I’ve had four volunteers so far – two who stayed for a week and two that are staying for a few months. Alf and Todd were here for a week to teach us about the Total Station and its associated software. Alf is a professional land surveyor in Massachusetts, and Todd works for a company that develops surveying software. They did an amazing job – I had had enough experience with a Total Station to get the basic concepts, but nowhere near the training I need for independent work. They were troopers – I’m not totally sure what they were expecting (they were too nice to say) but they were a little surprised at the rural and run-down nature of the house! They stuck with it though, and had a fun and adventurous time out here in southern Belize. In the few days we were in the field they got to hike through sticky, boot-sucking mud, see howler monkeys and garobo iguanas (google them!), make friends with our Maya guides, fell trees, set up precarious control points, watch me hit a snake, and help map undiscovered archaeological sites. Not too shabby!
Hot and tired yet??
Above: Todd (L) and Alf (R) help move a tree to make way for a control point
Below: Alejandro, Francisco, Lucas, and Adolfo - a good crew
Matt and Rebecca are staying until May. They are recent college graduates who were looking for more archaeology experience before starting an MA program at Sheffield (UK) in the fall. They found me through Matt’s undergrad adviser at Davidson College, who contacted my adviser asking if she was accepting volunteers on her field project. At that point the project had been canceled, and I was desperate for help this spring. Matt is from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and has done a lot of high altitude survey work, in addition to excavations. Rebecca is from New Jersey, went to Boston University and has worked on several field projects in Greece.
They met while studying abroad in Athens, at the same school that I attended way back when (College Year in Athens). Turns out that Matt’s apartment was one block away from mine! I tried not to pester them at first, but eventually I had to hear all about the old neighborhood. We reminisced about Athens, where to find the best souvlaki, and teachers we had in common. It was really fun for me to hear about their time in Athens – their stories made me remember things I hadn’t thought about in years.
Todd explains the Total Station to Filberto and Matt
Living here can be challenging and uncomfortable (bugs, heat, mud, etc.) but they are good travelers so they’re taking it in stride. They like to cook, thank goodness, and they are really good at it too. Eating well in the field is pretty important for morale, so I’m glad that we’ve been able to make some satisfying food. What’s on the menu? Fried chicken, etouffe, veggie pasta, bananas flambé, and chili. I can cook too, but it’s nice to have creative company. I bought a Belizean cookbook so we are trying recipes from that – Rebecca is getting the hang of tortillas!
They are also taking the lead in the field, which is where I really need them. They’ve learned the Total Station right along with me, and feel comfortable enough to be left alone for a day in the field (which I had to do last week). They cleared and mapped a small group of structures and did a great job. Plus, they took the Archaeological Drawing class that I should have taken in Athens and have made some great drawings of our surface finds.
I have one new volunteer coming sometime in May, Kim. She went to Whitman also, and was a History major. She graduated recently and has previous experience in Guatemala. There are also several UNC undergraduates who may be joining me in June.
Of course, I'm always taking experienced volunteers, if any readers are interested!
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