Updated July 28, 2011
Chris Keith awarded 2011 Register of Professional Archaeologists Field School Scholarship.
Sunscreen Alert
Recently published study reveals that most sunscreens on the market do not protect against cancer causing UV rays and contain toxins that cause skin problems!
The study examined over 600 prodcuts and found that less than 60 actually offer approriate protection. Many of the most popular brands are basically worthless when it comes to UV protection and many contain harmful toxic components. Soft regulation of the industry is part of the problem. When purchasing a sunscreen look at the ingerdients. Try to get one with zinc oxide. Most suncreens only protect anagist the rays that cause tanning. Regardless of the lable, all sunscreens should be reapplied every hour or even more frequently. For a complete report visit the San Franscisco Chronicle website: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/05/25/MNJP1JJR7T.DTL
Nevis Government is raising the cost of departure tax to $100EC (about $40 US) effective July 1. Be prepared.
Popular question: Many of you have asked how much money to bring. The answer really depends on what you plan to do in your free time. There are no theaters or costly tourit traps and few souveniers to buy, so your money will mainly go toward recreation, bus or ferry rides, snacks, and meals at restaurants if you go out. I usually say $100/week is enough. But some students spend much more, others far less. Here are some costs to consider: To go diving will cost $80 plus gear rental. Busses cost $1.50. You can get a good meal in Charlestown for as little as $6.00 or you can go to Sunshines for dinner at about $25.00. You will pay that just for an appetizer in the fancy places. Drinks are usually $2.00-$4.00, or $14 at Coconut Grove. It all depends where you go. You will need to keep $40.00 saved for the departure tax. Hiking is free. Beach time is free. A great way to spend a Saturday is to travel to St Kitts and go to Brimstone Fort.
Link to Ferry Schedule For those of you arriving through St Kitts: These tend to change without notice. Check for the latest schedule before you leave for the project.
If you have time before catching the ferry (except on Saturday) you might consider using the bank on St Kitts to exchange your money. However, they usually close at 2:00 on Fridays. You can always use an ATM to get cash (small fee).
If for some reason you can't get a ferry or arrive to late for a ferry, call us. There is a hotel on the waterfront called the Seaview you can stay at (if they have rooms available). I have stayed on several occasions--nothing fancy--but relatively cheap and convenient. You can see the St Kitts Ferry at dock in the distance.
Suggestions from past crew members:
A few members of past crews wanted to pass along some tips.
1. Bring a dozen clothes pins for your laundry and three or four plastic coat hangers. You can leave these behind at the end of the project.
2. Carry your money in travlers checks, but have at least $50 cash. It will be a few days before you can get to a bank. Also, bring small bills. You should tip any baggage handlers or taxi drivers on the island $1.00 per bag. This is easy if you carry a few singles. You may also want money for meals along the way.
3. Put medicines, toothbrush/paste and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag.
4. Digital cameras are good.
5. As you enter the Caribbean you will be on "Caribbean time," which means slow down. Don't become frustrated by minor delays.
6. Flights from San Juan to Nevis are often on small planes with limited or no overhead compartments, you may find the airline personnel will ask you to surrender your carry-on bag to be put in the cargo hold for that stretch of your journey.
7. Blow driers are a waste of time and luggage space.
8. Always be polite. Nevisians respond to this well.
9. If weight is a problem, remember you can get all toiletries on the island so leave 'em behind.
10. Overnight flights are very exhausting. Drink lots of water. Remember: NEVER PUT YOUR TROWEL IN CARRY-ON LUGGAGE!
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