Last night, all of us loaded up in Dr. L's truck and went to Belmopan for "open mic night" at Perkup. It was a blast! Kayla played "Be My Escape" by Relient K on the guitar. Then, Kayla and Chris did a rendition of "contemporary translation of dial-up internet in an aboriginal setting". They accomplished this using a keyboard Chris bought here, nick-named the Awesome Machine, and a cardboard tube that Kayla used like a wind instrument to create some pretty cool sounds. We came home and went right to bed for the next day!
The whole group (minus Steve and me) wore ties/fancy headbands for "formal friday". I was going to create a tie from pink neon flagging tape, but, the chore of getting out the door with everything spoiled my plans. The students got Dr. L and tiara and she enjoyed wearing it around the field. This morning, we went back out to the field and finished up filling in the test pit. I was on the shovels for a grand total of maybe 10 minutes until Ernesto asked kindly if he could have it. So, I was on bucket duty for most of the rest of our 1 1/2 hours backfilling. We finished up right when it started to rain. Five of our group decided that they were so happy that the backfilling was done that they rolled around and tackled each other in the mud and threw balls of it at each other. The other six of us laughed at them and some took pics of it all. We took all the field stuff to a creek at Yalbac and washed it, and then took a smashing group photo with Dr. L's camera. We took all of this over to Mr. Scott's house (where we got all the field stuff at, at the beginning of the field school, and dropped it off there, after oiling the trowels, shovels and pick-a-hoes. We got back to Banana Bank before noon and had time to change clothes before going to the river near Banana Bank to clean the truck inside and out. The river has some fish that eat the dead skin off your feet, so, I waded in and stood still- it was a very interesting feeling to have your feet nibbled at by a number of little fish!
Then, we all rode back to Banana Bank and I started laundry for all my nasty clothes and washed off my boots- which were packed with mud. At four, we are going to Ernesto's to have one last farewell with the guys. From there, we will come back and have a final meal at Banana Bank. We have been sharing Banana Bank the past few days with a hippie wedding party- over 20 of them traveled here. They are very interesting people and it makes me miss the sunset concerts and my hippieish friends! Steve and I will share the last of our 5 mangoes for a dollar we bought at the market last week.
We have to meet the taxi tomorrow morning at 7:30 am and he will take us directly to Belize City to the airport. Several of the students have flights around 11 and then the rest will wait until our 1:55 flight. Most are going to Miami, and I think two are going to Dallas. It will be a sad farewell to everyone we have come to know very well over the last six weeks. I started charging my cell earlier today- will be interesting to readjust to using it so often when I really haven't touched it since mid-May.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Day 39- Backfilling is not fun
I awoke to the sound of intensive rain on our baypalm roof. I braided my hair and got into my work clothes and by the time it was time to go, it had stopped. We rode to breakfast- four of us and a large square table in the back- and it "misted" at us on the way to Yalbac. It was more like a heavy sprinkle at some points, but, we made it into the jungle and it stopped and we started working.
I helped Jose (Ernesto's son) and Steve with the shoveling and we loaded up a wheelbarrow that Cleofo dumped in on top of the pit. It was a pretty substantive pit and we finished it in 1 1/2 hours with the help of Ernesto, Don Luna, Stanley and Hannah throwing boulders and cobbles in and Stanley evening out our dirt mass. The next pit was pretty much finished when we were done, but Steve and I took shovels over and helped a little anyway. After waiting for Dr. L to take another photo and some extra digging to be done on the largest pit we had opened (about the size of a small house because that's what it was- a priest house), we started backfilling that one as well. I found that my physical strength and endurance cannot match that of Steve's and I ended up throwing boulders after about 1/2 hour of shoveling. It was an incredibly hot and humid day- because of the stormy weather- and it just made it worse. But, the rain held while we were in the field and I didn't have one mosquito come near me, so, I was thrilled about that! After lunch, I resumed digging and we worked for about another hour and nearly got it done. It is so close that we could all taste it, but, not close enough that we were allowed to stay. Dr. L had to get to town before the bank closed, so, we will come back again tomorrow and finish up backfilling (probably about an hour's work with everyone pitching in, or less- depends on energy and the will to get done) and then cart everything home from the field and sort, clean and organize and pack away for Mr. Scott's house (where Dr. L has her field stuff stored).
So, we got back early and are now on break until Dr. L gets back- around 4. At that time, we will catalog everything we have here and get it ready to package away until the next field season. My trip is winding down- can't believe it!
I helped Jose (Ernesto's son) and Steve with the shoveling and we loaded up a wheelbarrow that Cleofo dumped in on top of the pit. It was a pretty substantive pit and we finished it in 1 1/2 hours with the help of Ernesto, Don Luna, Stanley and Hannah throwing boulders and cobbles in and Stanley evening out our dirt mass. The next pit was pretty much finished when we were done, but Steve and I took shovels over and helped a little anyway. After waiting for Dr. L to take another photo and some extra digging to be done on the largest pit we had opened (about the size of a small house because that's what it was- a priest house), we started backfilling that one as well. I found that my physical strength and endurance cannot match that of Steve's and I ended up throwing boulders after about 1/2 hour of shoveling. It was an incredibly hot and humid day- because of the stormy weather- and it just made it worse. But, the rain held while we were in the field and I didn't have one mosquito come near me, so, I was thrilled about that! After lunch, I resumed digging and we worked for about another hour and nearly got it done. It is so close that we could all taste it, but, not close enough that we were allowed to stay. Dr. L had to get to town before the bank closed, so, we will come back again tomorrow and finish up backfilling (probably about an hour's work with everyone pitching in, or less- depends on energy and the will to get done) and then cart everything home from the field and sort, clean and organize and pack away for Mr. Scott's house (where Dr. L has her field stuff stored).
So, we got back early and are now on break until Dr. L gets back- around 4. At that time, we will catalog everything we have here and get it ready to package away until the next field season. My trip is winding down- can't believe it!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Day 38- Another day of interrupted rest
We all got up and outside before 6. But, not all of us left for the field- only a select crew that did not include me. The select crew did backfilling work and finished up profiling some units. The crew that remained got to photograph artifacts and label them. Actually, when we got out at 6, and after the select crew left of course, we went back to bed until breakfast. Which is where the cleaning ladies found me yet again! Surprising that I forgot about cleaning day being on Wednesday- haha. So far, I have been walked in on twice. But, at least this time they knocked :)
We photographed until 9:30, and then had a break until 11, and labeled until 12, had a lunch break until 1:30, and then worked until 5. So, basically, a great day :) I was able to pack up my belongings and get everything ready to go- basically. I had tomato soup for supper- which is not the greatest thing I could have had ever, but, was full of very deep memories for me. So, it provided a very interesting reflection.
Tomorrow, we will be going into the field and backfilling 2 more units- these ones rather large. And then one macho unit- the one that we reopened from 2008. So, it should be an all-day task. Then, we have to clean and catalog everything here and at some point wash the work truck! A big day that will, if things slow or rain hits, carry over until Friday. But, we are all hoping that it gets all done tomorrow! Fingers crossed :)
We photographed until 9:30, and then had a break until 11, and labeled until 12, had a lunch break until 1:30, and then worked until 5. So, basically, a great day :) I was able to pack up my belongings and get everything ready to go- basically. I had tomato soup for supper- which is not the greatest thing I could have had ever, but, was full of very deep memories for me. So, it provided a very interesting reflection.
Tomorrow, we will be going into the field and backfilling 2 more units- these ones rather large. And then one macho unit- the one that we reopened from 2008. So, it should be an all-day task. Then, we have to clean and catalog everything here and at some point wash the work truck! A big day that will, if things slow or rain hits, carry over until Friday. But, we are all hoping that it gets all done tomorrow! Fingers crossed :)
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Day 37- Visit to BAHA
My day started when I walked outside in time to wave goodbye to everyone and then walked right back inside again. Ten minutes later, I was officially up and packing my specimen into boxes for the ag man. I caught the taxi at 7:45- the same taxi that I always have from Banana Bank to Belmopan. It's my last known taxi trip into town, and I think he thought the same because he gave me a little souvenir before I left- a little cup with Guatemala on it. He dropped me off at BAHA (Belize Agricultural Health Authority) with my 2 boxes at 8 and I waited until 8:20 when the man I had an appointment with finally arrived. He checked over my plants and told me to use a hairdryer to get rid of the bugs- since I had been drying them with a light, the bugs had swarmed to the light and flooded my plants. Not a huge deal- and he ended up signing a form saying I can leave!!! He knows one of the guys who runs the farms around Banana Bank- a Coloradan named Nathan. Luckily, he also gave me a ride into town so I could complete the rest of my errands, and let me keep my specimen boxes in the lobby so I didn't have to pack them around all day. I finally found mothballs!!! And a somewhat-expensive but necessary blow-dryer.
I got my errands done and ended up back at BAHA with another taxi a little before 1, when the office was closed, but the door was magically still open. I got here, got stuff drying again and pressed and then started helping everyone label artifacts, which we did until 5. The blow-dryer worked like a charm and dried everything right up. The lamp (drier #1) didn't work really at all, the light bulb and rack (#2) worked mostly, and the blow dryer (#3) worked wonders in a few hours. It did better than them all- it was incredible!!!
I got my errands done and ended up back at BAHA with another taxi a little before 1, when the office was closed, but the door was magically still open. I got here, got stuff drying again and pressed and then started helping everyone label artifacts, which we did until 5. The blow-dryer worked like a charm and dried everything right up. The lamp (drier #1) didn't work really at all, the light bulb and rack (#2) worked mostly, and the blow dryer (#3) worked wonders in a few hours. It did better than them all- it was incredible!!!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Day 36- Our final week has begun!
Slow Internet, but, it finally let me access my blog :) We cleaned artifacts most of the day- and actually accomplished more than we thought possible. Dr. L was ecstatic! I had ramen for lunch- I am turning into a typical cheap college student when jobs are absent. I had worried about my drowned ipod- and then managed to revive it just today. It was an awesome accomplishment and I now worship the ground my beloved ipod walks on- thought I had lost the poor little dear!
We went into town around 3ish and I dressed up again to impress the Department of Ag. Steve went with me as a "go get this, carry this please" person. It was great fun! We ended up being dropped off at the Department of Forestry, then walking into the middle of town again where the Department of Agriculture is (I ordered my Vegetarian Taiwanese food on the way past) and then they sent us back beyond the Department of Forestry again- out of town basically. So, when we finally got back to Belmopan, we had been walking for over an hour. I talked to the people I needed to and got an appointment for tomorrow at 8:00 with a guy who will inspect my plants. The last major hassle before I get to leave the country. Entering the US.......well......that is a different matter. Steve found a wild watermelon on our way back to the city- so, all was saved. I got boxes for my plant specimens- which I will shortly go back and make sure they all fit!
We got to the tail other end of town where the rest of the group was, stopping at a pharmacy to get Robitussin (yuck, but, it was one of the only brands I recognized). I ordered orange juice from Perkup and, an hour later, decided that since it still hadn't arrived, I should seek another option. I had been craving a red Fanta and decided to follow up on that. 1 hour and 20 minutes after I placed my order, the waitress who took it suddenly stopped by my chair and said "oh! you're orange juice- I forgot. do you still want it?" The answer was no :)
We left really late from Perkup since no one was ordering dinner from Banana Bank. And we got home after dark. Tomorrow, I will lug 2 boxes around town all day (if I can't get the Department of Ag to hold them for me- and I will beg on hands and kness :) and, hopefully, the result will be good and I will be approved to leave!
We went into town around 3ish and I dressed up again to impress the Department of Ag. Steve went with me as a "go get this, carry this please" person. It was great fun! We ended up being dropped off at the Department of Forestry, then walking into the middle of town again where the Department of Agriculture is (I ordered my Vegetarian Taiwanese food on the way past) and then they sent us back beyond the Department of Forestry again- out of town basically. So, when we finally got back to Belmopan, we had been walking for over an hour. I talked to the people I needed to and got an appointment for tomorrow at 8:00 with a guy who will inspect my plants. The last major hassle before I get to leave the country. Entering the US.......well......that is a different matter. Steve found a wild watermelon on our way back to the city- so, all was saved. I got boxes for my plant specimens- which I will shortly go back and make sure they all fit!
