Monday, February 28, 2011

My last day in paradise. I had some trouble sleeping last night. Anxious I guess, to say good-bye to everyone here and be on my way. Cliff knocked on my door at 7:30am to give me two bottles of wine as a parting gift! A Rosemount Merlot and Shiraz. I went out about an hour later for breakfast. Cliff gave me a hug, then started to cry. Millie gave me a hug and told me she loved me. Everyone waits til NOW to display all this affection?! Makes it tough to say good-bye. Got a hug from Denise and Gloria telling me what a pleasure it was to meet me. I actually hid in my room for a bit. Wasn't sure what would happen next!

When I went to get breakfast, it was sunny, when I went out at 10am, it was starting to get cloudy. I went to the beach anyway and stayed for about an hour. When it started to rain, I knew beach time was over, lol. I went and picked up my laundry, then returned my uniforms to HR. I talked with June for a while. Paul was busy, so I left. Lori left early. No letter of recommendation from Paul. I did however, get a great letter of recommendation from Janee! She came through in the end. She was very complimentary! It was kind of a wow! letter! I made a few more rounds of people to say good-bye, sat at the bar for a bit and talked to a lady here on vacation who works at a hospital and is totally stressed out by her job (been there done that!). We had a nice chat.

All day I've been getting hugs from the weirdest people, all saying they will miss me and good luck, and please come back. Who'd have thought? Islanders are a strange people!

I met Laura at 8pm for dinner. She had to work til 8pm at the gift shop. Havana Blue is a gorgeous restaurant, on the beach, vaulted ceilings, billowy white shear curtains at the open window areas, blue list, huge chandelier-type light fixture over the bar which is in the center of the room and a glass waterfall. Sweet! The menu was very interesting. There was a Latin theme to everything. They offer tapas so us three women split three different tapas (lettuce wraps with sea bass, mini-tacos de filets-steak, and shredded pork "pizza"). They were all great tasting with unusual flavors that blended very well together. We all also had dessert. Linda was the only one that actually liked her dessert (key lime creme brûlée). Laura's and my desserts (chocolate molten cake and coconut cake) had little flavor. Which only goes to prove what a friend told me years ago--desserts often look better than they taste! The restaurant does a lovely presentation on everything.

I didn't get back to Bolongo until 11:15pm. I will be up at 5:30am tomorrow. It's a travel day. I should get into DC Dulles via San Juan, Puerto Rico, at about 4pm eastern standard time. Night everyone.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

"Dreams have no expiration date".

Up early for work. At least Millie was there before me! I set up pantry as usual, Millie did hot line (sounds like a routine here, aye?). Carl came in at 8am.

I noticed this morning how full the fryer looks. Janee told me that she and Ryan were talking Friday even while they were working hot line together. All of a sudden they heard sizzling from the deep fryer but each of them knew neither one had anything cooking. Janee said they turned around and there was a rat, that had been crawling along the hood, then lost his balance and fell into the fryer. NOT a pretty sight! They had to close down the fry station, dispose of the dead body, drain the fryer, clean and scrub it down, then refill it with fresh, new oil and reheat it. More of the weird and bazaar at Bolongo!

I started making the lunch salad, while Millie worked hot line and Carl took over pantry and started prepping for the employee lunch. Carl was worked up about something, this morning but didn't want to talk in front of me. Sounds like it was an issue with his hours, but who knows. Breakfast got busier, so I worked the hot line with Millie. Lots of omelets today, French toast, pancakes, egg sandwiches, a few Eggs Benedict (I made the Hollandaise yesterday and today), corned beef hash (still a yuck for me) and eggs, eggs, and more eggs! There was talk about the new guy quitting on his first day. People kept coming up to me, acting like they were surprised I was leaving! Yes, this is my last work day I would say. Everyone talked about what a nice person I am, etc, etc. I find that amazing! What? There are no nice people on St Thomas? Carl even gave me a hug! Told me I was a really nice person and it was a pleasure to meet me. What is the world
coming to?!

