Back to the field. We were really worried yesterday about the rain, like super worried. But, magically, today it was an excellent field day. It started out with very foreboding looking dark gray skies (I could almost here the eminent downpour). But, it never happened and actually the sky cleared up and we had sunny skies until the sun set today. That was very encouraging in some ways; however, when you are collecting plants in the jungle and then are forced to enter a clearing where you don't even have canopy to cut some of the heat, it is oppressive. But, it was a good reminder that there was definitely no rain and, as Chris explained to me after I had entered the "coolness" of the jungle again, there were also no mosquitoes that dared go into the open area. So, there were some good things about our 15 minutes of scorching heat.
I mapped the morning away with Cleofo and then we picked up Steve and Chris and headed inland 500 meters to collect again. We did some measuring and began to collect plant samples. It was much more dense than the collection areas around the Yalbac mounds, so, I have decided to alter my collection methods yet again. It was a pretty intensive day since we collected for the entire day and then had to go home and press everything- and we now have over 100 separate species to identify-and we collected a lot today. So, I hired Steve, at the price of using my computer for his various activities, to help me press my collections. I have never seen a plant press go that high- and then Steve put his full weight on it and I pulled on the straps and it went on a flash diet and shrunk to about half its original size. It was rather amazing if I do say so myself.
I re-found this morning out that I was supposed to give a lecture. However, luckily, I had prepared the power point way in advance, back when I had plenty of spare time, and only had to throw in some extra images from our collections, what we do, random pictures of Steve, and my presentation was complete! That was a good thing to, because, after Steve and I pressed all of my plants, labeled the pressed specimen, and documented it all in my notes, I had a little over half an hour to download the photos, finalize my presentation and make it to the restaurant to give my lecture. I went to give my presentation at 600, and Dr. L wasn't there. When she still hadn't come (she had taken her car to town earlier) by 10-after, I began. At about 25 after, she arrived, explaining that the girl who had filled up her tank at the gas station had been talking on the phone and didn't understand her after she repeated 3 different times that she needed diesel and proceeded to put gasoline in her tank. She then had to wait for a truck to empty her tank and then refill it. The girl who filled it up's response? To laugh. Not a good thing to do when facing a ticked Dr. L!
So, I finished up my presentation in time to make us all a little bit late for supper, but, it was all good. Random side note: Steve's sandals fell apart and he bought a needle and thread kit to try to sew them back together. In the meantime, he is wandering around the Banana Bank grounds barefoot.
After supper, I returned to correct my notes (Dr. L had given Elle, Molly and I notes about our notes that we have been taking in the field). Since my notes are longer and I haven't taken any for her in the past, etc. I had many a notation and many an addition to add for clarification purposes to my notes. I proceeded to correct everything, and created a total page count for today of 17. It is a pretty impressively long day for notes today. I did not finish my to-do list for today, but, hopefully I will by tomorrow. In the meantime, I am dreadfully sorry for any delays I have in getting back to everyone- I am barely able to keep up with work at the moment since we can actually work now (hurray!). So, I will try to catch up as soon as possible.
Also, our passport situation will be resolved tomorrow and I found a replacement, via Dr. L, for the really important thing that I lost a little while back. So, the last few days have gone swimmingly beautifully! Hope this loveliness continues.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Day 14- Back to Banana Bank
Those of us in my room got up extremely late- 7:45. By the time we had made it downstairs, everyone else was already in the restaurant ordering breakfast. The sky was lovely and it was even sunny. After we finished breakfast and paid for our rooms, most of the group went out on the pier and sat for awhile, basking in the wonderful, yet fleeting, sun.
I decided to venture out on the paddleboat since the kayak had been so perfect yesterday. Per my request, Steve joined and we attempted to paddle out into the river. Unfortunately, the boat was doomed. It didn't steer correctly, or at all really, and all of our peddling did no good, except to let water into the boat through the peddle shaft. In 10 minutes or less, with us already a good 20-30 meters from shore, we started sinking at a rapid rate, until the front half of our boat was completely under water. I laughed and yelled "abandon ship" and kept flopping into the water all at the same time. It was pretty hilarious and I think one of the girls managed to get a photo. It was rather funny looking and sad all at the same time. At this point, I was soaked from the waist down, and Steve was out of the boat pulling us to shore- which was luckily not that far away. Unfortunately, I was no help at all and succeeded in standing at the back of the boat and trying to level it out. My bag was soaked, but, luckily, I had bought a new one yesterday so it all worked out beautifully. It was funny more than anything else and I was thanking my lucky stars that Steve has a good sense of humor and didn't mind jumping out of the boat to "rescue" us from our stationary nose-dive position.
We left Guatemala, which was sad because it was so pretty there and it started to rain as soon as we had left. We crossed the border just fine, with some of us encountering a minor/major problem. When we entered Belize, we said we were only staying 2 weeks, so that we didn't have to get a Visa. We were- we left for Guatemala before the 2 weeks had ended. On our way back into Belize, they stamped our passport for a month later- and that was the major/minor problem. For half of the group, the date stamped was a month from today (which is perfect because they will all be gone within a month). For the other half of us (including Steve and me), they stamped us a month from when we first entered Belize- which means we all have to be gone or renewed by June 15. So, the half of us that went through the strict Immigration officer will have to go into town and get a Visa before 2 weeks is up. There is a charge, but, not too terribly much. Dr. L was ticked about that.
