Daily Log 3. 3. 2005

As quickly as it came, it went. Time always flies by on expeditions and it seems just as we say hello, we say goodbye! This expedition was so unique compared to other expeditions and it's not just because it is an archeological dig. The head scientist, Charles Higham, showed everyone the excitement and complete wonderment that goes along with studying ancient burial sites. I have always wanted to be an archeologist and this project just reinforced the reasons why I wanted to be one.

It’s usual that at the end of each project there is a last dinner, speeches are made, and festivities of all sorts occur. Today we went to the site for one last time, and soaked in all the energy from the site. We all left an hour early (at 3 o’clock) so we had time to clean up and rest before a magical mystery boat tour at 5. We all left the hotel and arrived at a restaurant that lay right on the Mun river. The idea was to board a huge pontoon-like boat and go boating while enjoying drinks and appetizers. The boat was really cool, and it was actually two boats tied together with tables and chairs distributed over the deck. About half way into the boat ride (which was on a river that is suffering from a huge drought) it became extremely shallow and the boat got stuck in the water! After numerous tries to get the boat unstuck, we were successful and the captain decided to turn the boat around and head back to dock it. This was understandable so everyone didn’t mind that the ride was cut short by just a little while.

Once we docked the boat we headed onto the main floor for dinner. Dinner was such a feast! Food plates were covering every inch of the table and the plates were constantly being rotated with different foods. It was such a nice atmosphere at dinner and you could tell everyone is going to genuinely miss each other. I think that everyone, including myself, feels so grateful to be given the opportunity to work at one of the most important ancient burial sites in Thailand, Ban Non Wat. So many wonderful people work at the site who welcomed all of us with open arms. Myself, Arsen, and Tyler have learned so many new things about civilizations and what is the most common theme in a collapse of a civilization: neglecting the environment.

I will always remember what I have learned from excavating Ban Non Wat. I can only hope that I get another amazing opportunity to come back in a few years to work with Charles and all of the wonderful people who on a daily basis uncover new passageways into the past.

PEACE,
Jamie

Daily Log 3. 2. 2005

Here is some information about the Thai community fellows, Pisut and Rati.

Pisut, 22, is studying in the department of Anthropology and Sociology at Kasetsart University in Bangkok. He is a very enthusiastic person, who is particularly enthralled by his Thai culture and arts. Pisut feels that parts of the Thai culture have been changed because of globalization, and he feels it is very important for Thai people to learn more about their history and culture in order to preserve the traditional ways. He looks forward to exchanging his culture, opinions and ideas with his Earthwatch team members and he hopes to learn something new from everyone. Pisut plans to have a career in academics and he looks forward to gaining professional exposure to archeology. He plans to use his fieldwork experience to develop a website which will educate his community about their history.

Rati, 22, is an outgoing, friendly, and responsible person. Outside of his studies in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology at Kasetsart University, Rati enjoys visiting natural places, playing soccer and swimming with friends. Rati's dream is to work in the field of archaeology and he very much looks forward to applying what he has studied in his classes to practical fieldwork. Rati is excited to meet new international friends and share his Thai culture with them so that they will feel comfortable adapting to Thai ways while on their expedition. He plans to put together a presentation for his fellow students and faculty where he will showcase his photographs and share his newfound knowledge. Rati also hopes to write a book that tells of his Earthwatch journey.

These two guys are both hilarious and educational. They are both doing their very best to help us adapt to certain aspects of the Thai culture. I hope they both take as much away from the experience as we have. I have enjoyed spending lots of time with them and I will always remember singing karaoke with them!

Peace,
Jamie

Daily Log: 3. 1. 2005

Today a lot of filming was done off site. We first went to the Phimai Temple to do about 6.5 hours of filming. The temple was amazing in the morning light and it was so nice to be there when it wasn’t burning hot outside. After spending the 6 and a half hours at the temple, we went back to the Inn for a little rest and relaxation. Around 2:30, Lisa and myself went to a place called the Banyan Tree. The Banyan tree is a 350-year-old tree that has sprawled its roots over an area of 35,000 square feet. In the tangle of this huge tree fortune tellers set up ‘shop’ and there is a Buddhist temple where one can pray and meditate. I was going to get my fortune read but the teller who speaks English was away for the day so I just have to go back another day!

After spending about an hour and a half at the Banyan tree, Lisa and I went to the downtown Phimai food market. I had been to other markets in Phimai but not the downtown food market, which I had high expectations for. I expected there to be tons of vendors with tons of unfamiliar foods and smells. Well, my expectations were met! I had never in all my life seen such different foods than I am used to. I saw tons of different types of meats, different parts of animals that would be later used to cook up and eat. Also, there were tons of fried crickets, various juices, many native fruits, and honeybee hive slices. The honeycombs were partially raveled onto a stick, and it was covered in honey, bees (both dead and alive) and bee larvae. I (for some crazy reason) thought it would be a great idea to try it. So I bought one, and took a bite. Much to my surprise it was the foulest thing I have ever tasted. It tasted like a weird mixture between rotten popcorn, and some other undetectable tastes. After I swallowed a small chunk of it, I started to gag and as much as I wanted to, I couldn’t swallow the honey chunk. So… I walked slowly down the line of vendors before I spit the honey chunk into my hand. I waited a little while to spit it out so I wouldn’t offend the woman I bought it from.

Later I decided to try another unknown ‘dessert’. The dessert was a green gelatin rolled in a yellow rice substance. ONCE AGAIN, my taste buds were deceived and I forced myself to eat what I had bitten off! No longer will I try unknown substances from the downtown food market, unless the community fellows tell me that it’s okay! I trust their judgment and I would assume they wouldn’t let me buy and eat something that would make me feel unpleasant once I ate it.

The market itself was absolutely incredible though. There were tons of people, people singing in the streets, and even a drum band walked by. Everyone seemed to be happy and eager to have us try what he or she was selling. In addition to the food that was being sold, there were clothing vendors selling the latest trends in Thailand. I didn’t really look too much at the clothes selection, because the food vendors were so interesting. I am glad that I tried the foods I did, despite the fact I didn’t enjoy them. I never would have known I didn’t like them, unless I tried!

I am also excited to go back to the Banyan tree and have my fortune read. I will surely keep everyone posted on what the teller says. Word ‘on the street’ is that he is pretty accurate and that he sometimes tells the bad things, not the good. But either way it will be really interesting to see what he can pick out about myself. Maybe he will have some advice about the which foods I should be eating, and which foods I shouldn’t be eating. :-)

Goodnight!
Jamie