So after ten days of hard word, what have we achieved?
We have worked at the centre for about 900 hours which has saved the centre approximately £4,500 in labour costs.
Our expedition encouraged the centre to start the second phase of their project.
Our presence at the centre and the work we were doing helped the fundraisers there to persuade donors to give the centre more money and materials.
We developed the experience and skills of all participants who successfully communicated with the Slovaks even without any knowledge of the Slovak language, successfully travelled around the city on public transport, successfully coped with difficulties such as a lack of hot water, different food and hot weather.
Well done everyone.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Julians message
Hi all
It has been a warm week so far, 35 degrees in the shade, so a good oppurtunity to tan, or in case of alot of people burn on the roof. I have met many people, and we have seen a few celebritys so far including Chuck Norris in the waterpark yesterday, Wayne Rooney on the auto bus, and Father Jack everywhere.
The waterpark was good, the massage was relaxing, but i was slightly dissapointed when it turned out to be a fat man with giant hands as the masseur. But apart from that it was a good day.
Looking forward to returning, hopefully it will be a bit cooler in England, see everyone soon
Julian
It has been a warm week so far, 35 degrees in the shade, so a good oppurtunity to tan, or in case of alot of people burn on the roof. I have met many people, and we have seen a few celebritys so far including Chuck Norris in the waterpark yesterday, Wayne Rooney on the auto bus, and Father Jack everywhere.
The waterpark was good, the massage was relaxing, but i was slightly dissapointed when it turned out to be a fat man with giant hands as the masseur. But apart from that it was a good day.
Looking forward to returning, hopefully it will be a bit cooler in England, see everyone soon
Julian
LEE
hi all,
it is apso;utly boiling over here today, having to work is a nightmare, we have to stop every 10 mins to take on some water. yesterday was great at the waterpark, it was even hotter yesterday. i had a 45 min massage it was luxary. the work is hard, mainly because of the weather. its really good how everyone has bonded together. ive made sonme great friends, both english and solvakian. thats about it really from me, only a couple days till we come honme.
see you all soon
it is apso;utly boiling over here today, having to work is a nightmare, we have to stop every 10 mins to take on some water. yesterday was great at the waterpark, it was even hotter yesterday. i had a 45 min massage it was luxary. the work is hard, mainly because of the weather. its really good how everyone has bonded together. ive made sonme great friends, both english and solvakian. thats about it really from me, only a couple days till we come honme.
see you all soon
Monday, July 28, 2008
Alex
Hi all, just thought i would add a few opinions to the blog, however not much news to tell as most stories have already been told. The few trips we have been on have been an amazing experience and I have seen many new and wonderful sights ranging from decorative buildings to underground caves to undescribable mountains. Today has been very hot especially for working conditions and a think a few of us now have sunburn. We have also been to a local lake this evening, which was very enjoyable and a good laugh watching everyone attempt to water ski. I am very much looking foward to the Aqua park tomorrow and the massage that a few of us have opted for. I think the standard of living here is very good and has exceeded my expectations, the room we are sleeping is pleasant and the food made for us by the wonderful Helenka is a good taste of the Slovakian culture. Work has been demanding and a lot of effort has been put in by everyone. Although the expedition is going well and it is an experience like no other (in a good way obviously) it will be nice to come home on friday to see friends and family. Alex
Reece - Working in 40 degrees!
Hi all.
The weather here is fantastic and yesterday the hike to the Tatra mountains was an unbelievable experience. Looking over the edge of a cliff is not for the feint hearted and Sam proved that to be true. The chair lift up was funny for most as Chris James doesn't like heights and this was topped off by the whole lift stopping for a few minutes half way up. His screams were deafening and Mr Taylor's attempt to jump off his chair was quite a picture. I will try to add it later.
Today we have all been put to work in 40 degree heat. I have broken a wheelbarrow, many tools have seen better days and bricks smashed, however, everyone is still as keen as mustard and the work is being completed faster than anyone expected.
