Back to the field. We were really worried yesterday about the rain, like super worried. But, magically, today it was an excellent field day. It started out with very foreboding looking dark gray skies (I could almost here the eminent downpour). But, it never happened and actually the sky cleared up and we had sunny skies until the sun set today. That was very encouraging in some ways; however, when you are collecting plants in the jungle and then are forced to enter a clearing where you don't even have canopy to cut some of the heat, it is oppressive. But, it was a good reminder that there was definitely no rain and, as Chris explained to me after I had entered the "coolness" of the jungle again, there were also no mosquitoes that dared go into the open area. So, there were some good things about our 15 minutes of scorching heat.
I mapped the morning away with Cleofo and then we picked up Steve and Chris and headed inland 500 meters to collect again. We did some measuring and began to collect plant samples. It was much more dense than the collection areas around the Yalbac mounds, so, I have decided to alter my collection methods yet again. It was a pretty intensive day since we collected for the entire day and then had to go home and press everything- and we now have over 100 separate species to identify-and we collected a lot today. So, I hired Steve, at the price of using my computer for his various activities, to help me press my collections. I have never seen a plant press go that high- and then Steve put his full weight on it and I pulled on the straps and it went on a flash diet and shrunk to about half its original size. It was rather amazing if I do say so myself.
I re-found this morning out that I was supposed to give a lecture. However, luckily, I had prepared the power point way in advance, back when I had plenty of spare time, and only had to throw in some extra images from our collections, what we do, random pictures of Steve, and my presentation was complete! That was a good thing to, because, after Steve and I pressed all of my plants, labeled the pressed specimen, and documented it all in my notes, I had a little over half an hour to download the photos, finalize my presentation and make it to the restaurant to give my lecture. I went to give my presentation at 600, and Dr. L wasn't there. When she still hadn't come (she had taken her car to town earlier) by 10-after, I began. At about 25 after, she arrived, explaining that the girl who had filled up her tank at the gas station had been talking on the phone and didn't understand her after she repeated 3 different times that she needed diesel and proceeded to put gasoline in her tank. She then had to wait for a truck to empty her tank and then refill it. The girl who filled it up's response? To laugh. Not a good thing to do when facing a ticked Dr. L!
So, I finished up my presentation in time to make us all a little bit late for supper, but, it was all good. Random side note: Steve's sandals fell apart and he bought a needle and thread kit to try to sew them back together. In the meantime, he is wandering around the Banana Bank grounds barefoot.
After supper, I returned to correct my notes (Dr. L had given Elle, Molly and I notes about our notes that we have been taking in the field). Since my notes are longer and I haven't taken any for her in the past, etc. I had many a notation and many an addition to add for clarification purposes to my notes. I proceeded to correct everything, and created a total page count for today of 17. It is a pretty impressively long day for notes today. I did not finish my to-do list for today, but, hopefully I will by tomorrow. In the meantime, I am dreadfully sorry for any delays I have in getting back to everyone- I am barely able to keep up with work at the moment since we can actually work now (hurray!). So, I will try to catch up as soon as possible.
Also, our passport situation will be resolved tomorrow and I found a replacement, via Dr. L, for the really important thing that I lost a little while back. So, the last few days have gone swimmingly beautifully! Hope this loveliness continues.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Day 14- Back to Banana Bank
Those of us in my room got up extremely late- 7:45. By the time we had made it downstairs, everyone else was already in the restaurant ordering breakfast. The sky was lovely and it was even sunny. After we finished breakfast and paid for our rooms, most of the group went out on the pier and sat for awhile, basking in the wonderful, yet fleeting, sun.
I decided to venture out on the paddleboat since the kayak had been so perfect yesterday. Per my request, Steve joined and we attempted to paddle out into the river. Unfortunately, the boat was doomed. It didn't steer correctly, or at all really, and all of our peddling did no good, except to let water into the boat through the peddle shaft. In 10 minutes or less, with us already a good 20-30 meters from shore, we started sinking at a rapid rate, until the front half of our boat was completely under water. I laughed and yelled "abandon ship" and kept flopping into the water all at the same time. It was pretty hilarious and I think one of the girls managed to get a photo. It was rather funny looking and sad all at the same time. At this point, I was soaked from the waist down, and Steve was out of the boat pulling us to shore- which was luckily not that far away. Unfortunately, I was no help at all and succeeded in standing at the back of the boat and trying to level it out. My bag was soaked, but, luckily, I had bought a new one yesterday so it all worked out beautifully. It was funny more than anything else and I was thanking my lucky stars that Steve has a good sense of humor and didn't mind jumping out of the boat to "rescue" us from our stationary nose-dive position.
We left Guatemala, which was sad because it was so pretty there and it started to rain as soon as we had left. We crossed the border just fine, with some of us encountering a minor/major problem. When we entered Belize, we said we were only staying 2 weeks, so that we didn't have to get a Visa. We were- we left for Guatemala before the 2 weeks had ended. On our way back into Belize, they stamped our passport for a month later- and that was the major/minor problem. For half of the group, the date stamped was a month from today (which is perfect because they will all be gone within a month). For the other half of us (including Steve and me), they stamped us a month from when we first entered Belize- which means we all have to be gone or renewed by June 15. So, the half of us that went through the strict Immigration officer will have to go into town and get a Visa before 2 weeks is up. There is a charge, but, not too terribly much. Dr. L was ticked about that.
We took our tour bus back from the Belize border to Banana Bank, stopping to let off Bob, his wife Nettie, and their two little grandsons. We also stopped at a gift shop on the way back and everyone tried to find the "perfect" souvenirs for their family. For lunch, we stopped in a convenience store just across the Belize border and Steve managed to find JIF and a big box of Frosted Flakes. You would have thought he had died and gone to heaven. I took a photo of him holding his precious goods and he said I was ridiculous.
On the ride back, we found out that the hurricane that had been somewhat of an issue in Guatemala during our stay, before heading north to Mexico, had since turned around and is now heading to Belize. So, essentially, it has followed us around. Right now, my wunderground weather forecast says 30% rain tomorrow, cloudy on Tuesday, and sunny for the foreseeable future after that. But, we shall see. Hopefully, we can work.....sometime.
It was really raining hard when we got back to Banana Bank and is still raining now. I am serious- no days without rain this entire trip. I bet you one quetzal!
I decided to venture out on the paddleboat since the kayak had been so perfect yesterday. Per my request, Steve joined and we attempted to paddle out into the river. Unfortunately, the boat was doomed. It didn't steer correctly, or at all really, and all of our peddling did no good, except to let water into the boat through the peddle shaft. In 10 minutes or less, with us already a good 20-30 meters from shore, we started sinking at a rapid rate, until the front half of our boat was completely under water. I laughed and yelled "abandon ship" and kept flopping into the water all at the same time. It was pretty hilarious and I think one of the girls managed to get a photo. It was rather funny looking and sad all at the same time. At this point, I was soaked from the waist down, and Steve was out of the boat pulling us to shore- which was luckily not that far away. Unfortunately, I was no help at all and succeeded in standing at the back of the boat and trying to level it out. My bag was soaked, but, luckily, I had bought a new one yesterday so it all worked out beautifully. It was funny more than anything else and I was thanking my lucky stars that Steve has a good sense of humor and didn't mind jumping out of the boat to "rescue" us from our stationary nose-dive position.
We left Guatemala, which was sad because it was so pretty there and it started to rain as soon as we had left. We crossed the border just fine, with some of us encountering a minor/major problem. When we entered Belize, we said we were only staying 2 weeks, so that we didn't have to get a Visa. We were- we left for Guatemala before the 2 weeks had ended. On our way back into Belize, they stamped our passport for a month later- and that was the major/minor problem. For half of the group, the date stamped was a month from today (which is perfect because they will all be gone within a month). For the other half of us (including Steve and me), they stamped us a month from when we first entered Belize- which means we all have to be gone or renewed by June 15. So, the half of us that went through the strict Immigration officer will have to go into town and get a Visa before 2 weeks is up. There is a charge, but, not too terribly much. Dr. L was ticked about that.
We took our tour bus back from the Belize border to Banana Bank, stopping to let off Bob, his wife Nettie, and their two little grandsons. We also stopped at a gift shop on the way back and everyone tried to find the "perfect" souvenirs for their family. For lunch, we stopped in a convenience store just across the Belize border and Steve managed to find JIF and a big box of Frosted Flakes. You would have thought he had died and gone to heaven. I took a photo of him holding his precious goods and he said I was ridiculous.
On the ride back, we found out that the hurricane that had been somewhat of an issue in Guatemala during our stay, before heading north to Mexico, had since turned around and is now heading to Belize. So, essentially, it has followed us around. Right now, my wunderground weather forecast says 30% rain tomorrow, cloudy on Tuesday, and sunny for the foreseeable future after that. But, we shall see. Hopefully, we can work.....sometime.
It was really raining hard when we got back to Banana Bank and is still raining now. I am serious- no days without rain this entire trip. I bet you one quetzal!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Day 13- "That's not funny" ~Steve
I must admit, this was a pretty epic day. It was one of those days that you get to the end of and just sit back and have this really dorky, goofy, extremely happy smile on your face and say "wow, that was totally awesome".
We had breakfast at the hotel (which I have fallen in love with by the way). Then, we headed off to Tikal. I got a chance to read more of my book, "Green Revolution", on the drive there, which was still good after months of bookwork caused me to neglect it. I sat next to Tara, who declared that the next book I brought to read "Marx and Satan" and the one that I intend to read soon "Hippies of the Religious Right" sounded really awesome and intriguing. Although she said this while laughing hysterically.
We had 6 hours to tour Tikal before the van picked us up again and we could eat lunch. We climbed staircases constructed along the sides of the temples to the top on three of them and then one actual staircase of one short one. I discovered a slight fear of heights, mainly because I was sticking close to Hannah and Gabs at the end of the line and they were both deathly afraid of heights. Although you might also develop a fear if you had to climb up several hundred feet into the air on rickety wooden stairs straight up, often made of small planks that, on the main temple, were spaced so far apart that if I had fallen, I could have gone right through. Luckily, most were at least a little better. But, still rather scary. The view from the top was always worth it though. If I get a chance to upload photos sometime, I want you to see how far up we really were- enough that it often looks like we were standing in front of an awesome backdrop.
It started raining while we were there- I am now convinced that I will not go one single day without rain during my stay here. Now, I am used to it. However, I did manage to pack my little black "Free Umbrella" that I got from some guy who was handing them out on the quad one day when it was pouring. He was with Christian Campus Fellowship, and my umbrella still has the blue, laminated tag on it.
We saw the view from Star Wars and I have some pretty sweet photos of it, in the fog. So, it made it even more awesome. I also got pics of actual stela and some recreations. All in all, Tikal was awesome and huge. I am becoming more and more convinced that the aliens really did help them- jk ;)
We did go into a ceramics museum, a stela museum (both of which did not allow photos), saw a huge Tikal model, and visited the "gift shop" (basically, a bunch of local people with their own booths). I didn't quite make it to lunch and ended up getting really weak before. However, I found snacks about 10 minutes before lunch. So, I ended up just making it. Actually, the guy named Bob found out last night that I was a vegetarian and I could tell that he was a major meat-lover (he keeps making comments about "the vegetarian"). However, I think his wife made it possible for me to have a cheese sandwhich instead of a ham and cheese one. It was pretty amazing and I almost freaked out! The box said "Queso" on it, and it was just for me.