I was thinking of baking cookies (I know, I said the Chocolate Chip Cookies would be my last), but there was very little flour and not enough brown sugar, so that didn't happen. Lunch was slow with orders trickling in, although breakfast seemed to go on until almost 11! So at 2:15pm, I packed up pantry, gave Millie a hug, gave Jesse a hug, and left. Showered (it gets SO hot in the kitchen and I still can't stand the way you smell after all day working in the kitchen!) and went looking for Janee. She was going to let me borrow her car so I could drop my laundry off. Couldn't find her and her car was not in the parking lot. So I went looking for a cap for someone Michael works for. Apparently he had asked Michael to being him back a baseball cap from St Thomas but Michael forgot. So I got one in the gift shop, as well as a small charm with the shape of St Thomas cut out of the middle of it. A nice memento of my time here! I was talking to Laura, telling her Janee was not here and I had hoped to take my laundry and drop it off. Laura told me I could borrow her car!! (As long as I didn't wreck it, lol). So off I went in her little PT cruiser, dropped off my laundry and came right back. That was very nice of her! Laura and Linda and I are going out to Havana Blue for dinner tomorrow night, my last night here. Should be fun! Laura is such a nice person!

I sat at the bar for a bit, reading. Eating Goldfish and talking to Harry. It's been cloudy all day today and a little cool, so sitting at the bar
means I'm still outside but protected in case it rains. When it started getting crowded, I left and came back to my room. Lots of noisy party
people have been here the last couple of weeks. Of course, in all fairness to them, they ARE on vacation. So better to just step away from
the tourists, lol.

I'm excited about getting back to friends and family. Like I said the other day, I will miss the view and the weather. I have met some nice people, but it's time to go. (I keep hearing sirens go by Bolongo, wonder what's going on?). I am undecided about what to do for dinner, I'm tired of the same old menus, lol. Hmmmm......

I ended up walking down to Iggie's and found out the reason for all the sirens. I guess I never told you that Bolongo is right next store to a landfill. How exciting is that? You actually wouldn't know about it otherwise. Once I got to Iggie's you could see part of the hill west of Bolongo on fire! No other details, but it's an impressive fire. I got a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich to go. I guess I am ready to go home. The tourists never really bothered me, but now they all do. I feel like I've been saying goodbye for weeks now. More good-byes at Iggie's tonight: Gabriel, Erin, John, Janell, Sharon, and David. All nice people.

One day of freedom tomorrow! No work. I need to pick up my laundry so I can return my uniforms to HR. I need to pack, decide what to wear in my skimpy wardrobe to wear that will keep me warm enough to get to Betty's house. No jacket, no gloves, no hats, no boots, just a couple of light cardigan sweaters, sneakers, one pair of long jeans and the Bolongo sweatshirt I bought around the Christmas holiday when we had the cool "Christmas winds". We'll see how I fair, lol. I should be ok, I can buy or borrow something! I'm excited!!!

Saturday, February 26' 2011

I got up and went into work at 6:30am, but no one else was there but me and two of the waitresses, Gloria and Priscilla. No Cliff and no new guy, Cesar. First I started setting up the pantry, but then when it got later and later, I started setting up hotline too. At 6:45am, I called Janee, as I didn't know who else to call, but got her voicemail (she was sleeping). Gloria was kind enough to start putting bacon on sheet trays for me (we bake them in the oven, four sheets full at a time-6 total). FINALLY, Clif showed up close to 7am. He said he had called the front desk and said he was having trouble finding a taxi so would be late, but no one passed that message on to the restaurant people (me). The two of us got all set up, then breakfast eaters started coming in right at 7:30am. Carl came in at 8am. Breakfast was busy, as usual, lunch was busier than usual, which makes the time pass more quickly. Lots and lots of club sandwiches for me to make today! The funny thing is, even though I was scared, I think I would have been ok setting everything up in both stations and cooking til Carl got there at 8am. Just something else that shows me how much I have learned and what I am comfortable doing. I'm just glad it happened at the end of my three months and not at the begining, lol!

