Apparently, my style of teaching is not the norm here in Egypt. I have always relied on a mixture of humor, pop culture, familiar concept examples (ex. How is a billion dollar dam project related to your kitchen sink?) and occasionally sneak in a little Calculus when the classes’ guard is down. However, the students are really responding and have begun to accept the possibility that they can improve their environment through “Sustainable Construction” practices. They are surfing the internet at night, and challenging me with a variety of related concepts the next day! I have never had a class so eager to learn, and while exciting it is exhausting (but, it is a “good” kind of tired ☺).

What trip to Egypt is complete without a trip to the “Pyramids” or a ride on a camel? So today, (while I was in class!) Ms. Barnett snuck off campus to complete a childhood dream. Now admittedly, her trip was planned a week in advance and I am going next week but… HEY, that looks like fun!!!

Fifteen hours of lecture later and I am ready for the weekend, TGIW (Thank God It’s Wednesday??). In the Middle East, the weekend is on Wednesday and Thursday. So Dr. Salama, Ms. Sabra Barnett (our Legal Course Instructor), and I headed to the Mediterranean Sea. We stayed in Marina, as guest of Dr. Omaima (friend of mine) and were treated like Royalty. We swam in the sea, ate till we popped and slept till “9” (That is like noon to a professor!!).

Our Construction Engineering Management students are performing exceptionally well this summer. Their technical comprehension and collaborative spirit is much appreciated as we still attempt to overcome language and cultural barriers. The following photo was taken during a campus field trip, in which we explored the “Sustainability” of traditional Egyptian construction. Students are very eager to apply new knowledge to their work and improve the residential, commercial, and industrial building infrastructure.