Interns working on the shower. The outside structure was built but we had to frame the inside walls and put in the floor. We made a cob floor and 2 stalls with a shower and changing room in each. The bamboo weave is the waddle part of the wall and we cover it with daub, a mixture of manure, sand, clay, and straw.
The front of the shower after we finished the walls. Now we are putting on the finishing touches, such as bamboo sketches on the wall, a mosaic sink in front and landscaped paths.
Timber framed Chicken Coop? Why not? It seems to be a bit too nice of a structure to be a home for chickens. Named Kevin Costner for the "If you build it, they will come" reference, the chicken coop is made with interlocking wood joints as opposed to nails and screws. There is talk of abandoning the idea of chickens and making this the ranch bar....
As interns, we had the opportunity to spend time in the local elementary school, teaching English and playing games with the kids. We threw a 9th birthday party for Ion with presents wrapped in bamboo leaves, a scavenger hunt, and black bean brownies. The kids loved it but got a little wet as it started down pouring mid scavenger hunt!
Before the group started to split up, we went on a day river trip to this amazing waterfall. We hiked down to the river and then floated for about an hour through rapids before climbing up the these falls. Cliff Jumping anyone?
When the hard work of the day is done, we know how to play! Naked Sushi night consisted of over 300 rolls of sushi, aprons only in the kitchen, deep fried vegetable tempura, and a lip sync to follow. Spice girls, Boys to men, Madonna, and Queen all made appearances this evening!
Lime washing the couples cabin to give it a finished look. This is the last step after waddle n daub, poo smear, and lime plaster. This step is a lime and water mixture with ocher tinting for a yellowish color. We had to apply 8 coats to get the right coverage but it looks awesome!
2 of the local men working on the ranch with us. Don Mario helps us with gardening and teaches us about the plants in the area. I only get about 1/2 of what he says but this guys is amazing. On the left, he is in his 70s and still working like a tank!
Working on a mosaic for the shower floor. This is going on the back wall where it is painted blue and then the floor will be finished with river rock.
So thats a peak into what I have been up to this summer! After 2 weeks at home, I will head back to Costa Rica for another semester at UPeace. Hopefully I will manage to be a bit more academic this time around! I have been reading like crazy this summer with no TV around so here's some fascinating books I've read and would recommend if your looking for one....
Confessions of an Economic Hitman- John Perkins
Blessed Unrest- Paul Hawken
Animal Farm- George Orwell
Bitter Fruit- Steven Kinzer and Stephen Schlesinger
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle- Barbra Kingsolver
The Botany of Desire- Michael Pollan
The Second Summer of the Sisterhood :) - Ann Brashares
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