Wow. It’s been almost a month since I’ve updated the BLAG – I haven’t been feeling very inspired to write much of anything lately. There have been earthquakes galore and most of my thoughts have been with the end of the semester and trying to get everything turned in on time. The semester’s been over for nearly two weeks, and I’m still feeling the strain. Why?
Part of it is because this summer, I’ll be doing a field camp. When I was an undergrad, this wasn’t required, but they changed it recently. I technically don’t *have* to go, but I feel like it’ll be an incredible experience. The course I’ll be on is run in conjunction with Cornell University and my home campus, Montclair State University. The field camp is being held in the Andes Mountains of Argentina. We will be doing geologic mapping nearly the entire time we’re there, from July 4 to July 31 of this year.
What has me the most nervous, though, is that I’ve never done any geologic work of this caliber before. The most I’ve ever mapped is a tiny square on campus, not anywhere near this large. Also, the fact that I’ll be away for nearly a month and don’t know much about how I’ll be able to be in touch with my family and friends is a big worry. What if something happens at home? A dear friend recently took a European vacation, and the day she landed she found out that her father passed away. Third biggest worry? I’m one of three girls going. There are thirteen guys. That’s more than a little unbalanced…I just hope I get along with them.
Am I scared? You bet. Will I survive? Hopefully. Anyone have any words of wisdom? Anything that’ll keep me a bit more sane? I don’t speak a lick of Spanish so that doesn’t take away from my panic any.
Consider this my warning sign? 
The most important advice I can offer (having done a lot of international field work myself) is to accept that things will not always go smoothly … there will undoubtedly be logistical annoyances or failures, it is inevitable … but if you stay calm and roll w/ the punches, you’ll be good.
I’ve done a little bit of field work in southern Argentina (mostly Chile) and have found the people to be super cool!
I spent a week in Mendoza a few years back and it is an awesome town! If you like red wine, meat, and eating dinner at midnight you are in for a treat.
As for the mapping … the first time I mapped “real” geology my instructor had to take my hand and make me draw the first line. It can be intimidating for sure. But, you will be a better geologist because of it.
Have fun!!
Breathe it all in. Avoid drama. People will be stupid, so have patience. Don’t be stupid. Take TONS of pictures and videos. TONS. Of everything. Go knowing just a bit of the geology. Longs pants always, no shorts. Bring your favorite item that will remind you that you ARE a girl. Ask questions. If at least one person knows spanish, then no worries, or you can practice on your time off. Again, breathe it all in and enjoy the scenery. If you can, keep a journal (I wish I did when I went out west). Prepare to be miserable during a majority of the trip. First impressions are never what they seem. Say a daily prayer to the rock gods for enlightment. And finally, breathe it all in. It will be beautiful. You’re so lucky to go!! Enjoy every second! Even the crappy ones =)
Dude-ette,
Don’t whine. I did 6 weeks at Oregon State University’s Geologic Boot Camp (Q to K in Central Oregon emphasis on Mapping and structure – before GPS) and for half of that my Prof stuck me with the two biggest dorks in camp – 3 weeks of lame ass Monty Python imitations! Argentina’s glamourous – take it in. Enjoy it. You’ll understand spanish by the time you need to leave.