we had our first field day today. it was RE diculously hot. I packed 3 liters of water, and drank them ALL. and i still have a headache from dehydration. so, we all split into groups to dig at three separate sites at aljun hah(prob not spelled like that, that may even be the wrong name). My group got sent to a elite residence area, with several different possible houses and structures. We were the only ones that actually got to excavate today, everyone else had sites that had been previously dug, and so had to move the mounds of dirt so they could dig in a new spot. We got to our site, deep in the jungle, to find it was occupied by a gang of howler monkeys. See video. They yelled at us and threw poop for a while but eventually left. I learned how to set up a proper excavation grid, and we started to dig. It was nice because the trees spared us from direct sun. However, they also made our work hell, with tree roots infiltrating every inch. After 7 hours, we only uncovered maybe 3 inches of 2meter by 2 meter square. In those three inches though, we discovered what is either a wall of the house, or possibly steps. We also found several pieces of potsherds, some really nice ones too with whole designs and everything. I am quite exhausted now though, my head is killing me, my hands are permanent claws from holding a pick, and i had a couple of casualties from spiky jungle plants and a lack of gloves. Consider it a blood offering to the gods. Maybe work will go more quickly tomorrow, and we will find a whole building in one go.
As to the home base, its nice. I got my own shack, which I appreciate. There are over 30 volunteers, a record high, so quiet time is very nice. Internet is available, but I have yet to figure out how to use a phone. We have a permanent stock of cold beer and soda, and a palapa in the back with hammocks, which helps deal with the overwhelming heat. Food is prepared by a mennonite woman, who cooks very mennonitely i imagine. Rice and beans every meal, some sort of stew or chicken or beef dish, and on occasion a fruit or vegetable. Good thing i started eating meat again! So far, everyone I have met has been nice enough. There are several gals from Texas A and M, all very texasy. A couple northwesterners, also very northwestern. The amount of professors in my field of interest though is amazing. I will definitely get something out of this! Ok i think my fingers are falling off. goodnight.
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