So I'm going to Jordan ... yes, that Jordan

I've never been outside the country. In fact, until March of 2009, I'd never been further east than Indiana. Okay, I've been to Victoria, Canada, but as most Americans would say, that really doesn't count. I'm sure most Canadians would object to being lumped in with ugly Americans, but really, it doesn't count as leaving the states if all you have to do is hop a ferry, and when you get there, the only significant difference is that they use a superior system of measurement, have a superior health care system, and say "Maz-da" instead of "Mahz-da."

Seattle Space Needle on Rainy Day
(Source: nakedloon.com)

I’m originally from Idaho, but have lived in Seattle for almost seven years; we moved here when my husband accepted a job with Boeing. In June of this year I completed my degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Washington (UW), and I will be starting my master’s degree in Hydrology and Water Resources at UW in the fall.

Sometime during last year, my department advisor sent around an email about a water resources course being taught in Irbid, Jordan, over the summer. Dr. Heidi Gough, one of the professors from my department, had partnered with Dr. Muna, a professor at the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) and they wanted to teach a course that explored water resources in the desert. Jordan is one of the ten most water scarce nations in the world. Yes, that Jordan: the one on the Arabian peninsula, surrounded by countries that the US State Department tells you not to visit. Jordan cares about its tourist industry, about the safety of its citizens, and I'm going to be as safe as houses. 

As soon as I read the email, I decided to apply to the program. I’m passionate about water: it is the most crucial resource of the 21^st century. As the world population grows and becomes increasingly urbanized, access to clean, safe drinking water is going to become even more scarce and precious. The United States as a society completely takes for granted the amazing and inexpensive (for the user) water treatment and distribution processes we have in this country. That will change in the coming decades as our distribution systems age and climate change increasingly affects rain and snowfall patterns.

The Engineering Building at JUST
(Source: www.just.edu.jo)

So I applied and was accepted to the program. We’ll be leaving for Jordan the week of August 26 and returning to Seattle the week of September 17. During our time in Jordan, we’ll be visiting water and wastewater treatment plants, the ancient city of Petra, Roman ruins, and a bona fide desert oasis. As a history buff and water nerd, I am so excited to explore ancient water distribution systems: excited beyond all capacity for rational thought or explanation.

I plan on being a lot more active on the blog as we get closer to departure.