We ate on the road and then went to go zip-lining by 3. We got a harness and everything, and it was just as much fun as I had imagined. We went back and forth across the jungle on a series of about 7-8 separate lines. One of the guys nicknamed me "Jane" because I was so reckless and wanted to kill him (so he said). You had to brake whenever you were approaching the landing platform and I did brake when he told me to, just not as hard as I should have I guess. He always caught me just before I smashed into a tree. Since it was raining, we all got covered in both mud and grease. So, we were all a mess at the end of the adventure, but, it was totally worth it. It was also Steve's favorite part of the day. I got a video of him zip-lining that I will probably have to wait until I get back to the states to upload.
Once we got back, I spotted Bob's grandsons in a paddle-boat in the river that was right in front of our hotel. I asked Dr. L about the paddle-boat and she said it was connected to our hotel. There were also two single kayaks parked there too, so, I was very interested in those. I asked the guy at the hotel, who happened to be standing behind us when we were talking, and he said that they were free to hotel guests, and that we could just take out the boat! My voice got really, really high-pitched and I literally jumped up and down. Tara was standing next to me as well and she offered to take the other kayak out with me. I didn't bother to even try to get the caked mud off of me and went straight for the river. Tara and I had an amazing time! We were out for about 2 hours I think, just floating out in the middle of the river toward a random peninsula. We got a chance to talk about a lot of different things and she now thinks I am cool, and I feel the same about her. All in all, it was a great kayak adventure (also have pics from that). I told her about my awesome "canoeing buddies", both of whom, I believe, are reading this. I did think about you two, we could have had oodles of fun!!
I ended up buying gifts for myself, yeah I do silly things like that, and my two youngest brothers at the gift shop here. It was a wonderful day, and I was very excited to experience it all and take it all in. I feel like it was several awesome things wrapped into a 24-hour package deal.
We had breakfast at the hotel (which I have fallen in love with by the way). Then, we headed off to Tikal. I got a chance to read more of my book, "Green Revolution", on the drive there, which was still good after months of bookwork caused me to neglect it. I sat next to Tara, who declared that the next book I brought to read "Marx and Satan" and the one that I intend to read soon "Hippies of the Religious Right" sounded really awesome and intriguing. Although she said this while laughing hysterically.
We had 6 hours to tour Tikal before the van picked us up again and we could eat lunch. We climbed staircases constructed along the sides of the temples to the top on three of them and then one actual staircase of one short one. I discovered a slight fear of heights, mainly because I was sticking close to Hannah and Gabs at the end of the line and they were both deathly afraid of heights. Although you might also develop a fear if you had to climb up several hundred feet into the air on rickety wooden stairs straight up, often made of small planks that, on the main temple, were spaced so far apart that if I had fallen, I could have gone right through. Luckily, most were at least a little better. But, still rather scary. The view from the top was always worth it though. If I get a chance to upload photos sometime, I want you to see how far up we really were- enough that it often looks like we were standing in front of an awesome backdrop.
It started raining while we were there- I am now convinced that I will not go one single day without rain during my stay here. Now, I am used to it. However, I did manage to pack my little black "Free Umbrella" that I got from some guy who was handing them out on the quad one day when it was pouring. He was with Christian Campus Fellowship, and my umbrella still has the blue, laminated tag on it.
We saw the view from Star Wars and I have some pretty sweet photos of it, in the fog. So, it made it even more awesome. I also got pics of actual stela and some recreations. All in all, Tikal was awesome and huge. I am becoming more and more convinced that the aliens really did help them- jk ;)
We did go into a ceramics museum, a stela museum (both of which did not allow photos), saw a huge Tikal model, and visited the "gift shop" (basically, a bunch of local people with their own booths). I didn't quite make it to lunch and ended up getting really weak before. However, I found snacks about 10 minutes before lunch. So, I ended up just making it. Actually, the guy named Bob found out last night that I was a vegetarian and I could tell that he was a major meat-lover (he keeps making comments about "the vegetarian"). However, I think his wife made it possible for me to have a cheese sandwhich instead of a ham and cheese one. It was pretty amazing and I almost freaked out! The box said "Queso" on it, and it was just for me.
We ate on the road and then went to go zip-lining by 3. We got a harness and everything, and it was just as much fun as I had imagined. We went back and forth across the jungle on a series of about 7-8 separate lines. One of the guys nicknamed me "Jane" because I was so reckless and wanted to kill him (so he said). You had to brake whenever you were approaching the landing platform and I did brake when he told me to, just not as hard as I should have I guess. He always caught me just before I smashed into a tree. Since it was raining, we all got covered in both mud and grease. So, we were all a mess at the end of the adventure, but, it was totally worth it. It was also Steve's favorite part of the day. I got a video of him zip-lining that I will probably have to wait until I get back to the states to upload.
Once we got back, I spotted Bob's grandsons in a paddle-boat in the river that was right in front of our hotel. I asked Dr. L about the paddle-boat and she said it was connected to our hotel. There were also two single kayaks parked there too, so, I was very interested in those. I asked the guy at the hotel, who happened to be standing behind us when we were talking, and he said that they were free to hotel guests, and that we could just take out the boat! My voice got really, really high-pitched and I literally jumped up and down. Tara was standing next to me as well and she offered to take the other kayak out with me. I didn't bother to even try to get the caked mud off of me and went straight for the river. Tara and I had an amazing time! We were out for about 2 hours I think, just floating out in the middle of the river toward a random peninsula. We got a chance to talk about a lot of different things and she now thinks I am cool, and I feel the same about her. All in all, it was a great kayak adventure (also have pics from that). I told her about my awesome "canoeing buddies", both of whom, I believe, are reading this. I did think about you two, we could have had oodles of fun!!
I ended up buying gifts for myself, yeah I do silly things like that, and my two youngest brothers at the gift shop here. It was a wonderful day, and I was very excited to experience it all and take it all in. I feel like it was several awesome things wrapped into a 24-hour package deal.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Day 12- Guatamala
So, today we actually got to work in the field. I mapped my plant collection region, collected the last of the plants in that region since we got rained out Wednesday right in the middle of collecting, and then mapped 500 meters inland or over 1,640 feet. It was a long walk in the thick of mosquito territory, and also army ant territory. We had to cross a mound of them (that was well over a 1 meter circle) and I had to stand right next to the mound while they walked on with my measuring tape. It bugged me worse than the mosquitoes and I was dancing and shaking myself and swatting frantically at ants for probably a good 15 minutes. It was funny and not so funny all at the same time.
At noon, we headed out and arrived back at Banana Bank just in time to finish packing and head across the river to meet our tour bus. I packed more than everyone else by far, and it was actually the lightest I think I have ever packed. Still working on not packing the books, water bottle (there is no good water in Guatemala), and laptop, etc. Oh well. We picked up a very interesting couple that had to be in their 60s at least (the man had served in the British military in 1969 and possibly before). He had some fun stories to share. We picked up him and his wife (who is from Belize) and two of their grandsons on our way to the border. We easily passed customs and immigration and then took another bus to a convenience store- where I found Steve some Frosted Flakes. Our hotel is gorgeous- I wish I had taken some pics before the sun went down :( We are right next to a body of water and also a mountain. There is an incredible dock that I wanted so much to explore but decided to feed my stomach instead- that's an adventure for tomorrow AM now!
So, I am now in yet another country, and loving the scenery yet again. I don't think I will ever be able to return to the flatlands again! However, I will enjoy the lack of mosquito swarms for sure. Also, I yelled for joy in the shower earlier- they have hot water here!!! I had forgotten how much I adore a warm shower. I have gotten so much in the habit of singing in the shower and quickly rinsing off and getting goosebumps just to get clean that I had forgotten how good a shower can really be. Surprising what 2 weeks can do to your memory.
Tomorrow, we are going to visit Tikal and then going zip-lining. I cannot wait! Both activities will be simply awesome. I am super excited about Tikal, of course. It is in such good preservation and is so large and everything that I am ready to be shocked and thrilled out of my mind. And then zip-lining! I am a big thrill-activity lover and nature lover. So, this is the best of both worlds. Can't wait!!!
At noon, we headed out and arrived back at Banana Bank just in time to finish packing and head across the river to meet our tour bus. I packed more than everyone else by far, and it was actually the lightest I think I have ever packed. Still working on not packing the books, water bottle (there is no good water in Guatemala), and laptop, etc. Oh well. We picked up a very interesting couple that had to be in their 60s at least (the man had served in the British military in 1969 and possibly before). He had some fun stories to share. We picked up him and his wife (who is from Belize) and two of their grandsons on our way to the border. We easily passed customs and immigration and then took another bus to a convenience store- where I found Steve some Frosted Flakes. Our hotel is gorgeous- I wish I had taken some pics before the sun went down :( We are right next to a body of water and also a mountain. There is an incredible dock that I wanted so much to explore but decided to feed my stomach instead- that's an adventure for tomorrow AM now!
So, I am now in yet another country, and loving the scenery yet again. I don't think I will ever be able to return to the flatlands again! However, I will enjoy the lack of mosquito swarms for sure. Also, I yelled for joy in the shower earlier- they have hot water here!!! I had forgotten how much I adore a warm shower. I have gotten so much in the habit of singing in the shower and quickly rinsing off and getting goosebumps just to get clean that I had forgotten how good a shower can really be. Surprising what 2 weeks can do to your memory.
Tomorrow, we are going to visit Tikal and then going zip-lining. I cannot wait! Both activities will be simply awesome. I am super excited about Tikal, of course. It is in such good preservation and is so large and everything that I am ready to be shocked and thrilled out of my mind. And then zip-lining! I am a big thrill-activity lover and nature lover. So, this is the best of both worlds. Can't wait!!!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Little notes about our group that I now have time to write
Right now, it is pouring outside, and we went to Mrs. Chocs and had to "tarp it up" in the truck bed so we wouldn't get completely soaked! I took charge on the way there and Robbyn had a sweet design for the way back. So, right now I am contemplating either a nap or a trip over to the girls room to try to coax someone to play Clue or Phase 10.
While I am sitting here, I thought I would fill in some little details that I might have left off before. First, I wanted to introduce all of you to the "guys" that Dr. Lucero has hired. And then our own crew.
Mrs. Choc: (the only woman that Dr. L hired) she is Cleofo's wife and doesn't say much. Basically the only thing I know about her is that she is an excellent cook and that she smiles constantly.
Cleofo: he is the man in charge basically. Lisa first hired him and then he found everyone else. He is very quiet and basically only talks if you ask a question. But, he is very genuine and since I have been working with him on plant research, I have gotten to know him the best. Cleofo is easily 50.
Ernesto: he comes to pick up part of the gang every morning. Ernesto is the most outgoing of all the guys and he will often speak to you, but, mainly smiles- he has a very easy smile. Carl/Fred likes Ernesto best and my fav quote has been "I trust Ernesto completely. I would let him perform open-heart surgery on me......with a rusty butter knife." Ernesto is easily the fav guy for our crew. Ernesto is probably in his 30s.
Juan Antonio: he only speaks Spanish, so, I really don't know much about him, other than the fact that his work ethic is just as excellent as the other guys. He also wields a mean machete that can chop into anything. Juan Antonio appears to be in his early 40s. His classic trait is riding in the back of Ernesto's truck while standing up- at the front of the truck bed. He always rides like that.
G: I don't his name because it is long and he only speaks Spanish so I don't know him very well. He is the oldest member of the group, even behind Cleofo. He has to be in his 60s. He always smiles and is willing to do almost anything. He always rides his bike to Cleofo's in the morning and then jumps on Ernesto's truck with the rest of the guys.
Stanley: Cleofo's son. Stanley doesn't talk much at all. When he does, he is very quiet. I think Stanley is Ernesto's ago, maybe a little younger. Stanley does have a big interest in animals and he showed me my first howler monkey in the wild. That was pretty awesome.
Marcus: Another one of Cleofo's sons, this one by his second wife. Marcus is 16 and he is always willing to pitch in. He is another one with an easy smile.
