all the family
After a few pretty standard days on site, I was unsure of what to add to share with my family/friends about the dig so far. We have a few exciting things coming up - namely, a visit this long weekend to Jerash, Madaba, and the Dead Sea with a few friend - but in the meantime, I realized I've left some important features out of this trip. Most significantly, my roommates and the many other friends I've had the pleasure to meet and get to know these past few weeks. So here goes a few quick notes on the people I've met digging and have grown to adore already, as well as some accompanying anecdotes (the ones I can share without them killing me) to help colour their descriptions.
When I first met Erin, it was in the airport in London, after we'd both been awake from an indecent number of hours. She seemed really quiet and a bit shy - a horrible misconception that was soon corrected. When we found out that we were going to be living together, I was a little uncertain about how we'd get along, especially since I talk so darn much. But after spending a few days together, I was in awe of how funny, silly and quirky this amazing girl can be. She's a camp counsellor, and I know that if I were one of her campers, she'd be my favourite. Our first outings, she always made sure to be respectful of cultural differences and including everyone. It's pretty fantastic. She's also hilarious, unbelievably warm, always up for a challenge, and has no fear. She'll hike up the highest hills, but she'll also do the most ridiculous things as well.Yesterday, when we were up on the roof to do our pottery washing, Erin said she'd brush her teeth with one of the pottery tooth brushes for 1JD. I took her up on the offer, and she ran the brush over her front teeth a few times. When others saw what was happening, Aaron said "what the hell would you do for five?" Erin definitely has a lot of energy, and uses it to be the most fun ever.Then, we have Natasha. Tash is the oldest, but not the most mature, Junior Excavator on the whole dig. She's straightforward and no-nonsense, and that was my first impression of her when we met. Not a week later, though, I realized something else. She's the most likely to make fart jokes, to tell you in the funniest way what she thinks of a situation, and to laugh at herself and others, too. When we are talking nonsense, she'll break down into laughter that will have you collapsing on the stairs with her as well. On the other hand, when you have a serious concern or need to vent, she's an epic listener and so generous with her time. Together, they're spectacular - the most adventurous, energetic people on the dig. They're wonderful and I don't know what I'd do if I hadn't met them and gotten to know them. Together, they make it feel like our room is a haven, and I already adore them so much.Another fairly constant feature in our room is Mike C, one of the few people I knew before joining the dig. We'd only met a handful of times, but have many friends in common. Even though it took him nearly six months to learn my name, and he works at CoGro, we've already gotten to know each other really well. He's adventurous to the point of danger, though, so I'm the first person to jump to conclusions about the elaborate ways he'll injure himself and we'll have to come find him. It's pure craziness, but we definitely have a similar sense of humour and fun, and he's a great comrade. Going through Wadi Rum together two weeks ago , he was the one person that I felt certain would go on such distant adventures into gorges that he'd break his leg falling through a Nabatean tomb, forcing us to come look for him while snakes cooling off in the tomb climbed across his body (haven't seen a snake yet, just for the record!), and then we would have to drive through the desrt and to a hospital. Fortunately, it turns out that he's secretly part monkey, and can climb everything with no fear and no problems. He also makes sure everyone feels safe and included, which is super cool.These are just a few of the faces I've met - I'll share more about Darcye, Dominique, Daniela and many others when I have the chance. For now, it's off to dinner - salaam!