A day in the life
A day in the life - episode 1
Almost at the end of my first week as a chalet host with real ‘live' guests, my panicky moments last week seem an age ago. My little crises might seem trivial but when you're in very unfamiliar territory, try to read dishwasher instructions in French, picking up the pieces of what turned out to be a non-microwaveable bowl and getting to grips with a very challenging log fire are all major hurdles. Thank goodness for my new ‘best friends' who are also in shock in their first time away from the rat race (but in the best ‘office' in the world). I have never discussed cooking tips, recipes and cleaning hints with so many people for so much of the time - even in the bar in the evening with complete strangers!
The best thing about the week BG (before guests) was that you knew everyone you met is also here for the season and probably as shell-shocked as you are; luckily we have all discovered the restorative qualities of toffee vodka. (Strangely not so uplifting the morning after but you can't have everything!)
Getting breakfast ready for 10 guests on my first full day I almost felt like swapping back to the crowded commute on the Northern line to my dull job in the City. Just four days later, I have perfected getting the table laid, the water boiling for the eggs, coffee and tea ready and, miracle of miracles, the afternoon's cake in the oven all before 8am. And, however busy the morning is, as soon as you hit the slopes and know you have another four months (MONTHS!!) ahead of you doing the same thing, the little problems just fade away. I am definitely not looking forward to changeover day on Saturday - five rooms and bathrooms to clear, clean and make welcoming for next week's guests. But I have only to look out of the window to know it's worth it...
Chalet girl
