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Published: October 3rd 2016
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Day 1
View from the top of the ladder This month we had a lot of work to do in Playa Blanca and I was wondering how in the world would we get it all done, by splitting into different groups we managed to do it all!
Day 1: Monday we left Trujillo very early in the morning and arrived in the community around 16h. After setting up our camp beds, we went to the house that received the turbine last month to add a bearing ( yep they had trusted me with the packing so I forgot the bearing last time, it's three little metal circles that help the pole turn with wind direction changes). We had to climb up the ladder and take the blade down then the top of the structure in order to add the bearing into the structure. Once that was done, we turned the turbine on since the cement has now dried. The sunset was happening at the same and the view from the top of the ladder was absolutely gorgeous! So exciting to see last months turbine ready to function. We then went for dinner and later sat in the dark with a beer to have a chat under the beautiful stars, what
Day 1
Installing the ladder more could you want!
Day 2: Tuesday we went to a house that a view on the sea to install the new turbine, which meant we had a view on the hundreds of birds fishing in the sea, so impressive to see them fly and fish all day!!!
We finished the install in one morning as we split into groups, some were digging while others were preparing the pole then some were installing the lights while others were preparing the cement. I was so impressed that we got it done in half a day!
After lunch, we took a break cause the weather was too hot to work. I decided to take my diary and sit under a tree to write in it but the children decided otherwise. They had just finished school for the day and recognised me from last month so they came to talk and ask if we would do a bonfire again. I was so impressed at how careful they were when speaking to me after they understood my Spanish was very basic. They were even explaining the words when I told them I didn't understand them, it was great cause I got to learn from
Day 1
Sunset view from top of ladder them. They then asked to draw in my book so instead of writing in my book and taking photos, I spent the two hours of my break surrounded my kids drawing in my book, it was really nice to see them have so much fun with just a pen and some paper. They drew the turbines but also their father's fishing boat, with quite a lot of detail I must say!
After the break, we had to go check a couple of houses electrical system and then we went to do a blade replacement at another house. This is why we had so many blades to build this month. The ladder went up again but this time it was windy and getting dark quickly so none of the volunteers went up. ( don't worry mum)
Day 3: Wednesday we started with an installation again but this time for the windaid hut where we were sleeping. Yes so far we had to use lamp torches to get light in there which is why we spent most evenings at the 'restaurant' which is another house with some tables and light, where we play cards. Now, there is wind electricity in the windaid
Day 1
Bearing installation test centre as they like to call it. And we have imprinted our palms in the cement for all future volunteers to remember us hahaha. This time in the morning we got the turbine up but we still had to get the wires in the house done in the afternoon. So we split into groups, some volunteers went to do another repair, a bearing replacement and I stayed with the group finishing the wiring of the house. We also took a break in the middle of our job to go for a swim before it got too dark, was freeeeeezing but it's the only bath you get there so I just ran in ! Another volunteer had a different method of lying on the sand like a starfish and wait for the waves brrrrrbrrrr. After the work was done, we got a bonfire going for the kids and opened the marshmallows packs.... Suddenly they become scavengers, you get 20 hands in front of you and begging sounds... Had to make them form a queue, I have been trained well in England! Avoid chaos, make a queue! One of the volunteers gave them a little show with his glowing balls... Was
Day 1
Little girl holding her mariposa entertaining, the kids enjoyed it!
Day 4: Thursday we went to the oyster farm to repair the other turbine there ( last month we had done a stator replacement on of the two turbines ). That took us the morning. After a late lunch, some of the volunteers went to finish a few things while I went with a staff to give out surveys and contracts to the new turbine receivers. We also installed a little device in the house from last month so they can charge their phones using the turbine. We then had to run back and pack and leave. Was a really great week overall, we got to do so much and the fact that we got it all done really gave a satisfaction feeling when leaving.
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