I MADE IT!

It was a long day and half or so of flying, (I can't quite remember how long it was with all those time changes) but I've arrived.  Flights were ok, but of course for my first flight half way around the world I end up with two kids in the row in front of me on a red eye. Somehow despite their sugar high and excitement, I managed to get a bit of sleep.  


I first landed in Frankfurt with a 5 hour lay over, which on lack of sleep seemed much longer. I knew I was in Germany the minute I walked into the Airport to the smell of sausages and saw every vendor with a long chalkboard list of unqiue beers ready to be poured.  It was definitely a warm WELCOME TO GERMANY!

Then it was back on the plane to head to Florence, where I met some great people on my flight.  One woman was from New York who was telling me about her whirlwind weekend with Hurricane Irene. Then she wrote down all of her suggestions of things to see in Siena, where she was staying and had lived years earlier... I can't wait to explore and work through her list of suggestions.

On arrival in Florence, I was picked up at the Airport, then it was an hour or so on the Autostrada (Freeway), then it was on to the windy little roads. It was just like the pictures, or in the movies, where there was houses up every hillside, with casacading greenery and trees all over the hills. Beautiful! Did I mention it was quite warm?  It was about 7pm and felt about as warm as 4-5pm back home. I got to the Apartment, to a note saying all of the other interns were at work. The apartment is nice, women have the upper apartment and Guys have the apartment downstairs.

Later that night I got to meet Sarah, Morgan and Gabe, my roommates, fellow interns and the people that I will share this amazing adventure with. They all seem great.   I'm super excited.  We have one more person coming next week from London to add to our group.   


I have one day off before I start at La Petraia, and today we are going to drive to the store in the next town.   I'll relax for the rest of the day, and get myself ready to start work tomorrow.  I can't wait!


I've attached a photo taken from my apartment window.  How lucky am I?
(click on the photo below to enlarge it)

Ciao!

Thanks!

I have a personal message to the members of the Okanagan Chefs Association Board and a few special friends who had a little surprise "Italian" version of a bon voyage party on Monday night.  


Thank you all so much for last night.  To be able to sit and enjoy an evening of good food, good wine and great friends...was priceless.  I appreciate the warm send off as I head out on this adventure and look forward to catching up with all of you when I return in November.


Thank you to the OCA for making this opportunity possible.


Ciao!

Am I really ready?

My adventure began long before the nay sayers started mocking me about my ability to drive standard, just weeks shy of me heading off to Italy. It started as I calmly walked between the rows of grape vines early on an autumn morning last September;  seeking a calming moment in the chilled morning hours, before I would pick up my knife and begin cooking a meal that would change my life. Then I tightened my apron stings, and simply did what I do everyday; what I was trained to do, use local product, and keep it simple. When I think back about that day, the sunshine, the people that were there that day, it calms me as I head out on a great Italian adventure.

One last thought as I reflect on this past year and leading up to this September - I would tell everyone to get out there and get involved. Compete.  Don’t let your fear of failing hold you back. This is a great competition, cooking in the field.  If you aren’t competing, get there out there and get involved!

Leading up to leaving… my flight leaves August 29th - ten very short days from now.  I fly from Kelowna, to Calgary, Frankfurt, and then Florence. Reviewing how to drive standard is going well, packing is good, and I think I have almost everything with just a few odds and ends left to get yet. The team at Manteo has been so supportive, and I couldn’t be more proud. Thanks Heather Schroeter, Chef Bernard and the rest of the team for everything.

Friends, family and colleagues; see you soon!

I think I have chatted enough for the moment but please look for my first blog from Italy soon!!

Best of luck for the competitors of the Second Annual Farm to Fork!  Ciao.