To do and not to do for fieldwork life in the tropics...

Doing archaeological fieldwork is so much more than just digging 'stuff' up.  Many students find that learning archaeological methods is only one challenge to life in the field.  Archaeological fieldwork affords a remarkable opportunity to learn about present day cultures in the area that you are living in. For most budding archaeologists the experiences of field-life are truly unique and become valuable memories for the rest of your life.

Since fieldwork is highly variable based on the specific archaeological record, your living conditions, and the local climate, I thought I would share a list of To Do and To Not Dos of fieldwork in the tropics. Many of these are likely useful for fieldwork elsewhere, but some are more specific to a tropical climate. Archaeological fieldwork often pushes you physically, socially, and culturally. These experiences can be very challenging, fun, and education. So just a few tips:

1. DO bring sunscreen, bug spray, a complete medical kit, and anti-itch creams.  (Med Kits should have at least: bandaids, second skin for blisters, anti-itch creams, Advil, Tylenol, Tums, Pepto-bismal, Imodium, athletic tape, tweezers...)
2. DON'T expect the bug spray to work and DON'T forget to reapply your sunscreen regularly!

3. DO break-in your tennis shoes and hiking boots before going into the field
4. DON'T forget to bring comfortable flip flops for around the house.

5. DO stay aware of plants and animals around you (as one botanist told me- if the tree bark is peeling don't touch it or you might be next to peel!)
6. DON'T ever reach into a hole or crevice if you cannot see inside it! Also DON'T ever touch snakes, critters, or other animals of which you are unfamiliar!

7. DO appreciate the beautiful world around you and explore your surroundings as much as possible. You never know if or when you will have the opportunity to return so be sure to see make the most of your experiences and take lots of pictures.
8. DON'T wander without doing background research first-  there might be many dangers you never even thought to be concerned about! Just ask around, google, or check a guide book to make sure you are educated about your surroundings.

9. DO work on speaking the local language. Even if you blunder your way through it, your attempt to speak the language is usually appreciated greatly. In my experience people have always responded positively to my attempts at speaking a local language.
10. DON'T travel to another country without learning the basics of the language (Please, Thank You, You are Welcome, Excuse me, May I have, Help, How are you?, Good, Bad ... or any other basic key phrases that might be useful)

11. DO try to appreciate and keep a good sense of humor about field life. If you are freaked out by the creepy crawlies then make a game out of counting the number of bugs or variety of types!
12. DON'T let any bites, cuts, or scratches that look very strange or unusual go unattended.

13. DO shower everyday if possible and be grateful for it, especially if you are one of the lucky ones who gets a warm shower!
14. DON'T reach up and touch the shower head if it is one of the Electric Showers where electric current is used to heat the water in the shower head.

15. DO make friendships with other archaeologists as well as the local people who work with you, live nearby, or you see regularly.
16. DON'T be surprised by culture shock. When you first arrive you might feel disoriented, overwhelmed, extra tired and confused.  This is normal.  If you are there long enough, upon returning home you will feel a similar experience that we refer to as reverse culture shock.  These are great opportunities to see the variation between life in different cultures, so take notes on anything that seems strange to you (as soon it will become normal).

17. DO remember that your cultural rules don't apply. It is best to get a feel for local customs related to etiquette, dress, and particularly appropriate behaviors between men and women. 

18. DON'T forget that in a foreign country the same laws, protections, and cultural rules do not apply.

19. DO try new foods, drinks, and experiences- especially when individuals are offering to share their food with you! Some of the most touching moments I have experienced have been when people who deal with true poverty and hunger offer to share their food with me. This generosity is hard to even describe.
20. DON'T feel ashamed if you just need a taste of home every once in a while! Sometimes a peanut butter and jelly sandwich helps me get through the day.

I could list many more, but these are just a few to get you started.  My field experiences always allow me to grow as a scholar and a person. If you are fortunate enough to attend field school, volunteer on an archaeological project, or run your own excavation do your best to remember to appreciate it. Field life can be very challenging but also greatly rewarding.