Last night, this is where I slept. You see, firm in my mind at the moment, is the intention to construct dazzling sustainable structures with trash bottle bricks. The irony is that here in the village they have a deep tradition of truly sustainable homes (i.e. no artificial non-local, non-organic materials). These traditional homes are built from bamboo, stone, and natural materials– although this is no longer the case and these techniques are almost forgotten. Regardless, to build a great sustainable structure here, I would be wise to not only apply new techniques but the ancient methods and materials as well.
I was in Bontoc yesterday, and for various reasons, out of money. I wondered if I should return home to my village for the night, or continue to have some fun with Chris, a very interesting and adventurous Canadian traveler who is passing through the area. Indeed, I have him to thank for this very enlightening adventure.
Chris who is very interested in the local culture had gone to the Bontoc Museum. I went to meet up with him there and while waiting for him, I started chit chatting with Marcela, the curator. I told her about our exciting bottle building experiments and my interest in their ancient tribal architecture. Eager to share, she got our behind her desk and took me out to their backyard where they have build up hut and sheds and pig pens in the traditional techniques. And, low and behold, she invited me to spend the night in one of the huts.
And so I did! Chris had already signed in to a nice hotel. I think he was a bit jealous of my impromtu sleeping quarters– but he nonetheless graciously offered to lend me his blanket while he asked for another. Thanks Chris!
Boy did I sleep good! It is the best sleep I have had in Bontoc to be honest. The hut was very dark and peaceful as it is surrounded by a large garden. And it was grounded. Grounded is the best word to describe the essence of the hut. It was built on the earth, and made from earth. The base walls were from stone mortared together using clay and mud. The posts were made from logs and the inner roof small bamboo. The top layered from Co-gong grass. It rained during the night and I was beautifully warm and dry. I awoke from a great sleep to the sun peaking through the grass and bamboo and spilling in through the wooden door.
There is much to learn here.