We will go swimming in a local lake later and the cool water will be a well needed luxury.
Many of the residents are wearing the Bandvulc T-Shirts which I gave out a few days ago and they all seem very grateful although I'm not sure they understand 'High Speed Humpin'.
So I will return to work once more. I can't believe we only have 4 days left!
Reece x
The weather here is fantastic and yesterday the hike to the Tatra mountains was an unbelievable experience. Looking over the edge of a cliff is not for the feint hearted and Sam proved that to be true. The chair lift up was funny for most as Chris James doesn't like heights and this was topped off by the whole lift stopping for a few minutes half way up. His screams were deafening and Mr Taylor's attempt to jump off his chair was quite a picture. I will try to add it later.
Today we have all been put to work in 40 degree heat. I have broken a wheelbarrow, many tools have seen better days and bricks smashed, however, everyone is still as keen as mustard and the work is being completed faster than anyone expected.
We will go swimming in a local lake later and the cool water will be a well needed luxury.
Many of the residents are wearing the Bandvulc T-Shirts which I gave out a few days ago and they all seem very grateful although I'm not sure they understand 'High Speed Humpin'.
So I will return to work once more. I can't believe we only have 4 days left!
Reece x
Planes, trains and automobiles
Sunday did not see a lie in and everyone was up at 0600 as normal. Today we experienced a variety of modes of transport. The first was an electric bus (1) which took us to the railway station. We quickly occupied three compartments on the train (2) and made our way to the city of Poprad where we took a tram (3) to Stary Smokovec. There we boarded a funicular (4) to climb up the High Tatra mountain range.
The Tatras have convenient chalets along walking routes for refreshments and conveniences so before we started on our walk we took advantage of using the toilets. Entertainingly you had to guess how much paper you needed and take those sheets with you into the toilets with you. There was no paper inside the cubicles.
We started our walk going down to another chalet and further down to the bottom of the valley where the water was crystal clear. The rest of the walk was up, up and up.
After passing some waterfalls and lots of climbing we reached Strbske pleso a mountain lake. Unfortunately, swimming was not allowed. The cable car to the top of Lomnicky stit (2634m) was already fully booked so we took a chair lift (4) to Lomnicky saddle (c2400m). Even those with vertigo survived the ride even when the chair lift ground to a halt. We then made our way back down the mountain via cable car (5) where we had dinner in a traditional Slovak restaurant. Once full we trammed it back to Poprad and trained it back to Kosice. Our final mode of transport was the automobile (6) to take us back to the Dorka centre and straight to bed.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Saturday
Having moved onto different work has created much excitement in the team. Sam has been very excited to use the drills to make holes for the foundations for the Extension. Lee can barely stop himself from exploding with excment. Morale has shot up after the change to our work routine.
Together Illya and Flt Lt Aala use their combined Russian and Slovak to communicate with the professional builder helping out today.
Yesterday evening some of the older orphans who are resident at the centre invited us to the local bowling alley. We all seemed to assume that someone else had paid for the bowling so we were quite surprized when the guy came running after us when we left asking for some money.
The weather is improving and time outside is also making the whole project more enjoyable. Sunday will be a day off and we shall be going for a trip to the mountains.
Together Illya and Flt Lt Aala use their combined Russian and Slovak to communicate with the professional builder helping out today.
Yesterday evening some of the older orphans who are resident at the centre invited us to the local bowling alley. We all seemed to assume that someone else had paid for the bowling so we were quite surprized when the guy came running after us when we left asking for some money.
The weather is improving and time outside is also making the whole project more enjoyable. Sunday will be a day off and we shall be going for a trip to the mountains.
Friday, July 25, 2008
work in progress
just a few lines to let you know what the work we are doing is progressing. Up until today we have been knocking down not building up. We have had to chip off all the old plaster from about six rooms and one stairway in preparation for it to be replastered. The plaster is cement based and very hard, and the cadets have found it difficult to remove without cracking off the layer underneath. The chap in charge of the project, a civil engineer, speacks only a little English so he demonstrates how to do this by hitting the wall and saying 'Tak Tak Tak' this has been taken up by the cadets an is what we all call taking the plaster off.
