It may not be Chartres, but our little church palapa in Melaque is starting to take form.
When I last updated you on the local church building project (dining with the gods) in June, the project was little more than a cleared lot and a pile of blue-tarped bricks.
During the summer rainy season, while bids were being considered for the construction of a palapa (for worship) and a bathroom, nature had its way with the lot. Turning it into a not-so-cleared lot with a pile of blue-tarped bricks.
The bricks are still piled, but everything else has changed. The lot is cleared. And the palapa is under construction.
The supporting posts are set in concrete. And the general framing is almost complete.
The palapa is larger than our former San Patricio by the Sea structure nearer to the beach. And we needed something to accommodate the larger winter crowds. That adjective should probably be “more numerous,” but it is an opportunity to exercise Christian charity.
The next step will be the construction of a roof frame. The palm fronds will then be woven into place to create a sun-free, rain-free worship space.
And these are the palm fronds. The best for palapas. Cut at the last full moon to ensure their maximum strength and survivability.
The word on the lot is that the palapa could be finished by mid-October. And then that pile of bricks will magically (with the help of local craftsmen) be turned into a floor under the palapa.
I did mention the bathroom. The shell is complete. Now, all it needs is to be plumbed and outfitted with the appropriate fixtures.
That means by the time the winter crowds arrive, we will have a new place to share our faith with this community.
In a couple of weeks, I will give you another progress report.
That means by the time the winter crowds arrive, we will have a new place to share our faith with this community.
In a couple of weeks, I will give you another progress report.
16 comments:
OK, Steve, this NOB dude knows that a reed thatched roof can last for eons - is it the same for woven palm fronds? Are there any financially viable alternatives to this type of roof - given the unfortunate demise of the previous chapel? There is plenty of rain to keep thatched roofs resistant to the odd spark in the UK, but y'all have had a rather lengthy drought, and are subject to the occasional hurricane.. Can you take a moment to educate this reader on the benefits of this type of roof in the tropics vs terra cotta tile?
Thanks,
Dan in NC
What? A Christian church believing that fronds cut on a full moon will be better? Isn't there a abyss there somewhere?
The explanation sounded far more scientific than mystical. So, I am going with it.
Dan -- I don't know. But it might make a good post. I will see what I can find out.
I sometimes get envious when I read your post. There is nothing like sitting under a palm frond roofed restaurant having dinner in the tropics.
Nita
Well, reading a good novel in front of a fire at a ski lodge sounds good, too.
My understanding of why things for construction need to be harvested or cut in the first week of a waning moon is that the sap levels are the highest then. Apparently high sap levels are not attractive to pests that like to bore holes in the poles or fronds. Here they call those borers 'polilla'.
I didn't realize we had witnessed our last full moon. Are there any theories as to the cause of their demise?
You will find a lot of thatched roofs in tropical climates - they keep the inside cooler than tin or cerement etc, by 'breathing' , Very common and very effective. We have a palm frond - thatched roof on our casa in Puerto - It works!
No need tio apologize for self-promotion. That is the story of my life.
And I knew someone would know far more about palapas than I do.
Ain't English grand?
That sounds about right.
It's so exciting to see that we have, with our Lords help, been able to progress with this construction. Considering we had almost no funds when our other palapa burned down. It's been amazing, He is amazing. I'm looking forward to returning Nov. 4th. Thanks Steve for all your help and input. Liz
Nice to hear from you, Liz.
FAB! article John - Thank you! Greatly entertaining and educational!
Cheers!
Dan in NC
There is always someone out there with good information.
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