All of the guys wield their machetes well and can literally do everything with them- they are the choppers of the Oldowan tool tradition, the Swiss Army Knifes of boy-scouts, and the duct tape of American houses. They built shelters, chop through jungle terrain, make stakes, cut off leaves for my collections, cut pruning poles to get to the tall leaves, are used as walking sticks, chop into thick roots in excavation units. Basically, whatever you need to do, machetes will do for these guys. Even Marcus wields a mean machete. The guys also pack in water in old bleach containers or motor oil cans with string attached so they can swing them onto their arms. Basically, the guys are super cool and we couldn't leave without them.
Now for our field school crew:
Dr. Lucero: one of the shortest ladies I have encountered, Lisa is a strict no- nonsense lady who also happens to have a tad of blonde in her mannerisms. It makes for an interesting combination.
Elle: from the field museum, Elle has an easy smile and has a light-hearted mood about most things. Elle is one of those people that you take with you to a party.
Molly: the thinker. Molly doesn't talk that much, and doesn't smile that much. But, Molly is genuine and easy to sit next to. A true phlegmatic, Molly would much rather be reading her book. She is quiet, but direct. You DO listen to her.
Kayla: the only Asian in the group, Kayla is also one of the two "token kids" (non- anthropology students). Kayla was born in the Philippines but lives near St. Louis now- her Dad is an American. She is the most easy going person in the group and easily fits in to any environment.
Robbyn: the doctor. She is an EMT and very hardcore. You don't pick a fight with Robbyn, however, all she dreams about is having a kid (as she words it). It is a very interesting combination, again. Robbyn has a tough exterior, but, she is a hard-worker and reads people easily.
Tara: drama and excitement! Tara is so funny and gets excited about everything- I am dead serious. She laughs at everything and is not serious at all. She breaks rain clouds easily.
Hannah: the 22-year-old who looks like she is 11- and I am not even joking. Hannah is one of the smallest girls that I have ever met (besides Britt), and her face is very young-looking. She likes to tell a good story, takes her time and is also into Indie music. I usually end up sitting next to Hannah and we get along well.
Jose: Jose is the guy version of Tara. Everything, and I do mean everything, is "awesome". His description of the cave: "Dark, wet, sharp, awesome". He is always laughing and always misinterpreting people's words. This has some hilarious side-effects. Once, one of the guys said he was going to use the "little boys room". When asked what he had said, Jose said "he said he was going to eat a long john".
Chris: very quiet- very much like Molly. He has a good "poker" face and you never really know what he is thinking. However, sometimes he and Jose start on a t.v. episode that they are both into and, before you know it, Chris is quoting and laughing.
Carl/Fred: His real name is Carl Fred (insert unknown last name here). He goes by either. So, we usually call him FredCarl (one word). I call him Carl-slash-Fred (Carl/Fred). He is the tallest person in the group and is one of those guys that you would expect to find at every party. He is great help to have around, given his size. He is also not-predictable, but, he jokes around with all of the guys and talks to everyone.
STEVE!: of course Steve is the one that everyone picks on and, after the first day, they all kept complementing me on insisting that he come. Steve is indispensable (even though Dr. Lucero keeps joking that we must sacrifice him to Chac to stop the rain). If you ask for help, Steve is there. If you want it, Steve jumps up to get it for you. We were walking around Belmopan two days ago and we saw kids climbing trees on the side of the path and picking red fruits. I began to wonder out loud what the fruit tasted like and why they were so into the fruit. Steve climbed a tree and threw me what I found out was a small apple-tasting fruit. Don't underestimate him- Steve WILL be there. Everyone loves Steve.
And of course you all know WAY too much about the final member of the group. So, I will let you insert your own description here about that crazy girl.
While I am sitting here, I thought I would fill in some little details that I might have left off before. First, I wanted to introduce all of you to the "guys" that Dr. Lucero has hired. And then our own crew.
Mrs. Choc: (the only woman that Dr. L hired) she is Cleofo's wife and doesn't say much. Basically the only thing I know about her is that she is an excellent cook and that she smiles constantly.
Cleofo: he is the man in charge basically. Lisa first hired him and then he found everyone else. He is very quiet and basically only talks if you ask a question. But, he is very genuine and since I have been working with him on plant research, I have gotten to know him the best. Cleofo is easily 50.
Ernesto: he comes to pick up part of the gang every morning. Ernesto is the most outgoing of all the guys and he will often speak to you, but, mainly smiles- he has a very easy smile. Carl/Fred likes Ernesto best and my fav quote has been "I trust Ernesto completely. I would let him perform open-heart surgery on me......with a rusty butter knife." Ernesto is easily the fav guy for our crew. Ernesto is probably in his 30s.
Juan Antonio: he only speaks Spanish, so, I really don't know much about him, other than the fact that his work ethic is just as excellent as the other guys. He also wields a mean machete that can chop into anything. Juan Antonio appears to be in his early 40s. His classic trait is riding in the back of Ernesto's truck while standing up- at the front of the truck bed. He always rides like that.
G: I don't his name because it is long and he only speaks Spanish so I don't know him very well. He is the oldest member of the group, even behind Cleofo. He has to be in his 60s. He always smiles and is willing to do almost anything. He always rides his bike to Cleofo's in the morning and then jumps on Ernesto's truck with the rest of the guys.
Stanley: Cleofo's son. Stanley doesn't talk much at all. When he does, he is very quiet. I think Stanley is Ernesto's ago, maybe a little younger. Stanley does have a big interest in animals and he showed me my first howler monkey in the wild. That was pretty awesome.
Marcus: Another one of Cleofo's sons, this one by his second wife. Marcus is 16 and he is always willing to pitch in. He is another one with an easy smile.
All of the guys wield their machetes well and can literally do everything with them- they are the choppers of the Oldowan tool tradition, the Swiss Army Knifes of boy-scouts, and the duct tape of American houses. They built shelters, chop through jungle terrain, make stakes, cut off leaves for my collections, cut pruning poles to get to the tall leaves, are used as walking sticks, chop into thick roots in excavation units. Basically, whatever you need to do, machetes will do for these guys. Even Marcus wields a mean machete. The guys also pack in water in old bleach containers or motor oil cans with string attached so they can swing them onto their arms. Basically, the guys are super cool and we couldn't leave without them.
Now for our field school crew:
Dr. Lucero: one of the shortest ladies I have encountered, Lisa is a strict no- nonsense lady who also happens to have a tad of blonde in her mannerisms. It makes for an interesting combination.
Elle: from the field museum, Elle has an easy smile and has a light-hearted mood about most things. Elle is one of those people that you take with you to a party.
Molly: the thinker. Molly doesn't talk that much, and doesn't smile that much. But, Molly is genuine and easy to sit next to. A true phlegmatic, Molly would much rather be reading her book. She is quiet, but direct. You DO listen to her.
Kayla: the only Asian in the group, Kayla is also one of the two "token kids" (non- anthropology students). Kayla was born in the Philippines but lives near St. Louis now- her Dad is an American. She is the most easy going person in the group and easily fits in to any environment.
Robbyn: the doctor. She is an EMT and very hardcore. You don't pick a fight with Robbyn, however, all she dreams about is having a kid (as she words it). It is a very interesting combination, again. Robbyn has a tough exterior, but, she is a hard-worker and reads people easily.
Tara: drama and excitement! Tara is so funny and gets excited about everything- I am dead serious. She laughs at everything and is not serious at all. She breaks rain clouds easily.
Hannah: the 22-year-old who looks like she is 11- and I am not even joking. Hannah is one of the smallest girls that I have ever met (besides Britt), and her face is very young-looking. She likes to tell a good story, takes her time and is also into Indie music. I usually end up sitting next to Hannah and we get along well.
Jose: Jose is the guy version of Tara. Everything, and I do mean everything, is "awesome". His description of the cave: "Dark, wet, sharp, awesome". He is always laughing and always misinterpreting people's words. This has some hilarious side-effects. Once, one of the guys said he was going to use the "little boys room". When asked what he had said, Jose said "he said he was going to eat a long john".
Chris: very quiet- very much like Molly. He has a good "poker" face and you never really know what he is thinking. However, sometimes he and Jose start on a t.v. episode that they are both into and, before you know it, Chris is quoting and laughing.
Carl/Fred: His real name is Carl Fred (insert unknown last name here). He goes by either. So, we usually call him FredCarl (one word). I call him Carl-slash-Fred (Carl/Fred). He is the tallest person in the group and is one of those guys that you would expect to find at every party. He is great help to have around, given his size. He is also not-predictable, but, he jokes around with all of the guys and talks to everyone.
STEVE!: of course Steve is the one that everyone picks on and, after the first day, they all kept complementing me on insisting that he come. Steve is indispensable (even though Dr. Lucero keeps joking that we must sacrifice him to Chac to stop the rain). If you ask for help, Steve is there. If you want it, Steve jumps up to get it for you. We were walking around Belmopan two days ago and we saw kids climbing trees on the side of the path and picking red fruits. I began to wonder out loud what the fruit tasted like and why they were so into the fruit. Steve climbed a tree and threw me what I found out was a small apple-tasting fruit. Don't underestimate him- Steve WILL be there. Everyone loves Steve.
And of course you all know WAY too much about the final member of the group. So, I will let you insert your own description here about that crazy girl.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Day 11- Mr. Pringles
I was still pretty down about not having enough supplies and losing that item of deepest importance, but, we went to the field again and it was sunny and nice. We ate breakfast at Mrs. Chocs and went to the field with our pack lunches. I began my day by looking over Andrew's dissertation again and finding, again, maps of what he had done and the orientation of the maps. Cleofo, I and our kidnapped accomplice, Steve, took off for the jungle in search of the transect point that Andrew had used to position his transect and the one that I had used to make my 20m circle from yesterday. Steve mapped 150m (using my 30m reel tape) and I felt sorry for him. We did another plant survey, until around 10:30 when it started to rain fairly hard. We sat under a tree and then Cleofo and Steve took off to retrieve their backpacks and I used Reed (my pet walking stick made from scrap palm material) to create a good resting spot for myself.
Juan Antonio and Ernesto built a shelter from palm leaves and Steve and I joined them, right before it started pouring. We ate our lunches standing up and watched the water swirl around our boots. We were at the bottom of a hill, so, there was no escape. I kept the paper copy of Andrew's dissertation safely tucked away in my backpack along with other valuable, such as my notes. After a long time of pouring madness, we were called to go home. So, we all loaded up in the trucks for our long and, for those of us in the back of the truck, soaking wet, ride home. I forced my backpack upon the people sitting inside the truck and entrusted them with my supplies and fond goods. At one point, the rain was coming in like hail (very biting drops), so, I helped shield Molly's face with my raincoat.
We got home in time to start laundry. The washing machines fill from the outside (aka we fill them up with water from little hoses). It is a very interesting process. They also stop when they reach the spin cycle so you have to fill them up again with water and restart them. Most of the group have been hanging their clothes up to dry. But, with the frequent downpours, our laundry group (Molly, Elle and me) opted for the $5 US laundry. It is very expensive, but, at least they are dry!
Off to press today's finds and try to work the straps on my press! I also probably need to check on those washer machines soon........
Juan Antonio and Ernesto built a shelter from palm leaves and Steve and I joined them, right before it started pouring. We ate our lunches standing up and watched the water swirl around our boots. We were at the bottom of a hill, so, there was no escape. I kept the paper copy of Andrew's dissertation safely tucked away in my backpack along with other valuable, such as my notes. After a long time of pouring madness, we were called to go home. So, we all loaded up in the trucks for our long and, for those of us in the back of the truck, soaking wet, ride home. I forced my backpack upon the people sitting inside the truck and entrusted them with my supplies and fond goods. At one point, the rain was coming in like hail (very biting drops), so, I helped shield Molly's face with my raincoat.
