Initially we didn't realize how much work would be involved in this phase (sound familiar?). : ) But Ani Sherab, who visited from Arizona and helped us a few weeks ago, mentioned we should seriously consider smoothing the surface of this particular Stupa. The sand blasting removed the old stucco layer, and we worked really hard to accomplish that. So we weren't thrilled at this thought at first, but after the repairs on Saga Dawa turned out so well, we decided it was a good idea. Now we're going for it! Most of the work you're seeing is using M120, a thin set mortar, designed for this exact kind of application. It is applied in a thin layer over shallow imperfections in the surface, allowed to set for a while, then sponged into shape. The sponging allows the excess material to be removed, leveling the repair with the surrounding surface...