While doing fieldwork in Sambor Prei Kuk, the weather was over 90 degrees and we were sweating through our clothes every day. However, in Koh Ker, we had to wear sweaters in the morning and the days had beautiful weather at about 70 degrees. While out in the field doing research, I've been able to interact with the locals and learn about their lifestyle, history, and knowledge of the ancient temples in their backyards--literally in their backyards!. I've also had a lot of fun with my archaeology teammates, who have come from all over the world to conduct research in Cambodia.
Sometimes it has been difficult living here on my own. This is now my sixth year living away from my family in California (four years in New Hampshire for college, one year in England for graduate school, and now one year in Cambodia). There are many times when I wish I could hug my mom through the phone. Having friends and family visit me occasionally and who call every day has helped tremendously. My recent trip to Japan to visit family has also been a great way to cure my homesickness.
So, what's next for me? I will continue to live in Cambodia until August. During this time, I will keep doing research, and in July, I will be presenting my work at a conference in Prague in the Czech Republic. I'm so excited! It's a place I've always wanted to go.
I will also find out this month if I got into a PhD program. If I do, that means I will go back to school for five to seven (yes, seven!) more years in order to earn my Doctorate in Anthropology. I guess I just love school so much! If I do not get into a program, I plan on working at an engineering firm focusing on the environment and cultural heritage preservation.
