European Purchases

So ive bought a few things while ive been over here in europe... loads of postcards have been sent, ive spent ALOT of money on trying new foods in different places... but the things that ive bought, that stand out have to be, so far:

a book on typically ischian recipes, from the isle of ischia in italy, off the gulf of naples. the food and wine there was really good, the shops there were cute, quaint, and a gourmets delight! all kinds of oils, herbs, preserves, they can do ANYTHING with a lemon! so having a book, with recipes from families, chefs and restaurant owners, will let me recreate what i had there at home... just without the island atmosphere! well i guess australia is a big island...

also, chocolate from belgium. not the kind that comes from the expensive shops,or the bon bon, individual kinds with the fillings, just the blocks. I bought some cote d'or choclate, which you can buy anywhere, but this stuff is different. it WAS from a chocolaterie, and it was more expensive than the normal stuff, but its def worth it. the way its presented takes you back to times when chocolate was a luxury, not an every day affordable item. its wrapped in thick, good paper with old fashioned prints on it, written in french and dutch. its hte kind of wrapping you dont want to tear apart you have to do it carefully so you dont ruin it. the wrapping is part of the chocolate. the foil isnt just tin foil, its lined with other paper (im not sure what kind) and its thick. only the best to preserve the best! you then, obviously get to the chocolate. its easily the best chocolate ive ever had... i bought the dark chocolate and its the best. its not too bitter but def not too sweet. it doesnt melt straight away, but slowly.. im a chewer anyway :P i also bought some with almond creme, hazelnuts and nuts with raisins for my parents. its the kind of chocolate you dont eat a whole block of, you only need 1 or 2 peices and youre done... its VERY good!

Im very much looking forward to seeing what other gems i come up with while im mosey-ing around!