The foundation for the Swallow Guest House was made in 2004. The dwelling was designed to encourage the Swiftlet Swallow to co roam around the front fountain then, to make a home to raise their young and to return to make new nests once a year. A guardhouse was built in front to house the guard who would protect the eggs and nests from poachers, mice, cats, and maybe the geckos… well maybe not as I see them only eating the small insects a night. This was done while I worked in Korea…
Thanks Simon for the photos, NZ friend of Wayan’s
Yes, very obtrusive…
The village priest was brought in to bless the building supplies and the foundation on the building.
Can you see any machines? Made from scratch by hand and sweat!
I came back a year later with Brian, a Canadian carpenter and pal, we were introduced to…
Christmas Day 2005 was the ceremony chosen day to bless the partners, the building and to apologize to the rice Goddess for taking the land, and to scare away any evil spirits lurking in the corners. The males of the family, decorated outside and the women; aunts, mother and sisters, who had been busy preparing offerings for over a week chanted with me and the priest inside. The family is proud.
