So it’s been a while since I last updated my blog and I apologize for that. So much as happened since then. Where do I begin? After looking back at my last two posts I realized I never actually talked about what exactly I do here at Ballymaloe. My shift is split into two ( which I’m not used to but I have the afternoons to myself :) ).
In the morning I go around and pick and arrange flowers into lovely clay pots for the dining rooms and the bedrooms for the guests when they arrive. In the evening I am the official “trolly dolly” as they say. I go around and offer cheese and dessert to the guests. So over all I must say I got it pretty good. When I pick flowers, I just go around the farm with a basket and wander around in the woods, so when it’s a nice day it’s fantastic! As the trolly dolly, no one is ever disappointed when I come around! Everyone is so excited for the cheese and dessert, especially the dessert! The only problem for me personally is how delicious the desserts are here. Since I am the trolly dolly it only makes sense that I try all the desserts hehe. So I have been here for about 7 weeks now and I am pretty sure I have eaten dessert here at LEAST once a day, everyday. Do you see the problem for me in a few months from now? I’ll officially be the “ballyballoon” as I like to call it. So what is my plan of action? Keep eating what I want and remain active...seems to be working so far ;).

Side note: This is random, but definitely needs to be noted since it did happen at Ballymaloe. Apparently guests also arrive in Helicopters? How cool is that! Only at Ballymaloe :)

So it has been nearly four weeks now since I have arrived at Ballymaloe and I am continuing my Ireland adventure, and enjoying every second of it! This past Sunday two of my friends, Todd and JR and I went to Ballycotton to have a few drinks at the Irish pub; “The Blackbird”. I have never been to the pub before, but I have heard so much about the place from everyone, including my sister Rochelle who also worked at Ballymaloe about eight years ago, that I just had to go! The town has such a wonderful relaxing atmosphere, much like Ballymaloe House.

The three of us arrived back at Ballymaloe around 11pm. I laughed to myself stating that after a night of a few drinks, one would usually go and grab some greasy food, such as fries, poutine, or a hamburger, etc. Instead, when we arrived back to the house, some of our other friends were still working and we each had some of the left over food from the dinner buffet which included salads, smoked salmon, mussels, and other delicious good quality food....only at Ballymaloe haha. And the little lemon filled pastry balls made by JR himself were DEVINE! The next time he makes them, I will take a picture! So delicious and simple!
 

So it has been exactly three weeks since I have arrived here at The Ballymaloe House. I have to emphasize how exquisite and miraculous this place truly is. For a Country House hotel in the middle of the country, this place has so much history, amazing food and the people here are absolutely lovely. I was also quite surprised to see how many people working here were not from Ireland. For instance some who work here are from South Africa, Mauritius, Tanzania, France, Canada (me :)) and other places. How random is that? Only at Ballymaloe. Where else would one rather be? Coming from Canada, where there is currently snow and freezing temperatures, the weather here is great, the air is fresh and everything is green...not used to having spring in February and early March haha.

When I first arrived here in Ireland, Rory Allan greeted me with a huge hug and a warm “Welcome to Ireland!”. He was so lovely, and it was nice to have such a warm welcome arriving to a place for the first time ever and losing your luggage as well. Thankfully my luggage did eventually arrive two days later. Thank god, considering that was my life in that suitcase for the next six months living here. One thing I also can’t seem to ignore is how friendly everyone is and how they would do anything for you. I get invited to go to places all the time and if I need anything someone is always around to help.

There was one day I was getting ready to go out for the night with a few new friends and I stopped in my tracks and noticed two peacocks, one male and one female, randomly outside our staff flat door. I laughed to myself and thought, only at Ballymaloe would this ever happen. Then this incident got me thinking that there is a lot about this place that is quite unique and one of a kind. For instance every room in the hotel has it’s own name such as “ The Castle room” or the “Blue room”and each room is designed differently with matching carpet, curtains, bed spread and wallpaper. The way each room is designed is so quaint and beautiful. You would never find anything quite like it in Canada, at least not from my experience. I am looking forward to work here, and will update as much as possible about my Irish Adventures at Ballymaloe!