We got to the tail other end of town where the rest of the group was, stopping at a pharmacy to get Robitussin (yuck, but, it was one of the only brands I recognized). I ordered orange juice from Perkup and, an hour later, decided that since it still hadn't arrived, I should seek another option. I had been craving a red Fanta and decided to follow up on that. 1 hour and 20 minutes after I placed my order, the waitress who took it suddenly stopped by my chair and said "oh! you're orange juice- I forgot. do you still want it?" The answer was no :)
We left really late from Perkup since no one was ordering dinner from Banana Bank. And we got home after dark. Tomorrow, I will lug 2 boxes around town all day (if I can't get the Department of Ag to hold them for me- and I will beg on hands and kness :) and, hopefully, the result will be good and I will be approved to leave!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Day 35- Happy Father's Day!
I woke up to a room flooded with natural light- my bad is surrounded on 3 sides with basically floor to ceiling windows. It was lovely, but, since I had no exact wake-up time, I didn't feel much like enjoying it. But, it allowed me some time in bed- awake-before I had to face the world of "are you ok"s. So, I looked awake when I actually got up out of bed. The most exciting part of the last 24 hours has been moving into our new residence. On top of the bigger and nicer space (without a staircase to the top), there was HOT WATER!!!! I cannot stress that enough- HOT WATER!!!!!!! As the first one to take a shower last night, I turned on the hot water knob and cold water rushed out as always. I reached for the shampoo and found that, after a few minutes, the water was hot enough that I had to quickly turn on the cold knob! Amazing. It was the first announcement I brought to the girls after showering, and their faces both lit up.
I now have a cold- which is annoying. But, I know it will clear up eventually. Luckily, it is my last week! My worst fear is that I will go into the Department of Agriculture on Thursday and, as I am about to shake the man in charge's hand, I will sneeze all over it. Haha.
The Internet has been perfect all day- allowing me to chat with people, reply quickly to e-mails, fill out forms and e-mail them for approval, and even keep up with the latest World Cup game!! *sigh* Internet hasn't been this good since we first got here. I heated up a canned lunch and Steve got the meatballs from my spaghetti-o's. I am almost through my latest novel: Murder She Wrote. It is very interesting, although somewhat close to home. There is a murder and kidnapping that takes place on the roads of Mexico by banditos! Luckily, that is a whole country away ;)
I got a chance to talk to my Dad on the phone!! The International phone has been shot since week 2, so, we have been calling on the office phone. I started (and finished) a brand new phone card today. I thought it was funny especially since it took me the other 5 weeks to work through the 1st phone card of the same amount. I was also able to chat with my brother today- which made my day as well.
At 4 our time, we have to move Dr. L from her place to another one (just like we had to move ourselves yesterday). Should be an intense process since she has so much equipment and artifacts she is responsible for.
Tomorrow will be my last Monday in Belize for about a year. It feels good to be so close to being done on this end. I just have to get all of my stuff back to Belize (fitting it all into my suitcase will be somewhat of an interesting ordeal......... and then tote it around with me all day, check it in 2 different airports, pass through 2 sets of customs inspections, and then I will be home sweet home!!! I am missing my family soooooooo much!! Now, all I can think about is how lovely of a time this has been, but how good home will be.
I now have a cold- which is annoying. But, I know it will clear up eventually. Luckily, it is my last week! My worst fear is that I will go into the Department of Agriculture on Thursday and, as I am about to shake the man in charge's hand, I will sneeze all over it. Haha.
The Internet has been perfect all day- allowing me to chat with people, reply quickly to e-mails, fill out forms and e-mail them for approval, and even keep up with the latest World Cup game!! *sigh* Internet hasn't been this good since we first got here. I heated up a canned lunch and Steve got the meatballs from my spaghetti-o's. I am almost through my latest novel: Murder She Wrote. It is very interesting, although somewhat close to home. There is a murder and kidnapping that takes place on the roads of Mexico by banditos! Luckily, that is a whole country away ;)
I got a chance to talk to my Dad on the phone!! The International phone has been shot since week 2, so, we have been calling on the office phone. I started (and finished) a brand new phone card today. I thought it was funny especially since it took me the other 5 weeks to work through the 1st phone card of the same amount. I was also able to chat with my brother today- which made my day as well.
At 4 our time, we have to move Dr. L from her place to another one (just like we had to move ourselves yesterday). Should be an intense process since she has so much equipment and artifacts she is responsible for.
Tomorrow will be my last Monday in Belize for about a year. It feels good to be so close to being done on this end. I just have to get all of my stuff back to Belize (fitting it all into my suitcase will be somewhat of an interesting ordeal......... and then tote it around with me all day, check it in 2 different airports, pass through 2 sets of customs inspections, and then I will be home sweet home!!! I am missing my family soooooooo much!! Now, all I can think about is how lovely of a time this has been, but how good home will be.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Day 34- San Ignacio Market
Everyone was getting up early and I thought I was missing something. Worried that I was already supposed to be up- we were moving and we were going to town after all, I still continued to snooze until the very late hour of 7:30. I finally got up when other people started coming into my room other than the ones who stayed there. I did the sit on the edge of my bed and look spacey until Elle asked what was up and then I managed to convince my body to try to look awake. I packed up what I could into my luggages and then the rest in bags and plant presses and my plant drier stuff in a bucket. So, I was set to go- only about 10 items to drag downstairs and to Dr. L's car. I didn't manage to load it all and I carried some over to one of the new huts while the other 2 we would be moving into later were cleaned along with our old rooms.
Dr. L drove us to the gas station up the road from Banana Bank and then we waited at the bus stop for about 1/2 hour until it came by. Then, we traveled about an hour to San Ignacio. The first stop was the market and I ended up staying with Steve and Hannah and we convinced one of the vendors to make us a cheese and beans fried patty instead of including meat. It was delicious. I found an Asian booth and bought tofu- except it is frozen fried so I am not sure what I will do with it, but, we will see. We wandered around town and ran into Bob again (recall Guatemala) at his shop and I managed to find some instant dinners (canned and ramen) for the times I refused to order meals from Banana Bank. Hannah and I had frozen lattes in a little cafe overlooking part of the city. It is run by a guy who is from Boston originally but hated the snow so he moved to Belize. We met up with the rest of the group and proceeded to talk to Bob some more. I also ended up having food at a random Italian restaurant owned by a European couple with a little girl about 7 or so. It was good and I finished it up as supper. Steve and I bought 5 mangoes for a dollar ($.50 USD) and we had one over supper. It wasn't exactly all the way ripe, but, it was still very good. Steve and I walked home from the banana bank turnoff on the road (a little over an hour) and it went well- no nasty mosquitoes to speak of.
I moved into our new hut- and it is really neat. I get a whole area to myself, complete with another full-size bed and area to put all my stuff in. Unfortunately, there was no outlet except for in the bathroom. So, my plant press moved, but, no worries- it is all totally safe! My bed has a boxed mosquito net around it instead of the hanging one of before that was easy to get tangled in. So, I can't wait for the freedom to move and not create a gape in my netting. There is no Internet over there though. So, I am currently sitting in the office using the Internet while Steve attempts the desk computer. Hopefully, the Internet holds for a bit! Another relaxing day tomorrow and then lab day on Monday. I am hoping everything I have dries correctly so I can take it in to the ag office and have it approved mid-week. Cross your fingers that none of my diagnostic specimen have mold, mildew or pests!!!
Dr. L drove us to the gas station up the road from Banana Bank and then we waited at the bus stop for about 1/2 hour until it came by. Then, we traveled about an hour to San Ignacio. The first stop was the market and I ended up staying with Steve and Hannah and we convinced one of the vendors to make us a cheese and beans fried patty instead of including meat. It was delicious. I found an Asian booth and bought tofu- except it is frozen fried so I am not sure what I will do with it, but, we will see. We wandered around town and ran into Bob again (recall Guatemala) at his shop and I managed to find some instant dinners (canned and ramen) for the times I refused to order meals from Banana Bank. Hannah and I had frozen lattes in a little cafe overlooking part of the city. It is run by a guy who is from Boston originally but hated the snow so he moved to Belize. We met up with the rest of the group and proceeded to talk to Bob some more. I also ended up having food at a random Italian restaurant owned by a European couple with a little girl about 7 or so. It was good and I finished it up as supper. Steve and I bought 5 mangoes for a dollar ($.50 USD) and we had one over supper. It wasn't exactly all the way ripe, but, it was still very good. Steve and I walked home from the banana bank turnoff on the road (a little over an hour) and it went well- no nasty mosquitoes to speak of.
I moved into our new hut- and it is really neat. I get a whole area to myself, complete with another full-size bed and area to put all my stuff in. Unfortunately, there was no outlet except for in the bathroom. So, my plant press moved, but, no worries- it is all totally safe! My bed has a boxed mosquito net around it instead of the hanging one of before that was easy to get tangled in. So, I can't wait for the freedom to move and not create a gape in my netting. There is no Internet over there though. So, I am currently sitting in the office using the Internet while Steve attempts the desk computer. Hopefully, the Internet holds for a bit! Another relaxing day tomorrow and then lab day on Monday. I am hoping everything I have dries correctly so I can take it in to the ag office and have it approved mid-week. Cross your fingers that none of my diagnostic specimen have mold, mildew or pests!!!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Day 33- Semi-Formal Friday/Final Day of Excavation
I got out to the truck this morning to find a couple of the girls with their work shirts tucked in and buttoned to the neck- they declared it "semi-formal friday". We had a good day in the field and had some light sprinkles before lunch that sent everyone scrambling. Then, it officially poured at 12:30 and we all ran for the tarped areas. I saved some artifacts bags that were under the tarped areas but not in buckets, so, the water flowed right to them. We left a little after 1, and the rain was basically done, but, so were we. We didn't finish everything. But, that will just have to be ok.
We went to Ernesto's "bar"- which is really just an open building with a room in the back with soda and some liquor. Ernesto's wife served up cheese sauce and chips and mangoes with cool flavoring. It was great!! We rode home and I started laundry for us girls- we put it off a couple of days because we didn't want to deal with it on Wednesday. The Internet was horrible- but is much improved now :)
Tomorrow, we have to switch rooms. We are trading rooms with some people and moving to better housing, for the same rate because we are special people! However, we all have to be out of the rooms and have our luggage in a central location- both of our groups- so that the cleaning ladies can clean both sets of rooms and then we can all switch. It's rather confusing. But, it was either move now or a little bit later. Now is fine. We are also going to San Ignacio tomorrow to visit the town and the awesome market. I can't wait!!!
We went to Ernesto's "bar"- which is really just an open building with a room in the back with soda and some liquor. Ernesto's wife served up cheese sauce and chips and mangoes with cool flavoring. It was great!! We rode home and I started laundry for us girls- we put it off a couple of days because we didn't want to deal with it on Wednesday. The Internet was horrible- but is much improved now :)
Tomorrow, we have to switch rooms. We are trading rooms with some people and moving to better housing, for the same rate because we are special people! However, we all have to be out of the rooms and have our luggage in a central location- both of our groups- so that the cleaning ladies can clean both sets of rooms and then we can all switch. It's rather confusing. But, it was either move now or a little bit later. Now is fine. We are also going to San Ignacio tomorrow to visit the town and the awesome market. I can't wait!!!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Day 32- Return to the Field
Little notes from previous days I forget to add!