Cesar never did show up. No one had his number, so Denise (the day manager), waited until Janee came in at 2pm. I told them Jeff, at Iggie's had Cesar's number. Turns out Cesar walked out of here yesterday and told the front desk he would not be back! He told Denise this afternoon, "the management very bad, I not be back". (Cesar is from Puerto Rico). Imagine! I am not entirely surprised, having had almost the same reaction at the beginning of my internship. So I worked all day today and I will not be getting tomorrow (Sunday) off. That's just the way it is. Things always work out the way they are suppose to. Jeff, the Iggie's kitchen manager, cornered me as I left work today, wanting to know what happened yesterday when Cesar was here. I told him I did not work yesterday, but that if Cesar had the same initial reaction to Millie, Cliff and Carl that I did, I am not surprised he walked out. I wanted to do the same thing. I saidmit takes them a long time to warm up to people, if they ever do (Roy quit and he started a week or so before I did). I am happy, though, that I can finally look back on this internship and see more of the positive about it than the negative.

After I left work, I showered, then went and got an ice cream bar, lol. It helped me feel better, but I figured I'd go to the beach, that would be better at calming me and helping me relax. I stopped by the LG bar and asked Harry for a diet coke, which he gave me along with some smack. I had heard this morning that he was feeling fiesty and flirting with all the women, lol. So as I write about the happenings of the first part of the day, I am sitting in my beach chair, soaking up the last bit of sun and watching Heavenly Daze load up for the Sunset Cruise. I thought about taking it tonight for the last time but I am meeting June (from HR) and her husband for dinner at Iggie's tonight at 7pm. It's all you can eat crab night, lol! And I hear June likes crab a lot!

I will come back and finish this after dinner and give you the complete scoop. I am back from dinner. I went down to Iggie's about 7pm to wait for June et al. I talked a bit to some of the waiters and waitresses. I talked with Matt, the other intern. He worked this morning as a host at the LG, seating people, etc. He did well but he still is not sure what he is going to do. He is in a splint and will be for a while. June came about 7:30pm. She was by herself, her husband was not feeling well. Whoever else she invited did not come. She and I finally got a table. The restaurant was packed when I got there at 7pm! June had all you can eat crab, I had the crab dinner that comes with three or four sets of legs as it is. The crab is great, but it sure is a lot of work for a small amount of crab!! June had a great time. She treated me to a glass of wine, which was nice. We had a good talk. She asked me if I was coming back. At first I said no. She said everyone really likes you-especially management. I was kinda surprised to hear that! I ended up telling her that I had offered to come down seasonally but only if they hired me as a baker/pastry chef. She thought that was a great idea! No promises.

We called it a night at 9:30pm. I have to get up early to work-no day off, no matter what people keep trying to do for me. Not a biggy. I always thought I would work anyway. And I should be done by 2:30pm. So early night, early wake up call. All good!

Friday, February 25, 2011

"To thine own self be NICE". -little book of inspirational thoughts...

Today is my day off and what do I do? I wake up at 6am, the usually work time, lol! Oh, well, I guess I can get lots done this way!

More pictures. The top picture is of Drew and the bottom photo is Janee, the executive chef. She says she has a "following" now since getting her picture in the paper. Cute! Drew is from South Carolina. Nice guy. He came in to work yesterday complaining that he had not done laundry and had no socks. He was wearing crocs and hated not having any socks. I asked if he wanted to borrow a pair of mine, he said no, but I'll take a pair. He said "I'll never remember to bring them back to you". Fair enough. So I went and got him a pair of black socks-unisex. I didn't tell him his other choice was pink and white, lol.

Checked emails and looked online until I got hungry, then went to the LG and made myself an egg sandwich (seems to be popular here but way more expensive than McDonald's). After I finished, I headed to the beach. Gotta have a good tan when I come home, lol! It was sunny when I wentnoutnfor breakfast but cloudy when I went out to the beach. It was patchy, so I headed out anyway. Had a nice time at the beach. Played my iPod (iPhone w/headset), read, watched people play on the water. I was out for about 2-21/2 hours. Then I headed back to find June (from HR) to see when she wanted to meet at Iggie's tomorrow. People still seem to be surprised that I am leaving, lol. I also asked Paul, while I was in HR, if the rumors of my getting part or all of the weekend off were true. He said for sure I could have Sunday off, but that he needed me to work at least half a day tomorrow (Saturday). I can do that! Then I walked back to the LG to get some lunch cause by this time it was 2pm and I was hungry. I ran into Millie. She says she is going to miss me!?! Imagine my surprise! We had a nice little chat, then she told me she wanted me to train the new guy, Cesar, on pantry tomorrow. She also told me she had told Judy (who usually works pantry in the evenings two days a week at the LG) I was a fast learner and that I could work any of the stations all by myself with no problem!!! I am shocked, just shocked! Who'd a thunk it?

