Two Days of Orientation, One to Go!

Hello again!  I have a nice big window from my apartment, so I decided to snap a picture with my phone yesterday morning.  During the past couple days, I have been at orientation for UniAndes.  The ride to La Candelaria isn't terrible from Chapinero, but it is a long one, and you have to make a connection in between.  Fortunately, I have a couple helpful friends, and one printed off a trip plan for me to get back and forth.  Arriving at UniAndes, one can't help but notice that it's built on a hill - Pittsburgh, you've struck back, you little devil...

This is a bird's eye view of the campus (near) and downtown, from one of the higher points on the UniAndes campus.  Fortunately, like Pittsburgh, it's got a series of pathways and stairwells that make the campus navigable.  There are over 80 buildings at UniAndes, and I believe most of my classes are in the same area, which saves dozens of awkward questions to German Shepherd-wielding policemen on campus.  That's the other thing:  UniAndes has a lot of security guards.  I know the neighborhood UniAndes is in isn't the best in terms of crime, but I'm glad to see that almost everywhere you look, there's a policeman or private security guard watching.

I've also had the chance to get to know the group better.  I am one of two Americans among the ranks of exchange students this semester, and at least 1/3 of our group is French.  We have a few Australians, as well as at least one from Brazil.  It seems quite common, after a couple days here, to grab a beer after class, so I've had the chance to meet more people along the way.  Aside from another doctoral student, I'm the only one I know of in the political science track, but I'm sure that will change once I sit in classes and see other foreign students.  

Other than that, I don't really have much to comment on today.  I saw rain for the first time, albeit a small sprinkle.  I'm told to watch out more for that as the semester goes on.  I'll try to post something tomorrow as well; hopefully I have the chance to enjoy the afternoon with friends and good food!  We'll see.  Have a good night, everyone!