Author Archives: Elaine-iaK's Travels

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About Elaine-iaK's Travels

As a graduate of Recreation Administration, from San Diego State University, I have made recreation and travels my career and life’s passion. After graduation, I traveled solo for one year throughout the South Pacific, doing travel photography in a wide variety of settings. Upon my return, many of my photographs became the subjects of my newly created line of handcrafted photographic greeting cards, "Exquisite! By, Elaine", a business I have had since 1986. Check them out at: http://ExquisiteCards.fototime.com . In 1983, I began teaming up with my mom, Goldie, teaching arts & crafts to cruise ship passengers, aboard Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean. In addition, I lectured on travel photography, as well as Australia and New Zealand history, aboard Princess Cruises. In 2004, I formed a new teaching team with my recently retired husband, Bruce, who serves as my "humble assistant" until 2010 when the cruise lines shifted the arts and crafts program to mostly being taught by their own staff. Currently, our favorite mode of travel is by river boat. Along the way, we enjoy poking around small European towns, meeting the people, seeking out interesting photo subjects, and always stopping at every chocolatier to make a purchase. Adding to my chocolate label and wrapper collection is a bonus! And, as a U.S. Masters swimmer, if I can find a pool to get in a swim with the locals, all the better! Cheers! Elaine-iaK ~ Believing in your dreams can be far more rewarding than living by your limitations~ -Karla Peterson

SAN DIEGO, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS

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The Embarcadero along San Diego was always one of our favorite places to walk in San Diego. Before picking up Bruce’s friend Cal from his downtown office for lunch, we arrived early to stroll along the waterfront.

Just across the street from Cal’s work was The Star of India, a San Diego icon. Her black iron hull and rigging was still as beautiful as ever!

A new attraction for Bruce, however, was the decommissioned Midway, an imposing sight on the downtown skyline. I had forgotten that he never made it downtown to see it before we moved.

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Nearby, Luna, owned by Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich, was glistening in the sun. From what we hear, this was just one of his yachts!

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The following is a short story on the yacht: http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2013/jan/15/stringers-roman-abramovich-yacht-san-diegos/

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It was wonderful seeing Cal again. We met at the same time I met Bruce, so I have known him since 1986. Bruce and Cal are a hoot together when they get joking and laughing, so we really enjoyed our time together. After enjoying a leisurely lunch at Seaport Village, we walked along the marina and Seaport Village, and concluded with a beer on the patio of the Hilton Hotel. It was so nice that Cal took the afternoon off to spend some quality time with his old work buddy!

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Our evening with good friends Ted and Al was spent dining on South Beach Bar & Grille fish tacos, rated in the top three of fish tacos in the nation by Bon Apetit Magazine. In Bruce’s last four meals, this was his third of fish tacos and my second!

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The following day, we headed north to my childhood home in Lakewood (near Long Beach), to stay with my mom for three nights. My best friend, Laura, was down from Santa Cruz visiting her mom just two houses up the street. It was Laura’s birthday, so her sister and I took Laura, Bruce, and the two moms out to dinner to celebrate.

It was so wonderful to spend the evening and part of the next two days with my best friend of 43 years!

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Spending time with my family was terrific, too. Dinner with different family members over the following two nights and being with my mom was a special way to end what turned out to be what Bruce and I agreed to be a great vacation!

BACK HOME IN SAN DIEGO

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Bruce and I often get asked if we miss San Diego. I had lived there for 24 years and Bruce for 40 years, until he retired in 2004, we cashed out, and took the money and ran.

The answer to that question isn’t a clear “yes” or “no”. Do we miss the weather? Yes, the weather in San Diego is probably the best in the country; however, the spring and fall seasons in Georgia are gorgeous. Personally, I love the four seasons here; it’s something I never had living in California.

Do we miss the ocean? Yes, I miss kayak surfing at Coronado and Bruce misses kayak fishing on San Diego Bay. Having spent entire summers at the beach as a kid, it was a big part of my life. But, we now live in a community with an indoor pool just one mile away. AWESOME!

Bruce answers the question like this: “Sure, I miss the water and kayak fishing. But, if we were still living in San Diego, I would still have to work full time!”

