Fieldwork in Egypt does not only involve the development of ambitious and well-calculated plans, the engagement of team members on very particular duties, and the expectation that hard work will pay back with data, findings and, ultimately, primary evidence that allows us to deepen our knowledge into the concession and period. It also requires passion, sacrifice, and a determined will to conduct work despite any typical or uncommon difficulty one may find. Archaeology is a scientific and a team adventure, and we experience it with the most intense dedication.
Four members of the team arrived last night. Sayed, the most attentive driver of Marsam Hotel, took Antonio to the airport to pick up the first member of the night, Reed Hudson, who was arriving around 10 pm. Together they went back to the Marsam where a second driver was ready to go to the airport and pick up the other three members of the team, Bea, Carmen and Iria. Unfortunately, customs police decided that entering the country with walkie-talkies is not the best idea and we had to spend the whole night until 8 am in the airport responding questions and dealing with paperwork. They treated us very well and tried to explain the situation about the use of technological devices, so we can only say that it is better to obtain them in the country. Maalesh! We will pick them up when returning to Spain…
However, that meant some changes in the plans for Tuesday. One of our restorers, Reed, who spent the night in the hotel, went to work with our photographer Patricia, our ceramicist Hazem, and our inspector Mahmoud, who allowed Antonio to finish all paperwork at the airport before coming (late) to the site. By 9:30 am the whole team was back, Antonio with the members in the site and our three travelers going to sleep after a long night. It can be said that we went through the experience with positive attitude and a good mood toward the strict customs regulations and the responsible officials that must guard them.
As for the work in the site, we have continued with the removal of large stones in the mid-courtyard of Ipi’s tomb. A large boulder, which must have fallen some time ago from the upper cliffs of the mountain, is in the way of the new units that Mohamed Osman will be opening tomorrow Wednesday, and we need to consider the best way to get rid of it. In addition, Hazem and Antonio continued completing artefact sheets. Reed started a first approach to evaluate Ipi’s sarcophagus conditions, while Patricia tried to finish with the photographs of jar stoppers.
It was a long day after so many adventures, but a good rest will help all of us to be back in track.