We got home in time to start laundry. The washing machines fill from the outside (aka we fill them up with water from little hoses). It is a very interesting process. They also stop when they reach the spin cycle so you have to fill them up again with water and restart them. Most of the group have been hanging their clothes up to dry. But, with the frequent downpours, our laundry group (Molly, Elle and me) opted for the $5 US laundry. It is very expensive, but, at least they are dry!
Off to press today's finds and try to work the straps on my press! I also probably need to check on those washer machines soon........
Day 10- Holy Crunchy's Church
(There is a Crunchy's electronics, automotive, gifts, and consignment shop and Jose thought it was also a church. Lisa also said we needed to incorporate Holy into our title of the day.)
I woke up with foreboding, honest I did, and time did not lie. We ate at Mrs. Chocs and then off to Yalbac. Mrs. Choc made us spaghetti for breakfast and it tasted like Nanny's spaghetti :) I packed some away for lunch. The mosquitoes were so thick that I was often swarmed. I was very lucky to have a good scarf, pants, boots, and rain coat to keep me mostly covered. Cleofo and I collected plants from an area that Andrew, Lisa's former grad student, surveyed recently. We took only a 20m circle around a mound, structure 2D, to survey first. Cleofo identified 30 plants in that area, mainly trees. I took careful notes of their usages and such. We finished with the complete plant survey of this region around 1pm and I spent the rest of the day taking notes of what I had done, writing down the image number beside the plant information (I took photos of all the plants), and then helping scratch at a possible area of interest. That was fun! I found some small broken things, which was awesome in and of itself.
After working, we rode back to Banana Bank and had 10 minutes to change and get back to the car. I did a complete wardrobe change. Also, update from Day 9, Tara fell and twisted her ankle (or did something damaging to it). She went out to work on Day 10, but, with much hobbling. Luckily, we have a resident physician, Dr. Robbyn, who is on call as an EMT (I think) when she is at home. Whatever her job, she gets to ride in ambulances and help victims. She brought a mega kit of tools to help in any emergency.
After getting back into the car, we all rode to town together. We ended up being able to fit 8 people in the back of Lisa's truck, 3 in the back seat, and then Lisa and her niece (who gets car sick) up front. It was an awesome but smooshed ride. I got a small carton of milk and a small thing of ice-cream (which was gone in 15 minutes). I also bought hoards of newspapers which I used in my plant press later, when I discovered my incredible lack of enough materials. I have attempted to correct the situation today (when Lisa went into town by herself again and I sent instructions). Steve helped me put the plant press together later that night and we never could figure out the straps. I am about to try to fix that actually. Steve also managed to buy a movie not yet available in the US, which was pretty awesome. I mailed my postcards, and they should be arriving at their destination (dearest Mother) in 10-12 days.
Supper was good, but Steve and I were late because of our struggles with the plant press. I spent the evening after supper looking over Andrew's dissertation again (yet not enough I as I found out), and attempting to locate something important that I had lost (which is shocking I know). Hopefully, it will turn up sometime, but, I freaked out about it last night and will not freak out again until maybe later :)
I woke up with foreboding, honest I did, and time did not lie. We ate at Mrs. Chocs and then off to Yalbac. Mrs. Choc made us spaghetti for breakfast and it tasted like Nanny's spaghetti :) I packed some away for lunch. The mosquitoes were so thick that I was often swarmed. I was very lucky to have a good scarf, pants, boots, and rain coat to keep me mostly covered. Cleofo and I collected plants from an area that Andrew, Lisa's former grad student, surveyed recently. We took only a 20m circle around a mound, structure 2D, to survey first. Cleofo identified 30 plants in that area, mainly trees. I took careful notes of their usages and such. We finished with the complete plant survey of this region around 1pm and I spent the rest of the day taking notes of what I had done, writing down the image number beside the plant information (I took photos of all the plants), and then helping scratch at a possible area of interest. That was fun! I found some small broken things, which was awesome in and of itself.
After working, we rode back to Banana Bank and had 10 minutes to change and get back to the car. I did a complete wardrobe change. Also, update from Day 9, Tara fell and twisted her ankle (or did something damaging to it). She went out to work on Day 10, but, with much hobbling. Luckily, we have a resident physician, Dr. Robbyn, who is on call as an EMT (I think) when she is at home. Whatever her job, she gets to ride in ambulances and help victims. She brought a mega kit of tools to help in any emergency.
After getting back into the car, we all rode to town together. We ended up being able to fit 8 people in the back of Lisa's truck, 3 in the back seat, and then Lisa and her niece (who gets car sick) up front. It was an awesome but smooshed ride. I got a small carton of milk and a small thing of ice-cream (which was gone in 15 minutes). I also bought hoards of newspapers which I used in my plant press later, when I discovered my incredible lack of enough materials. I have attempted to correct the situation today (when Lisa went into town by herself again and I sent instructions). Steve helped me put the plant press together later that night and we never could figure out the straps. I am about to try to fix that actually. Steve also managed to buy a movie not yet available in the US, which was pretty awesome. I mailed my postcards, and they should be arriving at their destination (dearest Mother) in 10-12 days.
Supper was good, but Steve and I were late because of our struggles with the plant press. I spent the evening after supper looking over Andrew's dissertation again (yet not enough I as I found out), and attempting to locate something important that I had lost (which is shocking I know). Hopefully, it will turn up sometime, but, I freaked out about it last night and will not freak out again until maybe later :)
Monday, May 24, 2010
Day 9- Day of the Flood
Update on last night: We had mashed potatoes, green beans sauteed in butter and vinegar (or so it tasted like), mixed vegetables and carrot cake. Steve was playing this little game called "steal everything off the table and hide it conspicuously where it can definitely be missed". He did this repeatedly with the pepper shaker, Tara's notebook, Robbyn's iphone, and then Tommy's (who has been hanging with our entire group lately) and Carl/Fred's beer. Tommy had 4 bottles on the table and Carl/Fred had 3. Steve succeeded in stealing most of these and passing them to members of the table, who then passed them around and made them mysteriously appear on the table in front of them again. It was a game that we were all laughing about for nearly an hour.
We woke up at the same time, to a little mist outside. We packed up our gear (I took my plant stuff for the first time) and we drove to Mrs. Chocs. Breakfast was excellent as usual and we sat for a few minutes eating- until the downpour hit. I ran to get my backpack and raincoat that were in the back of the truck where I had been riding, after it kept getting increasingly stronger. We were stuck at Mrs. Chocs for a good half hour after we had finished eating waiting for it to let up a bit so we could go home- not even trying for the site.
On the way back to Banana Bank, we pleaded with the people riding in the truck and succeeded in getting them to keep our stuff in the dry while we rode in the back. I was especially insistent and whiny about my stuff since I had a GPS unit, among other things, stored in it.
On the ride home, we had our raincoats up, except for mine that I was half-sitting on. On the ride, Jose asked how old I was, and was shocked to know that I was younger than him. Happens every time. I learned earlier today that he was in the first class I ever TA'd at UIUC- and the one I met Steve in. So, that was very funny too.
We got home and Lisa gave us a lecture on the Maya underworld, concluding that the "sacrifices", as the tour guide told us, were not really sacrifices. She defined them as "witches". It was interesting and something that she had co-authored a paper on so I trust her more than I do our tour guide, who happened to say that he had felt spirits in the cave.
Lisa wanted us to go to the Belize Zoo, but, no one was really up for that. I had to get some work done and the others were not enthused. So, Lisa drove them 5 miles in to the nearest gas station and then left them to shop. During that time, a torrential flood came. So, by the time I saw them again, they were soaked to the core- even those who had rain jackets.
As for me, I worked up a job application for a TA position I want and am now trying to coax my e-mail into letting me send it using my UIUC address instead of my gmail address. If that doesn't work- and I have been at this for a very long time, I will have to go back to using the basic html gmail function and try another route to send my app to my letter writer. I have also been finalizing the methods I will employ in the field, trying to work up a lecture for next week (15 slides down!!), and an abstract for a conference in Texas in the Fall. We shall see how I do. I also want to finish my novel today, but, that might be too lofty a goal.
We still have our pack lunches from Mrs. Choc, so, I will be consuming that shortly! Yummy!
We woke up at the same time, to a little mist outside. We packed up our gear (I took my plant stuff for the first time) and we drove to Mrs. Chocs. Breakfast was excellent as usual and we sat for a few minutes eating- until the downpour hit. I ran to get my backpack and raincoat that were in the back of the truck where I had been riding, after it kept getting increasingly stronger. We were stuck at Mrs. Chocs for a good half hour after we had finished eating waiting for it to let up a bit so we could go home- not even trying for the site.
On the way back to Banana Bank, we pleaded with the people riding in the truck and succeeded in getting them to keep our stuff in the dry while we rode in the back. I was especially insistent and whiny about my stuff since I had a GPS unit, among other things, stored in it.
On the ride home, we had our raincoats up, except for mine that I was half-sitting on. On the ride, Jose asked how old I was, and was shocked to know that I was younger than him. Happens every time. I learned earlier today that he was in the first class I ever TA'd at UIUC- and the one I met Steve in. So, that was very funny too.
We got home and Lisa gave us a lecture on the Maya underworld, concluding that the "sacrifices", as the tour guide told us, were not really sacrifices. She defined them as "witches". It was interesting and something that she had co-authored a paper on so I trust her more than I do our tour guide, who happened to say that he had felt spirits in the cave.
Lisa wanted us to go to the Belize Zoo, but, no one was really up for that. I had to get some work done and the others were not enthused. So, Lisa drove them 5 miles in to the nearest gas station and then left them to shop. During that time, a torrential flood came. So, by the time I saw them again, they were soaked to the core- even those who had rain jackets.
As for me, I worked up a job application for a TA position I want and am now trying to coax my e-mail into letting me send it using my UIUC address instead of my gmail address. If that doesn't work- and I have been at this for a very long time, I will have to go back to using the basic html gmail function and try another route to send my app to my letter writer. I have also been finalizing the methods I will employ in the field, trying to work up a lecture for next week (15 slides down!!), and an abstract for a conference in Texas in the Fall. We shall see how I do. I also want to finish my novel today, but, that might be too lofty a goal.
We still have our pack lunches from Mrs. Choc, so, I will be consuming that shortly! Yummy!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Day 8- That jaguar wants to eat Steve/My day of rest
I woke up without the aid of an alarm clock. My internal alarm clock keeps waking me up earlier and earlier now! We had breakfast of eggs sunny-side up, papaya, and fried bread and syrup. I worked on being as relaxed as possible. However, I did manage to watch a DVD made probably in the 1990s about the GPS system that I will start using this week in the field. It poured again today, and the internet service was choppy. I think we have more guests, so, that means more draw on our limited internet. Oh well, I got some more reading done on my novel and called my Mom. Clark and Hoyt also talked, Hoyt's main comment being, as always "Sissy, when are you coming to my house?" Unfortunately, July 3rd was not the date he was wanting. Steve, Hannah and I split and Banana Split in the mid-afternoon. It was very good. Basically, it was a lazy day for me. I haven't had one of those in.....well, I can't really remember the last day I really and truly relaxed the entire day. So, this was an awesome break!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Day 7- "I don't know what just happened, but, you are wearing different pants" (Kayla to Steve)
Update from last night: swimming was awesome. I determined that, fortunately, Tommy also enjoyed hitting on the other girls that I room with. Lisa's niece arrived and ate supper with us after the owner, John Carr, picked her up. Her name is Gabs and she will be with us until after our Tikal adventure next weekend. We had eggplant with cheese and jalapenos, spaghetti with a side of meatballs in red sauce, garlic bread instead of buns, lemonade, beats and red cabbage, and pineapple upside down cake. Since Steve had more fruit on his, he kindly traded slices :) Yay Steve! The others stayed up late playing risk, while I watched the last 2 episodes of the Office that I had missed.
