#gardenconference

[wdcgardener]

We are proud in-kind sponsors of the annual Greenscapes Symposium hosted virtually by #BrooksideGardens. Today’s program is kicking off with @kellydnorris the New Naturalism. #gardendc #dmv #gardenconference #naturalism #newnaturalism #greenscapes #picoftheday #nofilter #mocomd (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CaH1kbFOMGh/?utm_medium=tumblr

[melaniemisr]

A beautiful lecture Melina

This week I hit my 10th ‘Research Skills for Egyptology’ workshop (I’ve actually done 11 now) – which equates to more than 22 hours of ‘Ustaza Melanie’ talking time! Since starting a little under a month ago, I can confirm that we’ve reached more than 150 Egyptian Egyptologists and archaeologists in Luxor, Aswan and Cairo (with several more workshops planned for Alexandria, Minya and the Fayum). The youngest participant, thus far, has been a 15-year-old schoolboy from Aswan. While, at the other end of the spectrum, I’ve had the Assistant Professor of Egyptology from Fayum University, the General Director of Karnak Temple, the Director of the Nubian Museum and a number of high ranking administrative staff from the Ministry of Antiquities.

As a part of this, I also continue to process the evaluation forms from each workshop participant as a measure for future professional skills’ initiatives. This is quite an enjoyable process, especially when I come across delightful Egyptian-English comments thanking me for my lecture. Since ‘Melanie’ isn’t exactly the most familiar name to native Arabic speakers, I’m often called by an array of substitutes, including Melly, Manila, Meanie, ‘Doctora’ (this is a little bit premature, but still quite welcome!), Pitkin (Essam’s favourite) and Mrs Melanie (as opposed to the infamous, Mr Melanie, which I am better known as to some people in Middle Egypt!). Almost all of these names raise a smile on my face, but I particularly liked seeing the remark on one participant’s survey form this week, which said “Thank you Melina for this beautiful lecture” (see above). There was something about reading this that made my heart turn all warm and fuzzy (or, should I say, warmer and fuzzier). I don’t think I ever set out to create a “beautiful lecture”, as such (perhaps a comprehensive and informative one is more to the point), but in any case, I’ll happily take credit for this!

Yesterday I also presented a paper on my current Fellowship position at the Graduate Annual Research Discussions on Egypt and Nubia (GARDEN III) conference at the German Archaeological Institute in Zamalek. This conference, now in its third year, focuses on Egyptology research methods so was the perfect forum to share some of my approaches to understanding the Egyptian Egyptology scene in Egypt, developing and delivering my professional skills lectures and the process for analyzing the results from my evaluation forms. I felt, however, that a few sensitivities were encountered around some of the results – particularly in terms of the English language barrier to Egyptian scholars, as well the idea that ‘foreigners know how to do it better’. I welcome all types of constructive feedback, of course, but I really don’t want anyone to misunderstand the Egypt Exploration Society’s intentions, or any other foreign institute for that matter. I believe we learn from each other with the best interests of the subject at heart and, ultimately, want to advance our collective scientific understanding of the ancient Egyptian past. I’ve also always emphasised that the types of professional skills we are trying to build in Egypt are similarly in need by many foreign students as well. It goes both ways. But, at the end of the day, we have to start somewhere and we are not afraid to confess that we’re learning as we go!

Another treat I had this week, was a behind-the-scenes tour of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square where I had the opportunity to meet (and meet up with again!) all the key staff in registration, conservation and curatorial (oh, and note - their curators number in excess of 100! The title ‘curator’ is also an entry-level position, but they can be assigned to any department irrespective of their academic training). I also met the one very friendly and energetic photographer who services the entire museum and had the chance to take part in a team-bonding wreath making workshop led by one of the Senior Conservators (you can see our group selfie shot above!). Although I’m ‘wreath-less’, in this picture, I can assure you I did don it briefly - at the risk of dishevelling the fringe. It doesn’t pose a problem when it’s placed just right.