The weather remained cool and wet with periods of heavy to light rain through most of the day. Breakfast was bread and pastry from the local bakery. For lunch we had fresh baguettes with tuna, ham, turkey or cheese. Dinner was a highlight for everyone at Manoir d’ Agnes in Tarascon sur Ariege, a local restaurant. With 5-7 course meals for all.
Today was a work day around the Chateau for nearly everyone. The horticulture students continued the work started last year with soil preparation and planting. The graphic design and marketing students continued with photo documentation and worked with Karina on her book project. I participated as part of the architectural engineering group with Kevin Paap and Ryan Bouck. The task for the week is to design an addition to the chateau that will contain public restrooms, private restrooms for future overnight guests and employee bedrooms. The planned area for the addition actually had been built out at one point as shown in historic pictures and postcards. Most of the day was spent on measuring and preliminary design. We will continue our task through the week including more measuring, floor plans and possibly 3D modeling. The responsibility that we were given with this task is enormous and the fact that Karina trusts us to help with it is an honor.
One of the other highlights of the day was a mini-graduation ceremony for Kevin, Brett and Kristin. These Gateway students missing their official ceremony by being on this trip. Before dinner, we celebrated their accomplishments with a toast and delicious treats made by the culinary students and Thomas, a local chef who came in to help with a baking lesson. Congratulations again to all three of them.
We had a wonderful guest, Thomas, who came to visit us today at the Chateau. He is an Executive Pastry chef at the Plaza du Capitole. Together, we made a lemon meringue tart and strawberry gateau. Thomas walked us through the steps, and we each had a different job to do. They were time consuming to make, but it was oh so worth it! It was a wonderful experience for all of us that were in the kitchen. Besides myself, Greg, Rachel, Kristen, Brett and John helped out. For me, it was a dream come true to be able to come to a place such as this to be alongside an experienced chef as Thomas. The setting couldn’t have been any better. I am looking forward to working with him again in the kitchen when he comes on Thursday.
– Lisa Smerchek & Bob Kaebisch
Congratulations graduates, that will be a memorable day! I expect most of us would like to “graduate” in a beautiful French setting!