This morning we slept in!!!! Until 700. It was amazing. The night was very hot again, but, it was ok. Somehow, through the course of sleeping, I wound up taking the mosquito netting from off one corner of the bed, by my head, and sticking my head out of it. I woke up and wondered why, in this hot hot weather I had used the sheet to cover myself. When I finally realized it was the netting, I quickly replaced it.
Breakfast was orange juice, pancakes, eggs and watermelon. The watermelon was tops. We crossed the river and boarded a bus bound for ATM at 815. Steve was the official guardian of our packed lunches from Banana Bank and he, therefore, got an entire 2 seats to himself. I was the guardian of the bananas, also for lunch. It was an hour trip by tour bus, with 3 other American girls, and I spent the majority of it reading my long-forgotten book, "Nefertiti". I really enjoyed it! I sat next to Hannah, who has quickly become my dinner table/riding buddy.
We hiked about 2 miles inland through the jungle, with Steve carrying all the lunches in a garbage bag, to the cave entrance. Elle finally took them from him when we were almost to the cave, which he jokingly complained about later. There were 5 of us from the field school and the three random rich American girls who went on one tour group into the cave.
I don't really know if words can describe our experience. I would borrow Jose's word and say "Awesome" (he uses this word all the time, he is easily excited). But, I think a better me-term would be "WOW". The trip incorporated my passion for archaeology with my love of caving all wrapped into one. If that wasn't enough, there were portions that we basically had to swim through. It was absolutely incredible, ranking as one of the best trips in my entire life! I took lots of photos, many of them candids of Steve per my normal actions, and I will try to post the best ones to Facebook.
Most of the archaeology remains in the cave, since archaeologists have done minimal to the site itself other than try to protect it in its original state as much as possible. I was actually shocked at how many of the concepts that the tour guide was saying that I already knew. I was also happy whenever I could answer his questions that he posed to the group. Finally!! Haha.
By the time we got out of the cave, it was pouring. But, we were already soaked so it was ok. We ate a packed lunch of bologna and cheese sandwhiches and a salad of zucchini, cabbage, carrots, raisins and pineapple (maybe, it tasted sweet whatever fruit it was). Steve and I made a deal: I got both of his cheeses and he took both of my bolognas. It made for an awesome exchange. When we got back to the bus, the rain had stopped, so, we were able to change our clothes in the open-air but closed on 2 sides used-to-be rest room. Luckily, I had brought my towel, so, things weren't so awkward as they could have been.
It started raining again, pouring actually, while we were in the bus. We actually had to struggle to make it up some hills, and went through streams that would have made an American driver turn around. But, there was no where else to go, so, we barged ahead. At one point, another tour vehicle, this one a 15-passenger van, was stopped in the mud. We waited for it to move before we were able to proceed.
It was pouring again when we got back to Banana Bank just a few minutes ago. And parts of the roof in our room was leaking. Elle and I went about trying to find make-shift water catchers. Steve, Kayla and Tara were not deterred by the rain, and are actually playing soccer outside my window with 2 local boys about 10 or so as I type. It is fun to watch and listen to them laugh.
Random aside, for my dearest Granny Annie (don't take offense). As we were walking back from the cave site in the pouring rain, we encountered a group of people walking to the cave site, who were soaked from the 2 mile trek. There were 3 Asians, a young American couple, and 2 ladies who appeared to be in their 70s or 80s sporting canes and waddling through the jungle. I will account to you only some of what we had to do on this trip: walk across slippery stones (I fell at one point and caught myself with my water bottle) across 3 or 4 different creeks, up and down slippery mud hills, walk through or around several large puddles, and constantly watch for branches and herbaceous plants in our way (this was just on the walk there and back)- and it was a 4 mile hike total. In the cave, we had to swim through the entrance, walk across slippery stones, climb a ladder, be pulled up rocks, make our way through tiny squeeze holes, and watch constantly for boulders beneath the surface of the water, all while watching out for any archaeology or stalagmites that we could damage with just a tiny touch. We had to come in and out of this cave, probably a mile each way. All of this that 2 little old ladies were trying to accomplish when they could barely make it through the jungle while leaning on each other! All of our group, most strongly the 3 rich American girls, were really upset that they had come. How could they hope to make it?
I, at first, reached similar conclusions and scorned their presence. And then I reflected on my own future as a grandma at some point, and wondered what all I would still want to do. I don't take life sitting down and I don't ever expect to. If I set around my nursing home room playing canasta and watching soap operas, I think I would go insane. I would at least flirt with all of the young male nurses (if my own husband weren't still around to flirt with).
A lot of my generation is not too active. Their idea of fun is playing endless hours of video games or surfing the internet or watching hoards of movies. What these ladies proved to me is that it is never too late to enjoy life or have fun. I like to feel that, as a grandma, I would like to still be active. I would like to be an example to my grandchildren, as both of my grandmas have always been to me. They always encouraged my work ethic and exploratory nature, and I really appreciate that. I think I would like to be the kind of grandma that, if my grandkids played too many video games and such, would kidnap them for a week or so in the summer and take them to someplace in the middle of no where and make them put up their own tent, and cook food over a campstove or firepit, and not allow any other "toys" except for board/card games, frisbees and soccer balls, and books. I also like to think that, if they got too much into ice-cream or instant dinners, I would teach them how to grow a garden and cook real food from scratch.
Btw, on a 2 mile hike back, you have a lot of time to mull over such things :)
This morning we slept in!!!! Until 700. It was amazing. The night was very hot again, but, it was ok. Somehow, through the course of sleeping, I wound up taking the mosquito netting from off one corner of the bed, by my head, and sticking my head out of it. I woke up and wondered why, in this hot hot weather I had used the sheet to cover myself. When I finally realized it was the netting, I quickly replaced it.
Breakfast was orange juice, pancakes, eggs and watermelon. The watermelon was tops. We crossed the river and boarded a bus bound for ATM at 815. Steve was the official guardian of our packed lunches from Banana Bank and he, therefore, got an entire 2 seats to himself. I was the guardian of the bananas, also for lunch. It was an hour trip by tour bus, with 3 other American girls, and I spent the majority of it reading my long-forgotten book, "Nefertiti". I really enjoyed it! I sat next to Hannah, who has quickly become my dinner table/riding buddy.
We hiked about 2 miles inland through the jungle, with Steve carrying all the lunches in a garbage bag, to the cave entrance. Elle finally took them from him when we were almost to the cave, which he jokingly complained about later. There were 5 of us from the field school and the three random rich American girls who went on one tour group into the cave.
I don't really know if words can describe our experience. I would borrow Jose's word and say "Awesome" (he uses this word all the time, he is easily excited). But, I think a better me-term would be "WOW". The trip incorporated my passion for archaeology with my love of caving all wrapped into one. If that wasn't enough, there were portions that we basically had to swim through. It was absolutely incredible, ranking as one of the best trips in my entire life! I took lots of photos, many of them candids of Steve per my normal actions, and I will try to post the best ones to Facebook.
Most of the archaeology remains in the cave, since archaeologists have done minimal to the site itself other than try to protect it in its original state as much as possible. I was actually shocked at how many of the concepts that the tour guide was saying that I already knew. I was also happy whenever I could answer his questions that he posed to the group. Finally!! Haha.
By the time we got out of the cave, it was pouring. But, we were already soaked so it was ok. We ate a packed lunch of bologna and cheese sandwhiches and a salad of zucchini, cabbage, carrots, raisins and pineapple (maybe, it tasted sweet whatever fruit it was). Steve and I made a deal: I got both of his cheeses and he took both of my bolognas. It made for an awesome exchange. When we got back to the bus, the rain had stopped, so, we were able to change our clothes in the open-air but closed on 2 sides used-to-be rest room. Luckily, I had brought my towel, so, things weren't so awkward as they could have been.
It started raining again, pouring actually, while we were in the bus. We actually had to struggle to make it up some hills, and went through streams that would have made an American driver turn around. But, there was no where else to go, so, we barged ahead. At one point, another tour vehicle, this one a 15-passenger van, was stopped in the mud. We waited for it to move before we were able to proceed.
It was pouring again when we got back to Banana Bank just a few minutes ago. And parts of the roof in our room was leaking. Elle and I went about trying to find make-shift water catchers. Steve, Kayla and Tara were not deterred by the rain, and are actually playing soccer outside my window with 2 local boys about 10 or so as I type. It is fun to watch and listen to them laugh.
Random aside, for my dearest Granny Annie (don't take offense). As we were walking back from the cave site in the pouring rain, we encountered a group of people walking to the cave site, who were soaked from the 2 mile trek. There were 3 Asians, a young American couple, and 2 ladies who appeared to be in their 70s or 80s sporting canes and waddling through the jungle. I will account to you only some of what we had to do on this trip: walk across slippery stones (I fell at one point and caught myself with my water bottle) across 3 or 4 different creeks, up and down slippery mud hills, walk through or around several large puddles, and constantly watch for branches and herbaceous plants in our way (this was just on the walk there and back)- and it was a 4 mile hike total. In the cave, we had to swim through the entrance, walk across slippery stones, climb a ladder, be pulled up rocks, make our way through tiny squeeze holes, and watch constantly for boulders beneath the surface of the water, all while watching out for any archaeology or stalagmites that we could damage with just a tiny touch. We had to come in and out of this cave, probably a mile each way. All of this that 2 little old ladies were trying to accomplish when they could barely make it through the jungle while leaning on each other! All of our group, most strongly the 3 rich American girls, were really upset that they had come. How could they hope to make it?
I, at first, reached similar conclusions and scorned their presence. And then I reflected on my own future as a grandma at some point, and wondered what all I would still want to do. I don't take life sitting down and I don't ever expect to. If I set around my nursing home room playing canasta and watching soap operas, I think I would go insane. I would at least flirt with all of the young male nurses (if my own husband weren't still around to flirt with).
A lot of my generation is not too active. Their idea of fun is playing endless hours of video games or surfing the internet or watching hoards of movies. What these ladies proved to me is that it is never too late to enjoy life or have fun. I like to feel that, as a grandma, I would like to still be active. I would like to be an example to my grandchildren, as both of my grandmas have always been to me. They always encouraged my work ethic and exploratory nature, and I really appreciate that. I think I would like to be the kind of grandma that, if my grandkids played too many video games and such, would kidnap them for a week or so in the summer and take them to someplace in the middle of no where and make them put up their own tent, and cook food over a campstove or firepit, and not allow any other "toys" except for board/card games, frisbees and soccer balls, and books. I also like to think that, if they got too much into ice-cream or instant dinners, I would teach them how to grow a garden and cook real food from scratch.
Btw, on a 2 mile hike back, you have a lot of time to mull over such things :)
Friday, May 21, 2010
Day 6-
By the way, I realized that we have not been going to bed when I thought we were, at 900pm. That was what my computer said because it is still set to US time. We have had lights out by 800. That's pretty incredible for 3 college girls. It was a very hot night and I have never sweated so much in my sleep! Luckily, I had the fan on, but, it didn't stop the horrendous heat. I had my first actual nightmare (to me) in like forever. So, I guess hot nights give me bad dreams :(
We woke up on time, and got to Mrs. Chocs for breakfast of corn tortilla, bean paste and fried chicken. Yes, fried chicken (that I didn't eat) for breakfast. If Clark is reading this, tell him it was a first for all of us too, and we are all "grown-ups". I again braided Kayla's hair. We got to the site around 730 and started setting up a grid for one single unit. I emphasize this one, single unit because it took us until 1100 to get it in correctly- one measly 2x1 unit! I asked, as we finally finished, how long does it take 11 archaeologists to put in one unit? Answer, a very long time! Of course, it had to be exactly 1m on 2 sides and 2 m on 2 sides, and with all sides matching NS or EW axis. Often the NS axes were off, causing us to start all over again. Or, the sides were 1-3cm off, causing us to start all over again. Even if just one side was off, it was a disaster. I won't go in to the ends and outs of how we did it all, but below is a photo of how we did measurements. I actually got a little ticked at one point and began to give my personal opinion on how it should be measured and what instruments should be used and such.
