Part 1
Greetings from the train to Pamplona.
So I reread that last post and realized what a wordgasm that was.  So much to say yet my attention was divided between what was happening in the hostel common and that blog.

It is easier now to organize my thoughts now I've had a couple days to adjust to Spanish life ( Barcelona primarily).  My Spanish is getting better but I struggle at times where I need to be quick.  I'm starting to maybe think instead of saying ¡hola! I should just say hello as american as possible. Either way this ,might be the best ,my Spanish has ever been.

After getting a taste for the night life and beach life (which apparently didn't exist before 1990 because of the Olympics and used to be a fishing port) I spent the next day taking in the culture and checking out the amazing architecture. I didn't take any of the gaudi (the architect) tours when maybe I should have just walking around though you still get a sense of how old and intricate everything is.  Everything very interesting into
I made my last stop of the day at sagrada familia.  I don't think I've ever had any building take  my breath away and give me chills like la sagrada familia.  Its kind of In a strange spot for how massive and tall it is. Its kind of nestled in between buildings so youre walking all these narrow streets and bam, you see a 500 foot tall cathedral.  It really was something to behold.  As you walk  the steps you start to notice all the intricate and vast designs and begin to understand why its taken them over 100 years to build and why theyre still
Building.

Once you're inside you see these vast caverns up above with each spire having its own design.  As you walk around you tend to nearly run into people who are also staring up at the ceiling.

If you ever get a chance to go to Barcelona (which alone is a great city) go to sagrada familia. You won't regret it.

By tonight I should be at the zamartze archaeological site and be set up for the rest of the month.  Happy post labor to all of you back home. Overall
If you can get past the touristy side of Barcelona you will have a great time can't wait to get back in a month and see how I feel about it then.

Cheers

Part 2

Hey so not cheers actually because I decided to make this a two partner since I haven't gotten WiFi yet. All in all though I've arrived in my final destination (for a while) in uharte- arakil!

The group I'm with is a little strange but I guess I'll cope.  First there are about 4 girls my age from all over the place and of course three guys who are at least all above the age of 60. So I'm the only guy here under the age of 25. There is one other basque archaeologist who is about my age who wants to play some basketball, so i might survive.

The village reminds me of a postcard, it is a really cool old place in the ,middle of basque country (which I'm just beginning to learn about).

The basques are a group of people who govern themselves from the south of France to the north of Spain in the state of Navarre. Also maybe the most blunt straight forward people I've ever met. They even have there own language and very much hate the Spanish.  The history of the basques dates all the way back to the ancient roman times and claim to have the oldest language I'm all of Europe!  The more interesting aspect of this entire history is that they were never actually conquered by the romans but instead were allied with them.  Along with never really being 'conquered' they have a long fascinating history with many opposing parties along with the Visigoths, Charlemagne, and of course the Spanish.  Along with being matriarchal they seem to have a knack for getting and staying put of trouble. Its not Barcelona but it is by far more interesting then Barcelona. I'm looking forward to getting to understand the culture.

That brings Us to the actually dig which I will post pictures of later.  I am not allowed to show picture of the site but I will take pictures of the Church.

The church was originally the original plan e of worship and was a vital trading point through the kingdom of Navarre.

This entire region is very fascinating with some striking landmarks.  The old guys are a little annoying with all of there stories about all the archaeology they've done but the site is interesting enough and the directors have lots of interesting things to say so I believe it will be worthwhile.

After my first day of digging I can say that I'm a little tired but in a good way.  Even found a tooth.  After a long day of lectures and my first time digging, the only thing to do now is find the closest pub with WiFi (along with getting over the annoying of flies) and I think ill be OK. Cheers.

PS I'll post some pictures later