We took our tour bus back from the Belize border to Banana Bank, stopping to let off Bob, his wife Nettie, and their two little grandsons. We also stopped at a gift shop on the way back and everyone tried to find the "perfect" souvenirs for their family. For lunch, we stopped in a convenience store just across the Belize border and Steve managed to find JIF and a big box of Frosted Flakes. You would have thought he had died and gone to heaven. I took a photo of him holding his precious goods and he said I was ridiculous.
On the ride back, we found out that the hurricane that had been somewhat of an issue in Guatemala during our stay, before heading north to Mexico, had since turned around and is now heading to Belize. So, essentially, it has followed us around. Right now, my wunderground weather forecast says 30% rain tomorrow, cloudy on Tuesday, and sunny for the foreseeable future after that. But, we shall see. Hopefully, we can work.....sometime.
It was really raining hard when we got back to Banana Bank and is still raining now. I am serious- no days without rain this entire trip. I bet you one quetzal!
I decided to venture out on the paddleboat since the kayak had been so perfect yesterday. Per my request, Steve joined and we attempted to paddle out into the river. Unfortunately, the boat was doomed. It didn't steer correctly, or at all really, and all of our peddling did no good, except to let water into the boat through the peddle shaft. In 10 minutes or less, with us already a good 20-30 meters from shore, we started sinking at a rapid rate, until the front half of our boat was completely under water. I laughed and yelled "abandon ship" and kept flopping into the water all at the same time. It was pretty hilarious and I think one of the girls managed to get a photo. It was rather funny looking and sad all at the same time. At this point, I was soaked from the waist down, and Steve was out of the boat pulling us to shore- which was luckily not that far away. Unfortunately, I was no help at all and succeeded in standing at the back of the boat and trying to level it out. My bag was soaked, but, luckily, I had bought a new one yesterday so it all worked out beautifully. It was funny more than anything else and I was thanking my lucky stars that Steve has a good sense of humor and didn't mind jumping out of the boat to "rescue" us from our stationary nose-dive position.
We left Guatemala, which was sad because it was so pretty there and it started to rain as soon as we had left. We crossed the border just fine, with some of us encountering a minor/major problem. When we entered Belize, we said we were only staying 2 weeks, so that we didn't have to get a Visa. We were- we left for Guatemala before the 2 weeks had ended. On our way back into Belize, they stamped our passport for a month later- and that was the major/minor problem. For half of the group, the date stamped was a month from today (which is perfect because they will all be gone within a month). For the other half of us (including Steve and me), they stamped us a month from when we first entered Belize- which means we all have to be gone or renewed by June 15. So, the half of us that went through the strict Immigration officer will have to go into town and get a Visa before 2 weeks is up. There is a charge, but, not too terribly much. Dr. L was ticked about that.
We took our tour bus back from the Belize border to Banana Bank, stopping to let off Bob, his wife Nettie, and their two little grandsons. We also stopped at a gift shop on the way back and everyone tried to find the "perfect" souvenirs for their family. For lunch, we stopped in a convenience store just across the Belize border and Steve managed to find JIF and a big box of Frosted Flakes. You would have thought he had died and gone to heaven. I took a photo of him holding his precious goods and he said I was ridiculous.
On the ride back, we found out that the hurricane that had been somewhat of an issue in Guatemala during our stay, before heading north to Mexico, had since turned around and is now heading to Belize. So, essentially, it has followed us around. Right now, my wunderground weather forecast says 30% rain tomorrow, cloudy on Tuesday, and sunny for the foreseeable future after that. But, we shall see. Hopefully, we can work.....sometime.
It was really raining hard when we got back to Banana Bank and is still raining now. I am serious- no days without rain this entire trip. I bet you one quetzal!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Day 13- "That's not funny" ~Steve
I must admit, this was a pretty epic day. It was one of those days that you get to the end of and just sit back and have this really dorky, goofy, extremely happy smile on your face and say "wow, that was totally awesome".
We had breakfast at the hotel (which I have fallen in love with by the way). Then, we headed off to Tikal. I got a chance to read more of my book, "Green Revolution", on the drive there, which was still good after months of bookwork caused me to neglect it. I sat next to Tara, who declared that the next book I brought to read "Marx and Satan" and the one that I intend to read soon "Hippies of the Religious Right" sounded really awesome and intriguing. Although she said this while laughing hysterically.
We had 6 hours to tour Tikal before the van picked us up again and we could eat lunch. We climbed staircases constructed along the sides of the temples to the top on three of them and then one actual staircase of one short one. I discovered a slight fear of heights, mainly because I was sticking close to Hannah and Gabs at the end of the line and they were both deathly afraid of heights. Although you might also develop a fear if you had to climb up several hundred feet into the air on rickety wooden stairs straight up, often made of small planks that, on the main temple, were spaced so far apart that if I had fallen, I could have gone right through. Luckily, most were at least a little better. But, still rather scary. The view from the top was always worth it though. If I get a chance to upload photos sometime, I want you to see how far up we really were- enough that it often looks like we were standing in front of an awesome backdrop.