Before we started putting in the units, the guys showed us how to use our machetes. I don't really have good form, so, Steve was forever correcting me. But, eventually I almost cut him, so, our lessons stopped. Luckily, all of our machetes were so dull you would have had to use them as clubs to really hurt someone.
For lunch, we had rice and beans with tomatoes and chilis. It was sooooo awesome. I even got some extra rice left over from Elle's lunch. Robyyn brought her ipod and speakers, so, we listened to the Beatles as we ate. I also found a large vine that I could swing on during our machete lesson, so, I swang on that for a bit.
We practiced siting from a permanent transverse point and the guys built a cute little hut around out unit.
After that, we started in mapping yet another unit, this one on a hill. So, we thought it was going to be horrible. It was 130 and we were tired. But, we mapped it correctly on our first try! And spent the rest of the time mapping it to the traverse point near the main site, that we were working on yesterday. Now, I am about to go swimming again, hopefully with people I know or alone, and get some ice-cream!!!!!
We woke up on time, and got to Mrs. Chocs for breakfast of corn tortilla, bean paste and fried chicken. Yes, fried chicken (that I didn't eat) for breakfast. If Clark is reading this, tell him it was a first for all of us too, and we are all "grown-ups". I again braided Kayla's hair. We got to the site around 730 and started setting up a grid for one single unit. I emphasize this one, single unit because it took us until 1100 to get it in correctly- one measly 2x1 unit! I asked, as we finally finished, how long does it take 11 archaeologists to put in one unit? Answer, a very long time! Of course, it had to be exactly 1m on 2 sides and 2 m on 2 sides, and with all sides matching NS or EW axis. Often the NS axes were off, causing us to start all over again. Or, the sides were 1-3cm off, causing us to start all over again. Even if just one side was off, it was a disaster. I won't go in to the ends and outs of how we did it all, but below is a photo of how we did measurements. I actually got a little ticked at one point and began to give my personal opinion on how it should be measured and what instruments should be used and such.
Before we started putting in the units, the guys showed us how to use our machetes. I don't really have good form, so, Steve was forever correcting me. But, eventually I almost cut him, so, our lessons stopped. Luckily, all of our machetes were so dull you would have had to use them as clubs to really hurt someone.
For lunch, we had rice and beans with tomatoes and chilis. It was sooooo awesome. I even got some extra rice left over from Elle's lunch. Robyyn brought her ipod and speakers, so, we listened to the Beatles as we ate. I also found a large vine that I could swing on during our machete lesson, so, I swang on that for a bit.
We practiced siting from a permanent transverse point and the guys built a cute little hut around out unit.
After that, we started in mapping yet another unit, this one on a hill. So, we thought it was going to be horrible. It was 130 and we were tired. But, we mapped it correctly on our first try! And spent the rest of the time mapping it to the traverse point near the main site, that we were working on yesterday. Now, I am about to go swimming again, hopefully with people I know or alone, and get some ice-cream!!!!!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Day 5-PM
Update from previous post:
So, I managed to get to the pool around 535, when everyone had left. It was really nice, and the water temp is absolutely perfect. I did a few laps width wise and convinced myself that I wasn't really so horrible in water after all. Definitely not any good, but not as horribly depressing and embarrassing as I had previously thought. Just when I thought life was perfect, this guy who had come in yesterday entered the pool area with his drink and just set there, facing me, saying nothing. The pool is large (see FB photo), so, it wasn't an issue. Finally, after a very long and awkward time, he entered the pool. Since he was with this other guy about Lisa's age named Kevin (who helped us across the river when we first got there and was originally from Champaign), I asked about that. Well, that was all it took and apparently I am Tommy's new best friend. I found out his who life story, etc. 23-year-old guys from Kansas must all be very friendly lol.
Dinner was finally called and we were served: buns, zucchini with butter (yummy), vinaigrette dressing with tomatoes green peppers and red onions (super), rice, and a gravy. All with the same amazing lemonade. For dessert, we had a granola bar with white icing. Then, we learned about forms from Lisa and paid for lunches with Mrs. Choc. And I sat down to blog again!
So, I managed to get to the pool around 535, when everyone had left. It was really nice, and the water temp is absolutely perfect. I did a few laps width wise and convinced myself that I wasn't really so horrible in water after all. Definitely not any good, but not as horribly depressing and embarrassing as I had previously thought. Just when I thought life was perfect, this guy who had come in yesterday entered the pool area with his drink and just set there, facing me, saying nothing. The pool is large (see FB photo), so, it wasn't an issue. Finally, after a very long and awkward time, he entered the pool. Since he was with this other guy about Lisa's age named Kevin (who helped us across the river when we first got there and was originally from Champaign), I asked about that. Well, that was all it took and apparently I am Tommy's new best friend. I found out his who life story, etc. 23-year-old guys from Kansas must all be very friendly lol.
Dinner was finally called and we were served: buns, zucchini with butter (yummy), vinaigrette dressing with tomatoes green peppers and red onions (super), rice, and a gravy. All with the same amazing lemonade. For dessert, we had a granola bar with white icing. Then, we learned about forms from Lisa and paid for lunches with Mrs. Choc. And I sat down to blog again!
Day 5- This is a pool of apple juice, with monkeys with swimmies
Last night update: finally got into the pool and it was awesome (most awesome part was that absolutely no one was around). I got Skype and gchat to work finally and got to hear a clarinet solo (awesomeness). We went to supper: buns, salad, green beans and fried potato slices, and chocolate cake with chocolate sauce on top (I ate a lot of buns). We had the lights out before 900.
We woke up at 530- this time with no alarm clock problems. However, new problems arose- no water. So, we had to fill up our water bottles in Lisa's room and did not get a chance to refill our extra water for the truck. Luckily, Chris had filled up an extra water for yesterday, so, we took that one. We got a slightly late start, and then ate breakfast and picked up lunch at Mrs. Chocs. I french-braided Kayla's hair so that it wouldn't bother her in the field so much.
We started work around 730 and began clearing the backdirt some more. The photo above is what we have been working on- isn't the site beautiful?? We actually got some sunlight today. And the jungle was so pretty- Tara, of course being the bubbly one, commented the most strongly about it. We also had smiley-face dustpans (which, sorry to say, there is no pic of). It made my day. Tara says my voice goes up an octave when I talk to Steve or when I talked about smiley-face dustpans.
We got out of the field around 200 so that Lisa could finish up some stuff. Another ride in the truck and we were home again :)
We woke up at 530- this time with no alarm clock problems. However, new problems arose- no water. So, we had to fill up our water bottles in Lisa's room and did not get a chance to refill our extra water for the truck. Luckily, Chris had filled up an extra water for yesterday, so, we took that one. We got a slightly late start, and then ate breakfast and picked up lunch at Mrs. Chocs. I french-braided Kayla's hair so that it wouldn't bother her in the field so much.
We got out of the field around 200 so that Lisa could finish up some stuff. Another ride in the truck and we were home again :)
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Day 4- Moving backdirt/ "This rain is fire"
Note about last night: after I posted I went to have supper, at the time I thought supper was-730pm. As it turned out, I had thought that because I went to supper when my computer said it was 730 (and it was actually 630 Belize time. So, I was utterly mistaken and therefore an hour late for supper and, on top of missing supper, also missed the first little bit of Lisa's lecture. But, that, and other things, made me want to go to bed as soon as we were dismissed from the lecture, so, I ended up getting tons of sleep :)
This morning, our alarm went off at 530 and I wasn't lazy and actually got up to shut off my own alarm myself (it is set in such a way that it is supposed to be a communal alarm clock). Unfortunately, I noticed after I had shut it off that the other girls stayed in bed. Not wanting to disturb them in case they were just spending a few extra minutes in bed, I let them be and just went about my normal activities (a little louder than I normally would have if I had really thought them to be sleeping on purpose, but, I didn't know what other ploy to do to help them wake up).
We got to Mrs. Chocs to eat (the picture of the huts and the house is hers, and the stove is also hers). We had fried bread, eggs, and bean mash. Again, very delicious. Although, Steve did comment on slightly missing Frosted Flakes. By now, people have assumed that Steve is my brother, especially with last night's comment from my own Mom about taking care of Steve. He asked if that meant that Dan (who I claim as my little brother) also had to be his brother. While walking through San Ignacio, Steve stayed behind to take pictures while I walked on, causing the other people to comment "where's Colleen, I don't see her walking with Steve!" when I was standing right next to them. Apparently, we are always together, except when we are not. Steve also has a bit of trouble looking awake in the morning, which causes us no end of teasing. He opened his mouth only when we were talking about Wii and only to comment the Japanese are crazy. I called him racist, which caused him to speak again, and pronounce his connection to Pokemon and say that they weren't all that bad.
We actually went to Yalbac and worked today! When we got there, we were not allowed to enter until Lisa agreed to go back and get forms for those people who did not have visitors passes. Those without visitors passes were not allowed to stay inside of the gates of Yalbac and had to leave with Lisa- since all of the boys had handed back their passes, we were left with only the girls to provide manual labor. Elle and Molly taught (and refreshed my memory) on how to set up an excavation unit. It was a bit different than what I remember from Pauketat's field school, but, that's ok.
We packed stuff back to the actual site and set up a tent. Then, Lisa and co. arrived around 900 and we started clearing away backdirt from 2008, after finishing our tour that was interrupted the day before. We worked on that until almost 1030 when we went to investigate another interesting point with some debatage around a tree. Hopefully, that means something important! I worked next to Steve and helped him out a bit- at one point said "hold your hand out" and piled chert flakes into his palm.
We at lunch at 1100- again from Mrs. Choc- and it was rice and beans with different seasonings and chicken (which I still cannot pawn off to anyone!). We went back to digging and scraping around 1130 and some people, who only had 1 water bottle, returned to the truck for a refill from the communal water. We worked until 230, when we all headed home. Today, I finally got a chance to ride up front in the air conditioning and no funny conversation. It was lucky because, on the way home, we encountered a torrential downpour, soaking everyone in the back! And, it is now time to do something productive: like either check Facebook, read my new book "Trees of Belize" or go swimming!!!!!
This morning, our alarm went off at 530 and I wasn't lazy and actually got up to shut off my own alarm myself (it is set in such a way that it is supposed to be a communal alarm clock). Unfortunately, I noticed after I had shut it off that the other girls stayed in bed. Not wanting to disturb them in case they were just spending a few extra minutes in bed, I let them be and just went about my normal activities (a little louder than I normally would have if I had really thought them to be sleeping on purpose, but, I didn't know what other ploy to do to help them wake up).
