First week of school! ...kind of

¡Hola a todos!

I am super excited at the moment because I have finally finalized my schedule for the semester! 

Monday- 4:00-5:00 Internship Class

Tuesday- 8:00-9:15 Andean Literature

10:00-11:30 Advanced Spanish Grammar

12:00-2:00 Politics and Society of Latin America

4:00-5:30 Cultural Diversity of Ecuador

Wednesday- Same as Monday

Thursday- Same as Tuesday

Friday- NO CLASS!!

I know my Tuesday and Thursdays suck and my head will be ready to explode (especially since all classes are in Spanish) but in order for me to take the Politics & Society class, that is how my schedule will have to be. They weren't going to offer the Politics class because there wasn't enough interest and I was originally enrolled in an economics class on Mondays and Wednesdays, but I am stubborn and pushed for it. Ta daa! 

So although this week is my "first week of classes," only my internship class (not the actual internship, we have a class where we talk about issues in Quito and how we can apply solutions in our jobs) and cultural diversity class started. Next week will really be when school mode kicks in. I am super excited for my internship! If all goes as planned (things here are a little unorganized) then I will be working for the Center of Equality and Justice in Quito. HOW COOL IS THAT!? It will be a little intense as I will be working with victims of violence and discrimination, but I feel like it will be a very fulfilling experience. If that doesn't work out, because the woman in charge didn't seem 100% on me working there, Graciela (my host mom) has a niece who works at a law firm! She is calling her niece today to see if they need additional help. Either way, I would be happy. 

So, I have FINALLY conquered public transportation in Quito! Thus far, this has been my greatest accomplishment. Being thrown into a huge city of over 3 million from the suburbs took quite some adjusting. My host mom thought I was silly because at first I refused to ride the bus and only took taxis. Well...that quickly became way too expensive and my host mom nudged me to try the bus. She rode with me the first two times too because I was really nervous haha. The bus system here is absolutely chaotic. Early in the morning and right before the sun sets is when the buses are insane and so packed, that the majority of people in the bus are standing and don't have seats. I get nervous when this occurs but always stick to the front so I can get off quickly when needed. Manners? Whats that? People literally push you out of the way haha. I've learned to be much more aggressive here, because that is just how it is. One other thing I am proud of, as strange as it sounds, is being alone! Most of my friends live in walking distance of each other and ride buses or taxis together. I am a complete outlier and live far from everyone haha. By myself, I walk 10 minutes to the bus station, ride the bus, and walk 5 minutes to school. Because of this, I feel more comfortable in the streets and don't need to rely on others which is always good. 

The streets in Quito are so interesting. I'd say the funniest part of walking down them is how many people stare, and how they are not subtle at all. Especially after class when my friends and I all walk together to the mall or shops, cars will slow down and stare at us "gringos" blatantly. Unsure if it is a compliment or if they are gringo haters haha. Another interesting fact about the streets of Quito is that cars do not obey any traffic laws and will run you over. You know how at crosswalks in America, a little orange man walking appears to show you that you can cross? Well here in Quito, the sign that you can cross is a green man running. It's very accurate lol. 

Sorry that this blog was a tad bit boring- probably won't blog until after the indigenous market we are going to on Saturday so I can post cool pictures! Super excited. Also my friends and I are currently planning a trip to the beach soon for swimming and whale watching! Gotta love 3 day weekends.   

 ¡Chau!