Tuesday: So, I bought a small file folder to keep my money in (you know, the wallet sized ones). And it is tan and I love it, but, it needed a little help getting lively. So, I bought a Sharpie on Tuesday and decorated it!!! It is officially mine :)
Wednesday: While eating at the Taiwanese restaurant, an Amish guy entered and was peddling homemade cheese from door to door. It looked lovely, but, of course, I have no fridge and it would spoil if I tried to keep it. While the cashier was talking the cheese over with her boss, the Amish guy and I carried on a very interesting conversation. He looked in his mid-twenties and was originally from the States- his family now lives in Missouri. He was a red-head with a little beard action and he said that he had been the oldest of 8(9?) and was homeschooled. He had come here as the "black sheep" of the family because he wanted to be more conservative and join the Mennonites. But, because they didn't really believe in baptism by immersion, he was forced out of the community and sought refuge with the Amish. He regained his "ok" status with his family when all of his younger siblings turned liberal.
Today: I actually went back to the field and started working again. I told Cleofo what I needed and, while he scoured the jungle, I helped Hannah map her pit. Then, we started digging up the rocks in the bottom of the pit, and they were so big, and so heavy, and so immovable that I gave up rather quickly when I started finding artifacts in the walls!! So, Dr. L jokingly scolded me for not sticking to task and digging in a different layer than I was supposed to. So, we started then to excavate the area that I had already been excavating and that was the rest of the day. Juan Antonio helped us move some of the bigger rocks on our way down the wall (the ones on the floor stayed) and Hannah and I debated over which one of us spoke more Spanish and could tell him when to stop. It was decided that I did, and somehow, I got the message across. I also remembered another word of Spanish to tell the guy at the restaurant which soda to give me! Score :)
Tuesday: So, I bought a small file folder to keep my money in (you know, the wallet sized ones). And it is tan and I love it, but, it needed a little help getting lively. So, I bought a Sharpie on Tuesday and decorated it!!! It is officially mine :)
Wednesday: While eating at the Taiwanese restaurant, an Amish guy entered and was peddling homemade cheese from door to door. It looked lovely, but, of course, I have no fridge and it would spoil if I tried to keep it. While the cashier was talking the cheese over with her boss, the Amish guy and I carried on a very interesting conversation. He looked in his mid-twenties and was originally from the States- his family now lives in Missouri. He was a red-head with a little beard action and he said that he had been the oldest of 8(9?) and was homeschooled. He had come here as the "black sheep" of the family because he wanted to be more conservative and join the Mennonites. But, because they didn't really believe in baptism by immersion, he was forced out of the community and sought refuge with the Amish. He regained his "ok" status with his family when all of his younger siblings turned liberal.
Today: I actually went back to the field and started working again. I told Cleofo what I needed and, while he scoured the jungle, I helped Hannah map her pit. Then, we started digging up the rocks in the bottom of the pit, and they were so big, and so heavy, and so immovable that I gave up rather quickly when I started finding artifacts in the walls!! So, Dr. L jokingly scolded me for not sticking to task and digging in a different layer than I was supposed to. So, we started then to excavate the area that I had already been excavating and that was the rest of the day. Juan Antonio helped us move some of the bigger rocks on our way down the wall (the ones on the floor stayed) and Hannah and I debated over which one of us spoke more Spanish and could tell him when to stop. It was decided that I did, and somehow, I got the message across. I also remembered another word of Spanish to tell the guy at the restaurant which soda to give me! Score :)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Day 31- Exploring Belmopan, Baby
Update from last night:
Dr. L was so excited about my progress with the Ministry of Natural Resources. So, I was in a super mood for the rest of the evening. She didn't tell me, but, she expected it to be a big hassle and for them to deny me if not seriously delay me. So, everything going wonderfully was really a huge deal that was totally unexpected. Also, on my way home, I got a 27-year-old driver who wanted to sit at the edge of the river leading to Banana Bank 30 minutes and tell me his life story. I keep being convinced that people here are just overly friendly- he even told me about his love interest (Melissa from the Peace Corps). His parents were shot to death in their business and he had to take care of his 2 younger siblings- which he is still doing right now. Since the education here is not free, he is putting his siblings through school. After that, he will try to go back to school. His parents were killed because they were rich, so, after he sold his family's stuff, he was able to buy a place here in Belmopan and start out as a taxi driver, and had to quit school. He says he knows who killed them, because they threatened him too. Then, recently apparently, he met Melissa. It sounds sweet and she wants him to visit her in the US, but, he says she should come here since he can't afford it right now. People everywhere are just willing to give you their ENTIRE life's story. Crazy
Today:
I went to get Dr. L's phone and was met with a chorus of "you staying here AGAIN??" I know it seems unfair that I get to have "all the fun" in town, while they are all working hard in the field. I got the same cab driver to take me to town- the one from the morning. He asked me again if I liked Belize and when I told him I did, he said he would find me a Belizian boyfriend so I will stay here. He also wants to be the one to drop me off at the bus stop on the day I leave- he seemed really excited about that which I found adorably funny (bear in mind that he has a child my age). He also told me that, about 20 years ago, he tried to get into the US- illegally- and was kicked back to Belize and hasn't tried again.
I walked around the market and got a carton of milk and watched a few minutes of the soccer game and then walked toward the Forestry building. As is customary when I am nervous about an engagement, I was horrendously early. I changed shoes outside the building and went inside, sat down on a chair, and started reading my novel- I will finish it today- I PROMISE! They got right on my permit- even though I was so early (about 20 or 25 minutes early) and I got it in under and hour- when they were still working on it when I got there. One of the guys is so excited about my project that he wants to stay in touch and even come out with me next year a bit. He says plants are his specialty. By the time I reached the Forestry Office, I had been talked to by random guys 5 times- I kept track up until that point.
Then, I went to get some pics of the Choc family developed for Dr. L and the guy there (who was about 50 or so) wouldn't call me anything but "baby". Is this what you want, baby? Is this good, baby? Baby, you act just like my Mom (that one was interesting). I was called "baby" again by another guy when I stopped to let him pass on his bike. I got sharpies for Dr. L and the cashier (who gets along with me wonderfully) asked me if I lived in Belmopan. I also got my money back from the bank whose ATM ate it (they trusted that I really didn't get it and gave it to me early).
I went back to the Taiwanese restaurant and got a different, but equally amazing, dish that I finished just about an hour ago (when hunger re-emerged). I was wearing a dress that I got there yesterday and when the owner saw me in it, her face lit up. The girl who worked there said it just fit- and it kind of does- I rather like it. I ate with a bunch of Taiwanese people and felt right at home! Then, I wandered through the shops in Belmopan and saw lots of people and items and bought nothing. Good day! I was told not to be afraid by a couple of guys who obviously had nothing else to say to me. "Hey lady, you don't need to be afraid......" Weird people!
I found a sweet grocery store and then spent the rest of my day here at the internet cafe- lovely day! I got split pea soup- which is more like hominy, potatoes and corn soup- and watermelon juice. Yummy!!! Tomorrow, back to the field with me.
Funniest comment of the day (context- it had just started raining and I was on my way to the restaurant and had my umbrella unfolding)-
Taxi driver: You need a taxi?
Me: No
Taxi driver: You need one. You're gonna get wet!
Dr. L was so excited about my progress with the Ministry of Natural Resources. So, I was in a super mood for the rest of the evening. She didn't tell me, but, she expected it to be a big hassle and for them to deny me if not seriously delay me. So, everything going wonderfully was really a huge deal that was totally unexpected. Also, on my way home, I got a 27-year-old driver who wanted to sit at the edge of the river leading to Banana Bank 30 minutes and tell me his life story. I keep being convinced that people here are just overly friendly- he even told me about his love interest (Melissa from the Peace Corps). His parents were shot to death in their business and he had to take care of his 2 younger siblings- which he is still doing right now. Since the education here is not free, he is putting his siblings through school. After that, he will try to go back to school. His parents were killed because they were rich, so, after he sold his family's stuff, he was able to buy a place here in Belmopan and start out as a taxi driver, and had to quit school. He says he knows who killed them, because they threatened him too. Then, recently apparently, he met Melissa. It sounds sweet and she wants him to visit her in the US, but, he says she should come here since he can't afford it right now. People everywhere are just willing to give you their ENTIRE life's story. Crazy
Today:
I went to get Dr. L's phone and was met with a chorus of "you staying here AGAIN??" I know it seems unfair that I get to have "all the fun" in town, while they are all working hard in the field. I got the same cab driver to take me to town- the one from the morning. He asked me again if I liked Belize and when I told him I did, he said he would find me a Belizian boyfriend so I will stay here. He also wants to be the one to drop me off at the bus stop on the day I leave- he seemed really excited about that which I found adorably funny (bear in mind that he has a child my age). He also told me that, about 20 years ago, he tried to get into the US- illegally- and was kicked back to Belize and hasn't tried again.
I walked around the market and got a carton of milk and watched a few minutes of the soccer game and then walked toward the Forestry building. As is customary when I am nervous about an engagement, I was horrendously early. I changed shoes outside the building and went inside, sat down on a chair, and started reading my novel- I will finish it today- I PROMISE! They got right on my permit- even though I was so early (about 20 or 25 minutes early) and I got it in under and hour- when they were still working on it when I got there. One of the guys is so excited about my project that he wants to stay in touch and even come out with me next year a bit. He says plants are his specialty. By the time I reached the Forestry Office, I had been talked to by random guys 5 times- I kept track up until that point.
Then, I went to get some pics of the Choc family developed for Dr. L and the guy there (who was about 50 or so) wouldn't call me anything but "baby". Is this what you want, baby? Is this good, baby? Baby, you act just like my Mom (that one was interesting). I was called "baby" again by another guy when I stopped to let him pass on his bike. I got sharpies for Dr. L and the cashier (who gets along with me wonderfully) asked me if I lived in Belmopan. I also got my money back from the bank whose ATM ate it (they trusted that I really didn't get it and gave it to me early).
I went back to the Taiwanese restaurant and got a different, but equally amazing, dish that I finished just about an hour ago (when hunger re-emerged). I was wearing a dress that I got there yesterday and when the owner saw me in it, her face lit up. The girl who worked there said it just fit- and it kind of does- I rather like it. I ate with a bunch of Taiwanese people and felt right at home! Then, I wandered through the shops in Belmopan and saw lots of people and items and bought nothing. Good day! I was told not to be afraid by a couple of guys who obviously had nothing else to say to me. "Hey lady, you don't need to be afraid......" Weird people!
I found a sweet grocery store and then spent the rest of my day here at the internet cafe- lovely day! I got split pea soup- which is more like hominy, potatoes and corn soup- and watermelon juice. Yummy!!! Tomorrow, back to the field with me.
Funniest comment of the day (context- it had just started raining and I was on my way to the restaurant and had my umbrella unfolding)-
Taxi driver: You need a taxi?
Me: No
Taxi driver: You need one. You're gonna get wet!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Day 30- Exactly one month in Belize
Today was one of those: it was the best of days, it was the worst of days- actually it was only Tuesday. I woke up with the girls at 530 but refused to leave my bed until 557- the last possible moment to get outside and talk to Dr. L and co. before they left for the field. I gave her a list of plants that Cleofo still needs to find for me and decided upon a day plan. I got "all dressed up" in one of the dresses I had brought and went to order a taxi. I got across the river to the pick-up location about 12 minutes early and spent my 12 minutes playing "who can be the biggest sneak and on-up the other" with the mosquitoes. It kept me busy and I don't think I really got bit- at least none of them drew blood because I squashed pure black mosquitoes.