It started raining while we were there- I am now convinced that I will not go one single day without rain during my stay here. Now, I am used to it. However, I did manage to pack my little black "Free Umbrella" that I got from some guy who was handing them out on the quad one day when it was pouring. He was with Christian Campus Fellowship, and my umbrella still has the blue, laminated tag on it.
We saw the view from Star Wars and I have some pretty sweet photos of it, in the fog. So, it made it even more awesome. I also got pics of actual stela and some recreations. All in all, Tikal was awesome and huge. I am becoming more and more convinced that the aliens really did help them- jk ;)
We did go into a ceramics museum, a stela museum (both of which did not allow photos), saw a huge Tikal model, and visited the "gift shop" (basically, a bunch of local people with their own booths). I didn't quite make it to lunch and ended up getting really weak before. However, I found snacks about 10 minutes before lunch. So, I ended up just making it. Actually, the guy named Bob found out last night that I was a vegetarian and I could tell that he was a major meat-lover (he keeps making comments about "the vegetarian"). However, I think his wife made it possible for me to have a cheese sandwhich instead of a ham and cheese one. It was pretty amazing and I almost freaked out! The box said "Queso" on it, and it was just for me.
We ate on the road and then went to go zip-lining by 3. We got a harness and everything, and it was just as much fun as I had imagined. We went back and forth across the jungle on a series of about 7-8 separate lines. One of the guys nicknamed me "Jane" because I was so reckless and wanted to kill him (so he said). You had to brake whenever you were approaching the landing platform and I did brake when he told me to, just not as hard as I should have I guess. He always caught me just before I smashed into a tree. Since it was raining, we all got covered in both mud and grease. So, we were all a mess at the end of the adventure, but, it was totally worth it. It was also Steve's favorite part of the day. I got a video of him zip-lining that I will probably have to wait until I get back to the states to upload.
Once we got back, I spotted Bob's grandsons in a paddle-boat in the river that was right in front of our hotel. I asked Dr. L about the paddle-boat and she said it was connected to our hotel. There were also two single kayaks parked there too, so, I was very interested in those. I asked the guy at the hotel, who happened to be standing behind us when we were talking, and he said that they were free to hotel guests, and that we could just take out the boat! My voice got really, really high-pitched and I literally jumped up and down. Tara was standing next to me as well and she offered to take the other kayak out with me. I didn't bother to even try to get the caked mud off of me and went straight for the river. Tara and I had an amazing time! We were out for about 2 hours I think, just floating out in the middle of the river toward a random peninsula. We got a chance to talk about a lot of different things and she now thinks I am cool, and I feel the same about her. All in all, it was a great kayak adventure (also have pics from that). I told her about my awesome "canoeing buddies", both of whom, I believe, are reading this. I did think about you two, we could have had oodles of fun!!
I ended up buying gifts for myself, yeah I do silly things like that, and my two youngest brothers at the gift shop here. It was a wonderful day, and I was very excited to experience it all and take it all in. I feel like it was several awesome things wrapped into a 24-hour package deal.
We had breakfast at the hotel (which I have fallen in love with by the way). Then, we headed off to Tikal. I got a chance to read more of my book, "Green Revolution", on the drive there, which was still good after months of bookwork caused me to neglect it. I sat next to Tara, who declared that the next book I brought to read "Marx and Satan" and the one that I intend to read soon "Hippies of the Religious Right" sounded really awesome and intriguing. Although she said this while laughing hysterically.
We had 6 hours to tour Tikal before the van picked us up again and we could eat lunch. We climbed staircases constructed along the sides of the temples to the top on three of them and then one actual staircase of one short one. I discovered a slight fear of heights, mainly because I was sticking close to Hannah and Gabs at the end of the line and they were both deathly afraid of heights. Although you might also develop a fear if you had to climb up several hundred feet into the air on rickety wooden stairs straight up, often made of small planks that, on the main temple, were spaced so far apart that if I had fallen, I could have gone right through. Luckily, most were at least a little better. But, still rather scary. The view from the top was always worth it though. If I get a chance to upload photos sometime, I want you to see how far up we really were- enough that it often looks like we were standing in front of an awesome backdrop.
It started raining while we were there- I am now convinced that I will not go one single day without rain during my stay here. Now, I am used to it. However, I did manage to pack my little black "Free Umbrella" that I got from some guy who was handing them out on the quad one day when it was pouring. He was with Christian Campus Fellowship, and my umbrella still has the blue, laminated tag on it.
We saw the view from Star Wars and I have some pretty sweet photos of it, in the fog. So, it made it even more awesome. I also got pics of actual stela and some recreations. All in all, Tikal was awesome and huge. I am becoming more and more convinced that the aliens really did help them- jk ;)
We did go into a ceramics museum, a stela museum (both of which did not allow photos), saw a huge Tikal model, and visited the "gift shop" (basically, a bunch of local people with their own booths). I didn't quite make it to lunch and ended up getting really weak before. However, I found snacks about 10 minutes before lunch. So, I ended up just making it. Actually, the guy named Bob found out last night that I was a vegetarian and I could tell that he was a major meat-lover (he keeps making comments about "the vegetarian"). However, I think his wife made it possible for me to have a cheese sandwhich instead of a ham and cheese one. It was pretty amazing and I almost freaked out! The box said "Queso" on it, and it was just for me.
