Tag: Large Tent Box

DARK CHOCOLATE AND PEANUT BUTTER

As Charlie and Sam flew over the many fascinating European countries, they were in for a real treat on their next adventure to Switzerland. What a perfect adventure for the two chocolate lovers! This adventure to Switzerland was occurring during the best time of year thus, they were ab out to witness some of the most impressive bright and magical Christmas markets in the world.

They started their journeys along the shore of Lake Geneva, where the Montreux’s Christmas market was under way. Charlie and Sam were intrigued by the sweet smells flowing through the air and the carols being beautifully sung in German and French.

“How enchanting”, Sam thought to himself as he picked up a uniquely beautifully designed snow globe with the Chillon Castle, a very popular Swiss monument, and purchased it to take home as a souvenir. He felt an instant connection to the snow globe as he held it up to compare it to the real Chillon Castle situated on the Lake Geneva in his near view.

Sam was a little fixated with experiencing the chocolate train tour.

“Are you finished with this market yet? Charlie, we are supposed to board the chocolate train at 6pm”, Sam warned him anxiously.

Charlie too, was excited and gathered the few extra things he thought Sam would regret not getting when they returned home from their travels.

“Charlie look, It’s here, quickly let’s get on”, Sam shouted over the noisy sound of the train coming to a stop on the tracks to pick up the chocolate tour passengers.

As they boarded the vintage designed trains, Charlie and Sam were greeted by friendly and polite staff that spoke English and exchanged their boarding passes for some chocolatey treats and a brochure as they took their seats very excited. They both were not concerned with the scenery outside the train because they were completely captivated with all the cool things taking place on this chocolate train.

Charlie and Sam enjoyed a very wide selection of deliciously decadent chocolates, they learned all about the process of making them while they cheerfully chatted with the other passengers on board.

Until Charlie and Sam’s next adventure, where will it take them next!

DARK CHOCOLATE

The beautiful and breath-taking coastline of southeastern Australia is the location of Charlie and Sam’s latest adventure! The duo’s travels began when they boarded a helicopter in the Mount Gambier area. Eagerly anticipating what the day had in store, they settled into their seats and donned their head sets. A rumble arose from below, as the helicopter began to take flight. Ascending higher into the sky, The Crater Lakes came into view. As they began to fly east, the sheer exquisiteness of the terrain became evident. It wasn’t long until the chopper was gliding over Blue Lake. Given the time of year, the lake was eye-catching. Cobalt blue in colour, the water was vibrant and striking. Continuing east, Charlie and Sam soon found themselves above Umpherston Sinkhole. Also known as The Sunken Garden, Umpherston’s Sinkhole was created when the top chamber of a cave collapsed. Now, the floor of the sinkhole lends home to beautiful flora and fauna. From above, the walls of the sinkhole are plastered with vines, and the various greens of the floor vegetation are in contrast with one another. Leaving the first two landmarks of their journey behind, the pair settled into their seats as they headed for the coast.

Stretching 243 kilometres in distance, Australia’s Great Ocean Road hugs some of the most scenic coast lines in the world. As the helicopter approached the coast, Charlie and Sam eagerly anticipated the panoramic views as the road winds along cliff tops, up to breathtaking headlands, down onto the edge of beaches, across river estuaries and through lush rainforests. Flying eastward along Ship Wreck Coast, they caught a glimpse of Loch Ard Gorge. Charlie and Sam peered out the windows of the chopper and took in the stunning scenery. The helicopter seemed to move in a weaving pattern, as if to mimic the coastal rock patterns below. Advancing quickly, the Twelve Apostles were soon below them. Carved out of the headland by the fierce waves of the Southern Ocean; these limestone stacks rise majestically from the shore below. The helicopter circled the area as the pair enjoyed a bird’s eye view of these famous natural wonders.

