Our Guide to Chocolate Festivals in Europe

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Our Guide to Chocolate Festivals in Europe

Chocolate is one of world's best-loved treats. It is also incredibly versatile, as the numerous foods and beverages that incorporate chocolate show. There are even festivals around the world that celebrate this delightful treat – with plenty of the good stuff to go around to satisfy even the most hardcore chocolate lovers! 

Sweet-toothed ravellers will want to consider attending these chocolate festivals as they plan their next holiday!

1. The Chocolate Festival – UK

The Chocolate Festival takes place over 4 locations in the UK, namely London, Oxford, Brighton and Bristol. This festival will give all chocoholics out there the opportunity to savour a great variety of artisan chocolate from the finest chocolatiers all over the world! All things chocolate can be found at this festival, whether it is hot chocolate, chocolate cake and even chocolate cocktails! You can also learn how to create your own chocolate! 

2. Eurochocolate – Italy

Eurochocolate takes place in city of Perugia in October and is one of the biggest chocolate festivals in Europe. The creations of well-known local and international makers, such as Perugina and Lindt, feature at this festival. Besides an endless flow of chocolate and chocolate-flavoured foods, another highlight of this festival are the beautiful sculptures made of…chocolate! The sweet aroma of chocolatey goodness is indeed thick in the air in Perugia during the festival!

3. Choco-late – Belgium

When you visit a country renowned for its chocolates, buying and eating them will simply not be enough. Complete the experience by attending the Choco-late festival at Belfort Museum in the city of Bruges next time you visit Belgium! Held over the span of 4 days, this festival celebrates Belgian chocolate as well as its chocolatiers! You will get to see chocolate statues, see chocolate exhibits as well as broaden your knowledge about the history of chocolate and how it is made while indulging your sweet desires. There are even free samples to go around – chocolate-lovers may just suffer an overdose! (If that's even possible)

4. ChocolART – Germany

ChocolART is Germany's biggest and most important chocolate festival, held in the university town of Tubingen in December. This festival is a platform for leading chocolatiers and manufacturers from all over the world to showcase their finest creations while those who attend will have the pleasure of indulgence. The charm of Tubingen also contributes to the festive atmosphere and with exquisite chocolate to enjoy, there is so much to love about this charming festival!

5. Le Salon du Chocolat – France

Held in Paris over 5 days in October, Le Salon du Chocolat is a chocolate festival that combines chocolate and fashion (of course it does…It's Paris!) This festival features chocolate from both local and international artisans as well as renowned chocolate brands. Attendees will not only get to indulge in plenty of chocolate but also learn about the world of chocolate from the manufacturers' perspective. The chocolate fashion show is a highlight of this festival, featuring designs that not only celebrate chocolate but are even made of it! Only at Le Salon du Chocolat can fashion be this sweet!

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Top Tips for Surviving a Long-Haul Flight

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Top Tips for Surviving a Long-Haul Flight

So, you’ve been warming the seats on the flight for the last 6 hours, have almost 13 hours more to go and feel completely restless at the moment? It’s totally fine; happens to the best of us. But, I’ll make sure that this post offers you the best of flight travel tips and tricks for all your future travel funs.

These 5 travel tips are about to change your ‘LIFE’ (a little) and are the perfect go-to tricks for all your long-haul flights.

1. The GRASS Walk:

Imagination is the key to everything awesome and that’s exactly how you shall be helping yourself here. Static positions and being just at one place will end up with cramped feet and achy legs – avoid the drama and make sure you walk a little every now and then. It’s okay to leave your seat and explore your aircraft. Everyone does it, so, why not you? Just don’t get too clumsy or create troubles for others around. As long as you can achieve them all, your walk is sure to be peaceful and relieving.

 

2. Carry Entertainment Along:

What’s entertainment like on a flight? A book, some music, headphones or latest editions of your favourite magazines – long flights will always be boring but this could certainly be a way to make it interesting. If you have the luxury to access in-flight cinema, then go ahead with it. Just make sure you carry your own set of earphones or headphones (Usually flights do not have good headphones and you end up hearing the flight’s engine and the people around more than the movie itself)

 

3. Talk (Socialize):

Yes, it is a little awkward to start a conversation with fellow passengers and even more awkward to continue the same. But, if you can work your way out on “Social Networks” then you surely can during your flight. The best way to fight time is to have a good conversation running. Wise talks, laughs, humor – just anything holds good.

 

4. Say NO to Time:

It is an obvious fact that we tend to check time every now and then when flying for long hours; its better you avoid it the next time you are flying. It would be even better if you avoid looking at the map that suggests your flight’s current location. Having to look at the time frequently will leave you under the impression of time running slower than it should and this can be very frustrating.

