Day 41: Preparing for the split level

After a long weekend, the guys started preparing the different levels in the house. They began waterproofing the sides of the walls before they pour in the cement.

To waterproof the walls, they put mortar over the bricks. (that's what they did today, I got to help too! whoo hoo!)

I only arrived a midday and totally regretted coming so late. But I still had a chance to do a little work. I loaded on the mortar, and Guzman evened it out and smoothed it out with water and sponge.

Yes, these sunglasses are my work goggles...

We came across this hole in the bathroom doorway, I thought we were going to fill it with bits of concrete but Guzman just laughed at me and showed me how to do it properly.

Instead of throwing bits and pieces of loose concrete, he chiseled out the ragged edges of the block.

Then he carved up one of the left over blocks so that it would fit in the space.

Then he let me plop the block into place.

I also got to fit it in place with the mortar. First by dropping a load of mortar on the floor and then ploping the brick on top. Then I had to use a level to make sure that it was even to the wall. Once it was even, I shoved mortar into every little crack possible. and then patched it up like the rest of the bricks preparing for waterproofing.

I don't know when they did this (filling the blocks), but I just noticed it so I took a picture of it.

While I was doing Esteban's job, he took off to help Luis bring in the big poles (scaffolding?)...to prepare for the roof!!!! Guzman said I could help tomorrow but I need a helmet. So I got one. but I still don't have proper shoes...I'll get some on Wednesday when I go to Puerto.