The other jobs we have been doing have been filling up skips with all the waste building materials lying around, and putting piles of bricks up on the roof ready for the new building. They are going to build upwards on the concrete roof. All the buildings are of massive concrete construction with even the roofs and ceilings made of about 200mm of concrete. it is quite easy to alter walls as they just cut new window or door holes in with no need for lintels.
Tomorrow we are going to mix concrete to level a floor. We have two of us who have laid concrete floors before so it should all go well. m
We start at 7 in the morning with 'smoko' at 10 for 15 mins, the lady who looks after us brings a sandwich and bananas with tea and orange juice. We then work on until 12 when we have a cooked lunch with soup for starters. AT 12.30 We start the afternoon session until 4 when we clean up the site and pack up.
There is lots of laughing and joking going on with much loud and out of tune singing,which makes the Slovakian workmen laugh.
The other jobs we have been doing have been filling up skips with all the waste building materials lying around, and putting piles of bricks up on the roof ready for the new building. They are going to build upwards on the concrete roof. All the buildings are of massive concrete construction with even the roofs and ceilings made of about 200mm of concrete. it is quite easy to alter walls as they just cut new window or door holes in with no need for lintels.
Tomorrow we are going to mix concrete to level a floor. We have two of us who have laid concrete floors before so it should all go well. m
We start at 7 in the morning with 'smoko' at 10 for 15 mins, the lady who looks after us brings a sandwich and bananas with tea and orange juice. We then work on until 12 when we have a cooked lunch with soup for starters. AT 12.30 We start the afternoon session until 4 when we clean up the site and pack up.
There is lots of laughing and joking going on with much loud and out of tune singing,which makes the Slovakian workmen laugh.
Destructive to Constructive.
After many days of work removing the render from the walls it looks asthough we will be starting some constructive work.
We have been given the task of leveling a contrete floor. As half the room is higher than the other we will lay a concrete screed on the lower side of the room to bring the whole room into one level so that it can then have a finish floor layed.
Myself and Phil Mingham will be screeding the floor whilst two people will be mixing the concrete and a further four will be tending us with the finished product.
We have been given the task of leveling a contrete floor. As half the room is higher than the other we will lay a concrete screed on the lower side of the room to bring the whole room into one level so that it can then have a finish floor layed.
Myself and Phil Mingham will be screeding the floor whilst two people will be mixing the concrete and a further four will be tending us with the finished product.
Hot water returns
Friday
A day earlier than expected, the hot water factory has turned on its supply so the whole district in which the Dorka centre is located has hot water again. So after four days of shock inducing cold showers, the team can now enjoy a nice warm shower. But with only two showers between the 14 of us, we need to push everyone through quickly. Luckily the bathrooms do not have mirrors so the time needed in the bathrooms for hair gelling/waxing/styling does not cause any more queues.
The weather continues to be showery which restricts the work that we can do but everyone has been productive. We filled our second skip with waste and have continued to remove the top layer of paint and plaster from some internal walls in preparations for replastering. We are impressing the locals with our enthusiastic singing while at work.
The traditional Czech roast pork, cabbage and dumplings seemed to go down well at lunch time.
The early starts and hard work is beginning to show now. Someone (who will remain nameless) tried to make tea using orange juice instead of milk.
A day earlier than expected, the hot water factory has turned on its supply so the whole district in which the Dorka centre is located has hot water again. So after four days of shock inducing cold showers, the team can now enjoy a nice warm shower. But with only two showers between the 14 of us, we need to push everyone through quickly. Luckily the bathrooms do not have mirrors so the time needed in the bathrooms for hair gelling/waxing/styling does not cause any more queues.
The weather continues to be showery which restricts the work that we can do but everyone has been productive. We filled our second skip with waste and have continued to remove the top layer of paint and plaster from some internal walls in preparations for replastering. We are impressing the locals with our enthusiastic singing while at work.