While I was sitting at the beach, I realized there was a contentment that has not been there for a few months. I finally "get" all the staff, the different jobs and life here. Not a place I chose to stay, but I can recognize how far I've come since I graduated from culinary school and also be thankful for what they have taught me. As aggravating as it has been to be here and even with the sharp learning curve, I have learned many things here. It also helps to "let go" and just go with the flow (as long as it's not blatantly wrong). And wouldn't you know, just when I get the routine down, it's time to leave! But I'm finally going home, first to see Betty, then back to family and friends in Reno.

They came to clean my room about 3:30pm, so I went out to sit by the pool. It's very breezy today so feels very cool (I'm sure you are all rolling your eyes to think 78 is considered "cool", lol). Vernita came out from the gift shop to talk with me. I guess Laura called in sick today so Vernita had to stay and work. Vernita was unhappy about having to work all day. No one seems to like to work here, lol.

I did not have the energy to go anywhere for dinner, but even going early to the LG, the bar area was full and people were being seated. I ordered from Lawson, but decided not to stay. Just too busy, then I feel like I'm in the way and don't enjoy myself. I guess I should have gone out somewhere else! I ate in my room, it's quiet here and I have a table and chairs so it's also comfortable. Early to bed tonight, I think. I work at 6:30am.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

"Every flower that blooms has to go through a whole lot of dirt".

Another 6:30am start time. Today I worked with Cliff and Carl. I took pictures! Mrs. Donovan, our dishwasher is the photo on the top, Cliff is next and Carl is in the bottom photo. Same old, same old today as far as set up. I worked hot line through most of breakfast, with occasional help from Cliff. Still flipping those eggs, getting faster every day, lol. They hired two new cooks that start tomorrow. One for Iggie's and one for LG. Rumor has it I may get Sunday off since the new guy is set to work Saturday and Sunday days to learn the routine. We'll see if it's true, lol. I don't believe much any more. Breakfast was sort of busy with people still coming in for breakfast at 10:45am. Cliff was so mad! He gets riled pretty easily. Me, I just kept singing to myself, lol.

Lunch on the other hand was a bust. I made two salads and a club sandwich, that was it from 11:30am to 2:30pm. So I made cookies (you're not surprised are you?!)! I made chocolate chip cookies, but this time I added pecans, which I toasted in the oven first and went I took them out tossed them with 2 Tbsp butter and a little salt. And I added 1 Tbsp of vanilla rather than 1 tsp. A few people said they were the best cookies I have made so far. I thought they were pretty good too. The roasted pecans added a lot. I got the ideas from my new cookbook, "Bakewise". Good book! I made 4 dozen cookies, gave a third of them to the front desk/front office staff, a third I left in the LG (Cliff promptly took about half of them for himself to "snack on later") and a third I gave to Iggie's staff. Interestingly enough, when I dropped the cookies off at the front desk, Ise asked if they were Oatmeal Raisin. I said no, chocolate chip. She said "I hate chocolate!" I guess you're not going to be able to please everyone. I got the best compliments (with hugs no less, lol) from Iggie's. Nice! This was likely my last batch of cookies here, but I didn't tell anyone that.

After work, I went and sat out by the pool and read. It was indeed another lovely day in paradise. While I was sitting there, Matt came by and thanked me again for the cookies. He offered to taste my cookies any time, lol. He's the guy that owns and operates 340 Water Sports, where I rented the jet ski from. I had stopped to offer Matt and Josh a cookie before I dropped them off at Iggie's, since their booth is on the way. He is very cute, very polite and very friendly. I get a kick out of watching all the waitresses gush over him and rush to be the one that gets his daily "to go" breakfast sandwich order, lol. These mean spiteful women being SO nice to him. He IS charming. He thinks all the waitresses are very nice. More power to him!

