Yesterday we ran out of adobe bricks so today was attack the well. They have already built a 5 meter coffer dam on a really shakey foundation and it has been sinking. We formed a bucket brigade to haul mud and water out of it and as we did it started to lean and sink in the mud more. It was obviously not set on the bedrock. Water continued to seep as we hauled and hauled. Adrian, who is running the job and living on site decided we needed some real refreshments if we were going to keep pace with the water so he broke out the coca leaves and sent his wife to town for some chicha-a homebrew made from maize. If was real good stuff, aged to perfection. Next he got out the Pisco, a local rum drink, me thinks. I´ll tell you for certain the mud gets lighter the more you chew.
When knock off time came we all put our heads together to see how we might engineer this thing back to plumb. Since know one understood the other it was a great excercise in non verbal communication. It will be interesting to see how we attack it tomorrow.
I have not had time to explore Cusco yet as they keep us busy for most of the day. I can say that Peru is an amazing and beautiful place.
I will find some time on saturday to post some pics.
Thanks everyone for checking in.
Mike
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2 comments:
Wow. You may have to stay longer than planned. I'm glad your having a good time.
MB
Hey Mike:
Matt of San Mateo here. Seems like your comment of earlier - "using 10,000 year old building methods" - applies to the worker incentives practiced by Adrian.
I'm amazed by your bravery and commitment to help. Keep on keepin' on.
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