Cashing out in 2004 during the real estate market boom was a smart move for us. The house was paid off, we didn’t owe a penny to anybody, and he was eligible to retire with full benefits.

The timing was right for me, as well. I was unable to return to the job I loved after a work-ending injury and subsequent surgery, so I was ready for a fresh start away from the reminders of a depressing period in my life.

Fast forward to 2013, I was excited to return to San Diego after competing at U.S. Masters Swimming Summer Nationals in Mission Viejo, just one hour north of our former home. And, Bruce looked forward to seeing old work friends dating back to past jobs in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s. We both couldn’t wait to see Ted & Al, my favorite customers from my former job who had become great friends.

Instead of staying with friends or at a hotel, we opted to use our membership with Affordable Travel Club (www.affordabletravelclub.net). Nancy and Ted were wonderful hosts; we couldn’t have asked for anything more! They set us up in their upstairs apartment, complete with private access and a kitchen. It was very comfortable; the perfect place to relax after early mornings and long days of competition at the pool in Mission Viejo.

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The location was perfect; everything was close by with easy access. Balboa Park was just a few blocks away, so we took an afternoon walk, after having lunch with Bruce’s work buddies.

The park looked fabulous; the changes we noticed were all for the better.

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Strolling around Spanish Village always brings a smile to my face. The colors are so cheerful and photogenic, the Spanish architecture is fabulous, and the artist shops are enjoyable and interesting to explore.

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My favorite thing to do at Spanish Village, though, is break out the camera for some playful photography!

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The day concluded with a social visit to Dr. Braun, the masterful surgeon who operated on me in 2003. At the age of 71 years old, he was one of the most in-demand surgeons in the country for thoracic outlet syndrome.

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Over the past ten years, I have thought of him often. If it weren’t for his successful surgery, I would not be swimming competitively today. So, I have written him letters of thanks, sent him cards, and visited him two years ago, when I was on vacation in San Diego.

I also sent him one of my Senior Olympics swimming medals, something he couldn’t wait to show me when I stepped into his office. It was hanging front and center on his bookshelves; I had to smile.

It reminded me of a letter he sent to me. His reply when I wrote that I was swimming on average 3,000 yards each day: “The fact that you are swimming 3000 yards is amazing to me. In the first place, I probably couldn’t walk 3000 yards unless it was gently downhill…” And, when I wrote back at a later date to tell him I swam 900 yards of continuous butterfly, he replied, “When I want to go 900 yards I take a car!” (I’m sure he thought the same thing when I sent an update about the 2,000 yard continuous butterfly swim I did last year…)

Dr. Braun is now 81 years old and still performing successful first rib resection surgeries; however, he plans to retire at the end of the year. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome sufferers have no idea what a loss that will be for them.

After our very heartwarming visit with Dr. Braun (I love the guy!), we dined on a San Diego favorite: fish tacos. Blue Water Grill (http://bluewaterseafoodsandiego.com/) makes some of the best we had ever tasted. We had Nancy, our Affordable Travel Club host, to thank for the recommendation!

Next up on Elaine-iaKs Travels: San Diego Embarcadero. Check back soon!

U.S. Masters Swimming 2013 Summer Nationals

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I’m like a Timex watch; I take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’.

Having a left leg 1/2″ longer than the right and a pelvis that tilts to the right throws the entire body out of proper alignment, and is one of the causes of many of the injuries I have experienced. Couple that with inheriting a whole host of ugglies from my father, including severe degenerative disk and joint disease, I am an accident waiting to happen.

Just as I was finally getting my injuries under control and having great results from trigger point dry needling physical therapy, I showed up to U.S. Masters Swimming Summer Nationals with what I thought was a mildly strained muscle in my torso. Swimming made it feel better; however, I think I jammed my leg and hip on a misstep on uneven terrain. On the night before my biggest day of competition, I had severe muscle spasms and was up all night. So, the following morning, I went to the sports medicine massage tent, prior to my 400 Meter Individual Medley race.

As it turns out, the muscles spasms had caused my 1/2″ longer left leg to appear to be 1-1/2″ longer, according to the therapist, Chuck. He said I had a subluxation (dislocation) of my last rib which is a floating rib. The dislocated rib was pressing on my kidney, causing the pain. So, he did what he could to get the spasms under control, however, he wasn’t qualified to set the rib back in place. He said to return on Sunday to see Dr. Mike.