The traditional Czech roast pork, cabbage and dumplings seemed to go down well at lunch time.
The early starts and hard work is beginning to show now. Someone (who will remain nameless) tried to make tea using orange juice instead of milk.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Ben Stephens
The day we arrived I knew it was going to be a memorable trip. We arrived at the Dorka center hot sweaty and tired. We were greeted with smiles and lovely food but I think most of us were to tired to to eat much. The work, whilst hard, is really enjoyable. We seem to be getting loads done every day but there all ways seems more to do today than there was yesterday! Before i came here i was thinking i will have to buy lots of sweets because i probably won't like the food over there but so far i haven't had a meal that I haven't loved! On Wednesday we went to some caves. the first was nearly twenty miles long.There were some amazing rock formations especially the stalagmites and stalactites.They were like nothing I have seen in England. The second cave we went to was an ice cave. I wasn't quite sure what to expect whether there would be bits of ice around or what but when we went in I was amazed at the huge glacier nearly twenty seven meters thick!You could see in the ice all the different layers of how the ice had frozen melt and re frozen several times over!Ever since we got here it has been raining! just like good old England!on the way back from the caves we had to make several detors due to flooding.Trying to comunicate to the slovakians can be difficult at times and hilarious for all! we struggle through pointing at things to help.i think the best part of the trip so far though has been the lovely food!
The day we arrived I knew it was going to be a memorable trip. We arrived at the Dorka center hot sweaty and tired. We were greeted with smiles and lovely food but I think most of us were to tired to to eat much. The work, whilst hard, is really enjoyable. We seem to be getting loads done every day but there all ways seems more to do today than there was yesterday! Before i came here i was thinking i will have to buy lots of sweets because i probably won't like the food over there but so far i haven't had a meal that I haven't loved! On Wednesday we went to some caves. the first was nearly twenty miles long.There were some amazing rock formations especially the stalagmites and stalactites.They were like nothing I have seen in England. The second cave we went to was an ice cave. I wasn't quite sure what to expect whether there would be bits of ice around or what but when we went in I was amazed at the huge glacier nearly twenty seven meters thick!You could see in the ice all the different layers of how the ice had frozen melt and re frozen several times over!Ever since we got here it has been raining! just like good old England!on the way back from the caves we had to make several detors due to flooding.Trying to comunicate to the slovakians can be difficult at times and hilarious for all! we struggle through pointing at things to help.i think the best part of the trip so far though has been the lovely food!
Thoughts on the weather by Mark!
Well where do I start?...
The weather! We keep hearing news that those of you in England are having some kind of heat wave. A heatwave! That's just great.
The weather here ranges from overcast to heavy rain. While it is a comfortable temperature for working, the constant rain on outings really puts a damper on the situation, especially you have only packed a limited supply of clothes for such weather; i.e 2 jumpers!
For example, yesterday my group had an awesome trip to some caves in the mountains. The weather was ok until we left the first cave and headed to the second, which happened to be filled with ice. Naturally I was organised enough to have only brought a hooded top in my bag,[everyone was told to bring coats!] which was about as effective at keeping the water out as a tissue. It's lucky that the second cave was even better than the first, as the -4 temperature wasn't so nice with wet clothes.
Oh well, at least we could return to a nice, hot shower. I wish. The hot water isn't turned on in this area until tommorow. At least nobody hogs the bathroom.
The weather! We keep hearing news that those of you in England are having some kind of heat wave. A heatwave! That's just great.
The weather here ranges from overcast to heavy rain. While it is a comfortable temperature for working, the constant rain on outings really puts a damper on the situation, especially you have only packed a limited supply of clothes for such weather; i.e 2 jumpers!
For example, yesterday my group had an awesome trip to some caves in the mountains. The weather was ok until we left the first cave and headed to the second, which happened to be filled with ice. Naturally I was organised enough to have only brought a hooded top in my bag,[everyone was told to bring coats!] which was about as effective at keeping the water out as a tissue. It's lucky that the second cave was even better than the first, as the -4 temperature wasn't so nice with wet clothes.
