So that's how they do it!

We've wondered for a long time (decades, actually: since we were in Spain in the '70s) how the floors in multi-story buildings in Europe keep from collapsing.  Looking up at them from below in an unfinished building, all you can see is red tiles/"bricks" with no visible means of support or even attachment to the adjoining tiles.

But we watched this week as the "secret" was revealed.  Those red tiles have notched bottoms;  the notches rest on "beams" that also have red tile under sides and are made to exactly the right length.  

The "beams" are held up by temporary wooden cross beams and a forest of metal poles.

After metal reinforcing mesh is laid across the top, the cement mixer arrives and the whole thing is covered with cement.  And, after the cement hardens/cures, it's done.  All that remains to be added is a cosmetic ceiling of plaster (or whatever) on the under side and a floor of wood (or whatever) on the upper side.

This part I can do!

We are now keeping the cement wet so it cures properly and awaiting the arrival of the insulating cinder blocks so that the ground floor walls can be built.  Work should begin on that after this weekend. 

So, mystery solved!  That's how all those unfinished ceilings and tiles in sheds and barns and mechanics' shops manage to stay up there.    The whole thing reminds us a little of Colossians 1:16,17 which explains how the earth and the universe hold together, and are kept from flying apart.