Long Bus Ride Short Month
Arriving into Aidone was as nerve racking as starting something new always is. I watched the Sicilian countryside pass by for hours outside the bus window. During that ride, I was haunted by my own thoughts. What if no one here likes me? What if they're all smarter and more passionate about archaeology than me? What if it’s boring? By the end of the ride, I was more concerned about how I was going to get through the month than I was about how I was going to spend it. When I arrived, however, the greetings were warm, the people were friendly and clearly passionate about the project, and the town was beautiful. It really felt like everyone there truly wanted me to not only enjoy my time there but truly feel at home. I was more suspicious and hesitant than ever. I spent my first hours in Aidone sitting on the small balcony of my new temporary home listening to music and looking at the incredible view.
Stunning View from the Aptly Named Buona Vista House
Avery, another student and a now good friend of mine, came out and sat with me. We talked about music and showed each other songs. We then chose which beds would be ours for the next month. I chose the room with the bunk beds and Avery got the fancy room (although he did offer it to me repeatedly, the gentleman that he is). Now, I’m not proud of this, but we left the smallest bed and strangest room to our still not arrived third roommate. I thought to myself, I’m sure it will be fine, there is no way that he is an extremely tall guy who will have to duck under the doorway when he enters the apartment. That night however, after the first of many lovely dinners at the bus station sandwich shop had concluded, one of the tallest people I know walked through our door and said “Hi, I’m Owen.” I just thought to myself: “welp, maybe he’ll fit on the bed we left him.” He did not. His legs hung off the bed by a good foot and a half. We didn’t switch beds the entire month —even though I’m pretty sure we offered… pretty sure.
Owen and the Ill-sized Cot
Living with these two was a delight. Almost immediately, within the first half of the week at least, it felt like I had known them for years. I think that’s one of the beauties of this program. When we were on the dig site, we joked and laughed with each other. When we got home we did the same. I suppose the point of this post is less about the dig itself but the community I found whilst on it. The community at Morgantina was wonderful and unique. I have seldom had an experience where I made so many friends so quickly; and not only with my fellow undergrads, but the graduate students, professors, and everyone else as well. The most amazing part of this whole experience was that I felt I could truly be myself. I have never been so comfortable with my own laughter and voice. That month of June was over before I knew it. Unfortunately, time really does fly when you’re having fun.
Housemates Enjoying Our Favorite Meal Together
If you are thinking of doing this dig, do it. If you are worried that you won’t fit in, don’t be. I am eternally grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in this program, and I cannot wait to be on that bus to Aidone again.