Unfortunately, Dr. Mike didn’t arrive until I was just about to swim the 200 Meter Butterfly, so I had to see him after the race to get my rib set. As it turned out, I ended up racing my 400 IM, 200 breaststroke and 200 fly (three of the most difficult races in competitive swimming) with a dislocated rib poking my kidney on every stroke.

Although I was unable to race at my top speed, I completed all of my races successfully without getting disqualified. I ended up 9th in 200 Meter Breaststroke, winning my first individual Nationals medal (top ten win medals) and placed 4th in 200 Meter Butterfly for my other individual medal. My time was 1:13 slower than when I raced the same event last summer at a long course meters meet at Greenville (and much slower than my 2,000 yard butterfly pace), but I did it!

Now, there is a disclaimer I should add to that 4th place. Out of 88 women competing in my age group, only seven signed up to race in that grueling event and five showed up to the blocks to race it. And, one of the women got disqualified. Hey, you can’t win a medal if you don’t show up!

Of the five individual races and one relay I competed in, the highlight was racing breaststroke in the Women’s Mixed Medley Relay (and winning my third medal) with three of my teammates, including Diann Uustal, a multiple world record holder. Only seven of us from Georgia attended Nationals, so I was fortunate to have that opportunity. Not only is Diann the best in the world in her age group in freestyle and backstroke, she is a class act. When I first saw her at the pool upon arrival, she ran up to me, gave me a hug and said, “I get to swim on a relay with you!” I looked at her stunned and replied, “Uhh, I think you have that backwards. I get to swim with you on a relay!” And, after the relay, Diann actually thanked me for swimming on the relay and gave me a big hug and kiss afterwards.

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Relay teammates Lisa Watson, Diann Uustal, and Francine Williamson.  We placed 6th and won a medal, my first of these Nationals.

The icing on the cake was arriving to the starting blocks for the race, looking over to the next lane to check out my competition, and seeing my good friend Deb smiling back! We knew each other would be competing in that relay, but we had no idea it would be in the same heat and neighboring lanes. Awesome! Her team ended up placing 3rd and we placed 6th, however, I was ecstatic. It was Deb’s first ever medal and it meant the world to her competing with her teammates, just as it meant for me to race with mine.
As it turned out Deb’s team, Arizona Masters, won the meet with their contingent of 35 swimmers, including Olympian Clarke Burckle. Our little team of seven women placed 7th out of 19 regional teams. We may have been small, but we were mighty!

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My goodfriend and fellow USMS Discussion Forums “Forumite,” Debbie Duane, known as “Debaru” on the forums.

In one word, the entire experience was AWESOME. Mission Viejo did an outstanding job organizing and running the meet, leaving no detail out. From the poolside steel drum band that welcomed us, to the reading glasses hanging from strings at the results board, they thought of everything to make it a terrific experience.

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2000 U.S.A. Olympic Gold Medalist, Misty Hyman filming a USMS highlight film.

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David Guthrie, men’s 50-54 age group world record holder practicing a start off the blocks.

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Dara Torres came early and stayed late to meet fellow USMS swimmers, pose for photos, and autograph free souvenir photos.

The highlight, though, was seeing my friends (especially my Forumite friends, like Deb, from the U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums) and making new ones. U.S. Masters Swimmers are a great bunch of people; from the youngest at 18 to the oldest at 95 (Rita rocked the pool with her beautiful freestyle and backstroke!), they were all there doing what they loved. And, by the looks of the smiling faces around the pool, they were all having a blast doing it!

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Four of my six Georgia Masters teammates who traveled to Mission Viejo:  Mary Kalafut, Donna Hooe, Francine Williamson, and Diann Uustal.

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Chief Official (and teammate), Ed Saltzman pulled me aside after racing the 200 Butterfly.  “Did I DQ (disqualify)?”  My heart sank as I waited for his reply.  “No, but I’m just curious why you stayed underwater so long after the start before you surfaced to start your stroke.”  Your kick was weak, and you almost came to a complete stop when you surfaced!”  I am not a procrastinator, but the last thing I wanted to do with a dislocated rib was swim full butterfly.  It was “Ouch!” on every stroke!

