Temperature fluctuations

November has begun, and brings a strange change in weather: the weather is absolutely beautiful! Nothing new of course. Except that we now have short days with a temperature of around 20 degrees. But in the night, temperature falls down drastically. During the day the sun does not reach our apartment anymore, the atmosphere inhouse remains chilly and damp. Even though this building is only 15 years old, it has no insulation and no heating.

So this is proof of the actual temperature in an unheated room in our ‘luxury rental apartment’: hardly 14 degrees Celsius… Now you understand the purpose of the picture above: a lot of poor and old people here, who have worse living conditions, are warming themselves up in the sun in front of their houses…

This mentioned as opposed to all complaining people in the Netherlands who, even in times of lockdown, live mostly in very comfortable and warm houses. They may worry about their ski holidays not taking place again this winter due to Covid-19. In this part of Europe, many people are either very rich or poor. The minimum wages are 650 euro per month. Energy is expensive. They have no or less profitable pension schemes. So they can not even afford any improvements on their housing.

I put on an extra jumper, and knit more blankets to help us through this winter. And you know what, we even get used to it. We have an electric radiator in the living room, that allows us a very comfortable 18 degrees during the day!

Insulation

On and on we continue working on the insulating layers in our new house. Damp-proof foil is spread out on the smooth concrete layer. On top of the foil a pack of the blue XPS-panels is laid out. The same we have on the roof. The foil needs to run up against the walls for about 15 centimeters. And has to go in and around many corners. And around tubes and pipes. This is a huge puzzle, and our laborers find this a devastating irritating fuss. Which it is. So we decide to take this job from them and do it ourselves. For a couple of days we puzzle and juggle with foil, scissors, tapes, rulers, cutters and knee protectors, Actually I really like doing this. It gives me peace of mind. I am in the outside air all day. I am focusing on making something with my hands. Twist my mind on finding mathematical solutions for all these corners and roundabouts. Senhor Manuel and senhor Toni take care of the large and straight surfaces. Now all floors are ready for the floor heating to be installed next week.

Call of nature

Oh, and we need a lot of painkillers for our tortured bones and muscles, after crawling around for five days. We are not at all made for physical work. The guys think we exaggerate and find it ever so weird to see the future ‘lady of the manor’ working so hard alongside them. But in the end I think they do appreciate my efforts. I even went to brave the latrine… because when nature calls….

Departure

The toughest event this week, especially for mister architect boss, is the upcoming departure of our builders. Their work is nearly done! Saying goodbye to Manuel, Zé, Toni, Silvia, Fernando and other companions is even emotional. Without them and their expertise we never would have gotten this sturdy basis for our home. They have become friends! But now the basic building is ready. The stage is now for electricians, plumbers, plasterers, decorators, gardeners, and so on. Everyday now Manuel and Toni bring some equipment back to their main warehouse at
Fernando and Silvia. Also the little blue site office, filled with equipment, toilet paper and the first-aid kit, is leaving the premises by truck. And the latrine. Luckily the fence can stay for another while… 😉