Well, 2020’s off to an interesting start so far. Of all the New Year’s Blog post ideas I had, I didn’t end up using any of them. As soon as school started back up again, I was instantly busy and then, all of a sudden, it was Chinese New Year. Dad and I travelled to Austria and Germany during our two weeks off, and while we were at a lovely hotel in Füssen, Germany, we found out that we would not actually be returning to China when we had planned.
As most of you know, a coronavirus outbreak has left parts of China on complete lockdown, with schools closed all across the country. Afraid that we might end up stuck in China and unable to fly anywhere, we decided not to return and to stay in Europe for as long as possible.
Dad and I immediately started brainstorming places to go while my mom debated whether or not to leave China. We decided to go to Bratislava, Slovakia. It’s a cheap place, but also very cute, and we know a few people in the area. Mom ended up in Albania with some close friends, and after about a week, dad and I flew over to join her. And that is why I’m in Tirana for I-don’t-even-know-how-long and school is delayed until at least March 2nd.
Now, we’re already 3 paragraphs into this post without the slightest mention of hot chocolate. You may be wondering: “with so much going on, how could she possibly care about hot chocolate? That’s so arrogant of her! People are sick! They’re being quarantined and told they can’t leave their city! This is a terrible crisis! How can you care about hot chocolate?” While that is indeed a valid argument, I believe in making the best of every situation! Toxic positivity, amiright? Honestly though, I figured there were enough article about the virus at this point. Why not enjoy a nice, calming read about hot winter beverages instead?
So, it was a cold winter’s day in Salzburg, Austria on the 1st or 2nd day of Chinese New Year. I was obviously freezing. I borrowed a very lovely coat from my friend, but I had just come from tropical China, so the temperature was a bit of a shock. Dad and I walked past a cozy bakery and dad really wanted to go inside, so he said “Let’s get you some hot chocolate and sit in this nice little cafe.” We sat down and talked about Austria and stuff. It was really good hot chocolate, and suddenly I had a marvelous idea. “I’ll drink hot chocolate in every country we go to and then I can finally write a new blog post!” I exclaimed. And that is what I am doing, so get yourself a nice, hot beverage and a cozy blanket and enjoy!
1. Salzburg
The first, best, and most inspiring cup of chocolate. The place had a super cozy atmosphere and the guy who owned it was very friendly. He talked us about where we were from and even gave us some ideas of where to buy gluten free food (he offered us free cake and I had to tell him why I couldn’t take it). I decided that I would one day retire and open a gluten free bakery that’s not vegan and healthy and blah blah blah. Just delicious baked goods for people who actually can’t eat gluten. Anyways, the hot chocolate was bordering cocoa and chocolate, but I’d call it chocolate. Thick, creamy, and foamy on top. 8/10, it was just what I needed at the time, but it could’ve been thicker.
2. Hallstatt
After a couple days in Salzburg, we moved on to a tiny village in the mountains of Austria called Hallstatt. I didn’t get my cocoa here until the last day, but I also had candied almonds. The cocoa here also came from a bakery, but it was more milky than chocolates and definitely classified as cocoa, not chocolate. It came in a nice cup with a lid though, so I didn’t have to worry about spilling. It was a little too milky for me, but still good. 6/10, but the village was my favorite.
3. Füssen
Dad and I traveled to Füssen, Germany with a friend from Turkmenistan, who lives in Finland now. We found a restaurant called Aquila that we ended up eating at twice. They had a lot of options and a warm atmosphere, so we had lunch there on the first day and dinner on the second. The cocoa was more chocolatey than in Hallstatt, but was definitely cocoa, not chocolate. 8/10 because I prefer chocolate.
4. Garmisch-Partenkirchen
After we left our friend, Dad and I moved int to a ski resort in Germany called the Riessersee. I had hot chocolate at the hotel’s restaurant along with a cup of Goulash. The cocoa was the best I’d had, aside from the hot chocolate in Salzburg. Very chocolatey, but not thick. The twinkling lights were a nice touch that night. The next day, we took a walk through the snow, built a snowman, and stumbled upon a lively restaurant up in the mountains. I had some kinderpunsch there, with cinnamon and plum. I know it’s not cocoa, but it’s still worth mentioning. 11/10 for both combined.
5. Bratislava
After our trip was unexpectedly extended, Dad and I flew down to Bratislava. I had hot chocolate in a fancy restaurant that we only went to for the purpose of getting hot chocolate. It was thicker than the other cocoas, so I liked it. 9/10 for the whipped cream on top!
Hot chocolate was obviously not the only amazing thing about my vacation across Europe, but I think it made a very nice introduction. I’m writing another post about my trip for next week, so stay tuned! Also, happy Valentine’s Day! Make sure to spend it with the people you love, whoever that may be!💝
Way Out Wanderer 