Week Two - Foundations & Retaining wall. (Segunda Semana, sanjas y el muro de contencion).

With the diggers work eventually complete  and the mountain deciding to behave whilst the workers install the iron 'placas' that will be the 'armaduras' or skeleton of the concrete foundations, we are well on target for being 'mas o menos' ready for pouring the foundations. That was until we discovered a leak in our water supply which led to a distinct change in terms of progress. Our water at the project currently that comes from one of 'la quebradas' of Tres Rios. A couple of kilometres trekking up through the mountains, crossing various cow fields and then onto denser jungle, it becomes clear that the rubber pipelines had become loose, probably fitted with far too much 'mas o menos' philosophy, means the initial  bodge job is in need of quick repair.  With Kika giggling away with her new 'work' camera phone in hand (no further publicity required), Gersan and I wrestled to attach two out of control slippery tubes together without slipping down what was a scarily close and seemingly endless ravine.

Back at the site, the tank slowly begins to fill up and spirits rise all round at the prospect of actually having a regular water source with which to cook, clean and mix concrete with!!! A few last minute measurements, a couple of engineer inspections and checks that the armaduras and columns are placed correctly and the pouring of concrete can eventually begin.