Snack options

Our second stop in Belgium proved to be a good choice for my roadtrip chocolate stash. I passed up plenty of ordinary looking chocolate shops until I'd found two genius spots.

At the first one, Neuhaus, I spent about 1 euro and got 3 pieces of chocolate. The two I chose were delicious, and the proprietor's suggestion was the most delicious candy I've ever tasted. It was "very fresh cream" in a delicate butter cookie coated in dark chocolate. I went back the next day for 2 more and a box of dark chocolate, which has been traveling around Europe with me. A few tastes go a long way with rich pieces like these!

At the other shop, The Chocolate Line, the rather uppity clerk chose 100 grams for me, about 8 pieces. Most were delicious and interesting, but the best by far was the strangest. Inside dark chocolate were 3 layers - black olive, tomato, and basil marziapan. It was shocking and delicious. Unfortunately I was long gone in Heidelberg by the time I realized there were plenty more herb combinations to be had at that shop.

I brought 2 1/2 bags of kettle corn with me, and ran out yesterday. It's nice to free up some packing space, I suppose.

On Bruges

 
 
Bruges, an old Belgian town spared the destruction World War II wrought on most of Europe, is not without charm. It's churches and cobblestone streets, barely wide enough for cars speak to an older time in Europe. It's squares are large and filled with merchants and surrounded by buildings centuries old.
For all its charm, Bruges did seem content to capitalize on its status as a tourist destination. As such, beyond its historic beauty there is little to the city. Worth a visit, it's certainly not a final destination for travelers, and though pleasant, I'm not sure it's a destination to which I will return.