Cyprus Seekers

It’s 2:21 Larnaka time and I’m sitting in the hotel lobby using the patchy wireless internet.  Tomorrow I leave Cyprus at 7:30 in the morning and I still have to pack.  It’s going to be a crazy time.  Looking back on the trip, I don’t regret a thing.  I’m so glad that I was able to come to Cyprus and learn so much about the archaeological process.  Everyone that we’ve talked to has been so encouraging and helpful.  They’ve really taught us to chase after our dreams and to never give up especially if we know what we want to do.  I can’t express how helpful this project has been to me and my perception of my field.  I never would have talked to many of my supervisors about their professions in such depth had it not been for this project.  Now I feel that I am better informed and more prepared to face the task that I’ve set for myself.  The road that lies before me is a long and difficult one but I’ve never been more excited about it

Tonight we’re going out for a delicious dinner as a team.  The last PKAP dinner is finally here.  There’s so much that I’ve learned from this trip.  One of the main points that everyone we’ve interviewed brings up is that these kinds of experiences are invaluable.  Having the opportunity to come on an archaeological dig in Cyprus is once in a lifetime, not too many people can say they’ve had that chance.  We’re making the best of it and gaining lots of knowledge as well as establishing plenty of good friendships and contacts.  Luckily we get to celebrate the close of this season with a wonderful selection of the best Greek dishes.  Essentially a meze is a small sample of many many different plates.  Although you only eat small quantities, there’s so much that you soon become full and are overwhelmed by the vast amount of food.  I can’t wait to enjoy this feast of Greek food!

This year’s experience with the Pyla Koutsopetria Archaeological Project has been completely different from my last one. Due to some rough spots in getting our permit, we will not be digging this year. To those who know little about archaeology, it seems like this would be the end of the game. That is most certainly not the case.

The project is not limited to digging, there is so sooo much more. For the past week or so I have been doing many projects within the museum that we are partnered with. Once an artifact comes out of the field it has to go through a lengthy cataloging and inventory process. It is a bit tedious but I am learning a lot about what can go on behind the scenes.

Even though I am not discovering treasure or running from bad guys, it is still as adventure to me, one that will not easily be forgotten

At the beginning of the season everyone was assured that it never rains.  Ominous clouds in the sky?  Impossible, it never rains in Cyprus.  Today, it rained.  In fact it is still raining.  I’m not quite sure what to do with myself.  Hopefully the weather will clear up because we can’t go out into the field this afternoon if it continues.  That’s one thing about archaeology, you can’t do it in the rain.  I spent most of  this morning drawing the wall of a room of an early Christian basilica.  It was quite the project, but luckily I’m working with great people.  My supervisor is very knowledgeable about pretty much everything to do with archaeology.  I ran my ideas past her for graduate school and paper ideas and she’s full of amazing input.  Anyway hopefully the rain will go away and I’ll be able to finish my drawing.  Rain rain go away!

Cyprus internet has been highly undependable for me. I’ve been seeking advice as to how to use it, but my team-mates have been extremely busy. We’ve been working on an archaeological dig, and they have been working very hard. We all have. Cataloguing etc, but over all.. We have had an interesting time in Cyprus. I think we’ve learned about ourselves, and our future. I may be learning more than what I bargained for. I always try to apply every little thing to what I know. These interviews we’ve gone over have been tremendous in establishing what I want to do. I know for sure that I want to be a church historian. However, where exactly in that field is up for debate. When I find out more, I will post about it, but other than that.. I ask that God will guide me. Here’s hoping to dependable internet to post.

There’s already less than a week left in this whirlwind of a trip.  So much has happened, I’m not sure where to pick up.  We’ve been busy as bees working away at the museum.  There seems to be a never ending supply of ancient pottery that needs to be washing, cataloged, and photographed.  Luckily I think we’ve been able to experience every part of this work.  We’ve learned so much about the archaeological process.  The thing I enjoy the most from this trip is the closeness we have with the senior staff members.  They’re always willing to talk to us about our futures in Graduate school or any type of academic query we have.  Everyone is always willing to help teach us about the process and support us in everything we do.  All the work we’ve been doing has caused the days to fly by so quickly.  I can’t believe how much we’ve learned.  There’s still time left for more learning and experiences.  Until later!