The Move

So, today was another uneventful day for this jr. staff member. I took student A back to the hospital for more injections and came back to the hotel. Emma (my room mate this year and last) and I had to move today so we packed up our stuff and put it all in Aaron's room with the intent to pick it all up when our room was ready. Then it was lunch time. We went to lunch and then the UCLA group visited the site they will be continuing work on this year. I was going to go with them since my Foothill students were away on their drop off experience but I decided it would probably be best if I stuck around Hodes (where we eat our meals and where the students were supposed to meet up after the activity). So, while I and other staff members were still in the area we decided to go shopping for the staff house. When we got back from that I decided to go back to Midas (our hotel) and move my stuff into our new room. That was a heavy job and I was sweating up a storm. Then I found out that I had to move a staff member's luggage out of a room because he was available to do it himself and the room was needed for other guests who would be arriving. Eventually I got to take a cold shower and put on new clothes.
All in all, the most interesting pictures from today are of the two rooms. The one that I have been staying in and the one that I will be staying in from tonight until the 28th. After the 28th we might be moved again.
These pictures are a bit boring, but I didn't have anything exciting to take pictures of today. Sorry!


The Roundhouse (Room 1)



A view of inside the round house


Our new bed (In room 2)




Our new bathroom (In room 2)

Until next time,
Steph♥

La Loma Luz

Well, the title of this post may lead you to believe I visited an amazing site called La Loma Luz, but actually, I spent about 2 hours at the La Loma Luz Hospital with a sick student. While I missed out on the agricultural orientation, I did my job as the "health" staff member and learned how to navigate the clinic, hospital and taxi scene. It was an interesting experience and I think I will be doing the same thing for the next 3 mornings. The pictures are of the front of La Loma Luz and the view from the front. At least I know what to do if I get sick! Dinner is in about an hour and a half. I will have to ask someone to catch me up on the agricultural orientation.
Also interesting, Emma and I will be changing rooms tonight. I think I will take a picture of the room we are currently in and the room we move to and I will post them tonight or tomorrow.
Until next time,
♥Steph

Start of Week One

Today was the first real day of activities for the students, I took a small group of students in to town to show them important locations; the bank, post office and pharmacy. On the way back we took a walk through the local market. It was bright and full of produce. We also had a tour of Cahal Pech which was fun.Cahal Pech is a Maya site in San Ignacio, about 10 minutes from where we are staying. It was a great way to introduce the layout of Maya sites to the students. Dr. Jaime Awe gave the tour which was lucky for us because he has excavated the site for over 20 years now. He is highly respected and well known in the Maya world. I will be including pictures of both activities but I'm not sure how they will show up. You will have to guess which picture is which but it shouldn't be too hard!
The bugs have been biting but it isn't too bad. Tonight I came home to a giant jungle spider on the wall. Bleh. Killed him with my boot. Ahhh, Belize!
Tomorrow should be a fun day, there are different activities planned. Hopefully I will be able to take and post more pictures soon!
Goodnight for now,
♥ Steph

Belize, Day 2

Greetings from Belize!
I got in yesterday around 3 Belize time. We were a little later than planned because of a thunderstorm that was sitting over the airport. There was talk of a possible diversion to Cancun because of the weather. Luckily we were able to circle for about 15 minutes and the lightning passed.The rain however did not. It was a bumpy landing and the passengers on the plane actually applauded after we landed.
The rain was like nothing I have ever seen before and it rained for over 24 hours nonstop. We were actually cold for a little bit. Luckily dad sent me with a rain jacket and it came in handy!
It is nice being back here with almost everyone from last year. It was great getting off the plane and seeing familiar faces and getting to the hotel and seeing more old friends. What I don't miss about Belize? The bugs, but they missed me! I have 5 bites already and that number will keep growing each day. But, what are you going to do? Only part of the adventure, right? Haha.
I was so tired last night, I slept so well. Now, we are watching the World Cup, Germany v England. Nothing like a little futbol in the morning! I'm hungry but we are all going to head to breakfast after the game.
Miss you guys! I'll post pictures once I take some.

♥Steph

A Little Over 7 Hours to Go!

Everything is pretty much packed. I'm exhausted and anxious about flying. I thought I would be over that by now. On top of that the weather isn't cooperating in the Caribbean. There is a tropical depression that may cause flight delays over the next few days. Fingers crossed. Alright, time to finish everything up!
♥ Steph

p.s. check out this link for storm info http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/news/articles/tropical-depression-one-storm-hurricane-alex-2010-_2010-06-23

3 Days Out!

Hello everyone!

Currently, I am preparing to travel to the beautiful country of Belize. I leave bright and early Saturday morning which means that I need to be packed and ready by Friday. Ha! I still have laundry and a bit of shopping to do. This is my second trip to Belize in less than a year and I guess I know what to expect. Bugs, heat, humidity and great memories! My first trip was for an archaeological field school. This time I am returning as a junior staff member. I'm a little nervous since I will have more responsibilities, but it will be fun and a great experience. I plan on updating this blog as often as I can and uploading pictures when I get the chance.

♥ Steph