I mentioned in a previous posting that the streets of Xalapa are steep. Here's an example of what I'm talking about: On my way home from school, I climb these steps--and there are more when I turn right at the top--where those two people--see them high on the landing?--are standing in the photo.

Right now, I have to stop three or four times to catch my breath as I climb these steps each day. I'm using them to gauge my improving physical condition. When I can climb them without stopping--or falling in a heap from oxygen deficiency--I will take it as a sign of my improved physical state.

The steps you see here are constructed of volcanic rock cemented together with concrete, so they are not smooth. I've discovered that it's important to literally watch my step on these steps and on all the streets and sidewalks of Xalapa. I like to look at the architectural features of Xalapa's houses and buildings as I walk, but when I do this and forget to watch my step, I invariably step on an uneven spot or into a hole or come upon a sudden step up or down or bump into someone.

So far, however, I've managed to spare myself the ignominy and pain of falling on my face or backside. I'll continue to walk carefully along the streets here.
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More about my apartment: Here's a photo of my living room. There are photos of my family on the table in the corner of the room next to the couch. (For those of you with OCD: I straightened the picture on the wall after I took this photo.)

In the corner on the left, you can see my TV. I have cable TV here, something I don't have in the U.S., so I get something like 66 channels, including several channels that feature movies and TV shows in spoken English with Spanish subtitles. It's an entertaining way to add to my Spanish vocabulary.