Daddy Daughter Day

So on Friday the 23, I took the day off and spent it with Crystal.  We spent the morning touring the Red October Chocolate Factory.  I had been once before with Jolene, but since Crystal didn't make it, I figured I would make the sacrifice and go again.

So we donned our lab coats, hair nets, and booty shoe covers and made our way up and around the plant.  Unfortunately, cameras are not allowed on the production floor.  But we did taste some delicious chocolates freshly made.  From dark 75% cocoa to to filled truffle like candies. So rich and yummy.

The tour starts in a welcome area where there are chocolate sculptures such as this 150 pounds of chocolate brown bear.

We also learned about the Russian ethnologist, Yuri Valentinovich Knorosov, who deciphered the Mayan hieroglyphs.  Though many thought he was wrong, he was eventually proven correct.  This was an interesting feat since he had never traveled to see the ruins. 

And this is where chocolate comes from the Cocoa Tree, found in warm tropical climates.  It's said that cocoa from the Central American area is the best in the world.  Our lecturer also said that because the shrinking plantations, they believe the cost of cocoa will climb to be just as expensive as black caviar.





After getting a nice sugar buzz, Crystal and I decided to head to Red square and see how they decorated it for the holidays.  We did a lot of walking but took the opportunity to stroll the Gum (pronounced "GUME") mall.  I think Crystal really enjoyed that.  Guess what she likes the best...

Yeah she's a shoe girl.  We browsed some of the shops in the mall and took some pictures in Read Square. After that we walked back to the embassy to pick up mom, who worked all day.  All and all it was a great time out with my Boo.  Here are a few more pictures we too, and you can find all of them on our picasa web album.  Just click on the picture of St. Basil's in the upper right corner.