We ate on the road and then went to go zip-lining by 3. We got a harness and everything, and it was just as much fun as I had imagined. We went back and forth across the jungle on a series of about 7-8 separate lines. One of the guys nicknamed me "Jane" because I was so reckless and wanted to kill him (so he said). You had to brake whenever you were approaching the landing platform and I did brake when he told me to, just not as hard as I should have I guess. He always caught me just before I smashed into a tree. Since it was raining, we all got covered in both mud and grease. So, we were all a mess at the end of the adventure, but, it was totally worth it. It was also Steve's favorite part of the day. I got a video of him zip-lining that I will probably have to wait until I get back to the states to upload.
Once we got back, I spotted Bob's grandsons in a paddle-boat in the river that was right in front of our hotel. I asked Dr. L about the paddle-boat and she said it was connected to our hotel. There were also two single kayaks parked there too, so, I was very interested in those. I asked the guy at the hotel, who happened to be standing behind us when we were talking, and he said that they were free to hotel guests, and that we could just take out the boat! My voice got really, really high-pitched and I literally jumped up and down. Tara was standing next to me as well and she offered to take the other kayak out with me. I didn't bother to even try to get the caked mud off of me and went straight for the river. Tara and I had an amazing time! We were out for about 2 hours I think, just floating out in the middle of the river toward a random peninsula. We got a chance to talk about a lot of different things and she now thinks I am cool, and I feel the same about her. All in all, it was a great kayak adventure (also have pics from that). I told her about my awesome "canoeing buddies", both of whom, I believe, are reading this. I did think about you two, we could have had oodles of fun!!
I ended up buying gifts for myself, yeah I do silly things like that, and my two youngest brothers at the gift shop here. It was a wonderful day, and I was very excited to experience it all and take it all in. I feel like it was several awesome things wrapped into a 24-hour package deal.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Day 12- Guatamala
So, today we actually got to work in the field. I mapped my plant collection region, collected the last of the plants in that region since we got rained out Wednesday right in the middle of collecting, and then mapped 500 meters inland or over 1,640 feet. It was a long walk in the thick of mosquito territory, and also army ant territory. We had to cross a mound of them (that was well over a 1 meter circle) and I had to stand right next to the mound while they walked on with my measuring tape. It bugged me worse than the mosquitoes and I was dancing and shaking myself and swatting frantically at ants for probably a good 15 minutes. It was funny and not so funny all at the same time.
At noon, we headed out and arrived back at Banana Bank just in time to finish packing and head across the river to meet our tour bus. I packed more than everyone else by far, and it was actually the lightest I think I have ever packed. Still working on not packing the books, water bottle (there is no good water in Guatemala), and laptop, etc. Oh well. We picked up a very interesting couple that had to be in their 60s at least (the man had served in the British military in 1969 and possibly before). He had some fun stories to share. We picked up him and his wife (who is from Belize) and two of their grandsons on our way to the border. We easily passed customs and immigration and then took another bus to a convenience store- where I found Steve some Frosted Flakes. Our hotel is gorgeous- I wish I had taken some pics before the sun went down :( We are right next to a body of water and also a mountain. There is an incredible dock that I wanted so much to explore but decided to feed my stomach instead- that's an adventure for tomorrow AM now!
So, I am now in yet another country, and loving the scenery yet again. I don't think I will ever be able to return to the flatlands again! However, I will enjoy the lack of mosquito swarms for sure. Also, I yelled for joy in the shower earlier- they have hot water here!!! I had forgotten how much I adore a warm shower. I have gotten so much in the habit of singing in the shower and quickly rinsing off and getting goosebumps just to get clean that I had forgotten how good a shower can really be. Surprising what 2 weeks can do to your memory.
Tomorrow, we are going to visit Tikal and then going zip-lining. I cannot wait! Both activities will be simply awesome. I am super excited about Tikal, of course. It is in such good preservation and is so large and everything that I am ready to be shocked and thrilled out of my mind. And then zip-lining! I am a big thrill-activity lover and nature lover. So, this is the best of both worlds. Can't wait!!!
At noon, we headed out and arrived back at Banana Bank just in time to finish packing and head across the river to meet our tour bus. I packed more than everyone else by far, and it was actually the lightest I think I have ever packed. Still working on not packing the books, water bottle (there is no good water in Guatemala), and laptop, etc. Oh well. We picked up a very interesting couple that had to be in their 60s at least (the man had served in the British military in 1969 and possibly before). He had some fun stories to share. We picked up him and his wife (who is from Belize) and two of their grandsons on our way to the border. We easily passed customs and immigration and then took another bus to a convenience store- where I found Steve some Frosted Flakes. Our hotel is gorgeous- I wish I had taken some pics before the sun went down :( We are right next to a body of water and also a mountain. There is an incredible dock that I wanted so much to explore but decided to feed my stomach instead- that's an adventure for tomorrow AM now!
