CHOCOLATE

 Deborah happened on it by chance…and it had immediate allure

an advertisement in Asheville…for chocolate factory tour.

“We get to tour a chocolate factory.” she said. “And taste chocolate. It’s a win win.

Before you could say Willy Wonka I yelled, “Did you say chocolate…count me in.” 

We showed up early at the chocolate factory…and were immediately aware

how the sweet delicious aroma of chocolate was wafting in the air.

We shared a look and a smile as we opened up the door.

We were literally now two children about to enter a candy store.

We learned a lot about  chocolate…and about the French Broad company too…then we got to taste some chocolate from India, Nicaragua…and Peru.

There were people on the tour who could taste the differences…

“I taste citrus or flowers they’d say” and others would agree….

but with my less than epicurean palate…they all tasted the same to me.

Next we took a tour…where our tour guide happily conveyed….

from the cacao bean to the final product…how chocolate is made.

There was one point where we stood under a pipe…on the very tips of our toes

and the sweet smell of chocolate was pumped right up our nose.

We bought some chocolate for the road and Deborah said…undaunted

I think with this chocolate factory tour…I now have everything I ever wanted…

“Don’t forget what happened to the couple who got everything they wanted.” I said

as we floated out of the factory…a blend of joy and bliss and laughter….

“What happened to them?” Deborah asked…

“I smiled caressing my bag of chocolate and in my best Willy Wonka voice said,

“They lived happily ever after.”