“200g powdered sugar, 200g corn starch … 2 … cream of tartar …” I was reading off the whiteboard in Level 3 Pastry Lab. I was peeping through a little hole formed by the thumb and index fingers …
It was after class and after lunch, I was chatting with Jennie and Rafaella, both are in Pastry Level 3 class. You lost your reading glasses? Jennie asked. No, I am just short sighted. But yes, I misplaced my new pair and I just can’t find it, I crushed my existing pair in my tool bag, and the nose bridge piece dropped off and needed repair. Most of the time I can’t see far, I can only make out the shape or outline of whoever or whatever is in front of me, sometimes I didn’t bother to see (oops), very selectively I can imagine what I see. So don’t bother to smile at me if you are a distance from me, I told them. Rather, you can smile at me but do not take offence if I don’t respond appropriately, and I tend to look rather serious when I don’t smile. I told them whenever Chef Sebastien wrote on the board, I had to be up next to the board to read and copy them. Once Chef Sebastien stood in front of me and asked, “Can you see me?” Of course, Chef, I just can’t see details or words from far!
You can do this! Raffaela said excitedly. Raffaela is a sweet Brazilian lady, one of the 3 ladies from Level 3 Pastry. She held her fingers to her face and formed a hole with her thumb and index finger. Raffaela is short-sighted too but she can usually make out what Chef Philippe wrote in class. I tried … ha it worked! Erhh… you did this in front of Chef? Oh no! She explained that the class is small and they usually can see what Chef Philippe wrote on the white board.
I was so amused. The words on the white board became readable to me just by peeping through the small hole. The science of focused vision or the science of peeping? No, I won’t be trying this in any of the chefs’ classes any time soon.
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ps: Please excuse me, Raffaela, I just have to post your pix as my keepsake coz I really find it very adorable – Raffaela was focusing on the peep hole and she did not realise her picture was being taken then. Obrigada! Azéharamo aypo-mia!
