Dec 19

Day 4

7:30AM - the group awakened to a somber feeling in the hostel because as the group finished cooking breakfast, we had just finished the last of our staple almond butter. We devoured the last of our Walmart spree and would have to make a market run after the work day.

When we got to the school, we were all excited to see how the forge and lid turned out. It seemed a little wet still, so we were hoping it would dry by the afternoon in the sun. Cristian went with Roberto into the market to buy a metal strip, drill bits, and saw blades. The people who worked at the auto shop were really kind and gave Cristian the metal strip for free. However, Cristian felt bad so he returned the favor by buying the people some cookies and soda. A welder in town told Cristian and Roberto that he would be able to make stronger tongs with the metal. With that, they came back and Cristian and Angel worked on cutting the metal strip in half and them smoothing the sides with the mini-saw.

While they were at the market, Giselle and Jenny were mixing different compositions of cab to test for aluminum mold casting. They made four different types of compositions (clay:sand): 25:75, 40:60, 50:50, and 80:20. Most of them were really dry, which caused them to crack a lot. However, the 40:60 composition seemed to be the best ratio as it was the most homogeneous and most stable. They cut used liter bottles up by cutting off the top and bottom of the bottle and then cutting the hollow in half. These halves were stacked on top of each other for a more reinforced molding base, and then the cab would be placed in the void.

Angel and Abdullah worked on creating the trash compactor. They both had had two different visions and started prototyping using wood, cardboard, glue, and their mechanical knowledge. Abdullah had a vision of a vertical trash compactor where the the person would put the trash bag and trash into a box with a door, and then push down with a lever, compacting the loose trash into the shape of the box. Angel had a vision of using a lever and a "ratchet and clank" system to create a horizontal trash compactor.

At this time, lunch was ready so everyone went down to the cafeteria. After lunch was the laziest and slowest we have ever been. There was little to do and we were waiting on the bigger tasks. Cristian and Angel were busy on working on cutting the metal strip in half and them smoothing the sides with the mini-saw for the tongs. Dr. Basha was continually checking on the solar panel system to see if there were any changes on the system readings. Angel walked around to see if he could help with the construction group for the school's new cafeteria and teacher lounge. Giselle and Jenny worked on writing and polishing the blog up.

After walking back to the hotel, we immediately ventured to the market to get more food for breakfast and some snacks for the trip. When we got back from our grocery shopping spree, we had a teacher from Tecnico Chixot (who is also a weaving artist) come to the hotel to talk about her work and sell some of her pieces to us. Everyone but Cristian got little souvenirs to take back home. Abdullah and Giselle were able to bargain with the prices and scored some pretty good deals. Afterwards, we had dinner, which was pan-fried plantains and rice with carrots and mirliton (chayote).

Once dinner was over and dishes were washed, half of the group decided to go out to the center plaza and enjoy one last night out in the city of San Juan, Comalapa. Angel, Giselle, and Jenny walked to the Center and enjoyed some tasty tacos and watched a few youngsters light up fireworks outside the church. It soon started getting late and the group returned back to the hostel to wrap up the night by playing cards.