So, I am now in yet another country, and loving the scenery yet again. I don't think I will ever be able to return to the flatlands again! However, I will enjoy the lack of mosquito swarms for sure. Also, I yelled for joy in the shower earlier- they have hot water here!!! I had forgotten how much I adore a warm shower. I have gotten so much in the habit of singing in the shower and quickly rinsing off and getting goosebumps just to get clean that I had forgotten how good a shower can really be. Surprising what 2 weeks can do to your memory.
Tomorrow, we are going to visit Tikal and then going zip-lining. I cannot wait! Both activities will be simply awesome. I am super excited about Tikal, of course. It is in such good preservation and is so large and everything that I am ready to be shocked and thrilled out of my mind. And then zip-lining! I am a big thrill-activity lover and nature lover. So, this is the best of both worlds. Can't wait!!!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Little notes about our group that I now have time to write
Right now, it is pouring outside, and we went to Mrs. Chocs and had to "tarp it up" in the truck bed so we wouldn't get completely soaked! I took charge on the way there and Robbyn had a sweet design for the way back. So, right now I am contemplating either a nap or a trip over to the girls room to try to coax someone to play Clue or Phase 10.
While I am sitting here, I thought I would fill in some little details that I might have left off before. First, I wanted to introduce all of you to the "guys" that Dr. Lucero has hired. And then our own crew.
Mrs. Choc: (the only woman that Dr. L hired) she is Cleofo's wife and doesn't say much. Basically the only thing I know about her is that she is an excellent cook and that she smiles constantly.
Cleofo: he is the man in charge basically. Lisa first hired him and then he found everyone else. He is very quiet and basically only talks if you ask a question. But, he is very genuine and since I have been working with him on plant research, I have gotten to know him the best. Cleofo is easily 50.
Ernesto: he comes to pick up part of the gang every morning. Ernesto is the most outgoing of all the guys and he will often speak to you, but, mainly smiles- he has a very easy smile. Carl/Fred likes Ernesto best and my fav quote has been "I trust Ernesto completely. I would let him perform open-heart surgery on me......with a rusty butter knife." Ernesto is easily the fav guy for our crew. Ernesto is probably in his 30s.
Juan Antonio: he only speaks Spanish, so, I really don't know much about him, other than the fact that his work ethic is just as excellent as the other guys. He also wields a mean machete that can chop into anything. Juan Antonio appears to be in his early 40s. His classic trait is riding in the back of Ernesto's truck while standing up- at the front of the truck bed. He always rides like that.
G: I don't his name because it is long and he only speaks Spanish so I don't know him very well. He is the oldest member of the group, even behind Cleofo. He has to be in his 60s. He always smiles and is willing to do almost anything. He always rides his bike to Cleofo's in the morning and then jumps on Ernesto's truck with the rest of the guys.
Stanley: Cleofo's son. Stanley doesn't talk much at all. When he does, he is very quiet. I think Stanley is Ernesto's ago, maybe a little younger. Stanley does have a big interest in animals and he showed me my first howler monkey in the wild. That was pretty awesome.
Marcus: Another one of Cleofo's sons, this one by his second wife. Marcus is 16 and he is always willing to pitch in. He is another one with an easy smile.
All of the guys wield their machetes well and can literally do everything with them- they are the choppers of the Oldowan tool tradition, the Swiss Army Knifes of boy-scouts, and the duct tape of American houses. They built shelters, chop through jungle terrain, make stakes, cut off leaves for my collections, cut pruning poles to get to the tall leaves, are used as walking sticks, chop into thick roots in excavation units. Basically, whatever you need to do, machetes will do for these guys. Even Marcus wields a mean machete. The guys also pack in water in old bleach containers or motor oil cans with string attached so they can swing them onto their arms. Basically, the guys are super cool and we couldn't leave without them.
Now for our field school crew:
Dr. Lucero: one of the shortest ladies I have encountered, Lisa is a strict no- nonsense lady who also happens to have a tad of blonde in her mannerisms. It makes for an interesting combination.
Elle: from the field museum, Elle has an easy smile and has a light-hearted mood about most things. Elle is one of those people that you take with you to a party.
Molly: the thinker. Molly doesn't talk that much, and doesn't smile that much. But, Molly is genuine and easy to sit next to. A true phlegmatic, Molly would much rather be reading her book. She is quiet, but direct. You DO listen to her.
Kayla: the only Asian in the group, Kayla is also one of the two "token kids" (non- anthropology students). Kayla was born in the Philippines but lives near St. Louis now- her Dad is an American. She is the most easy going person in the group and easily fits in to any environment.
Robbyn: the doctor. She is an EMT and very hardcore. You don't pick a fight with Robbyn, however, all she dreams about is having a kid (as she words it). It is a very interesting combination, again. Robbyn has a tough exterior, but, she is a hard-worker and reads people easily.
Tara: drama and excitement! Tara is so funny and gets excited about everything- I am dead serious. She laughs at everything and is not serious at all. She breaks rain clouds easily.
Hannah: the 22-year-old who looks like she is 11- and I am not even joking. Hannah is one of the smallest girls that I have ever met (besides Britt), and her face is very young-looking. She likes to tell a good story, takes her time and is also into Indie music. I usually end up sitting next to Hannah and we get along well.