I have had very interesting conversations with people who really couldn't speak English lately- both of them mad at their ex. My cab driver had come to Belize from El Salvador in 1984. He had three (or four) children ages 14 to 21. His wife is "around here somewhere" and he cautioned me, once he found out I was single, to be very, very careful who I married. The bitterness in the two people toward their ex's (the cleaning lady and the taxi driver) almost makes me want to be a nun! There are enough Catholic churches in the area that I am sure I could get the job done properly and quickly ;)
The taxi rate was $25 Belize dollars (which I guess is normal for the drive). I got all of my extended copies made to turn in to the Forestry people in hopes that I am able to leave the country and went to find breakfast. Dr. Lucero had really told me where to go, but, general directions are never enough for my brain and I got lost trying to find the "Bull Frog Inn". I mean, I knew exactly where I was, but, I had absolutely no idea where the Bull Frog was. I walked down the street I was convinced it was on (since I had seen the sign with an arrow pointing toward the Inn on that street a couple of weeks ago) and then walked back up it again. I passed by a B&B and a white guy was standing outside and I asked him for directions. Luckily, the random tourist knew right where it was and I was on the right track again. I landed at the Bull Frog and sat across from a 50/60ish couple. I was also happy that the tv in the dining area was set to the World Cup game- so I saw the Portugal/Cote de Ivoire when they were at 0:0 (and apparently this status didn't change). The couple came over and talked to me- actually I was in the middle of filling out paper work when the guy leaned on my table and casually asked "may I ask you what you are doing here?" So, I responded, quite naturally, that I was having breakfast. Come to find out, they do Archaeology in the Middle East, Israel. So, that was an interesting conversation; and then they randomly left as randomly as they had spoken.
I finished everything and walked back to the Ministry of Natural Resources- where I was convinced the Forestry Office was. Well, it wasn't, and the kindly secretary told me where to go. Again, general directions never do me any good and I returned after 15 minutes of searching to have her draw me a map. I finally figured it out and started there- it happened to be a pretty long walk (at least a mile I would guesstimate). On the way, I passed a tree that served as a bus stop and experienced not the only collection of staring males, yet one of my only cat-calls of the day and my only "Good morning, Beautiful!" You would be surprised, if you were a white woman in a dress walking alone down the streets of Belmopan, how many times you get stared at, said "hi" to, and smiled at. I finally found the Forestry Office and had about a 30 minute or so conversation with the man in charge, who told me to just go back to the Ministry of Natural Resources, pay my bill to be able to leave, and then come right back with my receipt. Naturally, I wasn't exactly thrilled about the walk there and then back and it was about the hottest part of direct sun of the day. But, I found relief in changing shoes- I wore a pair of walking flip-flops and kept the "impressing" one in my backpack. I also found a Vegetarian Taiwanese restaurant (about half-way through my walk) and was able to get my favorite drink ever- milk tea. I had been missing it sooooo much! So, I was revived for my journey.
I got all of that taken care of and had lunch at the Taiwanese restaurant and also picked up some "Asian-looking" clothes there too. I had my favorite soup ever- mushroom ball soup- and an awesome glass of soy milk and I was in heaven for about an hour. Two ladies came in and, since the restaurant had 3 tables and I was occupying the third alone, they asked to sit with me. Come to find out, they were also from Taiwan and we began to talk Taiwan, where I had been, where they are from, where they are now, how long they have been here, good places to get Taiwanese food here, the phrases I could speak in broken Mandarin, and they even gave me one of the traditional dishes they had gotten from the market in Belmopan- which they are having today because it is a Taiwanese holiday. Life was wonderful- especially when one lady told me that I should continue to keep up with my Mandarin and learn more because I have a good accent! Personally, I just think she has been in Latin America for too long and the heat is getting to her!
I actually still have some lunch in a bag looking at me that I plan to eat for supper! That just makes my day. I then walked back to town, got some supplies at the store, went to the bank, used the money to buy a UTM map and etc and went to another bank for cash. Unfortunately, I didn't get my money out in time and the ATM ate my cash! I stood in line waiting to get a verdict on my situation, while getting to watch North Korea and Brazil at the half at a 0:0 face-off. The announcers were shocked that the World Cup stars were getting licked by a surprisingly tough competitor. I found out a few minutes ago that they weren't able to hold out in the second half and Brazil won 2:1. But, I watched bits of 2 World Cup games today! Which is a new record for the tv-less. I have a little over $6 to my name right now- as I sit in a cafe drinking the cheapest thing on the menu- orange juice (which is incredible) and try to recover from the heat. My day goal is to go to another bank and try to get more money (while waiting until tomorrow for the money from bank #1 to get to me) and grab a taxi home!
I have had very interesting conversations with people who really couldn't speak English lately- both of them mad at their ex. My cab driver had come to Belize from El Salvador in 1984. He had three (or four) children ages 14 to 21. His wife is "around here somewhere" and he cautioned me, once he found out I was single, to be very, very careful who I married. The bitterness in the two people toward their ex's (the cleaning lady and the taxi driver) almost makes me want to be a nun! There are enough Catholic churches in the area that I am sure I could get the job done properly and quickly ;)
The taxi rate was $25 Belize dollars (which I guess is normal for the drive). I got all of my extended copies made to turn in to the Forestry people in hopes that I am able to leave the country and went to find breakfast. Dr. Lucero had really told me where to go, but, general directions are never enough for my brain and I got lost trying to find the "Bull Frog Inn". I mean, I knew exactly where I was, but, I had absolutely no idea where the Bull Frog was. I walked down the street I was convinced it was on (since I had seen the sign with an arrow pointing toward the Inn on that street a couple of weeks ago) and then walked back up it again. I passed by a B&B and a white guy was standing outside and I asked him for directions. Luckily, the random tourist knew right where it was and I was on the right track again. I landed at the Bull Frog and sat across from a 50/60ish couple. I was also happy that the tv in the dining area was set to the World Cup game- so I saw the Portugal/Cote de Ivoire when they were at 0:0 (and apparently this status didn't change). The couple came over and talked to me- actually I was in the middle of filling out paper work when the guy leaned on my table and casually asked "may I ask you what you are doing here?" So, I responded, quite naturally, that I was having breakfast. Come to find out, they do Archaeology in the Middle East, Israel. So, that was an interesting conversation; and then they randomly left as randomly as they had spoken.
I finished everything and walked back to the Ministry of Natural Resources- where I was convinced the Forestry Office was. Well, it wasn't, and the kindly secretary told me where to go. Again, general directions never do me any good and I returned after 15 minutes of searching to have her draw me a map. I finally figured it out and started there- it happened to be a pretty long walk (at least a mile I would guesstimate). On the way, I passed a tree that served as a bus stop and experienced not the only collection of staring males, yet one of my only cat-calls of the day and my only "Good morning, Beautiful!" You would be surprised, if you were a white woman in a dress walking alone down the streets of Belmopan, how many times you get stared at, said "hi" to, and smiled at. I finally found the Forestry Office and had about a 30 minute or so conversation with the man in charge, who told me to just go back to the Ministry of Natural Resources, pay my bill to be able to leave, and then come right back with my receipt. Naturally, I wasn't exactly thrilled about the walk there and then back and it was about the hottest part of direct sun of the day. But, I found relief in changing shoes- I wore a pair of walking flip-flops and kept the "impressing" one in my backpack. I also found a Vegetarian Taiwanese restaurant (about half-way through my walk) and was able to get my favorite drink ever- milk tea. I had been missing it sooooo much! So, I was revived for my journey.
I got all of that taken care of and had lunch at the Taiwanese restaurant and also picked up some "Asian-looking" clothes there too. I had my favorite soup ever- mushroom ball soup- and an awesome glass of soy milk and I was in heaven for about an hour. Two ladies came in and, since the restaurant had 3 tables and I was occupying the third alone, they asked to sit with me. Come to find out, they were also from Taiwan and we began to talk Taiwan, where I had been, where they are from, where they are now, how long they have been here, good places to get Taiwanese food here, the phrases I could speak in broken Mandarin, and they even gave me one of the traditional dishes they had gotten from the market in Belmopan- which they are having today because it is a Taiwanese holiday. Life was wonderful- especially when one lady told me that I should continue to keep up with my Mandarin and learn more because I have a good accent! Personally, I just think she has been in Latin America for too long and the heat is getting to her!
I actually still have some lunch in a bag looking at me that I plan to eat for supper! That just makes my day. I then walked back to town, got some supplies at the store, went to the bank, used the money to buy a UTM map and etc and went to another bank for cash. Unfortunately, I didn't get my money out in time and the ATM ate my cash! I stood in line waiting to get a verdict on my situation, while getting to watch North Korea and Brazil at the half at a 0:0 face-off. The announcers were shocked that the World Cup stars were getting licked by a surprisingly tough competitor. I found out a few minutes ago that they weren't able to hold out in the second half and Brazil won 2:1. But, I watched bits of 2 World Cup games today! Which is a new record for the tv-less. I have a little over $6 to my name right now- as I sit in a cafe drinking the cheapest thing on the menu- orange juice (which is incredible) and try to recover from the heat. My day goal is to go to another bank and try to get more money (while waiting until tomorrow for the money from bank #1 to get to me) and grab a taxi home!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Day 29- Banana icees, plastic chair, Bad Romance
Up again after a night of heavy rain. It was my first day of 530 in a long time, but, with work this entire weekend, I wasn't in a foul mood to be out working again. It was a very pleasant day and I spent it all sitting around Cleofo's yard/garden- taking pictures of his plants, documenting them, etc. It was a grand day because I didn't have to wear my long-sleeved shirt to keep the bugs away and I didn't acquire 1 new mosquito bite and I didn't even spray up!
My awesome moment of the day was when Cleofo and I were sitting in one part of his yard taking a break. We drug his plastic chairs around us so we could sit and document everything- it was very relaxing. And, we took a break around 9 when one of his daughters brought us both a plastic cup filled with a slushy of iced bananas- it was one of the most awesome frozen pops that I have ever had! So, there we were relaxing in our plastic chairs, eating from plastic cups of awesomeness, when the neighbor next door's radio (who was listening to American pop music) started playing Lady Gaga's new single "Bad Romance". It was an ironic and perfect moment.
Cleofo and I, once our surveys were done, talked over the plant names I had so far and I tried to write them down in every language he could think of: Spanish, English, Maya, Keche (Maya dialect). I tried the "repeat after me" thing and all I got was laughs from Cleofo's wife and daughter. I got done at Cleofo's a little after 1 and flagged down my very own bus to take me back to the Banana Bank turnoff. I walked from there 2 miles down the rock road with my stuffed backpack back to Banana Bank. It was quite the walk- in the full sun. But, another good thinking opportunity.
I pressed all the specimen from today's work and then started work on forms that I need to go into town to turn in tomorrow. So, another jungle-less day, and a day that requires me to dress to impress the people I am going to see. So, I will have to pull off the "in charge but classy" look. Should be a challenge!
My awesome moment of the day was when Cleofo and I were sitting in one part of his yard taking a break. We drug his plastic chairs around us so we could sit and document everything- it was very relaxing. And, we took a break around 9 when one of his daughters brought us both a plastic cup filled with a slushy of iced bananas- it was one of the most awesome frozen pops that I have ever had! So, there we were relaxing in our plastic chairs, eating from plastic cups of awesomeness, when the neighbor next door's radio (who was listening to American pop music) started playing Lady Gaga's new single "Bad Romance". It was an ironic and perfect moment.
Cleofo and I, once our surveys were done, talked over the plant names I had so far and I tried to write them down in every language he could think of: Spanish, English, Maya, Keche (Maya dialect). I tried the "repeat after me" thing and all I got was laughs from Cleofo's wife and daughter. I got done at Cleofo's a little after 1 and flagged down my very own bus to take me back to the Banana Bank turnoff. I walked from there 2 miles down the rock road with my stuffed backpack back to Banana Bank. It was quite the walk- in the full sun. But, another good thinking opportunity.
I pressed all the specimen from today's work and then started work on forms that I need to go into town to turn in tomorrow. So, another jungle-less day, and a day that requires me to dress to impress the people I am going to see. So, I will have to pull off the "in charge but classy" look. Should be a challenge!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Day 28
I made it to breakfast this morning and got the full Banana Bank meal deal, so to speak. I pretty much had a relaxing, not too much work day. I did a couple of things, but, it wasn't too terribly taxing. The worst part of the day was the Internet connection. At least it was there though! I tried to watch the soccer game, and it wouldn't load. And then none of my sports friends were online so I couldn't bug them for info- and it was the Germany vs Austrailia game for crying out loud!!! Oh well, the Germans beat them up pretty good anyway. The Aussies were not on top of their game. It took me about 2 hours to finally be able to talk to my Mom on Facebook, but, the phones were working so I was able to call her today!! I got so frustrated at my Internet connection and the fact that I couldn't talk to anyone that I amused myself by listing out the names of Presidents. I know I missed lots, but, it kept my mind off of the Internet so that was good :)
The rest of our group came back by around 5 and our Internet completely shut down so I took a long nap and woke up just in time for supper. It has been raining on and off all day and the heavens are completely open right now. Don't know what that means for our field work this week. Hope we can all finish up. I am working on a survey around Cleofo's house tomorrow. So, a bit more relaxing I hope!