Oh well, at least we could return to a nice, hot shower. I wish. The hot water isn't turned on in this area until tommorow. At least nobody hogs the bathroom.
Henrys Comments
Hi everyone!
The journey to slovakia which started at 4.00am was a long one, for both staff and cadets. However, with Nuts magezines in hand and Mr Taylor's witty comments, the delayed transit flight in Bratislava was soon behind us and the group finally crash landed in Kosice at 10.30pm. Here we were greeted by Flt Lt Aala and other members of the Dorka centre, only to discover that the hot water for the whole community was to be turned off at 12.00pm that night......and then the stampede started.
The Dorka centre exceeded all our expectations, with both excellent living quarters and food, together with the great hospitality and soon the centre was like the home we never had. The 1st day came to shock for some with a 6.ooam wakeup call from Mr Taylor. There was no hesitation to get us in to work, and our efforts have impressed the Slovak builder, who consequently ran out of things for us to do.....but he soon found plenty more walls which needed tapping.
On Tuesday, both groups started their first whole day of work. However, in the afternoon my group were treated to local confidence course in Tanzania, while the other group unwillingly tided up our mess. So a couple bus rides later, and a long walk in the rain only to find it all closed even though we had previously rang to check. Then our happiness heightened, by finding that we had missed the last bus back to Kosice, so a long wait in the rain was endured before being ferried back to the Dorka centre by Mrs Aala. And you can only imagine the laughter of the other group when we revealed that it was in fact a disaster. Thanks Ros.
On Wednesday, my group were treated again to a trip to some local caves. The first cave was interesting but let down by the boatride not operating due to a lack of water. The second was amazing as it was made entirely out of ice and a freezing cold -10, as you would expect. This didn't go well with the 20 minute walk in the rain, up the moutain to the cave. We took an alternative route back to the centre, as the persistant rain had created rivers within the roads. 100 kilometers and an over turned lorry later we arrived back in Kosice. We were then treated to a trip to the local Roma gypsie settlements, where the whole group were surprised at the completely different life style they portay.
The journey to slovakia which started at 4.00am was a long one, for both staff and cadets. However, with Nuts magezines in hand and Mr Taylor's witty comments, the delayed transit flight in Bratislava was soon behind us and the group finally crash landed in Kosice at 10.30pm. Here we were greeted by Flt Lt Aala and other members of the Dorka centre, only to discover that the hot water for the whole community was to be turned off at 12.00pm that night......and then the stampede started.
The Dorka centre exceeded all our expectations, with both excellent living quarters and food, together with the great hospitality and soon the centre was like the home we never had. The 1st day came to shock for some with a 6.ooam wakeup call from Mr Taylor. There was no hesitation to get us in to work, and our efforts have impressed the Slovak builder, who consequently ran out of things for us to do.....but he soon found plenty more walls which needed tapping.
On Tuesday, both groups started their first whole day of work. However, in the afternoon my group were treated to local confidence course in Tanzania, while the other group unwillingly tided up our mess. So a couple bus rides later, and a long walk in the rain only to find it all closed even though we had previously rang to check. Then our happiness heightened, by finding that we had missed the last bus back to Kosice, so a long wait in the rain was endured before being ferried back to the Dorka centre by Mrs Aala. And you can only imagine the laughter of the other group when we revealed that it was in fact a disaster. Thanks Ros.
On Wednesday, my group were treated again to a trip to some local caves. The first cave was interesting but let down by the boatride not operating due to a lack of water. The second was amazing as it was made entirely out of ice and a freezing cold -10, as you would expect. This didn't go well with the 20 minute walk in the rain, up the moutain to the cave. We took an alternative route back to the centre, as the persistant rain had created rivers within the roads. 100 kilometers and an over turned lorry later we arrived back in Kosice. We were then treated to a trip to the local Roma gypsie settlements, where the whole group were surprised at the completely different life style they portay.