 

5. Carry your pamper buddies (Pillows and Blankets):

When all fails, you know you have to sleep. It is said that the best way to pass our time is by sleeping. This eventually helps you to pass time without having to look around or at the clock often and when you wake up? VOILA! You might have passed a few hours too!

 

I am pretty sure you liked these tips but you need to also make sure that you travel light and to do so you can use ways to Pack Smart while travelling so that you don’t end up carrying stuff you don’t really need.

Happy Flying to all!

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8 Weird and Eerie Places Around the World

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8 Weird and Eerie Places Around the World

Halloween may have been and gone, but it's never too late for a scare…Be warned: Some of these might creep you out!

1. Miyake-Jima

After an eruption at Mt Oyama, there has been a constant flow of sulfuric gas from the volcano. Therefore, it is required by law that the residents of Myake-Jima carry a gas mask with them all the time. Although they are not required to wear them all the time, raid alarms to alert residents if there is a dramatic increase in sulfur levels. The masks give them a faceless, inhuman appearance … Not really my idea of a relaxing holiday.

2. Atlantic Ocean Road

The Atlantic Ocean Road is a 8.3 kilometer road over the Norwegian Sea. It looks like a sea serpent exerting it's prowess trying to shake off the vehicles driving through it. Hold onto your seatbelts kids.

3. Aokigahara

Aokigahara is a dense forest near Mt Fuji in Japan. But you may know it by the name of 'suicide forest'. Besides being a popular tourist destination, it is also a hot spot for suicides.There was a reported 57 suicides in 2010 alone. As a result, there are now caretakers going around to look for suspicious activities. This location is not for the faint of heart, you might even spot a dead body while you are there.

4. Naica Mine

Located in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, this working mine is known for it's selenite crystals. Also, it has a strong resemblence of the planet where Superman came from.

5. Whittier, Alaska

This little town in Alaska probably has the densest population in the world. And it is not because the population is huge. Boasting a population of only 177 people, the entire town lives in one building. Inside the building, there are schools, post offices, play grounds and supermarkets. You really do not need to leave your house ever… Like we needed more of an excuse!

6. Okunoshima

Japan really has a handful of weird inventions and food. You can check out our post on …unnusual …Japanese snacks. But Japan is also home to Okunoshima. Previously housing chemical plants for chemical wars in WWII, it is also known as Rabbit Island because of the presence of many furry inhabitants on the island. 

7. Spreepark Berlin

This old abandoned entertainment park in berlin was filmed in the movie Hanna. It is said to be haunted by spirits of clowns. Yes you read that right.

8. Cambridge Military Hospital

During the WWI, the now abandoned hospital served as the base for casualties from the Western Front. This is also the hospital where the first plastic surgery was performed in England. Looks like a movie set!

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Street Food in Japan: The Ultimate Guide

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Street Food in Japan: The Ultimate Guide

Japan holds more than 100,000 festivals and events each year, with street food being an intergral part of these festivals. Food vendors are known as Yatai in Japanese and they sell both savoury and sweet snacks that are well liked by locals and tourists. What's on offer often depends on the region as there is an amazing amount of variety to be explored!

1. Takoyaki

Takoyaki are small balls made from flour with fillings such as squid, ham and cheese.. This is one of the most popular street food in Japan and can be seen almost anywhere. They are served with mayonaise and fish flakes.

2. Crepes

Although a well-loved French dessert, the Japanese have their own take on this sweet treat, making it a little on the crispier side. Japanese crepes are very popular, especially among Japanese school girls and can be found in harajuku among many other places. They are usually rolled up into a cone for easier eating and often contain fresh ingredients like fruits and savoury eggs. 

3. Korokke

Another French-inspired snack on our list, the Korokke is the Japanese version of the croquette. It is made of chopped meat, seafood, vegetables and mashed potatoes. This savoury snack is yummy and can act as a pick me up when you are hungry.

4. Dango

Dangos are sweet glutinous rice balls made from rice flour. It is often grilled to give it a smokey grill flavour. It may be plain or come with fillings such as sweet red bean paste and green tea. It can be eaten as a savoury snack too with soya sauce.

5. Yakisoba

If you are feeling very hungry, you might want to try some Yakisoba which is fried noodles in soya sauce with vegetables and meat. It may even be served in a hotdog bun.

6. Gyoza

Gyoza is the Japanese version of fried pot stickers. Filled with seasoned grounded pork and vegetables, they are delicious with a little soya sauce. Some gyozas can be made from shrimp, mushrooms, cheese or shiso leaves.

If you love gyoza or would love to try some, why not join in for an experience with our lovely Sachii-san or Kei-san in Tokyo where you can learn to make your own gyoza and taste typical Japanese dishes.

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