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This archaeological dig made clear how important tiny objects can be in research to better understand ancient societies. It was fascinating to learn all the details from the PI and other researchers who taught us how to excavate and sift and answered all our questions. They were a delight to work with (and socialize with at dinner). The accommodations in the Countess's villa were great. (The site is on the Countess's property and she takes great interest in the dig.) The food was  excellent, whether ordered in as take out or in the restaurants we were taken to.

My experience in the project from start to finish was outstanding. I felt like such a valuable member of the team no matter what I was doing. Though completely inexperienced at the beginning, techniques for brushing etc. were carefully demonstrated and we were constructively corrected when we made mistakes. By the middle of the week I was much more confident and efficient in my skills.       We all became quite obsessed with the digging and couldn't wait to get out to the site early in the morning and we happily worked until lunch. When something interesting was found, everyone was excited to have a look and tell us the importance to the project.  The UV canopies made all the difference. I never felt hot while working despite the +30 C temperatures by late morning.     We were moved to different parts of the dig site most days so we had different experiences. As promised, our vision improved and we were all able to better pick out smaller items as the days passed. We were driven back to the Palace for about a 2 hour lunch break. Then it was off to the lab for a few hours in the afternoon where we washed our findings, sorted and labelled items.     The Palace accommodation was truly unique and close to the site. The kitchen was very well-stocked for our breakfasts and lunches and the rooms and bathrooms (3 of them to share) were quite beautiful. Dinners out were a lovely time to eat and relax and ask more questions which the Archaeologists and students were thrilled to answer. There was a lot of laughter too. We ate at 2 different local restaurants and had pizza at the palace one night.     Celia, our fearless leader (and mother figure) was constantly checking on us and making sure we were having a good experience. She was always looking for feedback and ways to improve the program. Celia really made us all come together as a team. We worked hard, which felt good but we were also part of their family that week and felt included and valued.     Overall, a wonderful experience and something I would do again in the near future. 

I spent 6 weeks in Portugal and the surrounding areas but the week excavating in Muge was by far the most memorable and significant. I have almost no background in any scientific field so this expedition was an eye opener. Learning about the work archeologists do from digging in the dirt and cataloging finds (what I helped do), to studying items under a microscope and now DNA analyses to try to understand the impact our ancestors had on humans today is fascinating. The theories developed from that research—whether the various groups were matriarchal or patriarchal societies; how they lived, hunted, buried their dead; their migration patterns, and now with DNA how they may be related to us I find utterly and completely fascinating. I just wish I were younger to start a career again or that human beings lived 200 years so I could start a new career. The scientists were awesome!