For Thursday and Friday we contiued the TIP TAPPING of the old classroom walls. On Saturday we started our main project, of creating foundations on the Dorka Centres roof. Finally we see the sun.
On Monday after work, the whole group were taken to a nearby lake, where we tried to waterski. It was a great laugh with only a few people making it a couple meters past the starting platform.
A 10 minute Update from Sam
Ahoy (as they say here)
I have ten minutes off so its time to have a natter on the blog. Reece,s last post kept you up to date with all the major goings on, so its just a few little things from me.
Everything is going great and spirits are high, weather forcasts are a little
grim at the moment but the sun is shining outside so fingers crossed it stays like that.
Everyone seems really friendly and welcoming and our wonderfull cook Helenka (hope thats the right spelling) seems to be mothering us with bountiful feasts morning, noon and night (not to mention snacks). No complaints here. The rooms are basic but comfertable, with toilet, shower etc.
Possibly the best part of the whole experience at the moment is that everyone is getting on with everyone and theres a great vibe about the place, even work isnt that bad when youve got some tunes and mates to work with.
Hope everything is going well back in Blighty off back to work
Sam out
PS sorry for the bad grammer its a slovakian keyboard so its hard to find the punctuation
I have ten minutes off so its time to have a natter on the blog. Reece,s last post kept you up to date with all the major goings on, so its just a few little things from me.
Everything is going great and spirits are high, weather forcasts are a little
grim at the moment but the sun is shining outside so fingers crossed it stays like that.
Everyone seems really friendly and welcoming and our wonderfull cook Helenka (hope thats the right spelling) seems to be mothering us with bountiful feasts morning, noon and night (not to mention snacks). No complaints here. The rooms are basic but comfertable, with toilet, shower etc.
Possibly the best part of the whole experience at the moment is that everyone is getting on with everyone and theres a great vibe about the place, even work isnt that bad when youve got some tunes and mates to work with.
Hope everything is going well back in Blighty off back to work
Sam out
PS sorry for the bad grammer its a slovakian keyboard so its hard to find the punctuation
A message from Reece!
Hi all.
Well the journey here was definetly a long one and the 4am start seems like years ago. The flight to Bratislava was on time and very comfortable. Then a long wait in the duty free in Bratislava waiting for our connecting flight. Once it did arrive it was dark and windy making for a landing which was actually able to wake Sam Kadoche. We were then greeted by Ros and the staff from the centre.
The Dorka centre is much nicer than I think anyone expected and the rooms and food are excellent. We have all been put to work straight away and the head Slovak builder is very impressed with how well we have destroyed the plaster on the walls and I think everyone's muscles are quickly growing and I am dreaming of hitting a wall over and over.
On Tuesday, my group were treated to a trip to Tarzania, a local confidence course, which we were all very excited to be going to. Two bus rides later and a walk up the road - closed - eventhough we did phone ahead. Then, to our delight, there were no buses back. Fortunately Ros' Wife came to our aid.
Yesterday, my group travelled to two caves. The first was massive with a boat ride, but unfortunately there wasn't enough water for them to float eventhough it was raining all day - so much that we encountered a brand new river on our return journey. The second cave was full of ice. Massive 27m deep ice with tunnels for us to walk through and the -10 degrees wasn't helped by the fact that we were soaking from the rain! We all enjoyed it though and the second team are as keen as mustard to follow suit!
Returning, we detoured through the Roma settlements. The dreadful living conditions really brought home the quality of life that some people here are living. The people have been given high rise appartments but chose to destroy them and use the contents for fire fuel, and then live outsider. Bizarre.
So I will return to work after this rest and look forward to lunch and the daily pilgrimage to Lidl!
Well the journey here was definetly a long one and the 4am start seems like years ago. The flight to Bratislava was on time and very comfortable. Then a long wait in the duty free in Bratislava waiting for our connecting flight. Once it did arrive it was dark and windy making for a landing which was actually able to wake Sam Kadoche. We were then greeted by Ros and the staff from the centre.