The rest of our group came back by around 5 and our Internet completely shut down so I took a long nap and woke up just in time for supper. It has been raining on and off all day and the heavens are completely open right now. Don't know what that means for our field work this week. Hope we can all finish up. I am working on a survey around Cleofo's house tomorrow. So, a bit more relaxing I hope!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Day 27- Waking up to an open door
I meant to wake up at 8 today, honest I did. But, I was still asleep at 7:54am when the lock on my door jingled and then the door itself swung open. With my other 2 roomies gone, and it being a Saturday morning and all, I didn't expect any visitors. I lay there processing all this in my groggy state, staring at this lady walking into my room- her figure shielded by my mosquito curtain. Once she said "sorry" but continued to wander around the other side of my room- leaving the door open which let in the sunlight- I began to realize that this was the cleaning lady. She left without my sheets- which I bundled up for her and delivered to her after I woke up and got going. She came back in a couple of hours later and I discovered that she could only speak limited English, and I no Spanish, so, it was an interesting time. Somehow, she managed to convey to me about her kids and husband and I could tell that I could have gotten an even longer story if I had only remembered more Spanish!
I got more work done today and managed to watch Soccer in FIFA, while chatting with my soccer-fanatic/sports fanatic friends to help me fill in the blanks left behind by the online play-by-play. Could you believe that USA vs. England game?! Also got to talk to my Granny for the first time in ages!!! Missed her so much- and Grandpa Jay too :( There are things that I am now becoming very homesick for, along with other things that I am thankful to be in Belize for! Life is funny like that.
I went to supper and Mr. Carr, who owns Banana Bank with his wife and is good friends with Dr. L, saw that I wasn't eating the chicken enchiladas and had the cook make me some stir-fry veggies- all for me! And I also got some banana bread. He was worried that I hadn't had enough to eat- I guess he didn't realize that I have been eating like this all field school and doing just fine :) My vegetarianism launched him into questioning how long I had been "eating healthy" and that he wants to start an organic garden and help people in Belize get over the obesity epidemic and that I would be a good one to hire since I am skinny, etc. He is a very funny man.
I got more work done today and managed to watch Soccer in FIFA, while chatting with my soccer-fanatic/sports fanatic friends to help me fill in the blanks left behind by the online play-by-play. Could you believe that USA vs. England game?! Also got to talk to my Granny for the first time in ages!!! Missed her so much- and Grandpa Jay too :( There are things that I am now becoming very homesick for, along with other things that I am thankful to be in Belize for! Life is funny like that.
I went to supper and Mr. Carr, who owns Banana Bank with his wife and is good friends with Dr. L, saw that I wasn't eating the chicken enchiladas and had the cook make me some stir-fry veggies- all for me! And I also got some banana bread. He was worried that I hadn't had enough to eat- I guess he didn't realize that I have been eating like this all field school and doing just fine :) My vegetarianism launched him into questioning how long I had been "eating healthy" and that he wants to start an organic garden and help people in Belize get over the obesity epidemic and that I would be a good one to hire since I am skinny, etc. He is a very funny man.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Day 26- My first day of rest!
I celebrated the beginning of my three-day weekend by waking up incredibly late (at 8:20 am). I actually intended to only sleep in until 8, but then i fell asleep again and didn't actually get up when I should have. I peeled and ate the mango that I had been saving from our market run last week and it tasted like my favorite type of grape, so, I was happy about that.
I have a big paper due for a contest on Tuesday. I had it written down in my Dawg Book (yes, I still own one of those even- once a Saluki, always a.....), but hadn't really looked at my Dawg Book until last week, when I realized it was due. Being myself and being overloaded with work during the week, I didn't start it until two days ago, but managed to miraculously finish it today!!! I turned it in to my advisers for edits, and we shall see how that goes. I also have an abstract due, which I also churned out just a few minutes ago, and I updated my plant list with the new ones gathered this week- so, progressive day all around!
I went into town with Dr. L and had zero trouble with traveler's checks (everyone else from our group always has trouble so I was so happy!). I then set out to find an elusive building that sells topo maps of Belize with the UTM coordinates on the sides. Dr. L has one and it looked fab, so, she advised me to get one. I went to the building with land (something or other) on the side of it, but, that wasn't the correct one. I then walked until I found a police officer, who said that it was a 15 minute walk away- the farthest building of the governmental buildings. So, I walked to that one- pretty building by the way. I waited at the reception desk and finally was told that it was the next building over, so, I went to the "NEMO" building. They told me that it was at the "Ministry of Natural Resources" building, next to where I had originally started from. I went to that one, walked to the door that I needed to go into and was helped by a guy who didn't know today's date- I helped him out by reminding him that the World Cup started today. And then we talked soccer and scores and my lack of a t.v. He gave me a receipt for my map- which he still had to find- and I went to the cashier. This was around 3:45- the cashier closed down at 3:30. I kept knocking until someone came to deal with the random white girl. The guy told me, over and over again because I was insistent, that they had already closed for the day and counted all the money and balanced everything and he couldn't help me- not even with a receipt, not with it only being 15 minutes past closing, and not with them being closed all weekend (I will be unable to go there until at least Wednesday). It ended up being ok because my little soccer friend couldn't find my map anywhere. So, it was a good thing I didn't pay for a map they didn't have!
I walked to where Dr. L was- at Perkup Cafe, and bought some small items around there- including an amazing donut from a pastry shop! I tried the peanut-butter smoothie and it was pretty good (Dr. L is addicted to them), and had a Klondike bar (of all things).
At Perkup, we met a lady that Dr. L met at Banana Bank during last year's field season. She is probably in her mid-forties and had a little 2-year-old toddling around the cafe. She came and talked to us, but Dr. L already knew most of her story from her encounter 2 years ago. The lady had come with her husband 2 years ago to adopt the little boy, but were told that they couldn't bring him back to the US- because of our sad immigration policy that takes forever to work through. So, they appealed and still haven't been able to get back to the US. She stayed with the little boy and eventually bought a house in Belmopan and a car. Her husband went back to work in the US and visits whenever possible (he is now funding their houses in 2 countries as well as lawyer bills). They also have a couple of 20s kids who visit their little bro and Mom in Belize whenever they are on break from the University. They are now working to get the boy adopted locally in Belize- which is amazing because they generally only allow nationals to adopt. Hopefully, the new lawyer they have can help this lady get back to her family- hopefully.
And that was my day. I have the room to myself and have had much progress both relaxing and working. Am already enjoying my weekend!
I have a big paper due for a contest on Tuesday. I had it written down in my Dawg Book (yes, I still own one of those even- once a Saluki, always a.....), but hadn't really looked at my Dawg Book until last week, when I realized it was due. Being myself and being overloaded with work during the week, I didn't start it until two days ago, but managed to miraculously finish it today!!! I turned it in to my advisers for edits, and we shall see how that goes. I also have an abstract due, which I also churned out just a few minutes ago, and I updated my plant list with the new ones gathered this week- so, progressive day all around!
I went into town with Dr. L and had zero trouble with traveler's checks (everyone else from our group always has trouble so I was so happy!). I then set out to find an elusive building that sells topo maps of Belize with the UTM coordinates on the sides. Dr. L has one and it looked fab, so, she advised me to get one. I went to the building with land (something or other) on the side of it, but, that wasn't the correct one. I then walked until I found a police officer, who said that it was a 15 minute walk away- the farthest building of the governmental buildings. So, I walked to that one- pretty building by the way. I waited at the reception desk and finally was told that it was the next building over, so, I went to the "NEMO" building. They told me that it was at the "Ministry of Natural Resources" building, next to where I had originally started from. I went to that one, walked to the door that I needed to go into and was helped by a guy who didn't know today's date- I helped him out by reminding him that the World Cup started today. And then we talked soccer and scores and my lack of a t.v. He gave me a receipt for my map- which he still had to find- and I went to the cashier. This was around 3:45- the cashier closed down at 3:30. I kept knocking until someone came to deal with the random white girl. The guy told me, over and over again because I was insistent, that they had already closed for the day and counted all the money and balanced everything and he couldn't help me- not even with a receipt, not with it only being 15 minutes past closing, and not with them being closed all weekend (I will be unable to go there until at least Wednesday). It ended up being ok because my little soccer friend couldn't find my map anywhere. So, it was a good thing I didn't pay for a map they didn't have!
I walked to where Dr. L was- at Perkup Cafe, and bought some small items around there- including an amazing donut from a pastry shop! I tried the peanut-butter smoothie and it was pretty good (Dr. L is addicted to them), and had a Klondike bar (of all things).
At Perkup, we met a lady that Dr. L met at Banana Bank during last year's field season. She is probably in her mid-forties and had a little 2-year-old toddling around the cafe. She came and talked to us, but Dr. L already knew most of her story from her encounter 2 years ago. The lady had come with her husband 2 years ago to adopt the little boy, but were told that they couldn't bring him back to the US- because of our sad immigration policy that takes forever to work through. So, they appealed and still haven't been able to get back to the US. She stayed with the little boy and eventually bought a house in Belmopan and a car. Her husband went back to work in the US and visits whenever possible (he is now funding their houses in 2 countries as well as lawyer bills). They also have a couple of 20s kids who visit their little bro and Mom in Belize whenever they are on break from the University. They are now working to get the boy adopted locally in Belize- which is amazing because they generally only allow nationals to adopt. Hopefully, the new lawyer they have can help this lady get back to her family- hopefully.
And that was my day. I have the room to myself and have had much progress both relaxing and working. Am already enjoying my weekend!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Day 25- End of jungle duty (for now)
Around 1:45, I awoke to the sound of a flash downpour. I happened to remember that my raincoat was outside on the banister and I rushed out, with my handy flashlight and flip-flops, to retrieve it.
I had Kayla again and we set out with Cleofo for the deep jungle! We set out to map a mound called simply, M73 (mound 73). Luckily, Cleofo has an awesome sense of direction and memory and we eventually found it. However, many of Andrew's flagging taped- trees had sense been removed or covered over and it took us an hour to finally find the correct location. An unmapped mound in front of M73 tricked me, because Andrew did not have it on his map. So, I again named a mound- 10610 (it actually means something- hurray!).
We were near a swampy area while mapping and were attacked at every turn by nasty, fierce, blood-thirsty mosquitoes. We even took a short lunch so we could rest the extra time back at Yalbac (where the mosquitoes were plentiful but not swarming in packs). We finished the entire mapping job by a little before noon and headed back, this time only walking 30 minutes because Cleofo had his directions back.
I found out that I am more clumsy than I thought I was. On the way to the site we mapped, we crossed over a swampy area where water had carved out small islands sticking up from the ground. As I "island-hopped", I frequently lost my balance and had to grab on to a nearby tree. On one of my grabs, I took hold of either a mooch or a basket tie-tie (both of them have medium-sized long black spines). They got in my hand and caused a nuisance until I pulled them out. On the way back, there were vines with two opposite backwards-bending hooks every inch or so. Those kept getting caught on my pants, which irritated me to no end because I would have to bend down and unhook myself. However, I rejected my earlier disgust when the vine caught me in the cheek. Since the spines are hooked, I couldn't just pull it out, I had to pull it in the right direction or it would sink in deeper. So, I turned to a surprised and slightly-disgusted Kayla and asked her (very politely) to please pull the hook out of my face. She did, and we moved on.
When we were almost out of the jungle, Cleofo found the fruit of a Mamee tree (which is edible) and the fruit tasted almost like a nut (very dry and vaguely sweet).
