During his teenage summers, Michael Barnett discovered his passion lay far from the monotonous environment of a UK shipping company office where he observed the disheartened older employees. Choosing to pursue a love for the outdoors and a talent in mathematics and sciences, he embarked on a civil engineering career that took him around the globe. This first instalment of a two-part memoir spans his life and career from 1943 to 1984, detailing his adventures and professional growth from advanced studies in Chicago to diverse construction sites worldwide, including Samoa, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and more. Through journal entries and letters, Barnett shares the rich tapestry of emotions and experiences that shaped his journey.