We got to Mrs. Chocs to eat (the picture of the huts and the house is hers, and the stove is also hers). We had fried bread, eggs, and bean mash. Again, very delicious. Although, Steve did comment on slightly missing Frosted Flakes. By now, people have assumed that Steve is my brother, especially with last night's comment from my own Mom about taking care of Steve. He asked if that meant that Dan (who I claim as my little brother) also had to be his brother. While walking through San Ignacio, Steve stayed behind to take pictures while I walked on, causing the other people to comment "where's Colleen, I don't see her walking with Steve!" when I was standing right next to them. Apparently, we are always together, except when we are not. Steve also has a bit of trouble looking awake in the morning, which causes us no end of teasing. He opened his mouth only when we were talking about Wii and only to comment the Japanese are crazy. I called him racist, which caused him to speak again, and pronounce his connection to Pokemon and say that they weren't all that bad.
We actually went to Yalbac and worked today! When we got there, we were not allowed to enter until Lisa agreed to go back and get forms for those people who did not have visitors passes. Those without visitors passes were not allowed to stay inside of the gates of Yalbac and had to leave with Lisa- since all of the boys had handed back their passes, we were left with only the girls to provide manual labor. Elle and Molly taught (and refreshed my memory) on how to set up an excavation unit. It was a bit different than what I remember from Pauketat's field school, but, that's ok.
We packed stuff back to the actual site and set up a tent. Then, Lisa and co. arrived around 900 and we started clearing away backdirt from 2008, after finishing our tour that was interrupted the day before. We worked on that until almost 1030 when we went to investigate another interesting point with some debatage around a tree. Hopefully, that means something important! I worked next to Steve and helped him out a bit- at one point said "hold your hand out" and piled chert flakes into his palm.
We at lunch at 1100- again from Mrs. Choc- and it was rice and beans with different seasonings and chicken (which I still cannot pawn off to anyone!). We went back to digging and scraping around 1130 and some people, who only had 1 water bottle, returned to the truck for a refill from the communal water. We worked until 230, when we all headed home. Today, I finally got a chance to ride up front in the air conditioning and no funny conversation. It was lucky because, on the way home, we encountered a torrential downpour, soaking everyone in the back! And, it is now time to do something productive: like either check Facebook, read my new book "Trees of Belize" or go swimming!!!!!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Day 3- Lisa vs. Lloyd
So named because: We visited the Yalbac site only to get a man named Lloyd (who is very important) upset because not enough of us signed liability forms (he only had 5 awaiting us). Lisa vs Lloyd vs the men who were getting in trouble because of us being in there.
We started out the morning with my alarm clock at 530. We got our gear ready and reached the truck, only to find out that it was too wet to excavate! But, Ernesto (driver #2) arrived promptly and we all set forth for Mrs. Chocs and breakfast. We arrived at Mrs. Choc’s hut and ate: homemade tortilla, black beans mashed into a paste, eggs with tomatoes. She also gave us our lunch boxes even though we would not be going all day to Yalbac: rice and beans with a piece of chicken on top (never could find someone to eat my chicken, so, I carried it around all day- still in the box right now). We proceeded to her storage shed- which she built at someone’s house and the rent price is them being able to use the half of it that she doesn’t. We picked up shaker screens, shovels, and 2 boxes of other equipment, and a guy named Stanley. We all then went to Yalbac, where we encountered a man with a mean-looking machete and wearing white rain boots (think your sister’s kind), the guy who lifted the gate to let us in, and another guy peeing into a stream (I guess most visitors are male).
We proceeded on to the actual site, with Stanley and Ernesto leading the way, wielding machetes to clear our path and toting shaker screens. Steve and I were at the rear of the group and also carrying shaker screens. Carl took the 4 shovels. There were only 5 liability forms once we got there, so, only 5 people signed. Luckily, Elle and Molly didn’t have to sign since they had previously been there. But, there were others of us who were left. We visited the mounds of dirt hiding Maya buildings and got to go inside a couple of looters trenches. I almost convinced Steve that one out of the way temple was an insane asylum because of its lack of easy visibility. Molly also convinced him briefly that a loud thud we heard was a monkey falling out of a tree. Then, I proceeded to make Yeti jokes (for no apparent reason) and claim that, because of global warming, they had no other recourse but to head to the tropics and try to adapt before the entire species went extinct! We finished most of our tour but were cut short by our second visit from our earlier comrades at the entrance to the Yalbac site. They were getting it hard from said Lloyd, so, we returned in hopes that they would stop getting in trouble. The rest of us who hadn’t signed an earlier form then all signed the same one.
We went back to Banana Bank, changed into shorts and ditched the gear and all rode in Lisa’s truck back to Belmopan. We took a bus there to San Ignacio and took taxis from the bus stop to Caral Pech. We rode with the director of the taxi group in San Ignacio that we rode from, who was a woman. It was raining, but, we toured anyway. It was spectacular and very much still in tact. It was mostly uncovered, with some temples still covered by dirt and trees. Steve was the only one who remembered to pack rain gear. So, we all kidded him about how it looked on. We went to meet the taxis to take us back, but, they weren’t there. So, we set out on foot. They caught up with us when we were almost back and we were “persuaded” to ride the rest of the way, only paying ½ fare. We shopped around the bus stop and I got stamps (but somehow forgot my postcards, so, I guess I will be mailing them later). I also stood in the bank line to exchange USD for local currency. It was a very long line. We took a bus back to Belmopan and then further- to the entrance to the road leading to Banana Bank. We walked 2 miles in and then Steve took a big rock and hit the gong to let people know we wanted to go across so someone came down and ferried us. Some people went to the pool and we got new towels- but no new washrags and they took our old ones.
Sidenote on shower: last night I was taking a shower and the cold was really getting to me. So, I started thinking about the song “Singing in the Rain”, which somehow randomly turned into “Sunshine in St. Louis”. Who knows?
We started out the morning with my alarm clock at 530. We got our gear ready and reached the truck, only to find out that it was too wet to excavate! But, Ernesto (driver #2) arrived promptly and we all set forth for Mrs. Chocs and breakfast. We arrived at Mrs. Choc’s hut and ate: homemade tortilla, black beans mashed into a paste, eggs with tomatoes. She also gave us our lunch boxes even though we would not be going all day to Yalbac: rice and beans with a piece of chicken on top (never could find someone to eat my chicken, so, I carried it around all day- still in the box right now). We proceeded to her storage shed- which she built at someone’s house and the rent price is them being able to use the half of it that she doesn’t. We picked up shaker screens, shovels, and 2 boxes of other equipment, and a guy named Stanley. We all then went to Yalbac, where we encountered a man with a mean-looking machete and wearing white rain boots (think your sister’s kind), the guy who lifted the gate to let us in, and another guy peeing into a stream (I guess most visitors are male).
We proceeded on to the actual site, with Stanley and Ernesto leading the way, wielding machetes to clear our path and toting shaker screens. Steve and I were at the rear of the group and also carrying shaker screens. Carl took the 4 shovels. There were only 5 liability forms once we got there, so, only 5 people signed. Luckily, Elle and Molly didn’t have to sign since they had previously been there. But, there were others of us who were left. We visited the mounds of dirt hiding Maya buildings and got to go inside a couple of looters trenches. I almost convinced Steve that one out of the way temple was an insane asylum because of its lack of easy visibility. Molly also convinced him briefly that a loud thud we heard was a monkey falling out of a tree. Then, I proceeded to make Yeti jokes (for no apparent reason) and claim that, because of global warming, they had no other recourse but to head to the tropics and try to adapt before the entire species went extinct! We finished most of our tour but were cut short by our second visit from our earlier comrades at the entrance to the Yalbac site. They were getting it hard from said Lloyd, so, we returned in hopes that they would stop getting in trouble. The rest of us who hadn’t signed an earlier form then all signed the same one.
We went back to Banana Bank, changed into shorts and ditched the gear and all rode in Lisa’s truck back to Belmopan. We took a bus there to San Ignacio and took taxis from the bus stop to Caral Pech. We rode with the director of the taxi group in San Ignacio that we rode from, who was a woman. It was raining, but, we toured anyway. It was spectacular and very much still in tact. It was mostly uncovered, with some temples still covered by dirt and trees. Steve was the only one who remembered to pack rain gear. So, we all kidded him about how it looked on. We went to meet the taxis to take us back, but, they weren’t there. So, we set out on foot. They caught up with us when we were almost back and we were “persuaded” to ride the rest of the way, only paying ½ fare. We shopped around the bus stop and I got stamps (but somehow forgot my postcards, so, I guess I will be mailing them later). I also stood in the bank line to exchange USD for local currency. It was a very long line. We took a bus back to Belmopan and then further- to the entrance to the road leading to Banana Bank. We walked 2 miles in and then Steve took a big rock and hit the gong to let people know we wanted to go across so someone came down and ferried us. Some people went to the pool and we got new towels- but no new washrags and they took our old ones.
Sidenote on shower: last night I was taking a shower and the cold was really getting to me. So, I started thinking about the song “Singing in the Rain”, which somehow randomly turned into “Sunshine in St. Louis”. Who knows?
Monday, May 17, 2010
Day 2- Under the Tarp or Manhood
So named because: of our crazy experience riding under a tarp in the back of a truck in the pouring rain. or named because of a conversation about castrated monkeys and asking if the guys would rather have their manhood or life.
I woke up to the sound of my new pocket alarm clock that I accidentally got at Wal-Mart for $1. It woke Elle up as well, but, we both decided that Lisa would not have us go out in the torrential downpour that was the outdoors. Unfortunately, I had an epic fail and left the alarm clock on Illinois time instead of changing it to Belize time, an hour before. Luckily, Elle saved the day and we reset the alarm for 6am instead of the previous 5. Lisa and Elle headed for a distant location and the rest of us stayed around Banana Bank and ate breakfast (fried bread with syrup, scrambled eggs-amazing for the non-scrambled-egg-lover as well, fresh pineapple and fresh orange juice). It was all super amazing. I took photos of everything I possibly could, even in the misting rain.
Once Lisa and Elle returned, at 830am, we all unloaded Lisa's gear from her truck and set it in our "lab"- open-air building. We consolidated things and then, after much deliberation, she set about finishing an earlier project and I tried to figure out how a GPS works!- Which Steve, luckily, helped me with while trying to read "Jurassic Park". At 930, we headed off for town. I wore my "going to town hat", which everyone said was epic. If you see pics of it and don't think so, well, you are just not really that hat cool :P 4 students rode up front with Lisa and 5 rode in the back, on special benches. It was an amazing ride back there and we laughed so hard- fun group.
We got to town and some students used the bank; then we went to the hardware store and bought machetes. We will learn how to use them later. Steve also bought garbage bags for dirty clothes, which he plans to resale to the other students. It was pouring down rain when we left the hardware store. So, Steve and then the rest of us unpacked a tarp and proceeded to drape it over those of us in the back. We sat on and under the tarp. Tara has the only photos because the rest of us gave our cameras and valuables (aka machetes) to the people inside the cab. Jose decided to create an exclusive Facebook group for those of us who rode under the tarp.
At the grocery store, we bought anything we had forgotten and a salty snack to help stay hydrated. I bought Jalapeno Pringles- which are awesome btw. We got phone cards- which are now just receipts with numbers on them- and ate at an internet cafe sort-of shop across the way. Some of the group went to the pharmacy to get their extra malaria pills and got absolutely soaked. We stayed in that same little group of shops until Lisa came back, a little under 2 hours. We bought postcards, etc. at a little, what Mom would call, junk shop. It had a little bit of everything. I got some Belize plant books- which totally made my day! Steve bought a soccer ball and played with some of the group and some local little kids. We played for about an hour and a half, and ended up including a little boy about 3, who always yelled "pass me da ball, pass me da ball" whenever it came close to him. The boys were good at soccer and the ball got stuck in a nearby tree twice, and the boys hit it out with rocks, and then they kicked it onto the roof of the grocery store when they moved to avoid the tree! Steve still has the ball, so, it survived its rite of passage. Steve also bought and gave out peanut MnMs to the kids, which we teased him about to no end.
