and a Spanish Grammatics course as well. Both of which will be taught in Spanish and will be apparently be much more intensive then my current classes.
On Friday the 9th a group member and friend of mine is turning 21. To celebrate her birthday we, as a group are going to the Baños de Cuenca, similar to the Baños Ambatos, Baños de Cuenca is also an outdoor get-away with natural hot springs, pools, and free food! We are really excited and looking forward to this inexpensive trip outside of Cuenca!
I unfortunately have to cut this short as I have to head to Vanessa´s house. I tutor her from 5:00-6:00 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday...it is going so well, she is so, so kind, and so eager to learn, it´s a great deal!