I will miss sitting by the pool and on the beach. I will miss wearing only sandals or going barefoot in the winter. I WILL NOT miss the flies!!! Apparently this is fly season, so for the last 3-4 days we have had what seems like a hundred flies buzzing around. Small and sluggish. You find some of them fluttering around on tabletops then they just keel over. Blah!! They are not in the actual restaurant. At Iggie's, they are not really in the kitchen but they swarm around the bar. Double blah!!

I made plans to go to Havana Blue with Laura and Linda on Monday evening, my last night here. Apparently Havana Blue is a must see landmark on St. Thomas. I am looking forward to it! Saturday, I am having dinner at Iggie's (all you can eat snow crab, yeah) with June and her husband. June checked with me today to make sure I could still go. I said yes, then she said, "Good! Cause I told a few other people we were going and they want to come". So, we'll see who shows up and how long we stay, lol.

I walked down to Iggie's tonight for dinner. I didn't want to wait for LG to open. Shrimp Satay with Peanut Sauce and a salad. I spent time talking to Jeff, the Iggie's kitchen manager and Alexis, one of the bartenders from LG. Jeff and I had a nice chat about the kitchen staff and kitchen/resort politics. He puts up with more than I would! Alexis had her two daughters with her. They are cute girls, one 14 and one 7. I stayed long enough to listen to some of Tim West, the entertainment for tonight. He's pretty good! Even has his name on his guitar, lol. Then I walked back toward the LG intending on having a glass of wine at the bar, but LG was hopping! There were not chairs open at the bar. So I kept on going and came back to my room. Long day, so I may not stay up too late....

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Up early for another 6:30am start time in the Lobster Grille! And I beat Millie to work this morning. Thank goodness the waitresses that set up in the morning get the key from the front desk, otherwise I'm not sure how I would have gotten in!

Same old thing, I set up pantry, Millie set up hot line. I also put the mats down. What varied, however, was after Carl got there at 8am, Millie had me getting food ready for the day sail tomorrow. I made the daily mixed garden salad that the employees eat off of at lunch AND we use to make salads for guests-same container. Not sure how sanitary that is, but what do you say? I made pasta salad, tuna salad, potato salad and sliced onions. I felt like I was back to prepping like I did when I first got here! When Carl left at noon, I took over pantry duty. I snapped a bunch of pictures today-helping to create memories, lol. This is a picture of Millie or Amelia which is her given name. I think she's starting to like me, wonders of wonders. Unfortunately, happening right before I leave! The day was not too busy, I only helped her out a couple of times, otherwise she ran hot line. Her favorite thing! Janee texted me and asked me to make a salad for the Rotary Club tonight (but I knew what she wanted when she asked if I was working this morning-psychic I guess). I also made up a dessert plate of frosted brownies-without being asked. The rest was up to her.

We got off late because we had six people walk in at 2:30pm for lunch (we supposedly stop serving at 2:30pm but oh well, take care of customers). I went back to my room, having to skirt the "Rasta coconut man" who wanted to climb the tree outside my back door for coconuts to sell (a scary looking skinny guy with long braided hair). I walked to HR to ask Paul to write a letter of recommendation for me. I am suppose to get one from Janee but with Ryan gone, I'm not sure if she will be able to take the time. She says yes, so I can only hope.

I spent some time at the beach, got a little sun and read. Once of the waitresses from Iggie's came and sat down next to me and she read until it was time for her to go to work. She is renting space across the street and does not have a TV so comes over to Bolongo and reads while sitting (covered up) on the beach. She plans on leaving in April. It would seem that many of the people on this island are only here temporarily.

