Friday, March 30 – April 2nd
Been a couple days since I’ve written. Friday was a holiday here so we spent the day getting a few more household chores checked off my list. I have an appointment to open a bank account on Tuesday, so my hands are tied on several items until li have that.
We found a really nice Italian restaurant which happens to be directly next to my flat. Score. I’m surrounded by small fresh fruit and vegetable stands, Mediterranean markets, a laundry and shoe repair place. You are just walking along a busy street and then BAM, Peter’s Court, which is where I live.
Bob left Saturday for the states and it just killed me. I walked around my flat asking myself what have I done?! After a bit I rallied and took a 4 mile walk to set myself (and thoughts) right again. Then he sent words of encouragement from the airport and (as always) helped me to refocus.
Sunday I walked again, down past the Palace. Did 7+ miles. It was cold. But I didn’t get lost and that was really my goal. Since I have no god-given sense of direction, getting lost is a likelihood.
Now it’s Monday. We still have today and tomorrow off. I believe today is still part of the Easter Holiday. Tuesday is a day off for my group, the A Bascis Patisserie.
I’m over at Arro’s ( 1 block from the flat) this morning taking advantage of their free WiFi and enjoying a Flat White and slice of Panettone. If I gain weight here it won’t be due to the pastries I create in school (well maybe it will) but more likely the Panettone. Its a weakness for me.
13 Comments
Deb
You are following a dream Mel but you have done so with great reflection and responsibility as you work to achieve this goal. I have no doubt you will get through these growing pains and pangs and rise, just like the dough you will work with!😉 Thank you for including us in your journey!
admin
Thanks Deb. Its weird having so many days off like this. I’m exploring and getting to know my way around but I’m also anxious to stay on track.
Lori Evans
Thank you for sharing your adventure with us. I’m so excited for you. Good luck my friend.
admin
Thanks Lori. I’m on a mission to find pastry bags this morning. Need them tomorrow for pastry cremes. The chefs don’t care for the bags they provide in our knife kit. So off I go!
Kim Rogers
Love panettone!! Great to hear you’re getting to know your new city. Sounds like things are coming together nicely. Enjoy!
admin
Thanks Kim. They are coming together VERY slowly. But we were told to expect that. Really need to figure out my cook top or the Hob as they call it. Also need internet at the flat but it all takes time.
mary read
Mel I am so happy for you – surely this is a huge adjustment for anyone but you have more courage than I. You will have a blast and I love your updates. Please keep us posted. And hey – you don’t have to listen to Trump every day – LOL love Mary
admin
Thanks Mary! Lol. The only place I hear Trump’s name any longer is on Facebook.
I’m off to find pastry bags and small bowls. Sounds silly but the main kitchen store ran out and won’t have them for a while. In the meantime I have pastry cremes tomorrow.
Sue Von Pohl
So excited for you Melanie and love (and envious) to hear all about your new journey. I’m so proud of your spirit and determination and the love and devotion you and bob show each other to give you strength to fulfill this lifelong dream. Hugs!!
Beth
Mel, how exciting this is for you and for us as we live through your experiences. I just laughed so hard at your “no god-given sense of direction”… ditto for me. So I know that must have felt like a big risk, BUT YOU DID IT!
Miss you and anxiously await your next entry!
Your Loving Bob!
Great selfie! That was Brave! LOL!!! It killed me too to leave. Nice photos from the park, and now I understand why you got cold. Can’t wait to hear about creme fillings! I told the Ops team at work that when you return you’re doing a pastry Friday Catering for us – a paid food truck deal! Have a great day! I’m proud of you and love you! FaceTime once you get the MiFi going!
Your Loving Bob!
And… Can you explain what a Flat White is? LOL! In more detail than the waiter gave us at the coffee shop in SOHO last Fall?
Us: “We have a question – what’s a Flat White?”
Him: “Wel, it’s a Flat White, in’t it?”
US: LOL!!! “No really … What’s a Flat White?”
How was A Basics today?
Celia
Mel, It’s so nice to hear you are getting along in your new environment. So many changes and things to explore while learning your passion. Keep posting to keep us up on your happenings. Don’t forget to post your creations! ❤️ Celia