Jose: Jose is the guy version of Tara. Everything, and I do mean everything, is "awesome". His description of the cave: "Dark, wet, sharp, awesome". He is always laughing and always misinterpreting people's words. This has some hilarious side-effects. Once, one of the guys said he was going to use the "little boys room". When asked what he had said, Jose said "he said he was going to eat a long john".
Chris: very quiet- very much like Molly. He has a good "poker" face and you never really know what he is thinking. However, sometimes he and Jose start on a t.v. episode that they are both into and, before you know it, Chris is quoting and laughing.
Carl/Fred: His real name is Carl Fred (insert unknown last name here). He goes by either. So, we usually call him FredCarl (one word). I call him Carl-slash-Fred (Carl/Fred). He is the tallest person in the group and is one of those guys that you would expect to find at every party. He is great help to have around, given his size. He is also not-predictable, but, he jokes around with all of the guys and talks to everyone.
STEVE!: of course Steve is the one that everyone picks on and, after the first day, they all kept complementing me on insisting that he come. Steve is indispensable (even though Dr. Lucero keeps joking that we must sacrifice him to Chac to stop the rain). If you ask for help, Steve is there. If you want it, Steve jumps up to get it for you. We were walking around Belmopan two days ago and we saw kids climbing trees on the side of the path and picking red fruits. I began to wonder out loud what the fruit tasted like and why they were so into the fruit. Steve climbed a tree and threw me what I found out was a small apple-tasting fruit. Don't underestimate him- Steve WILL be there. Everyone loves Steve.
And of course you all know WAY too much about the final member of the group. So, I will let you insert your own description here about that crazy girl.
While I am sitting here, I thought I would fill in some little details that I might have left off before. First, I wanted to introduce all of you to the "guys" that Dr. Lucero has hired. And then our own crew.
Mrs. Choc: (the only woman that Dr. L hired) she is Cleofo's wife and doesn't say much. Basically the only thing I know about her is that she is an excellent cook and that she smiles constantly.
Cleofo: he is the man in charge basically. Lisa first hired him and then he found everyone else. He is very quiet and basically only talks if you ask a question. But, he is very genuine and since I have been working with him on plant research, I have gotten to know him the best. Cleofo is easily 50.
Ernesto: he comes to pick up part of the gang every morning. Ernesto is the most outgoing of all the guys and he will often speak to you, but, mainly smiles- he has a very easy smile. Carl/Fred likes Ernesto best and my fav quote has been "I trust Ernesto completely. I would let him perform open-heart surgery on me......with a rusty butter knife." Ernesto is easily the fav guy for our crew. Ernesto is probably in his 30s.
Juan Antonio: he only speaks Spanish, so, I really don't know much about him, other than the fact that his work ethic is just as excellent as the other guys. He also wields a mean machete that can chop into anything. Juan Antonio appears to be in his early 40s. His classic trait is riding in the back of Ernesto's truck while standing up- at the front of the truck bed. He always rides like that.
G: I don't his name because it is long and he only speaks Spanish so I don't know him very well. He is the oldest member of the group, even behind Cleofo. He has to be in his 60s. He always smiles and is willing to do almost anything. He always rides his bike to Cleofo's in the morning and then jumps on Ernesto's truck with the rest of the guys.
Stanley: Cleofo's son. Stanley doesn't talk much at all. When he does, he is very quiet. I think Stanley is Ernesto's ago, maybe a little younger. Stanley does have a big interest in animals and he showed me my first howler monkey in the wild. That was pretty awesome.
Marcus: Another one of Cleofo's sons, this one by his second wife. Marcus is 16 and he is always willing to pitch in. He is another one with an easy smile.
All of the guys wield their machetes well and can literally do everything with them- they are the choppers of the Oldowan tool tradition, the Swiss Army Knifes of boy-scouts, and the duct tape of American houses. They built shelters, chop through jungle terrain, make stakes, cut off leaves for my collections, cut pruning poles to get to the tall leaves, are used as walking sticks, chop into thick roots in excavation units. Basically, whatever you need to do, machetes will do for these guys. Even Marcus wields a mean machete. The guys also pack in water in old bleach containers or motor oil cans with string attached so they can swing them onto their arms. Basically, the guys are super cool and we couldn't leave without them.
Now for our field school crew:
Dr. Lucero: one of the shortest ladies I have encountered, Lisa is a strict no- nonsense lady who also happens to have a tad of blonde in her mannerisms. It makes for an interesting combination.
Elle: from the field museum, Elle has an easy smile and has a light-hearted mood about most things. Elle is one of those people that you take with you to a party.
Molly: the thinker. Molly doesn't talk that much, and doesn't smile that much. But, Molly is genuine and easy to sit next to. A true phlegmatic, Molly would much rather be reading her book. She is quiet, but direct. You DO listen to her.
Kayla: the only Asian in the group, Kayla is also one of the two "token kids" (non- anthropology students). Kayla was born in the Philippines but lives near St. Louis now- her Dad is an American. She is the most easy going person in the group and easily fits in to any environment.