The Dorka centre is much nicer than I think anyone expected and the rooms and food are excellent. We have all been put to work straight away and the head Slovak builder is very impressed with how well we have destroyed the plaster on the walls and I think everyone's muscles are quickly growing and I am dreaming of hitting a wall over and over.
On Tuesday, my group were treated to a trip to Tarzania, a local confidence course, which we were all very excited to be going to. Two bus rides later and a walk up the road - closed - eventhough we did phone ahead. Then, to our delight, there were no buses back. Fortunately Ros' Wife came to our aid.
Yesterday, my group travelled to two caves. The first was massive with a boat ride, but unfortunately there wasn't enough water for them to float eventhough it was raining all day - so much that we encountered a brand new river on our return journey. The second cave was full of ice. Massive 27m deep ice with tunnels for us to walk through and the -10 degrees wasn't helped by the fact that we were soaking from the rain! We all enjoyed it though and the second team are as keen as mustard to follow suit!
Returning, we detoured through the Roma settlements. The dreadful living conditions really brought home the quality of life that some people here are living. The people have been given high rise appartments but chose to destroy them and use the contents for fire fuel, and then live outsider. Bizarre.
So I will return to work after this rest and look forward to lunch and the daily pilgrimage to Lidl!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Flt Lt Aala
Waiting for them to arrive.
At 1700h on 20 July I sent an sms to the team welcoming them to Slovakia and asked for updates on their connecting flight in case there were any delays. There was no point in me going to the airport on time if they were going to be late. An sms arrived telling me that they would be delayed by one hour and I duly informed the various volunteers who were coming to pick them up (saved us having to use taxis and therefore saved some money).
Then suddenly another sms arrived, "We're boarding now." So after a quick call to the volunteers again to tell them that they'd be here soon we set off to the airport.
At the airport another sms arrived to say that they were simply sitting on the tarmac and that they would not be leaving for a while so after waiting at the airport for an hour the team eventually arrived. We whisked them off to the centre to be fed, briefed and put to bed. I'll leave it for the cadets to let you know what they think about the accommodation.
Day 1
To ease them into the work gently, the team were split into two. Half would work while the other half went to see the historic city centre, change currency and buy provisions. Breakfast is at 0620h and work starts at 0700h. There is a 20 minute break at 1000h, half an hour for lunch at 1200h, a break in the afternoon at 1500h and we finish around 1600h with dinner at 1800h. There is a wet weather plan where we will be converting former toilets into a play room for children and a dry weather plan where we will be preparing the foundations for an extension to the building. It's been raining all the time so far.
Waiting for them to arrive.
At 1700h on 20 July I sent an sms to the team welcoming them to Slovakia and asked for updates on their connecting flight in case there were any delays. There was no point in me going to the airport on time if they were going to be late. An sms arrived telling me that they would be delayed by one hour and I duly informed the various volunteers who were coming to pick them up (saved us having to use taxis and therefore saved some money).
Then suddenly another sms arrived, "We're boarding now." So after a quick call to the volunteers again to tell them that they'd be here soon we set off to the airport.
At the airport another sms arrived to say that they were simply sitting on the tarmac and that they would not be leaving for a while so after waiting at the airport for an hour the team eventually arrived. We whisked them off to the centre to be fed, briefed and put to bed. I'll leave it for the cadets to let you know what they think about the accommodation.
Day 1
To ease them into the work gently, the team were split into two. Half would work while the other half went to see the historic city centre, change currency and buy provisions. Breakfast is at 0620h and work starts at 0700h. There is a 20 minute break at 1000h, half an hour for lunch at 1200h, a break in the afternoon at 1500h and we finish around 1600h with dinner at 1800h. There is a wet weather plan where we will be converting former toilets into a play room for children and a dry weather plan where we will be preparing the foundations for an extension to the building. It's been raining all the time so far.
