This was a trip unlike any other I’ve ever experienced. Not only did we manage to build a gazebo for the town of Kazabazua, we also helped build a shed, parged a straw bale house, and strengthened our bond as a class. At the outset of this trip, I had no idea what the project would entail. I had worked with tools before, but never the caliber of the enormous circular saws we got to use. We pulled out rusty old nails, measured angles, cut, measured some more, cut with a different tool, drilled in nails and new holes, mounted and took down the structure — everything necessary for the job.

Luckily for us, the weather was nice and the wood stayed relatively dry during the construction process. In just three days, we managed to complete our part in building the gazebo, as well as sending some workers across the street to aid in the construction of a shed. We ate delicious meals and snacks supplied by the community of Kaz, and we are very grateful for the effort they put into accommodating our needs.

Aside from working on the gazebo, we also parged, hiked, made a campfire or baked. We even experienced a silent nature walk, appreciating the beauty of the outdoors without speaking. Staying at Solisterra was an adventure in itself. My room was on the top floor, and the big window provided a magnificent view of the straw bale house built by last year’s class. Staying in a straw bale house didn’t feel any different from staying in an average brick house, but Frank and Dominique (the architects who constructed Solisterra) added other features to make the house as environmentally friendly as possible. All in all, it was an amazing experience, and every one of us was sad to depart. We would gladly take the opportunity to return to Kaz, either to build more structures or just to visit!–Holly Faria ’15

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