Robbyn: the doctor. She is an EMT and very hardcore. You don't pick a fight with Robbyn, however, all she dreams about is having a kid (as she words it). It is a very interesting combination, again. Robbyn has a tough exterior, but, she is a hard-worker and reads people easily.
Tara: drama and excitement! Tara is so funny and gets excited about everything- I am dead serious. She laughs at everything and is not serious at all. She breaks rain clouds easily.
Hannah: the 22-year-old who looks like she is 11- and I am not even joking. Hannah is one of the smallest girls that I have ever met (besides Britt), and her face is very young-looking. She likes to tell a good story, takes her time and is also into Indie music. I usually end up sitting next to Hannah and we get along well.
Jose: Jose is the guy version of Tara. Everything, and I do mean everything, is "awesome". His description of the cave: "Dark, wet, sharp, awesome". He is always laughing and always misinterpreting people's words. This has some hilarious side-effects. Once, one of the guys said he was going to use the "little boys room". When asked what he had said, Jose said "he said he was going to eat a long john".
Chris: very quiet- very much like Molly. He has a good "poker" face and you never really know what he is thinking. However, sometimes he and Jose start on a t.v. episode that they are both into and, before you know it, Chris is quoting and laughing.
Carl/Fred: His real name is Carl Fred (insert unknown last name here). He goes by either. So, we usually call him FredCarl (one word). I call him Carl-slash-Fred (Carl/Fred). He is the tallest person in the group and is one of those guys that you would expect to find at every party. He is great help to have around, given his size. He is also not-predictable, but, he jokes around with all of the guys and talks to everyone.
STEVE!: of course Steve is the one that everyone picks on and, after the first day, they all kept complementing me on insisting that he come. Steve is indispensable (even though Dr. Lucero keeps joking that we must sacrifice him to Chac to stop the rain). If you ask for help, Steve is there. If you want it, Steve jumps up to get it for you. We were walking around Belmopan two days ago and we saw kids climbing trees on the side of the path and picking red fruits. I began to wonder out loud what the fruit tasted like and why they were so into the fruit. Steve climbed a tree and threw me what I found out was a small apple-tasting fruit. Don't underestimate him- Steve WILL be there. Everyone loves Steve.
And of course you all know WAY too much about the final member of the group. So, I will let you insert your own description here about that crazy girl.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Day 11- Mr. Pringles
I was still pretty down about not having enough supplies and losing that item of deepest importance, but, we went to the field again and it was sunny and nice. We ate breakfast at Mrs. Chocs and went to the field with our pack lunches. I began my day by looking over Andrew's dissertation again and finding, again, maps of what he had done and the orientation of the maps. Cleofo, I and our kidnapped accomplice, Steve, took off for the jungle in search of the transect point that Andrew had used to position his transect and the one that I had used to make my 20m circle from yesterday. Steve mapped 150m (using my 30m reel tape) and I felt sorry for him. We did another plant survey, until around 10:30 when it started to rain fairly hard. We sat under a tree and then Cleofo and Steve took off to retrieve their backpacks and I used Reed (my pet walking stick made from scrap palm material) to create a good resting spot for myself.
Juan Antonio and Ernesto built a shelter from palm leaves and Steve and I joined them, right before it started pouring. We ate our lunches standing up and watched the water swirl around our boots. We were at the bottom of a hill, so, there was no escape. I kept the paper copy of Andrew's dissertation safely tucked away in my backpack along with other valuable, such as my notes. After a long time of pouring madness, we were called to go home. So, we all loaded up in the trucks for our long and, for those of us in the back of the truck, soaking wet, ride home. I forced my backpack upon the people sitting inside the truck and entrusted them with my supplies and fond goods. At one point, the rain was coming in like hail (very biting drops), so, I helped shield Molly's face with my raincoat.
We got home in time to start laundry. The washing machines fill from the outside (aka we fill them up with water from little hoses). It is a very interesting process. They also stop when they reach the spin cycle so you have to fill them up again with water and restart them. Most of the group have been hanging their clothes up to dry. But, with the frequent downpours, our laundry group (Molly, Elle and me) opted for the $5 US laundry. It is very expensive, but, at least they are dry!
Off to press today's finds and try to work the straps on my press! I also probably need to check on those washer machines soon........
Juan Antonio and Ernesto built a shelter from palm leaves and Steve and I joined them, right before it started pouring. We ate our lunches standing up and watched the water swirl around our boots. We were at the bottom of a hill, so, there was no escape. I kept the paper copy of Andrew's dissertation safely tucked away in my backpack along with other valuable, such as my notes. After a long time of pouring madness, we were called to go home. So, we all loaded up in the trucks for our long and, for those of us in the back of the truck, soaking wet, ride home. I forced my backpack upon the people sitting inside the truck and entrusted them with my supplies and fond goods. At one point, the rain was coming in like hail (very biting drops), so, I helped shield Molly's face with my raincoat.
We got home in time to start laundry. The washing machines fill from the outside (aka we fill them up with water from little hoses). It is a very interesting process. They also stop when they reach the spin cycle so you have to fill them up again with water and restart them. Most of the group have been hanging their clothes up to dry. But, with the frequent downpours, our laundry group (Molly, Elle and me) opted for the $5 US laundry. It is very expensive, but, at least they are dry!
