Finally the first part of the road to our place under construction

It was years of waiting, many lockdowns during the rainy seasons because it was impossible to use the mud road to our land. Actually only agricultural vehicles could use the road through the years and, let's face it, we are the only ones having our house (so far) connected. 

Our Mazda hatchback could not drive to our land. We had and still have to park it at Phatsamon's mother's house in the village and take the truck to drive the last part home.

Many, many times we were told: "The road will come soon". 

Unexpectedly the local government started June 6th, nearly two months ago, with leveling and we were very happy they started (we thought...). 

The day after all workers were gone again and till the afternoon of the day before yesterday nothing happened. 

That afternoon a truck brought formwork. Yesterday wire mesh. Two ladies and four men working to create the first part. 

Till this morning, coming back from the church, I did not believe it but then... the first concrete truck started to poor concrete.  Writing this blog now already truck number four is unloading and pouring. 

Great we had a lot of rain last night. The soil/underground is saturated so will not take the water out of the fresh concrete. This supports to make the concrete stronger. Just for now hoping no rain will come within a couple of hours not to damage the top layer. 

So, the road is finally under construction now and... we are in lockdown because the road is closed. 

We offer the workers some refreshments and snacks. It's hard working. 34 degrees Celsius and over 90% humidity. They appreciate it a lot. Cupid and Singto are playing with them but are on the leash now. We do not want to have 'Buddha Cupid and Buddha Singto" footprints of them in the fresh poured concrete. 

For now, this year, we get the first 240 meters (4 meters wide) and 15 cm thick concrete. Next year another 180 meters (5 meters wide) 15 cm thick. Every year they just can offer for max. 500.000 THB (around 12.500 Euro's). A story we understand now. 

So, after next year there is only another about 30 meters to go to the entrance of our land but we can live with that and maybe the year after there will be concrete there as well. We will manage. 

Some pictures of today around lunchtime. 

5 PM today after 8 trucks of concrete

Frans & Phatsamon

email:   pyramidhousethailand@gmail.com

Highest point reached and top roof installed by ourself with the help of my son

Sunday July 28 2024 / 2567, birthday of the Thai king, 2.44 PM Thai time, we finally succeeded to reach the highest point of our main house and to finish the installation of the top roof by ourselves. No construction firm wanted us to help us out with this hard job. We are very happy my son helped us during his holidays at our place with it. 

Although rainy season we got lots of help from 'above' so we could do the installation. Most dry during our activities. Still, especially for my son, who just came from Australian wintertime in Perth, very hot and extreme humid. For him working with a hat and shirt was not at all comfortable anymore after a short time.

First we had to hire, build up and stabilize scaffoldings to install the front side and front gutters. My son was a strong helping hand with this and we succeeded to do it as safe as possible but still not in a 'Dutch Arbo' way. The dogs, as always, very excited to go up but... they have to wait for a couple of months till we have installed the staircase. 

Yesterday early morning we installed the outside ceilings and temple bells. After that we took the scaffoldings down, brought them back to the rental place and had a great lunch, the three of us, together in the city. Something to celebrate. 

A bit sad my son is leaving to The Netherlands this afternoon again. Thanks for your help and the great time together again (steph)son! Safe trip home and good luck in your new job. We hope to welcome you in your Elephant pyramid and your sister in her Peacock Pyramid soon again.  

Frans & Phatsamon

email:   pyramidhousethailand@gmail.com

Middle roof closed

After a long period of time and lots of disturbances finally this morning we succeeded closing the middle roof. The top roof now is 60% ready.

We needed to change the scaffolding to the other side of the house and, as told before, nearly only work/worked from the inside out. 

So far we could still use around 50% of the broken rooftiles after the huge storm and actually now we have a lot spares for the future and to make a new entrance gate to the labyrinth. 

Frans & Phatsamon

email:   pyramidhousethailand@gmail.com