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Donna and I tried to sneak up on Ed as he was officiating a race, but he caught on…

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“That Guy,” Doug Jelen, is one of my favorite Forumites.  He’s a hoot!  But, until this moment, I had never met him in person.  He caught up with me immediately after my 100 meter breaststroke race as I was bent over with an aching side from my injured rib.  When he greeted me by name, I looked up with a “Who the heck are you?” look.  I hadn’t a clue, because I expected That Guy to be bald (as he appeared in a race video he had posted.)  My first words to him when I learned his identity were, “You have hair!”  Lifting his cap, and rubbing his head probably wasn’t something he expected… 

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I absolutely LOVE the logo that was designed for these Nationals!  Having lived most of my life in San Diego and being a So. Cal. Native; surfboards, palm trees, and water are what it’s all about!

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My three medals were for the Women’s 200 Meter Medley Relay (breaststroke leg), 200 Meter Breaststroke, and 200 Meter Butterfly.

SWIM HAPPY!

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On the United States Masters Swimming website, there is a discussion forums thread entitled, “Swim Happy”, where swimmers can post something swimming-related that made them happy.

I was happy, yesterday, when the 2013 USMS Top Ten rankings were released for short course (25 yard pool), and I learned that an 800 Yard Mixed Free Relay I was on placed in the Top Ten, just making it in at #10.

Today, my swim buddy and teammmate, Judd (“Swimosaur” on the forums), informed me that I made Top Ten in another relay; one that I swam on with him, at Georgia Tech, in April, along with another swim buddy of mine, Jennifer. Not only did we make Top Ten; we placed 6th! What a surprise!

Swimosaur, you made my day!

"Swimosaur", my teammate and "Forumite" buddy

“Swimosaur”, my teammate and “Forumite” buddy

Chris Eastman, another relay teammate

Chris Eastman, another relay teammate

Jennifer and I also tied for 1st in high points in our age group; only because we each swam completely different events and placed 1st in each one. If we had overlapped in any event, she would have won, because she is a MUCH faster swimmer!

Jennifer and I also tied for 1st in high points in our age group; only because we each swam completely different events and placed 1st in each one. If we had overlapped in any event, she would have won, because she is a MUCH faster swimmer!

Georgia Games Open Water Meet: FUN!

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Last year, I enjoyed racing the 3K and 1K in the Georgia Games Open Water meet so much that I signed up again this year. It is not part of the Georgia Championship Series this year, however, the Swim 4 Our Lives open water meet, in September, is part of the series. So, this was a great opportunity to get in some open water racing experience.

What a great day at Lake Acworth! The conditions were perfect; cloudy skies and a comfortable water temperature, thanks to all the rain Georgia has had lately. It really cooled the water down nicely.

This year, there was a short break between the 3K and 1K, so it wasn’t quite as crazy as last year, when I crossed the finish line and ran right back out to join the 1K group.

No gold or silver for me this year, but I did beat out three others in my age group to win bronze in the 3K, and I beat four others to win bronze in the 1K.

Most of all, I just really enjoyed racing in the lake today!

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3K Finish

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My 3K Bronze Medal

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My Georgia Masters teammate, Eleanor “Ellie” Jones beat out another teammate to win gold in her first open water race.  I was so proud of her today!

 

CLAUDE’S CHOCOLATES: A DELICIOUS DISCOVERY!

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When one thinks of the best chocolates in the world, French, Belgian, and Swiss chocolates are usually what come to mind. And, in the U.S.A.? New York City would be a safe bet for finding the best American chocolates. St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra, Florida, are probably not even on the radar.

One taste of Claude’s Chocolates ( http://www.claudeschocolate.com ), in St. Augustine, had me asking, “How does an amazing chocolate like this end up here?”

I contacted Nicole Franques, Claude’s wife, to inquire about touring their Ponte Vedra location, where Claude makes his exquisite creations. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that, although they do not give formal tours, she would be happy to show us around the kitchen of their chocolate shop.