I feel like a translator when I am having students map for me. I have all the identified plants numbered and scattered throughout my field notebook. So, whenever Cleofo tells me the name of a particular tree, I either have instant recall of the number or have to scramble in my book to locate it. As time has gone on, I have gotten better and better at this locating and/or recall process.
The students and the 2 TA's leave for San Pedro tomorrow around 8 AM. I was supposed to go out to Yalbac and help Dr. L finish up a project, however, she decided to take a much-needed break and so I will have one as well. I am looking forward to relaxing a bit over the 3-day weekend and preparing myself for the last 2 weeks in the field. I can't believe we are so far along- and I am officially done with jungle surveying! I am going to map Cleofo's home garden, maybe a few other small projects, and this summer's research is complete. The end is in sight!
I had Kayla again and we set out with Cleofo for the deep jungle! We set out to map a mound called simply, M73 (mound 73). Luckily, Cleofo has an awesome sense of direction and memory and we eventually found it. However, many of Andrew's flagging taped- trees had sense been removed or covered over and it took us an hour to finally find the correct location. An unmapped mound in front of M73 tricked me, because Andrew did not have it on his map. So, I again named a mound- 10610 (it actually means something- hurray!).
We were near a swampy area while mapping and were attacked at every turn by nasty, fierce, blood-thirsty mosquitoes. We even took a short lunch so we could rest the extra time back at Yalbac (where the mosquitoes were plentiful but not swarming in packs). We finished the entire mapping job by a little before noon and headed back, this time only walking 30 minutes because Cleofo had his directions back.
I found out that I am more clumsy than I thought I was. On the way to the site we mapped, we crossed over a swampy area where water had carved out small islands sticking up from the ground. As I "island-hopped", I frequently lost my balance and had to grab on to a nearby tree. On one of my grabs, I took hold of either a mooch or a basket tie-tie (both of them have medium-sized long black spines). They got in my hand and caused a nuisance until I pulled them out. On the way back, there were vines with two opposite backwards-bending hooks every inch or so. Those kept getting caught on my pants, which irritated me to no end because I would have to bend down and unhook myself. However, I rejected my earlier disgust when the vine caught me in the cheek. Since the spines are hooked, I couldn't just pull it out, I had to pull it in the right direction or it would sink in deeper. So, I turned to a surprised and slightly-disgusted Kayla and asked her (very politely) to please pull the hook out of my face. She did, and we moved on.
When we were almost out of the jungle, Cleofo found the fruit of a Mamee tree (which is edible) and the fruit tasted almost like a nut (very dry and vaguely sweet).
I feel like a translator when I am having students map for me. I have all the identified plants numbered and scattered throughout my field notebook. So, whenever Cleofo tells me the name of a particular tree, I either have instant recall of the number or have to scramble in my book to locate it. As time has gone on, I have gotten better and better at this locating and/or recall process.
The students and the 2 TA's leave for San Pedro tomorrow around 8 AM. I was supposed to go out to Yalbac and help Dr. L finish up a project, however, she decided to take a much-needed break and so I will have one as well. I am looking forward to relaxing a bit over the 3-day weekend and preparing myself for the last 2 weeks in the field. I can't believe we are so far along- and I am officially done with jungle surveying! I am going to map Cleofo's home garden, maybe a few other small projects, and this summer's research is complete. The end is in sight!
Day 24- "Yo Bus!"
While we were eating breakfast at the Choc's, Mrs. Choc and Cleofo's daughter wanted to catch the bus for Belmopan. However, they didn't start out with enough time to really get to the road as the bus was going by, much less catch it. Dr. L stood up and whistled really loudly, Mrs. Choc (who is not the skinniest lady I know) ran to try to catch the bus, and Steve yelled out "Yo Bus!" and it stopped. So, it was a combined effort to flag down the bus, but, it ended up working out well.
I got a new recruit- Kayla (the girl who flew with me out of St. Louis and is from O'Fallon). We surveyed around 2 known house mounds, one of which Dr. L led a field school to excavate in 2001. As we were plotting out where we were going to survey, Cleofo and I noticed that, between the 2 known mounds was a shorter raised area. I had Cleofo put a stake in it to map it as a possible mound, and the stake had trouble going in because it immediately hit rock. Encouraged, I dug with my trowel around the stake and, indeed, it was a mound. I was very excited and immediately named my new mound after the date- 9710 (except that I mixed up my Junes and Julys and now the poor mound has a GPS name that doesn't really make any sense whatsoever. Oh well!
I had been trying to mess with the UTM locations given to me by Dr. L's last graduate student, who was using a system set up in 1927 and I one from 1984. So, the conversions went long and I eventually started putting them to last priority behind actual field stuff. Fortunately, Andrew sent me the list of all the points converted to 1984!!! So, now I don't have to mess with that online program again.
I got online, which was slower than normal, and checked the weather- which doesn't bode well for this weekend and early next week- and means more breeding mosquitoes. Ugh. Before I could do much else, the Internet shut down entirely. So, I am not really trying to ignore people, the Internet has this power over me!
I got a new recruit- Kayla (the girl who flew with me out of St. Louis and is from O'Fallon). We surveyed around 2 known house mounds, one of which Dr. L led a field school to excavate in 2001. As we were plotting out where we were going to survey, Cleofo and I noticed that, between the 2 known mounds was a shorter raised area. I had Cleofo put a stake in it to map it as a possible mound, and the stake had trouble going in because it immediately hit rock. Encouraged, I dug with my trowel around the stake and, indeed, it was a mound. I was very excited and immediately named my new mound after the date- 9710 (except that I mixed up my Junes and Julys and now the poor mound has a GPS name that doesn't really make any sense whatsoever. Oh well!
I had been trying to mess with the UTM locations given to me by Dr. L's last graduate student, who was using a system set up in 1927 and I one from 1984. So, the conversions went long and I eventually started putting them to last priority behind actual field stuff. Fortunately, Andrew sent me the list of all the points converted to 1984!!! So, now I don't have to mess with that online program again.
I got online, which was slower than normal, and checked the weather- which doesn't bode well for this weekend and early next week- and means more breeding mosquitoes. Ugh. Before I could do much else, the Internet shut down entirely. So, I am not really trying to ignore people, the Internet has this power over me!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Day 23- Steve gets a pitcher
I seem to be having more and more trouble getting up out of bed in the morning. Waking up- not a problem. My mental alarm clock wakes me up about 3 minutes before the alarm goes off, giving me those 3 minutes to try to pry my eyelids open. Unfortunately, my alarm is now not waking anyone up (I am already up and I think the other girls have become immune to its beeping), although I never turn it off in hopes that they hear it. However, staying asleep can also be an issue- because of the bugs that somehow manage to invade my mosquito netting. I had this biting bug the other night that dove and stung me right on my shoulder joint (which also happened to be the site of my sunburn). I turned on my flashlight and found a bug (still don't know if it was the culprit or not) and took out all of my anger upon it.
Tara finished mapping my major mess-up of a plot and then we moved away from mounds but also not in pristine forest- to an area where the farmers around Yalbac, or maybe the lesser nobles, lived. We were able to completely survey that region (which made me very happy). Also, another happy point was that our survey region partially overlapped an area with recent non-Maya disturbance (a logger's road probably used about 50 years ago or so). So, we now have areas cleared by Maya, not disturbed at all, and disturbed in the historic period. I was ecstatic!
The mosquito situation has steadily gotten better- comparatively. I mean, it's not like we are not getting swarmed and have at least 10 buzzing around us every second, but, its not 30 anymore. So, we are happier. I have also gotten progressively better at killing them. I can detect where they are and strike there. Today, I was trying to take notes and kept having to slap myself every other word or so. Once, I even slapped my face- really hard because it takes a hard slap to kill them or maybe I am just not accurate enough. So, I had a dead mosquito, but a slight headache!
I got back home in time to spend an hour pressing plants. It is the most exhausting point of my day- not because of the time or effort or anything like that- just the monotony of it. My to-do list grows daily, which is exciting and also a struggle. I am always, always, always working on something. If I am not, I am feeling bad for not doing what I need to be doing.
At supper, Steve always drinks about 5 glasses of whatever liquid they pour for him (limeade or tea). The staff always laugh whenever they fill up his glass and, before they can finish the next 3 people Steve has downed it again. We make fun of him for it, too. Tonight, Jessica, who is the main server, gave Steve an entire pitcher. I think Tara has a pic of it somewhere!
Tara finished mapping my major mess-up of a plot and then we moved away from mounds but also not in pristine forest- to an area where the farmers around Yalbac, or maybe the lesser nobles, lived. We were able to completely survey that region (which made me very happy). Also, another happy point was that our survey region partially overlapped an area with recent non-Maya disturbance (a logger's road probably used about 50 years ago or so). So, we now have areas cleared by Maya, not disturbed at all, and disturbed in the historic period. I was ecstatic!
The mosquito situation has steadily gotten better- comparatively. I mean, it's not like we are not getting swarmed and have at least 10 buzzing around us every second, but, its not 30 anymore. So, we are happier. I have also gotten progressively better at killing them. I can detect where they are and strike there. Today, I was trying to take notes and kept having to slap myself every other word or so. Once, I even slapped my face- really hard because it takes a hard slap to kill them or maybe I am just not accurate enough. So, I had a dead mosquito, but a slight headache!
I got back home in time to spend an hour pressing plants. It is the most exhausting point of my day- not because of the time or effort or anything like that- just the monotony of it. My to-do list grows daily, which is exciting and also a struggle. I am always, always, always working on something. If I am not, I am feeling bad for not doing what I need to be doing.
At supper, Steve always drinks about 5 glasses of whatever liquid they pour for him (limeade or tea). The staff always laugh whenever they fill up his glass and, before they can finish the next 3 people Steve has downed it again. We make fun of him for it, too. Tonight, Jessica, who is the main server, gave Steve an entire pitcher. I think Tara has a pic of it somewhere!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Day 22- Party in a bottle- I found rootbeer!
So, I always fill up my water bottles in the morning, always. The day our water mysteriously shut off and we had to raid Dr. L's abode was hard, but, I still managed to always fill mine up the morning of. Last night, I had this weird sense of foreboding and this undying urge to fill up my water bottles. Still don't know why, but, I am very impulsive and listen to those little voices in my head and filled them both up- I was completely empty. As it so happened, we woke up to no water anywhere, not at Dr. L's, not at the dining hall, nowhere. So, we ended up filling up one of our big jugs of water at Ernesto's and then people just poured from there.
We had another good field day and Tara- who is pumped about what I do so she makes me more excited- worked with me again today. We finished our map from last week, mapped another little section, and then started mapping an area that I messed up before- I now don't trust myself to map at all! The weather was slightly cooler and, since we have had no rain, there were less mosquitoes. When we had just reached the site, I smelled something really amazing- like flowers mixed with deet almost. It is weird, but, you learn to appreciate scents that are not sweat and grime. As I walked to the field, I realized it was Cleofo!
We had a 15 minute change when we got back to Banana Bank and then off to town. We got our passports back from being stamped again and tried to go to the bank- but both of them were closed all ready. I printed out my new plant list in a paper shop; it will help Dr. L when she presents what I have found thus far. I did some other small errands and found myself across town where we normally hang out- because Dr. L has this cafe that she uses Internet at and gets smoothies from. I have been craving rootbeer and finally managed to find some! It was a good day.
We had another 15 minute change before supper by the time we returned home, during which time I pressed plants and recorded them. The Internet is still not what it should be, but, at least it is there! And it allowed me to get some needed work done, so, that made me excited!
Random side-note: so, I was coming out of a tomb in Caracol and my sunglasses slipped out of my shirt- where I was storing them- and onto the stairs in front of me. I stepped on them and it broke. However, a little later, Hannah found a pair of sunglasses that someone had lost and gave them to me. I figured out that I now own two pairs of sunglasses that I just happened to find someplace- didn't have to pay for them. Very interesting.
