Ariana Yanez Field Blog 1, June 19, 2019

The first thing that hit me when I walked off the plane in Belize was the humidity. Coming from dry California, the humidity was not something I was used to. I was also nervous about being in a different environment, but at the same time I was excited to learn everything I could about the culture and archaeology of the region. When we were driving away from the airport, I got to see the beauty of the surrounding landscape, and I couldn’t help but keep my head out the window despite my jetlag and the humidity.

Ariana Yanez (L) and Mike Mirro (R) excavate in Rio Frio Cave A.

 The first day of excavation I was nervous because it had been more than a year since I was in a field school setting. Dr. Spenard had previously taught me about Maya archaeology, and I was trying my best to recall that knowledge and use those skills. I realized there was a lot I did not remember from my coursework. But, as I continued excavating, my knowledge of the Maya started to resurface, and I was able to apply what I learned in the classroom to this real-world field environment.