On our way back home to Georgia, from our St. Augustine vacation, we stopped in to meet Claude & Nicole Franques, and their assistant, Suzy.

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One step inside through the front door (and a very deep breath to take in the euphoric smell of chocolate), and I felt like I was back in Europe, visiting a French chocolate shop. The chocolates were beautiful, as were the displays; it was a feast for the eyes.

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Nicole welcomed us warmly and ushered us back into the kitchen, behind the large glass window, where we met Claude and Suzy, preparing for the days’ production.

Claude was as warm and welcoming as his wife; very open to showing us the equipment he uses to assist in his production of fine French chocolates. Between Claude and Nicole, each step of the chocolate production was explained in such an interesting and engaging way that I suggested they add chocolate tours and tastings to their business. They answered every question so graciously, even the one question most chocolate makers are too secretive to reveal: “What brand of chocolate do you use for your ganache base and coatings?” (That would be Belcolade, from Belgium: http://www.belcolade.be )

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But, the most burning question I just had to ask was how a French chef like Claude ended up in Ponte Vedra, Florida?

In 1973, Claude came to the U.S.A., from Toulouse, France, to work as a French chef. He was sponsored by Nicole’s father to work in his restaurant, in Manhattan, New York. And, that is how Claude and Nicole first met- and, where they fell in love.

Ultimately, the two continued the legacy of Rene Pujol Restaurant for 20 years, before Claude and Nicole decided it was time to retire to their chosen locale, St. Augustine.

Claude wasn’t the type to retire to a rocking chair, however; he wanted to pursue his dream of making fine French chocolates, following in the footsteps of his close friend, Jacques Torres, a well known French pastry chef, who has become a successful chocolatier, in New York City.

The two met in 1989, working as French chefs in New York City. In 2000, Jacques pursued his dream and opened his first chocolate shop. When Claude decided it was also the path he wanted to follow, Jacque invited him to work at his shop and learn the process of making fine French chocolates. So, for six months, Claude trained under Jacques, back in the kitchen, while Nicole worked in the front of the store, learning about packaging and selling chocolates.

In 2005, they opened their first chocolate shop in their original downtown St. Augustine location. Recently, they moved their main shop and production kitchen to Ponte Vedra, as well as a smaller shop at their Granada Street location, near Flagler College.

Although any of Claude’s chocolate creations can be purchased at their St. Augustine location (6 Granada Street), one visit to their Ponte Vedra location (see below for details) and a taste of one of Claude’s exquisite chocolates will convince you that Claude and Nicole learned the fine points of the entire chocolate business very well. From the Chewy Caramel with Sea Salt to the Mayan Spicy, Claude’s bonbons and truffles are decadent, delicious treats!

Visit Claude’s Chocolate at:
The Shoppes at St. Johns Oaks
145 Hilden Road
Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
Tel: (904) 829-5790

Hours:
Mon – Sat 10 AM – 6 PM
Closed Sunday

SCENES AROUND ST. AUGUSTINE

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Before our chocolate tour, on Saturday, we were able to get in a trip to the St. Augustine Beach Farmer’s Market, a visit to the lighthouse, and some photography back in the Old Town and Spanish Quarter sections of the historic district. Here are some scenes from those places:

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Check out the palm tree growing out of the center of this tree trunk!

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We also stopped by to see Café Alcazar, located in the deep end of what used to be the swimming pool of Alcazar Hotel!

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Alcazar Hotel, opened by Henry Flager in 1888 across the street from his Hotel Ponce de Leon (now Flagler College), was the hotel where guests could stay for shorter periods, rather than paying to stay across the street for the entire high season. It was also the location for all of the entertainment and recreation facilities for his guests: A bowling alley, billiards room, casino, concert hall, and several other amenities- in addition to the 120’ x 50’ indoor swimming pool. It was the largest indoor swimming pool in the world at the time; no big deal for Henry Flagler who managed to get Thomas Edison to install electricity in his hotels before the White House even had it!

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On Sunday, we returned to the waterfront to explore the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the U.S.A. It was constructed from coquina, a type of shell stone indigenous to the area, by the Spanish between 1672 – 1695. Ultimately, the U.S. assumed control over it in 1821.

