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Dig Team |
| Dig Team
The following information is provided for volunteers, especially first time travelers. This information is based on past experiences. It is not an exhaustive list, but we have tried to cover all of the generally important issues. If you have any further questions, please contact Dr. David Chapman, the dig director. We all adjust differently to foreign environments and new customs. Culture shock is a natural and exciting process we all face as we acclimatize to Middle Eastern life. It is not something that you can prevent, and you cannot prepare for it. It is simply something that you will experience. Yes, you will survive! Dig Duration The Abila Excavation Season lasts for seven (7) weeks. For the length of stay, the expenses are quite reasonable. Should you decide you do not want to stay for the entire seven weeks, you can arrange this with Dr. Chapman before you leave the States. If you decide you want to leave while in Jordan, for reasons other than medical or other serious problems, Royal Jordanian Airlines may charge you a minimum of $100.00 for altering your prearranged flight schedule. You will be put on a waiting list, which means you are responsible for a place to stay in or around Amman while waiting for your flight. Daily Schedule 4:00 First Call for Breakfast 4:45 Leave for the Site 5:00 Begin Excavating 9:00 Second Breakfast 1:00 Return to Camp LUNCH & REST 3:00 Pottery Reading & Registry 5:00 Dinner 9:00 Sleep Weekends Weekends are usually free (Saturday and Sunday). However, there will be a few Saturdays that we are in the field working. Staff members can travel on trips in Jordan arranged by the Educational Director, sight-see or spend their weekends at leisure in the Harta camp or in Amman. The expenses for all such weekends spent away from the Harta headquarters must be borne by the individual Staff member. It is recommended that the staff do not travel outside the country of Jordan until the close of the Abila excavation. Should you plan on traveling to other countries after the excavation, you may arrange this with Dr. Chapman. He will see to it that your itinerary corresponds with the Airlines. Meals Meals we have usually consist of fish, chicken, rice, hummus (crushed chickpeas, cumin, parsley, and olive oil), khubiz (a pita-like bread), mahshi (baked stuffed eggplant), soups, watermelon, vegetables, and other items. That does not sound too strange, does it? You will also be able to try different food items on trips, such as falafil, mensaf (a big serving of rice, mixed with pine nuts, almonds, spices, topped with either chicken or lamb, covered with a yogurt sauce), baba ganouzh (eggplant dip), shwarma (similar to a gyro sandwich), and a host of other goodies. A professional cook will be hired to oversee our meals. The water we drink will be boiled and pored into large containers called Zeers. Conditions are good in Israel, Jordan and Syria. Minimal caution should be exercised when eating out! Sleeping Arrangements Room assignments are up to you. You will pick out a foam mattress and pillow for bedding. You supply your own sheets. You may bring your own pillow if you wish. Arrangements will be made for married couples to be together. Safe Travel You must exercise common sense when traveling abroad. Take locks for your luggage, carry Travelers Checks, and so on. While at the Dig, you will be reminded many times about social etiquette and proper conduct. Women should never travel alone. It is good to travel in numbers, but it is especially good to travel with male escorts. Familiarize yourself with and be respectful of the country's customs. You will have the opportunity to travel on weekends, whether it is on your own or with the group. Jordanians are very friendly people. The bedouin of Jordan are known by an old adage: "Nature's Gentlemen." Here are some important links: The State Department Jordan Information Page: http://travel.state.gov/ The US Embassy to Jordan: http://www.usembassy-amman.org.jo/ Weather Temperatures in the Middle East can reach quite high. Fortunately, it is a dry heat, unless in the vicinity of the Dead Sea or Gulf of Aqaba. There is usually a nice Mediterranean breeze to cool your brow. You should always wear a hat and a light, long sleeve shirt, especially if you are sun sensitive. IMPORTANT: always drink plenty of water. You dehydrate much faster in the arid climate of the Middle East. Drinking plenty of water keeps you healthy. Many people bring tang or some other drink mix (Gatorade is popular for electrolytes) to put into their water containers to add flavor. Also be sure to bring sunglasses! Work Assignments You will be assigned to an Area by the Director. However, if you have a particular interest or if you want to work with a friend or spouse, this can be arranged with the Director or between Area Supervisors. Please arrange this with them before departing from the States. Recommended Readings An Abila Field Manual will be sent to you to familiarize you with procedures currently used by our Staff. All Staff members are required to read and study these instructions. Other excellent books and manuals can be found here. The Registry The registry is the "archaeological operating room." This is where we conduct reconstructive surgery to fragmented pottery, catalogue artifacts, geological materials, biological samples, and more. The registry consists of: Dig Expenses Keep in mind that prices are always in constant flux. The Dig Fee is $1600.00. Airfare will depend on several factors. Flight costs on Royal Jordanian Airlines to Queen Alia International Airport usually costs around $1900.00 from either Chicago's O'Hare International Airport or JFK in New York. Flights will be arranged by the Director. If you prefer your own flight plan, please arrange it with Dr. Chapman well in advance. If you make your own flight arrangements, you will also need to arrange your own transportation in Jordan to the dig housing. Additional expenses will only include your passport (if you do not have one) and travel expenses (educational program on the weekends), eating out, souvenirs, etc. Also, a Jordanian visa may be purchased in advance or at the airport and is currently around $48.00. Educational Benefits |
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