I discovered today, that one of the four volcanoes nearby is only asleep and not dormant as I had thought. I visited the town of Berlin with Lito, and some of his friends. He told me that there is a large Geothermal plant located just outside town with a restaurant. I was surprised to find not only a good restaurant where I had a real cappuccino (my first since arriving here in November), but also a naturally heated pool, and small sauna houses that are available for a small fee.
The plant supplies 24% of El Salvador's total energy production and produces 100 megawatts. The geothermal fields surrounding Vulcan Tecapa reach temperatures of 572 F. The area is peppered with giant pipes that transport the steam to the plant from the interior of the volcano. On a short walk around the property, I came upon several steaming and bubbling holes. It was a slightly unnerving to think of all that action taking place below my feet that is only about 15 kilometers away from La Finca. Lito told me the plant helps to release much of the pressure so Tecapa should remain asleep for years to come.
We spent the afternoon catching up on news, and everyone wants my bat tea compost recipe. I told them if it works, they can buy it from La Finca. When I pulled up to the finca gate today, there was a horse blocking my way. Don Samuel appeared and told me he had brought the horse for me to look at. I could have him for $100. I told him to bring the horse back when I returned. Buying a horse isn’t exactly an impulse buy, even at a $100.
I rushed home to help Evers finish up the planting of the gourds and melons as he had spent today (his day off) digging holes for me. I was tired, but since he had gone to so much trouble, I found the energy to get it done. He watched his usual Schwarzenegger movie again tonight. I think he watches the same one over and over.
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