In the week before the IV Sammic Scholarship for BasqueStage officially kicks off, we already have our first stage in Donosti.
Brenden Darby will be reporting on all his adventures both in and out of the kitchen, but until then, we leave you with some thoughts to mark the beginning of a cook’s dream stage.
How do you feel at the start of this, the IV BasqueStage?
Traveling to a new and exciting place is always an adventure that causes a falling sensation in my stomach. There are people that surround me that I will always miss and I know they will be there for me if I need them. I am so lucky to have these people and every time I leave it gets harder and harder to say goodbye. However there are some things that I always miss when I am traveling. I always have a craving for Arizona Iced Tea no matter what country I am in I miss it and cant find anything quite like it. Being from California there are two things I think you are born addicted to. First the sushi is insane and so good and usually when I travel it is so hard to justify the price of sushi in some countries. Second, Lake Tahoe is my favorite place to relax. I love the water and the sun and hopefully will get to enjoy some of it in San Sebastian.
What are you looking forward to?
I am so excited to get to try and learn some a whole new lifestyle. I am anxious to learn some new things in the kitchen as well and I have been trying to cook as much as possible to prepare for the Basque Stage. I have also been studying spanish with friends and through Rosetta Stone.
What are you bringing?
Packing has been quite a struggle. The most important thing I am packing is my chefs knife. It is the one knife that if need you can use on anything. I could survive in a kitchen without anything except my chefs knife. My camera has become one of the most important things to me traveling. I usually have three cameras with me when I am traveling. I have a digital, film and an underwater camera so I can capture every moment. Finally my notebook and pencil are very important. Anytime I travel anywhere I find that having someway to take notes always is beneficial especially when people want to share recipes. I hope to use my knife, camera, and notebook as much as possible in the next six months. I cant wait to start and lean as much as possible.