I think I said at the beginning of the week that it’s Monday morning, and then it’s Friday evening, the in between time goes way too fast! I was up bright an early this morning, met Mary at the school just after 7:00 to roll out and shape our croissants, so that they could rise during our wine exam. I am quite happy that I didn’t get too worked up about the exam, although there were a few questions I wasn’t too sure about, the majority of them were very easy, and some of them ridiculously easy. What is the best known grape that is produced in Marlborough New Zealand? Well duh…! They weren’t all that easy, I promise.
The exam was a hundred questions, and quite a few of us were done in about fifteen minutes. Sharon from the office had coffee and tea on for us in the dining room, so we all had a quick chat about how the exam went, and then headed into the kitchens. It was a bit of and odd morning, it’s crazy how into a routine we all are here, and having a different morning than usual made for a slow start. We were all wandering in and out of the dining room, into the weigh up area, not knowing what we were doing! I made Irish chowder with lots of lovely fresh seafood from Ballycotton, a duck wing ragu, another batch of puff pastry and baked my croissants. I was out of the kitchen just after 12:00, and headed home to shower and finish packing. Had tea and pudding back at the school, and said bye to everyone, and then we got in the car and headed to Cork. It’s such a wee airport, but so nice, you check in and are through security within about ten minutes. We had a pint, chatted about the course, and before we knew it, it was time to board.
I am back in Kitchen three next week, and really hoping my teacher is Pat, will know soon enough. Cannot believe we only have four days left in the kitchen. The last week here will be so different, and I am hoping for some great weather so I can really enjoy the farm. I can’t remember if I’ve said the format of the last week or not, although I’m not 100% sure, but we cook on the Monday, the Tuesday is the day I’m not sure about, I know that the cook ahead for the exams on Wednesday is Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday and Thursday are the practical exams. I’m so happy I will be done my exam by midday on Wednesday, which leaves the afternoon, evening, and all day Thursday to clean the cottage, do the last minute bits around Shanagarry, Ballycotton and Midelton that I want to, and of course study for the written exams on Friday. There are three sections to the written exams, I’m sure once I start to look back at our Wednesday lecture notes I will realize there is a bit more that I need to revise on than I think, but I’m not going to worry about it until next week. Friday evening the teachers cook us a farewell dinner, and of course the night will end at The Blackbird. I have a flight early-ish on Saturday to London Town, so it can’t get too out of hand for me.
I have arrived at Sarah and Ferg’s, Mary and Fergus were at the train station to pick me up (at 11pm!), and we headed back to their place. Had a nice little chat and now it’s off to bed. Looking forward to seeing the kidlets in the morning, and spending the day with them.
“You’re done already? Far too easy. It’s a good thing Darina’s not here….” – Sharon talking to a few of us after today’s exam