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We then headed over to the community swimming pool; a normal 75 foot outdoor swimming pool NOT frequented by the wealthiest of wealthy; quite the contrast to what used to be the pool of the Alcazar Hotel.

And, finally, before a nice walk on the beach, we had an early dinner at Mediterranean Shish-Kabob Restaurant (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34599-d3840651-r152265838-Mediterranean_Shish_Kebab-Saint_Augustine_Florida.html ). If it hadn’t been for Isabelle, at St. Augustine City Walks, we would have never found this place. But, she recommended it highly, so we made our way to the other side of town to give it a try.

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Walking into the restaurant was a nice surprise. The place was as clean and spotless as could possibly be. It was cheery and very pleasant to sit, relax, and enjoy a meal in.

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We started with the spinach pie appetizer and I can honestly say that was the best spinach pie I ever had. I thought the same about my falafel sandwich, particularly enjoying the spices in the falafels and the flavorful tzatziki sauce. And, the pita must have been just backed that morning, as it was as fresh as it could be. Everything is made from scratch by the husband and wife, who serve as the wait staff, cooks, and managers. Even their young daughter gets in on the action, answering the phone and a assisting her parents.

Thanks for the recommendation, Isabelle!

ST. AUGUSTINE CITY WALKS: TOUR DE CHOCOLATE

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The time had arrived; Saturday at 2:00 PM: CHOCOLATE TIME!

After first reading about this tour in the St. Augustine/ Ponte Vedra, Florida’s Historic Coast 2013 Travel Planner, I immediately ran to the computer to look up the tour on Trip Advisor. Good news; the reviews were positive, so I was ready to book our tour( http://www.staugustinecitywalks.com )!

As I mentioned in my previous post, I was very happy that Isabelle added a tour to their calendar, just for us. As it turned out, we were the only two on Ed’s tour, yesterday afternoon. Lucky us!

The reviews had all emphasized the quantity (and quality) of chocolates, chocolate desserts, and chocolate drinks that would be served during the tour. So, a strategy was hatched: Bring a thermal bag with a sheet of re-freezable ice and take my servings (except drinks) to go. We would then share Bruce’s servings.

As it turned out, it worked out to be a perfect strategy. At the end of the tour, we weren’t stuffed or sick. And, I am now enjoying another amazing serving of chocolate covered cannelloni, as I peck this out on my netbook…

Before I continue, I must pause here to thank my very willing and enthusiastic sherpa: Bruce. Without Bruce, I would have had a very sore neck from carrying and increasingly heavier bag, due to the full-sized desserts we were given on the tour, along with our packages of chocolates and bottled water.

Our guide for the tour, Ed, was a very upbeat and enthusiastic guy, who also happened to be a speech professor at Flagler College. Speech is the appropriate topic for him to teach, because, man, that guy could talk! But, he was very knowledgeable about the history of St. Augustine, so we received a good history lesson, in between our chocolate indulgences.

We didn’t have to walk far on this City Walks tour for our first chocolate stop; we went right next door from the Tours Saint Augustine/ St. Augustine City Walks office to meet Mark, owner of The Market on Granada; a specialty gourmet shop that sells a chocolate infused red wine ( http://www.themarketongranada.com ). We were poured a glass of Chocolate Rouge wine (Modesto, California) to pair with creamy Havarti cheese and Le Gruyere cheese. Wow; what a great pairing!

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Ed asked us to save half of our wine serving for our next pairing: Claude’s Chocolates (http://www.claudeschocolate.com/ ) . Located in the back of the same shop, Claude’s is a small chocolatier, selling high-end, high-quality European style chocolates. Claude’s best friend and mentor is Jacque Torres; a world renowned chocolatier and pastry chef. The two grew up together and Jacque taught and trained Claude in the fine art of making premium chocolates.

Claude learned well. His chocolates were as exquisite as what I had remembered enjoying from the best chocolatiers I visited and bought chocolates from in Belgium. We tasted three different dark chocolates and paired them with our chocolate infused wine. HEAVEN.

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We then got to select four chocolates each, as well as our preferred variety of chocolate bark to take in boxes to go. Bruce let me select his four for him. I married a great guy, didn’t I? Although, I’m sure any of Claude’s chocolates are amazing!