Sam
After a day of commuting we got here at 10:30pm ready for a shower... there was food, however following that came the unfortunate news that the hot water was turning off at midnight for 5 days...cue stampede to the bathroom. This announcement came as a shock to some of the residents....
The next day everyone was up bright and early at 6AM(ish) half started work and the other half shirked off into town (ok we had some familiarisation tasks to do). After lunch it was a swap over and the other half found out what hammering plaster off the wall is all about...not much...Although some of us did get a little too enthusiastic about it all...bless.
In the Evening it was a trip to the local bowling alley for those brave enough to look for it, sorry no satirical pic or comment here. And everyone else had a relaxed evening. Oh and Lee made a friend with a local Chinese chap on the way to bowling.
Day Two and its another early start and a day full of work for everyone, what more can I say about that...oh some were throwing bricks (on instruction) onto a roof ready for better weather, the throwing soon became a bucket and rope after one person´s throw went off target...no I dont have a pic but yes it was Sam K, at least I´m big enough to admit it.
Day Three For some another day of 0600 wake up was getting to them, especially after some rigorous team building excises with members of staff the night before. The group was split in two, half of us carried on work, the others went to some nearby caves. The team leaving for the caves were as keen as mustard to investigate! However, after torrential rain caused flash floods and several overturned lorries, Flt Lt Aala made the critical decision to take the team 90 kilometres out of route so they could see some of the countries fascinating countryside, as they were already soaking from the mornings downpour and didn't fancy walking about town.
When we returned to town we were shown around the local Roma settlements and consequently didn't stop, to ensure the safe return of the minibuses hub caps.
After a day of commuting we got here at 10:30pm ready for a shower... there was food, however following that came the unfortunate news that the hot water was turning off at midnight for 5 days...cue stampede to the bathroom. This announcement came as a shock to some of the residents....
The next day everyone was up bright and early at 6AM(ish) half started work and the other half shirked off into town (ok we had some familiarisation tasks to do). After lunch it was a swap over and the other half found out what hammering plaster off the wall is all about...not much...Although some of us did get a little too enthusiastic about it all...bless.
In the Evening it was a trip to the local bowling alley for those brave enough to look for it, sorry no satirical pic or comment here. And everyone else had a relaxed evening. Oh and Lee made a friend with a local Chinese chap on the way to bowling.
Day Two and its another early start and a day full of work for everyone, what more can I say about that...oh some were throwing bricks (on instruction) onto a roof ready for better weather, the throwing soon became a bucket and rope after one person´s throw went off target...no I dont have a pic but yes it was Sam K, at least I´m big enough to admit it.
Day Three For some another day of 0600 wake up was getting to them, especially after some rigorous team building excises with members of staff the night before. The group was split in two, half of us carried on work, the others went to some nearby caves. The team leaving for the caves were as keen as mustard to investigate! However, after torrential rain caused flash floods and several overturned lorries, Flt Lt Aala made the critical decision to take the team 90 kilometres out of route so they could see some of the countries fascinating countryside, as they were already soaking from the mornings downpour and didn't fancy walking about town.
When we returned to town we were shown around the local Roma settlements and consequently didn't stop, to ensure the safe return of the minibuses hub caps.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Cadets in Slovakia: The First Blog
Here is the blog for the Plymouth & Cornwall Wing expedition to Slovakia. Expedition memebers will be writing comments in their spare time about their thoughts and experiences. Some entries are written as the day's activities and some entries are written as thoughts without any particular reference to a day. There may be some overlap between the various participant's comments and the comments may not necessarily be in chronological order but hopefully you will find out about how things are going with the expedition.
The purpose of the expedition is to work at a centre for orphans and families in crisis. This is part of the citizenship training and the spirit of adventure that is key to the Air Cadet Organisation.
The purpose of the expedition is to work at a centre for orphans and families in crisis. This is part of the citizenship training and the spirit of adventure that is key to the Air Cadet Organisation.
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