Once settled in and introductions over with, Dave and Emily headed off to there chosen volunteer project which is called the ´French Hospital´. This is a local hospital run by Cuban doctors.

The project is to build an extension to the existing hospital with new clinics and facilities to help deal with the over demand for medical services within the area (in case you are wondering.....the ´French´ connection is because the funding for the project is from a French company)

An unusual thing for Architects to do, get their hands dirty and work on a building site but Dave and Emily were keen to see the other side and gain some experience whilst also being part of a really positive cause. Their main jobs so far have been lots and lots and lots of sanding, and also lots and lots of rendering.

Their office hands are suffering, they have a new appreciation for anyone who works on site (its really hard work!!) and they are now walking around with a constant covering of white render, dirt and dust. Volunteering has turned out to be very tiring.

A typical day involves being up early and to the communal breakfast by 7.30am. Then a rather boring and overlong team meeting from 8.15am to 9am. Then into a taxi to site. Work on site from 9am to 5pm (with a great lunch supplied to us for free in a local restaurant) then back to the hostel. Shower, the back to the clubhouse for communal dinner at 6.30pm. Then normally to bed as Dave and Emily are shattered.

On top of this each volunteer is expected to do 3 chores each week. Which have included washing up after dinner for 60 people (takes about 2 hours) serving dinner to 60 people, and shopping for and making breakfast for 60 people (this involves going to the market after work, and getting up at 6.30am to prepare)

Dave is still confused why he is working so hard on his holiday but his new fiance keeps telling him it is good for his soul. (Dave always thought Rock and Roll was good for his soul?)