Off to press today's finds and try to work the straps on my press! I also probably need to check on those washer machines soon........
Day 10- Holy Crunchy's Church
(There is a Crunchy's electronics, automotive, gifts, and consignment shop and Jose thought it was also a church. Lisa also said we needed to incorporate Holy into our title of the day.)
I woke up with foreboding, honest I did, and time did not lie. We ate at Mrs. Chocs and then off to Yalbac. Mrs. Choc made us spaghetti for breakfast and it tasted like Nanny's spaghetti :) I packed some away for lunch. The mosquitoes were so thick that I was often swarmed. I was very lucky to have a good scarf, pants, boots, and rain coat to keep me mostly covered. Cleofo and I collected plants from an area that Andrew, Lisa's former grad student, surveyed recently. We took only a 20m circle around a mound, structure 2D, to survey first. Cleofo identified 30 plants in that area, mainly trees. I took careful notes of their usages and such. We finished with the complete plant survey of this region around 1pm and I spent the rest of the day taking notes of what I had done, writing down the image number beside the plant information (I took photos of all the plants), and then helping scratch at a possible area of interest. That was fun! I found some small broken things, which was awesome in and of itself.
After working, we rode back to Banana Bank and had 10 minutes to change and get back to the car. I did a complete wardrobe change. Also, update from Day 9, Tara fell and twisted her ankle (or did something damaging to it). She went out to work on Day 10, but, with much hobbling. Luckily, we have a resident physician, Dr. Robbyn, who is on call as an EMT (I think) when she is at home. Whatever her job, she gets to ride in ambulances and help victims. She brought a mega kit of tools to help in any emergency.
After getting back into the car, we all rode to town together. We ended up being able to fit 8 people in the back of Lisa's truck, 3 in the back seat, and then Lisa and her niece (who gets car sick) up front. It was an awesome but smooshed ride. I got a small carton of milk and a small thing of ice-cream (which was gone in 15 minutes). I also bought hoards of newspapers which I used in my plant press later, when I discovered my incredible lack of enough materials. I have attempted to correct the situation today (when Lisa went into town by herself again and I sent instructions). Steve helped me put the plant press together later that night and we never could figure out the straps. I am about to try to fix that actually. Steve also managed to buy a movie not yet available in the US, which was pretty awesome. I mailed my postcards, and they should be arriving at their destination (dearest Mother) in 10-12 days.
Supper was good, but Steve and I were late because of our struggles with the plant press. I spent the evening after supper looking over Andrew's dissertation again (yet not enough I as I found out), and attempting to locate something important that I had lost (which is shocking I know). Hopefully, it will turn up sometime, but, I freaked out about it last night and will not freak out again until maybe later :)
I woke up with foreboding, honest I did, and time did not lie. We ate at Mrs. Chocs and then off to Yalbac. Mrs. Choc made us spaghetti for breakfast and it tasted like Nanny's spaghetti :) I packed some away for lunch. The mosquitoes were so thick that I was often swarmed. I was very lucky to have a good scarf, pants, boots, and rain coat to keep me mostly covered. Cleofo and I collected plants from an area that Andrew, Lisa's former grad student, surveyed recently. We took only a 20m circle around a mound, structure 2D, to survey first. Cleofo identified 30 plants in that area, mainly trees. I took careful notes of their usages and such. We finished with the complete plant survey of this region around 1pm and I spent the rest of the day taking notes of what I had done, writing down the image number beside the plant information (I took photos of all the plants), and then helping scratch at a possible area of interest. That was fun! I found some small broken things, which was awesome in and of itself.
After working, we rode back to Banana Bank and had 10 minutes to change and get back to the car. I did a complete wardrobe change. Also, update from Day 9, Tara fell and twisted her ankle (or did something damaging to it). She went out to work on Day 10, but, with much hobbling. Luckily, we have a resident physician, Dr. Robbyn, who is on call as an EMT (I think) when she is at home. Whatever her job, she gets to ride in ambulances and help victims. She brought a mega kit of tools to help in any emergency.
After getting back into the car, we all rode to town together. We ended up being able to fit 8 people in the back of Lisa's truck, 3 in the back seat, and then Lisa and her niece (who gets car sick) up front. It was an awesome but smooshed ride. I got a small carton of milk and a small thing of ice-cream (which was gone in 15 minutes). I also bought hoards of newspapers which I used in my plant press later, when I discovered my incredible lack of enough materials. I have attempted to correct the situation today (when Lisa went into town by herself again and I sent instructions). Steve helped me put the plant press together later that night and we never could figure out the straps. I am about to try to fix that actually. Steve also managed to buy a movie not yet available in the US, which was pretty awesome. I mailed my postcards, and they should be arriving at their destination (dearest Mother) in 10-12 days.
Supper was good, but Steve and I were late because of our struggles with the plant press. I spent the evening after supper looking over Andrew's dissertation again (yet not enough I as I found out), and attempting to locate something important that I had lost (which is shocking I know). Hopefully, it will turn up sometime, but, I freaked out about it last night and will not freak out again until maybe later :)
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