We had another good field day and Tara- who is pumped about what I do so she makes me more excited- worked with me again today. We finished our map from last week, mapped another little section, and then started mapping an area that I messed up before- I now don't trust myself to map at all! The weather was slightly cooler and, since we have had no rain, there were less mosquitoes. When we had just reached the site, I smelled something really amazing- like flowers mixed with deet almost. It is weird, but, you learn to appreciate scents that are not sweat and grime. As I walked to the field, I realized it was Cleofo!
We had a 15 minute change when we got back to Banana Bank and then off to town. We got our passports back from being stamped again and tried to go to the bank- but both of them were closed all ready. I printed out my new plant list in a paper shop; it will help Dr. L when she presents what I have found thus far. I did some other small errands and found myself across town where we normally hang out- because Dr. L has this cafe that she uses Internet at and gets smoothies from. I have been craving rootbeer and finally managed to find some! It was a good day.
We had another 15 minute change before supper by the time we returned home, during which time I pressed plants and recorded them. The Internet is still not what it should be, but, at least it is there! And it allowed me to get some needed work done, so, that made me excited!
Random side-note: so, I was coming out of a tomb in Caracol and my sunglasses slipped out of my shirt- where I was storing them- and onto the stairs in front of me. I stepped on them and it broke. However, a little later, Hannah found a pair of sunglasses that someone had lost and gave them to me. I figured out that I now own two pairs of sunglasses that I just happened to find someplace- didn't have to pay for them. Very interesting.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Day 21- I found out what all I CANT do without Internet :)
I woke up right before 8 so I could take my field notes to Dr. L for reviewing. I looked very groggy again, but managed to wake up after passing by a leaky hose and getting sprayed. It was awesome actually because of our lack of air conditioning- the only time I feel comfortable is in the cold shower or when I get sprayed down or, in the field, step off into a puddle.
I worked on identifying plants the entire day using my new favorite book: "Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Belize". No pretty pictures, only page after page packed with text about plants in this area. I talked to Dr. L about my rest-of-UIUC plan and got super excited. It all sounds like fun, in a very, very nerdy way :)
Around noon we lost power, which was unfortunate because electricity is what powers the machines that make our lunches at the restaurant and I had had animal crackers for breakfast. Also, the Internet also failed, which meant that there were e-mails I couldn't send out, things I needed to look up online that I couldn't, etc. The students debated about ordering a pizza, but, in order to make it worth the pizza delivery guys' while, we had to order 10 pizzas- which would have cost about $100 US, or $200 Belize dollars. The pay phone was also dead, and I had a minor mishap while trying to get a phone to work, so, I eventually gave up on calling home :(
The power came back on again a little before 2 and we all rushed to order lunch. I got another strawberry/banana smoothie and it was amazing! Then, around 4 our time, the Internet came back up again. So, I started frantically e-mailing people in case it went off again! Another great day :)
Also, something I forgot from yesterday was that our guide found out that I am the "plant girl" and made me identify plants all the time. So, I was on call for our entire trip! I was thankful to have Cleofo's notes in my head then.
Tomorrow, we start work again and I hopefully finish up the area I worked on last week before our lab days. Then, we get to go into town again and my to-do list is a tad daunting, but all possible. I can do it!
I worked on identifying plants the entire day using my new favorite book: "Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Belize". No pretty pictures, only page after page packed with text about plants in this area. I talked to Dr. L about my rest-of-UIUC plan and got super excited. It all sounds like fun, in a very, very nerdy way :)
Around noon we lost power, which was unfortunate because electricity is what powers the machines that make our lunches at the restaurant and I had had animal crackers for breakfast. Also, the Internet also failed, which meant that there were e-mails I couldn't send out, things I needed to look up online that I couldn't, etc. The students debated about ordering a pizza, but, in order to make it worth the pizza delivery guys' while, we had to order 10 pizzas- which would have cost about $100 US, or $200 Belize dollars. The pay phone was also dead, and I had a minor mishap while trying to get a phone to work, so, I eventually gave up on calling home :(
The power came back on again a little before 2 and we all rushed to order lunch. I got another strawberry/banana smoothie and it was amazing! Then, around 4 our time, the Internet came back up again. So, I started frantically e-mailing people in case it went off again! Another great day :)
Also, something I forgot from yesterday was that our guide found out that I am the "plant girl" and made me identify plants all the time. So, I was on call for our entire trip! I was thankful to have Cleofo's notes in my head then.
Tomorrow, we start work again and I hopefully finish up the area I worked on last week before our lab days. Then, we get to go into town again and my to-do list is a tad daunting, but all possible. I can do it!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Day 20- I would make a great servant! ~Jose
At 6:15am sharp we (Hannah, Tara, Robbyn, Kayla, Jose, Chris and I) crossed the river and headed off in an air-conditioned van toward Caracol. We bypassed it actually and went into Cayo so our driver could pick himself up some lunch. As we were driving through the area, I saw this awesome market that I thought- had I had the time- I would have scavenged through for sure! Amazingly enough, the driver read my mind and dropped us off at the market while he went to get his lunch. The market had a lot of cool tents with vendors selling clothing, goods, and food. I found more movies than I care to mention that I picked up for a little over $2 US and also bought grapefruit juice- Fresco grapefruit juice. It is amazing to me what Americans buy when they see something familiar that strikes their fancy that they are so excited to find in another country but would never buy if they passed it in a grocery store in the US.
At any rate, we made it to the bumpy road that was worse than the road we take to get to Yalbac daily- which surprised me. We traveled 37 miles on that road and stopped along the way to visit a cave with two large entrances, so, it was pretty light in there. Since they have a bandit problem, we had 2 escorts that came with us to the cave. Both were very young- probably still in their mid-20s- but wore full camo gear and backed large automatic weapons. The bandits didn't dare bother us, and we went on to Caracol. It is the largest site in all of Belize and included some pretty impressive temples and such. Actually, Caracol wasn't of interest to very many people until the late 1980s when they found out that it had actually conquered other Maya centers, including Tikal. We climbed all around these temples, since they are not as threatened as Tikal's temples, and took photos of it all (mine are now on Facebook).
We ate lunch at a picnic area near our parking lot- I was excited because they had banana bread packed for us! Then, I rested in the van on the way to our third destination of the day- a waterfall next to a river that we swam around in. I was reminded again of my lack of swimming abilities as I fought the currents of the waterfall, the downward pull of the water, and the slipperiness of the rocks I was trying to cling to. It was a very interesting task and made me wish wholeheartedly for more endurance. I actually sat on the edge of the waterfall for awhile- and the spray of slightly-cold water was amazing. I wish someone had had a water-resistant camera. But, we had more fun than pictures would allow I guess. Robbyn, Kayla and Chris were risky enough to jump off of several rock outcroppings into the water. It was fun to watch but, after my first and only jump- in which I inhaled water, found myself in over 10 ft of water trying to cough and swim against a current, I decided I would much rather watch thank you very much :)
Also, after the water trip, I found out that white skin soaking up the sun all day changes colors- even with sunscreen applications (yes, I did apply sunscreen, Mom). But, I am doing fine now, so, I guess it is not as bad as it looks in some of my pics.
We made it home just in time for supper! Which was perfect. All in all, rather awesome adventure!
At any rate, we made it to the bumpy road that was worse than the road we take to get to Yalbac daily- which surprised me. We traveled 37 miles on that road and stopped along the way to visit a cave with two large entrances, so, it was pretty light in there. Since they have a bandit problem, we had 2 escorts that came with us to the cave. Both were very young- probably still in their mid-20s- but wore full camo gear and backed large automatic weapons. The bandits didn't dare bother us, and we went on to Caracol. It is the largest site in all of Belize and included some pretty impressive temples and such. Actually, Caracol wasn't of interest to very many people until the late 1980s when they found out that it had actually conquered other Maya centers, including Tikal. We climbed all around these temples, since they are not as threatened as Tikal's temples, and took photos of it all (mine are now on Facebook).
We ate lunch at a picnic area near our parking lot- I was excited because they had banana bread packed for us! Then, I rested in the van on the way to our third destination of the day- a waterfall next to a river that we swam around in. I was reminded again of my lack of swimming abilities as I fought the currents of the waterfall, the downward pull of the water, and the slipperiness of the rocks I was trying to cling to. It was a very interesting task and made me wish wholeheartedly for more endurance. I actually sat on the edge of the waterfall for awhile- and the spray of slightly-cold water was amazing. I wish someone had had a water-resistant camera. But, we had more fun than pictures would allow I guess. Robbyn, Kayla and Chris were risky enough to jump off of several rock outcroppings into the water. It was fun to watch but, after my first and only jump- in which I inhaled water, found myself in over 10 ft of water trying to cough and swim against a current, I decided I would much rather watch thank you very much :)
Also, after the water trip, I found out that white skin soaking up the sun all day changes colors- even with sunscreen applications (yes, I did apply sunscreen, Mom). But, I am doing fine now, so, I guess it is not as bad as it looks in some of my pics.
We made it home just in time for supper! Which was perfect. All in all, rather awesome adventure!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Day 19- Attack of the bugs
Last night, as I was trying to fall asleep, I felt something nudging my foot. I thought at first it was my imagination- you tend to imagine yourself swarming with bugs all the time after a couple of days, and we call it paranoia. But, this was actually persistent and was firm and cold and smooth. I just about freaked out- thinking it was a snake. Luckily, upon flashlight investigation, it was only a little hard-shelled bug- about the size of a quarter or so. So, I flicked it out of my bed and went to sleep. When Elle and Molly woke up this morning to join Dr. L in the field, I again felt a little nudge on my feet. Weird feet-loving mongrels! So, I threw the second one out onto the floor. When I went into our bathroom, I found a huge cockroach sitting on top of one of my bottles, so, I took him on a ride to the door. On my way back inside, I found the same dumb hard-shelled bug trying to crawl up my bed-skirt back onto my bed. I picked him up and threw him out the door too.
Steve got bitten so much yesterday (by mosquitoes and blood-drawing flies) that, when I found him this morning, he was dressed up like he was going out into the field. He declared that he wasn't going to let them get him again, he just wasn't!
Today was another productive day. I finished photographing my specimen, tagged the ones for the drier, checked photographs, and actually started identifying specimen! So, it was a very good day. After the students got down washing the rest of the artifacts, 7 of us went to town. It was a good experience, as always. I got Skittles (they gave me a refrigerated bag, because of the heat) and rice to attempt to dry out my water-logged ipod. So, right now, it is sitting in a bag full of rice. We were dropped off at the river and got swarmed by mosquitoes while waiting for the boat man to come pick us up and take us back to Banana Bank.
I worked more on plant identification and trying to find an out-of-print, not found anywhere book that I really want : "The ABC's to the Vegetation of Belize". Oh well. I finally got a chance to chat with Mom again! Yay! And upload photos to Facebook- finally.
Tomorrow, we are going to Caracol to see those Maya ruins. I can't wait. I will try to take lots of pics!
Steve got bitten so much yesterday (by mosquitoes and blood-drawing flies) that, when I found him this morning, he was dressed up like he was going out into the field. He declared that he wasn't going to let them get him again, he just wasn't!
Today was another productive day. I finished photographing my specimen, tagged the ones for the drier, checked photographs, and actually started identifying specimen! So, it was a very good day. After the students got down washing the rest of the artifacts, 7 of us went to town. It was a good experience, as always. I got Skittles (they gave me a refrigerated bag, because of the heat) and rice to attempt to dry out my water-logged ipod. So, right now, it is sitting in a bag full of rice. We were dropped off at the river and got swarmed by mosquitoes while waiting for the boat man to come pick us up and take us back to Banana Bank.
I worked more on plant identification and trying to find an out-of-print, not found anywhere book that I really want : "The ABC's to the Vegetation of Belize". Oh well. I finally got a chance to chat with Mom again! Yay! And upload photos to Facebook- finally.