Leaving The Apostles behind, the helicopter veered away from the coast in search of beautiful untouched rainforests. Hovering over Great Otway National Park, they could hear the roar of waterfalls below the lush rainforest canopy. Charlie and Sam imagined hundreds of koalas peacefully dozing in gum trees just beneath the awning created by the dense rainforest vegetation. Returning to coast, the duo was on the last leg of their journey. In the distance, perched on towering sea cliffs where Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean collide stood Cape Otway Lighthouse. The oldest in mainland Australia, this lighthouse has been providing mainland Australia with light since 1848. Approaching Apollo Bay Harbour, Charlie and Sam watched as the sun set on the harbour, and on their day.

CHRISTMAS

Charlie & Sam were in for a wintry adventure. Prepared with all their woolens and layered up in cozy fabrics, they had their eyes set on skating that day. Snow glistened everywhere and they embarked, enjoying the best winter has to offer. A perfect day for the season—sun shining brightly almost to smile on all the shoppers and skaters bustling around the scene. They started their experience on the beautiful Rideau Canal Locks and took in its frozen glory.

Squirrels and birds that hadn’t migrated south frolicked and darted around going about their daily business. Even some beautiful bright red cardinals could be seen amongst the trees. After a lovely walk by the locks, their excitement could no longer be contained and they rushed to rent some skates. They found a bench to sit down so they could lace up their skates and took in the sheer beauty of the world’s longest naturally frozen ice rink at almost 8km! The Rideau Canal attracts close to 23,000 skaters daily and seeing them all smiling, laughing and enjoying themselves was amazing sight to behold.

As they stepped out onto the ice, they were reminded of how difficult it is to keep one’s balance! After a few slips and trips, they regained their balance. A few pros made it look easy on the ice, twirling and gliding with such grace. Charlie and Sam still managed to have a great time despite not being gold medalist skaters and falling a few times. It was truly a treat to watch families and people of all ages enjoying themselves.

Now they were feeling a bit chilly, it was time to warm up! A chalet on the ice was selling delicious hot chocolate and who could resist that on a magical winter day? Not Charlie and Sam! Returning their skates and heading out to the street, they wandered over to the Byward Market, one of the oldest and largest public markets in Canada, and took a look around the shops, enjoying all the sights and smells. They came across a crowd of smiling faces and discovered the source of this joy was beaver tails (yummy fried dough)! They rushed over to the shop and ordered some—Sam, a traditional lemon and brown sugar and Charlie, a sweet-tooth’s delight of chocolate and marshmallow. They both agreed that this staple of sweet should serve as inspiration for some of their creations.

NUTORIOUS

Charlie and Sam were not aware of the amazing adventure they were about to embark on as they prepared for their safari in Tanzania. The Ngorongoro Conservation area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a huge volcanic caldera—the Ngorongoro Crater (meaning “big hole” in the local dialect). Their guide explained that a caldera is a crater formed after a volcanic eruption and the ground collapses beneath it. As well, the chances of seeing “The Big 5” animals (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and cape buffalo) all in one day were very high. They began their journey tingling with excitement of what they may see. The drive down was both exhilarating and time consuming as there are no paved roads and many hairpin turns, yet the scenery was breathtaking.

Once they reached the crater, they started taking pictures! There was so much to snap—game wandering and grazing in their natural habitat, the beautiful horizon and of course, the crater itself!  As they made their way across the crater, a herd of gazelle wandered past, grazing here and there as they went by. A short distance away, a giant flock of flamingoes could be seen in the central lake. Their pink feathers stood out brightly against the blue of the lake and sky. Their truck was moving closer towards the lake when it suddenly slowed and then completely stopped. The guide turned around and excitedly pointed out 6 lions walking beside them! They lazily padded by and stopped to enjoy the shade that the van created. As there is very little tree growth inside the crater to provide shade, the lions seemed content to stay! Charlie and Sam’s excitement was in overdrive.  They opened their window to get a better look and take tons of close up pictures.  They could almost reach down and touch them!  One of the lions was even using the step on their truck as a head rest.  Their guide stressed the importance of not disturbing them as this is a wildlife preserve and it is their job to make sure all the game remain safe, as well as the passengers.  Almost 2 hours passed while the lions kept them hostage as they napped and lounged on the shady side of the truck.

On their way back to the lodge, they excitedly discussed their unforgettable experience. As they arrived at the end of their safari, the beautiful orange sunset over the crater provided a perfect end to that fantastic day.