Without delay the winter has brought the first major tropical storm called ´Alma´ which caused much flooding in the north-west of the country durign the mid-week. On the island this meant 36 hours of uninterupted rain between Wednesday and Thursday and a chance to see how the weather is going to impact construction. The early indications are that more than anything our employers not showing up for work is the greatest obstacle we will face! We understand however that this phenomenon is strongest during the first weeks of the rainy season and that in particular the local people like to go fishing during the first real storm.

The first sheets of roofing are up on cabin nr.9 and this temporary bodega will be in operation by Wednesday. With ample covered work space it means all wood and iron preperation can continue despite the rain and so above all working with concrete is what sometimes suffers delays. The concrete, however only needs an hour to set before the rain actually helps it become stronger.

Martijn´s cottage will see the kitchen thatch completed in the coming week and then work can begin on the cane walls as well as the cobbing of the main living room. At the end of the coming week the 2 masons from Martijn´s cottage will assist our old friend Tyler (who you may remember from our time in Rivas) in constructing the first small ferrocement water storage tank. Tyler is also working with us to help train 2 employers in order to improve their welding skills.