Next stop: Right next door (again!) to Hot Shots Bakery & Café (http://www.hotshotbakery.com/ ) . Hey, I thought this was supposed to be a walking tour! How are we supposed to walk off all that chocolate if we keep going door-to-door? We got a good laugh out of that, but it was very convenient!

Hot Shots served us a “Chocolate Cloud”; chocolate cake topped with chocolate mousse and covered with dark chocolate. Decadent! I was very happy they packed one to go, because it was quite rich and filling!

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We continued on our walking tour to Vino Del Grotto, a “Galleria Lounge” where wine tastings are offered, desserts and coffees served, wine and gourmet goodies are sold, and gorgeous art hangs on the walls (http://vinodelgrotto.com/ ).

We tasted everything pictured below; some mixed together in a decadent chocolate cocktail. I enjoyed it all, but we went crazy over the chocolate balsamic. We returned later, after the tour, to buy a bottle. (Shhhh! Don’t tell them this, but we would have bought a bottle, anyway, even if we hadn’t each been given a $2 off coupon!)

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In between stops, Ed filled us in on St. Augustine’s history; much of what we had already heard on the previous nights’ City Walks tour with Maggie. But, we didn’t mind; the history of St. Augustine is full of interesting tales, well worth telling and hearing again.

All of our stops were within the Old Town and Spanish Quarter of St. Augustine; the most historic and picturesque part of the city. And, we were fortunate to have a beautiful day to enjoy.

Our next stop brought us to Chianti Room (http://www.pizzalleyschiantiroom.com/ ); an Italian restaurant that gets very good reviews on Trip Advisor. If their chocolate covered cannoli is any indication of how good their other food is, I would highly recommend this restaurant when you visit St. Augustine. If you don’t go there for dinner, at least go for dessert; specifically THIS dessert. I have never been particularly crazy for cannoli; I can take it or leave it. But, one bite of this chocolate cannoli and I was smitten. No, I was HOOKED. Seriously. If I lived in St. Augustine, I would get into BIG trouble (both in the wallet and waistline) with that stuff!

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Needless to say, when Bruce passed on sharing the remainder of the second serving, tonight, and let me polish it off on my own, I was seriously smitten with HIM!

At this point, we waddled out of Chianti Room, staggering in a chocolate stupor to our next chocolate stop: Crucial Coffee (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g34599-d2390703-Reviews-Crucial_Coffee_Cafe-Saint_Augustine_Florida.html ) .

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Thank goodness for our thermal bag. By this point, we really needed it. (Note to Isabelle at St. Augustine City Walks: Suggest to your boss he has some thermal bags made with “St. Augustine City Walks Tour de chocolate” printed on it. You could sell them to your tour customers, specifically for this tour! And, you can pay my commission for the idea in Claude’s chocolate or Chianti Room chocolate cannoli!)

At Crucial Coffee, we were killed with chocolate (and wine) kindness. We were first poured a glass of pinot noir, to enjoy in their lovely outdoor café, while admiring the quaintness of the little hut where they operate. It dates back to the late 1700’s where a blacksmith used to work.

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Our glass of wine was followed by a frozen mint hot chocolate drink that was refreshing and delicious. We thought that would be it, which would have been just fine with us. But, it was followed by a dessert trio of homemade dark chocolate peanut butter cups, a chocolate covered strawberry, and vanilla ice cream topped with a dark chocolate garnish. Awesome!

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Now, we were on a serious chocolate high, as we buzzed up the steps to Fudge Buckets (http://fudgebuckets.com/ ), to taste various flavors of fudge. I had previously purchased four “buckets” (and got a fifth bucket free), on the recommendation of other Trip Advisor reviewers, so I am now well stocked for a fudge tasting encore, upon our return.

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Mercifully, this concluded our Tour de Chocolate. Ahhh, but I was one happy camper! My taste buds were smiling.

We had great fun on our tour and enjoyed our time with Ed. The only thing missing was not hearing more about chocolate history and facts; something I would include if I ran a similar tour. But, I did learn one thing about St. Augustine’s chocolate history: Chocolate made its way to St. Augustine’s shores in 1671; long before Milton Hershey came on to the seen!