Rough first day: it's hot, the sites are fully in the sun, and I of course jumped right in with two feet...right up to my chin. Didn't make it thru the day - had to finally go sit down at around 2:30pm when I started getting dizzy. I think it's going to take a couple of days to at least tot acclimate.
There are a surprising number of similarities to - actually, I'm going to stop doing comparisons. Not fair to anyone. Different parts of the world and different socioeconomic environments.
The living conditions are pretty nice: the house is a nice place although the sleeping quarters are cramped: 12x12 room with 3 bunk beds, and one closet. Since I just arrived I've got the least pleasant cubbies. Not out of malice but hey, wouldn't you take the nice and easily accessible cubbies if you were here? I will! To make matters worse, I didn't pack very well for the trip. There are certainly things I shouldn't have brought but on the other hand I've only been here 24 hours...those seemingly "what the hell was I thinking" items may yet prove to be valuable in the next 5 months.
We did have a rather large wildfire on the site today. It was on the hillside right next to the build site (which is quite huge at 10 hectares - you'll be amazed at the level of industry that going on). The hillside went up quite spectacularly but it did finally burn itself out. The rather strange part was the amount of interest in garnered: almost none! Truly, why? Nothing could be done about it but run if the burn came down the hill toward us: and even if it did we are standing in the middle of 10 hectares of cleared and leveled land...that's a sizable fire break!
Last thing about today then I'll head off to bed. We were pouring footings and the cement mixer broke. Luckily we have two on them and were able to cannibalize parts to create one good working mixer. So part of today was spent 'saving the day' so to speak. That felt really good!
Okay, I'm off...back hurts, and very tired. TGIF on the morrow!
I haven't takan any photos yet. That will have to wait until I'm acclimated somewhat as I don't have the energy to carry around a camera.