I had dinner at the bar in the Lobster Grille. It is usually a slow night at the LG but when I went in, all the Doumengs (owners) were having dinner together (there are also lots of relatives visiting) at the large table parallel to the bar. There were people from New Jersey sitting at the bar-six of them! Made me remember how LOUD and obnoxious they can be! As I was sitting there waiting for dinner, two people walked in barefoot. Another man came in his swim trunks. Just because you are on vacation doesn't mean there aren't certain local customs to follow (like fully clothed for dinner-not optional and shoes for Pete's sake!). I made dinner short, lol. Took a short walk and then back to my room.

I will miss looking out over the ocean/sea and sitting on the beach. I will not miss the bugs and the bites (mosquito and "no see 'ems) and the itchy skin. And it is kind of nice to just to into either Iggie's or the LG and order what I want and know I don't have to pay. All a trade-off, all a trade-off.

I work at 6:30am tomorrow with Cliff and Carl. We'll see what fun tomorrow holds, lol. Just another day in paradise.......

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

"Faith is hope on fire". -little book of inspirational thoughts....

A day off, always a pleasure! Took my time getting up, getting dressed. Had cereal for breakfast this morning, Frosted Mini Wheats. I think my system went into shock at all that fiber, lol, but nothing else sounded good. I worked on the computer some, then looked outside, trying to decide what to do today. There were 14-16 feet wave warnings on the north side of the island. This is the Atlantic Ocean side, so makes sense. Bolongo is on the south side of the island which means the Caribbean and some rough water, but not the same swells as on the north shore. Between breakfast and the time I went back out again, it had gotten cloudy. The Hobie Cat was beached so I kept on walking and went to 340 Water Sports and rented a Jet Ski! I wanted to go out for a while, so signed up for one of their shorter tours. This one goes from Bolongo to the harbor of Charlotte Amalie and back. There was a family going but they wanted to wait a bit, so I went back to my room and told them to call me when they were ready. I got a call about 1pm and met Josh and a man named Bob and his daughter, who apparently remained unnamed, and off we went. It was so cool this time! I wasn't scared and so had no problem gunning it but spent more time looking around so sometimes fell behind. I think Bob was worried he was holding me back and so offered to let me go first but I was ok bringing up the rear. Off we went toward Charlotte Amalie, then thru the harbor and around Water Island, back out to sea (the Caribbean Sea on the south side of St Thomas) and back to Bolongo Bay. Truly had a blast! Matt, the owner and Josh are really nice guys. They both call me Miss April-both nice southern gentlemen, lol. I wish them success.

After I cleaned up, I went looking for June, who works in HR. She is so nice-from the States. She and her husband had an electrical fire in their apartment yesterday and so spent most of the night cleaning up. I had started to talk to her about it yesterday, but got interrupted and had to get back to work. Well June wasn't there, she was out buying a car! She brought it back to show everyone. She hasn't driven since she moved here a year ago! I think her husband thinks it's going to be interesting seeing if she can do it, lol. In the meantime, I talked to
Paul and Lori (HR Director). They wanted to know when my last work day was. I told them my last work day was Sunday, February 27, that I was taking Monday, the 28th to pack, then flying out Tuesday, March 1. Only four more work days left! Apparently they have decided to give me a little something extra when I leave because they like me (!?). We'll see what happens, nice thought though!

Because it did rain some, I spent the afternoon working on my online Sanitation class. I also called my sister, Janell, it's her birthday today. Happy Birthday, Janell!! I also finished my Chocolate Raspberry Mousse.

At 7pm, I went out to the Lobster Grille and had a salad and a glass of wine. It was really slow there tonight. I talked to Lawson a bit
(otherwise known as 007) and found out Lisa, the GM quit on Monday. That's too bad, I really liked her but I know she wasn't happy about all the micromanaging going on at Bolongo. I wish her well.

I did buy a local paper today. Janee was interviewed as part of a review of some of the island's better restaurants. She even had a nice picture in the paper! Way to go Janee, Bolongo Executive Chef! She was very pleased to be interviewed and she should be. It was good publicity for her and for Bolongo.

After dinner, I took a walk on the beach. So pretty at night. So many stars out, which are so easy to see because there are no city list to distract you. Waves rolling onto the sand, light breeze, the only thing missing was Jordan! How romantic! Then it was back to my room. Gotta work early in the morning.