Long Distance Logistics

Archaeology is a wonderful profession. We get to travel the world, discover exciting things, and for all intents and purposes seem to have a rather unfettered existence living out of tents and backpacks . . . or so it seems from the TV shows.  The reality of archaeology is much different. Far from ‘travelling the world’ we often commit years, if not decades, to research in one country, or even one site! And while we do get to discover exciting things, it comes with a considerable amount of planning, and the larger the project the more planning is required.
                What most people don’t realise is the amount of logistic work that goes on behind the scenes before a project begins. And I’m not talking about booking airline tickets, or getting passports and visas. In many cases equipment must be cleared before it can enter a country (which involves letters written and received, documents filed, etc.), and some types of equipment (i.e., XRF, drones, etc.) require additional paperwork to even get them on planes and through customs. And these days, with the proliferation of drones in archaeology, aviation departments are getting involved requiring the filing of documents, passport copies, and gaining permissions and licenses to use them in country. Fortunately, we are not bringing an aerial drone with us to Ka’Kabish this year so that is one less worry for me. Although there was a brief flurry of emails over the misunderstanding that we DID have one. 
                What I have been working on behind the scenes for the past month is making sure that our application for an excavation permit is filed (all 66 pages of it including CVs and budget).  Along with submitting our permit application, we need to file our reports on last year’s excavation work (four hard copies and one digital). This year Kerry Sagebiel has taken on the unenviable task of serving as editor and getting us all to submit our chapters on time, as well as getting the entire document formatted. We have learned over the years that the people at the Angelus Press in Belmopan are terrific about receiving our digital file and then having the requisite hard-copies printed and bound for our arrival.  While this may sound rather odd, it becomes clearer when you realise how heavy these documents can become and the toll they can take on your luggage!  Particularly when you are already trying to pack a host of other equipment, documents, notes from previous excavations slated to be reopened, and sufficient clothing for three months!
                As we are not allowed to commence work until we have met with the Director of the Institute of Archaeology, Dr. John Morris, and received our permit, pre-season/pre-arrival logistics also requires trying to book an appointment.  As Dr. Morris is responsible for all the archaeological sites in Belize, those know to us now as well as those that get discovered during the course of road construction and development, he can be anywhere in Belize on any given day protecting Belizean heritage.  As we live 3 hours away, it is very important to co-ordinate timing. 
                On a more personal level, as the village we live in is quite small, and the people are my friends, I know how much they plan on our project coming back to the village every year.  As such, I try and give our support people (i.e., ladies at Las Orquideas who cook for us, the people who run the hotels we stay in, the men who come and work for us) as much notice as possible about student numbers and requirements.  I am also trying to ensure that the vehicles we used have been repaired, licensed, and insured (one of which requires co-ordination with Dr. Graham in England as well as Mr. Masson in Belize so it is not just a long-distance logistic issue but also a multi-national one!).
                I never thought I would be so grateful for technology, but long-distance calls, e-mail, and more often Facebook messaging has proven to be a god-send!  Now for all the stuff that has to be done once I arrive tomorrow! Wish me luck!!