Tomorrow, we are going to Caracol to see those Maya ruins. I can't wait. I will try to take lots of pics!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Day 18- Lab Day
We got to sleep in today! We thought breakfast was at 8:30, but, luckily, Elle went and checked and woke us all up at 7:20 saying that it was at 7:30. I was very groggy as usual- and sat on the edge of my bed and looked off into the distance; she asked if I was ok. I told her I look like death when I first wake up, but, I get over it.
Breakfast was great and afterward I looked up Caracol, our weekend destination, to see if it was worth it to spend money to go see it- it is an optional trip. I rather thought it was. Here is what I saw: http://belizex.com/caracol.htm. It definitely made me want to go- especially the pools, rock slides and caves. It actually made me miss Johnson Shut-Ins back home.
We all washed artifacts until lunch, and I ate lunch at the little restaurant instead of their pre-cooked dinner option. It was a fun experience. Then, back to washing artifacts. A little after 2, I started work on plant stuff and photoed all my pressed specimen and numbered the photos in my field notebook- which took almost 4 hours, and then built a plant drier. It looks fab if I do say so myself ;) I felt quite accomplished for finishing all of that- even though I know it doesn't seem like much in words.
Dr. L and I are moving forward on the pollen side of my research- which excites me to no end! And I have to send out e-mails after dinner regarding arrangements for the pollen samples collected during her earlier research (this summer prior to field school). I am so excited to finally put to good use the information gleaned from pouring over pollen samples all Spring semester with Derek.
Tomorrow, the students are finishing up their lab work and I am finishing up my plant stuff before the weekend. My goal is to have time for a swim tomorrow (I haven't had time to do anything at all lately) and maybe a smoothie............here's hoping!
Breakfast was great and afterward I looked up Caracol, our weekend destination, to see if it was worth it to spend money to go see it- it is an optional trip. I rather thought it was. Here is what I saw: http://belizex.com/caracol.htm. It definitely made me want to go- especially the pools, rock slides and caves. It actually made me miss Johnson Shut-Ins back home.
We all washed artifacts until lunch, and I ate lunch at the little restaurant instead of their pre-cooked dinner option. It was a fun experience. Then, back to washing artifacts. A little after 2, I started work on plant stuff and photoed all my pressed specimen and numbered the photos in my field notebook- which took almost 4 hours, and then built a plant drier. It looks fab if I do say so myself ;) I felt quite accomplished for finishing all of that- even though I know it doesn't seem like much in words.
Dr. L and I are moving forward on the pollen side of my research- which excites me to no end! And I have to send out e-mails after dinner regarding arrangements for the pollen samples collected during her earlier research (this summer prior to field school). I am so excited to finally put to good use the information gleaned from pouring over pollen samples all Spring semester with Derek.
Tomorrow, the students are finishing up their lab work and I am finishing up my plant stuff before the weekend. My goal is to have time for a swim tomorrow (I haven't had time to do anything at all lately) and maybe a smoothie............here's hoping!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Day 17
This was our third full day in a row in the jungle. I have found that my "assistants" either love or hate what I do. It has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with me, instead, the thick jungle, 1KM hike one way carrying all you need for the day there and back, painstaking care to plants and mapping them, and mosquito hoards tend to discourage newcomers.
Today, we went in to 1 KM and started mapping plants in a 20 km circle. We had a minor mishap with a map and then we were back on track again. Tara called me a saint for putting up with the set-back so well, and then she went on to say that, with all the work I do, she is not wanting to do a dissertation. When I informed her this was just the pilot study for my thesis, and the dissertation work will come later, she freaked out even more. We found more new plants, bringing the grand total to 171. The mosquitoes were swarming today and, everywhere we moved, we had a pack following us. Cleofo was the worst because he doesn't use deet- because it hurts his skin. So, his white shirt highlighted his personal crew of mosquitoes.
We now have a half-an-hour hike in and back and Dr. L informs me that the car stops at Yalbac- meaning that the farther I travel inland, the farther I have to walk. Hopefully, I won't make it all the way to 11KM, because that is one epic hike!
We didn't collect many specimen, so, my pressing job was light tonight, which was a relief after the almost 2 hours daily I have spent pressing for the past couple of days. I relaxed today and cut up one of the two mangoes that I bought in the market yesterday and shared it, while slicing off random pieces. It was very good. We have a lab day tomorrow, so, I can work on my stuff some tomorrow instead of trying to do EVERYTHING tonight!
I think I said that I bought all my press stuff yesterday, so, I am officially a plant press NERD- according to Dr. L. I found stuff to make due, and it was awesome. I missed Wal-Mart's have everything you could possibly need or want, but, I found other alternatives that I am now enthused about.
We have had two catastrophes on this trip so far: Tara fell and hurt her ankle badly (it was still bothering her to work with me today and especially that hike), and then today we found out that Chris has pink eye. I knew that his eye was doing poorly yesterday when he was working with me and his eye was pink and puffy and he kept rubbing it with a wet handkerchief. He had to take a day off today.
Today, we were joined by one of the women who originally mapped the site (Jane) and her dad who also worked on Yalbac (James). They are from Texas and Jane used her archaeology degree very well- to open a relaxing resort where she is a professional Yoga instructor.
All in all, it has been a very good day, minus the mosquito attacks!
Today, we went in to 1 KM and started mapping plants in a 20 km circle. We had a minor mishap with a map and then we were back on track again. Tara called me a saint for putting up with the set-back so well, and then she went on to say that, with all the work I do, she is not wanting to do a dissertation. When I informed her this was just the pilot study for my thesis, and the dissertation work will come later, she freaked out even more. We found more new plants, bringing the grand total to 171. The mosquitoes were swarming today and, everywhere we moved, we had a pack following us. Cleofo was the worst because he doesn't use deet- because it hurts his skin. So, his white shirt highlighted his personal crew of mosquitoes.
We now have a half-an-hour hike in and back and Dr. L informs me that the car stops at Yalbac- meaning that the farther I travel inland, the farther I have to walk. Hopefully, I won't make it all the way to 11KM, because that is one epic hike!
We didn't collect many specimen, so, my pressing job was light tonight, which was a relief after the almost 2 hours daily I have spent pressing for the past couple of days. I relaxed today and cut up one of the two mangoes that I bought in the market yesterday and shared it, while slicing off random pieces. It was very good. We have a lab day tomorrow, so, I can work on my stuff some tomorrow instead of trying to do EVERYTHING tonight!
I think I said that I bought all my press stuff yesterday, so, I am officially a plant press NERD- according to Dr. L. I found stuff to make due, and it was awesome. I missed Wal-Mart's have everything you could possibly need or want, but, I found other alternatives that I am now enthused about.
We have had two catastrophes on this trip so far: Tara fell and hurt her ankle badly (it was still bothering her to work with me today and especially that hike), and then today we found out that Chris has pink eye. I knew that his eye was doing poorly yesterday when he was working with me and his eye was pink and puffy and he kept rubbing it with a wet handkerchief. He had to take a day off today.
Today, we were joined by one of the women who originally mapped the site (Jane) and her dad who also worked on Yalbac (James). They are from Texas and Jane used her archaeology degree very well- to open a relaxing resort where she is a professional Yoga instructor.
All in all, it has been a very good day, minus the mosquito attacks!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Day 16- You're a NERD
Again, the sky was threatening when we started out this morning. The fog was so thick and so humid that, as we rode to Mrs. Choc's, those of us riding in the back got our faces soaked. The fog was still hanging heavy when we drove to Yalbac, however, during the course of the day, it cleared up and was sunny most of the day. It is amazing how the weather operates around here. Clear skies in the morning usually bode rain by the afternoon and thick, ominous clouds clear up into sunny skies. Strangeness, just strangeness.
I took Hannah and Chris with me into the jungle and we collected plants and mapped with Cleofo. It was quite the task and it took us nearly the whole day to finish up one map that we were working on and map a smaller chunk with the smallest plants on the jungle floor. Then we started off again- trying to go another 500 meters into the jungle. We made it a total of 750 meters before I called it and we went back to Yalbac. Our daily hike just keeps getting longer. It takes 15 minutes to hike in 500 meters. And, at the end of this adventure, I intend to be 11 KM in, which means a daily hike of ........ 5.5 hours one way.........? Um.......I think we will spend our entire time hiking by the end of this.
Anyway, we were out there from 7:30am until 2:30pm with a 30 minute lunch break and a lot of pauses to let the brain slog through functioning amidst the heat, humidity and mosquitoes. Actually, another blessing, the mosquitoes were lots less intense today. I couldn't tell if they really were less obnoxious today, if it was the sunny skies, or if I have turned myself into the deet monster. Maybe all three!
We made it out alive and went back to Banana Bank. We had a 10 minute clothing change/try to get the mud off/try to actually smell decent/grab your stuff and we were off again. Actually, Dr. L had a flat tire and Ernesto, who had driven the guys home, changed it. We cheered for him afterward. In town, I bought a couple of gorgeous looking mangos and Steve wanted to get another field shirt, so, I bought 2 clothing items and we got a deal on all three. We also got lost on our way to Brodies to get all my needed supplies, because Steve took the short-cut :) It was an awesome adventure and I was in a bright mood, so, all was well. Unfortunately, not all were in the same mood. However, we finally made it to the little shopping area around Brodies and Dr. L's favorite hangout- Perkups, with 15 minutes to spare. In that time, I acquired all my needed plant pressing and preservation items as well as a Klondike bar (which ended up melting on the ride home because I was riding in the truck this time and Dr. L has a strict no food policy. On the way back from town, we met Dr. L's former grad student: Jane, who is now over a resort and a professional Yoga instructor.
We had dinner, which was simply lovely, and then I pressed plants for an hour and 15 while listening to the Decemberists and Flight of the Conchords before Molly wanted to go to bed. I finished notes around 10 our time and then had a chance to chat online a bit- while writing the blog :) Still no time for e-mails, I will get to them and Facebook.......soon........I hope!
I took Hannah and Chris with me into the jungle and we collected plants and mapped with Cleofo. It was quite the task and it took us nearly the whole day to finish up one map that we were working on and map a smaller chunk with the smallest plants on the jungle floor. Then we started off again- trying to go another 500 meters into the jungle. We made it a total of 750 meters before I called it and we went back to Yalbac. Our daily hike just keeps getting longer. It takes 15 minutes to hike in 500 meters. And, at the end of this adventure, I intend to be 11 KM in, which means a daily hike of ........ 5.5 hours one way.........? Um.......I think we will spend our entire time hiking by the end of this.
Anyway, we were out there from 7:30am until 2:30pm with a 30 minute lunch break and a lot of pauses to let the brain slog through functioning amidst the heat, humidity and mosquitoes. Actually, another blessing, the mosquitoes were lots less intense today. I couldn't tell if they really were less obnoxious today, if it was the sunny skies, or if I have turned myself into the deet monster. Maybe all three!
We made it out alive and went back to Banana Bank. We had a 10 minute clothing change/try to get the mud off/try to actually smell decent/grab your stuff and we were off again. Actually, Dr. L had a flat tire and Ernesto, who had driven the guys home, changed it. We cheered for him afterward. In town, I bought a couple of gorgeous looking mangos and Steve wanted to get another field shirt, so, I bought 2 clothing items and we got a deal on all three. We also got lost on our way to Brodies to get all my needed supplies, because Steve took the short-cut :) It was an awesome adventure and I was in a bright mood, so, all was well. Unfortunately, not all were in the same mood. However, we finally made it to the little shopping area around Brodies and Dr. L's favorite hangout- Perkups, with 15 minutes to spare. In that time, I acquired all my needed plant pressing and preservation items as well as a Klondike bar (which ended up melting on the ride home because I was riding in the truck this time and Dr. L has a strict no food policy. On the way back from town, we met Dr. L's former grad student: Jane, who is now over a resort and a professional Yoga instructor.
We had dinner, which was simply lovely, and then I pressed plants for an hour and 15 while listening to the Decemberists and Flight of the Conchords before Molly wanted to go to bed. I finished notes around 10 our time and then had a chance to chat online a bit- while writing the blog :) Still no time for e-mails, I will get to them and Facebook.......soon........I hope!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)