We again rode home in the back of the car, adding one person, Elle. Kayla misunderstood every other word and we again ended up laughing the entire trip. Supper at 730pm: buns and butter, chopped veggies with dressing, cooked cabbage and carrots, mashed potatoes, and flan.
We have our alarm set for 530am and we head out no later than 6 if it is not raining. If it is, we still proceed, just to eat breakfast at the VOPA (Valley of Peace Archaeology) site and meet people I think. Molly was added to our room today once she and Carl arrived after graduating from LAS on Sunday. That makes 3 in our room now.
I woke up to the sound of my new pocket alarm clock that I accidentally got at Wal-Mart for $1. It woke Elle up as well, but, we both decided that Lisa would not have us go out in the torrential downpour that was the outdoors. Unfortunately, I had an epic fail and left the alarm clock on Illinois time instead of changing it to Belize time, an hour before. Luckily, Elle saved the day and we reset the alarm for 6am instead of the previous 5. Lisa and Elle headed for a distant location and the rest of us stayed around Banana Bank and ate breakfast (fried bread with syrup, scrambled eggs-amazing for the non-scrambled-egg-lover as well, fresh pineapple and fresh orange juice). It was all super amazing. I took photos of everything I possibly could, even in the misting rain.
Once Lisa and Elle returned, at 830am, we all unloaded Lisa's gear from her truck and set it in our "lab"- open-air building. We consolidated things and then, after much deliberation, she set about finishing an earlier project and I tried to figure out how a GPS works!- Which Steve, luckily, helped me with while trying to read "Jurassic Park". At 930, we headed off for town. I wore my "going to town hat", which everyone said was epic. If you see pics of it and don't think so, well, you are just not really that hat cool :P 4 students rode up front with Lisa and 5 rode in the back, on special benches. It was an amazing ride back there and we laughed so hard- fun group.
We got to town and some students used the bank; then we went to the hardware store and bought machetes. We will learn how to use them later. Steve also bought garbage bags for dirty clothes, which he plans to resale to the other students. It was pouring down rain when we left the hardware store. So, Steve and then the rest of us unpacked a tarp and proceeded to drape it over those of us in the back. We sat on and under the tarp. Tara has the only photos because the rest of us gave our cameras and valuables (aka machetes) to the people inside the cab. Jose decided to create an exclusive Facebook group for those of us who rode under the tarp.
At the grocery store, we bought anything we had forgotten and a salty snack to help stay hydrated. I bought Jalapeno Pringles- which are awesome btw. We got phone cards- which are now just receipts with numbers on them- and ate at an internet cafe sort-of shop across the way. Some of the group went to the pharmacy to get their extra malaria pills and got absolutely soaked. We stayed in that same little group of shops until Lisa came back, a little under 2 hours. We bought postcards, etc. at a little, what Mom would call, junk shop. It had a little bit of everything. I got some Belize plant books- which totally made my day! Steve bought a soccer ball and played with some of the group and some local little kids. We played for about an hour and a half, and ended up including a little boy about 3, who always yelled "pass me da ball, pass me da ball" whenever it came close to him. The boys were good at soccer and the ball got stuck in a nearby tree twice, and the boys hit it out with rocks, and then they kicked it onto the roof of the grocery store when they moved to avoid the tree! Steve still has the ball, so, it survived its rite of passage. Steve also bought and gave out peanut MnMs to the kids, which we teased him about to no end.
We again rode home in the back of the car, adding one person, Elle. Kayla misunderstood every other word and we again ended up laughing the entire trip. Supper at 730pm: buns and butter, chopped veggies with dressing, cooked cabbage and carrots, mashed potatoes, and flan.
We have our alarm set for 530am and we head out no later than 6 if it is not raining. If it is, we still proceed, just to eat breakfast at the VOPA (Valley of Peace Archaeology) site and meet people I think. Molly was added to our room today once she and Carl arrived after graduating from LAS on Sunday. That makes 3 in our room now.
Day 1- Feminazi
If it gets absolutely boring or whatever you can just stop reading- I know I have a lot to share and with no phone it is grating that I am so bubbly with information on the inside and cannot share it with anyone. So, please imagine that I am telling you this in an animated manner as always. I survived :D
So, I will start with getting to Belize, since the airport stuff is second nature to most of you, just a problem of me not knowing where in the world I am going or what I am doing. But, I was lucky that another field school girl, Kayla, went with me the entire way, so, she helped keep me straight. She actually was on top of everything and, since I never ever am, I ended up asking her tons of questions which she knew. It was very helpful. We all met up at the airport in Dallas, and we had a long trip on the Skyline automated train-like thingy. I called Steve to figure out where he was. He was very helpful with directions: we are buy the candy store. As it turns out, Dallas airport is stocked with places selling candy. So, I asked for further clarification. Kayla and I finally found everyone and we ate lunch at the Popeyes in the airport. After being delayed until after 1 (we were supposed to take off before 1, we finally boarded, with everyone! Belize airport was very backwoodsy if I do say so myself. I was not prepared for that aspect of it so much as I should have been. We went through customs and the lady opened my bag, making me tell her what the plant press was and such. We took a taxi from the airport to a bus terminal, which was even more "primitive". There must have been 10 old, not-taken-a-bath-in-a-week guys waiting to try to grab our luggage and make us pay for toting it. I did my best to secure my 2 luggages and 2 carryons, weighing in at a little under my total weight, before they got to them. The bus was packed so I squeezed in next to a guy and he let me have the window seat! I rode almost 2 hours with both my carryons on my lap and I was over the wheel, so, my feet were already almost in my face! But, with no air, I was grateful for the wind constantly blowing in my face. I cannot describe to you the housing conditions that people live in here. I would have taken pics but I didn't want to pull out my camera. Third world country will not begin to cut it. It made me feel very very upset at myself for ever worrying about money or comparing myself to others, which I seldom do, but also for not being grateful for what I have. I am really really rich- did you know that?? :) Belize City, which is the only city in Belize with a big airport, has mostly closed old buildings. The houses are mostly bright colors (like Florida for my fam who went there with me). And made of adobe or something like that. Most people were just sitting around or walking/riding bikes down the street. Trash everywhere, broken down cars everywhere, and houses were mostly open-air. After you left the city, there were patches of miles with straight vegetation sprinkled with old, run-down houses with people sitting on the porch every mile or less. I encountered a sign that literally said "Trespassers will be shot", and another place with a guy with a rifle pacing back and forth in front of the gate. We traveled this way to Belapan, Belize, where we waited at the bus terminal for cabs. Cabs are whatever vehicle the driver has, mainly SUVs, large cars, and vans of at least 10 year vintage. We had them drive us to basically the end of a long stretch of gravel road with palms hanging everywhere and a river with alligators to cross. We trekked our luggage down the ravine to get to the river, and then waiting for a guy with an old boat and a canoe hooked to it to pull himself across the river(this was a small part of the river), and pick us up in 2 loads. One girl was already motion-sick from our many excursions. We then had to pull the luggage back up the other side of the ravine- basically straight up. It was not an easy chore to say the least and we hadn't eaten supper and were already worn out. Steve single-handedly carried 3 luggages and his backpack up the ravine and wouldn't take help. We then drug our luggage to the place we were staying. The boys are downstairs and the girls have 2 rooms upstairs (more dragging luggages. Yay!) We got settled in, changed into shorts because we were all drenched with sweat (I lied when I said I never sweat! It takes a lot, but I was drenched :P) We had supper at 7: salad, amazing ice-tea (which steve downed in 5 seconds and had to have a refill), amazing zucchini dish, rice dish, dessert and chicken that I didn't eat. Luckily, we have a fan :) And it actually got cool in the dining hut (literally), and we have a bathroom in each room. Lukewarm, not cold, water. I also have a mosquito net around my bed- which is sooooo awesome! Tomorrow, we get to turn in our lunch boxes for lunches on Tuesday, go to Belapan, clean out the shed, and then actually start work Tuesday!!!!
So, I will start with getting to Belize, since the airport stuff is second nature to most of you, just a problem of me not knowing where in the world I am going or what I am doing. But, I was lucky that another field school girl, Kayla, went with me the entire way, so, she helped keep me straight. She actually was on top of everything and, since I never ever am, I ended up asking her tons of questions which she knew. It was very helpful. We all met up at the airport in Dallas, and we had a long trip on the Skyline automated train-like thingy. I called Steve to figure out where he was. He was very helpful with directions: we are buy the candy store. As it turns out, Dallas airport is stocked with places selling candy. So, I asked for further clarification. Kayla and I finally found everyone and we ate lunch at the Popeyes in the airport. After being delayed until after 1 (we were supposed to take off before 1, we finally boarded, with everyone! Belize airport was very backwoodsy if I do say so myself. I was not prepared for that aspect of it so much as I should have been. We went through customs and the lady opened my bag, making me tell her what the plant press was and such. We took a taxi from the airport to a bus terminal, which was even more "primitive". There must have been 10 old, not-taken-a-bath-in-a-week guys waiting to try to grab our luggage and make us pay for toting it. I did my best to secure my 2 luggages and 2 carryons, weighing in at a little under my total weight, before they got to them. The bus was packed so I squeezed in next to a guy and he let me have the window seat! I rode almost 2 hours with both my carryons on my lap and I was over the wheel, so, my feet were already almost in my face! But, with no air, I was grateful for the wind constantly blowing in my face. I cannot describe to you the housing conditions that people live in here. I would have taken pics but I didn't want to pull out my camera. Third world country will not begin to cut it. It made me feel very very upset at myself for ever worrying about money or comparing myself to others, which I seldom do, but also for not being grateful for what I have. I am really really rich- did you know that?? :) Belize City, which is the only city in Belize with a big airport, has mostly closed old buildings. The houses are mostly bright colors (like Florida for my fam who went there with me). And made of adobe or something like that. Most people were just sitting around or walking/riding bikes down the street. Trash everywhere, broken down cars everywhere, and houses were mostly open-air. After you left the city, there were patches of miles with straight vegetation sprinkled with old, run-down houses with people sitting on the porch every mile or less. I encountered a sign that literally said "Trespassers will be shot", and another place with a guy with a rifle pacing back and forth in front of the gate. We traveled this way to Belapan, Belize, where we waited at the bus terminal for cabs. Cabs are whatever vehicle the driver has, mainly SUVs, large cars, and vans of at least 10 year vintage. We had them drive us to basically the end of a long stretch of gravel road with palms hanging everywhere and a river with alligators to cross. We trekked our luggage down the ravine to get to the river, and then waiting for a guy with an old boat and a canoe hooked to it to pull himself across the river(this was a small part of the river), and pick us up in 2 loads. One girl was already motion-sick from our many excursions. We then had to pull the luggage back up the other side of the ravine- basically straight up. It was not an easy chore to say the least and we hadn't eaten supper and were already worn out. Steve single-handedly carried 3 luggages and his backpack up the ravine and wouldn't take help. We then drug our luggage to the place we were staying. The boys are downstairs and the girls have 2 rooms upstairs (more dragging luggages. Yay!) We got settled in, changed into shorts because we were all drenched with sweat (I lied when I said I never sweat! It takes a lot, but I was drenched :P) We had supper at 7: salad, amazing ice-tea (which steve downed in 5 seconds and had to have a refill), amazing zucchini dish, rice dish, dessert and chicken that I didn't eat. Luckily, we have a fan :) And it actually got cool in the dining hut (literally), and we have a bathroom in each room. Lukewarm, not cold, water. I also have a mosquito net around my bed- which is sooooo awesome! Tomorrow, we get to turn in our lunch boxes for lunches on Tuesday, go to Belapan, clean out the shed, and then actually start work Tuesday!!!!
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