Chocolate on my "to-do" list? Yes.

The Ritter Sports Chocolate Factory has been on our to-do list for quite awhile, but finding the 2.5 hours to drive there thru "stau" country (read: 4+ hour traffic jam possibilities) has kept us from trying!  Today, however, with a distinct need for fencing gear AND chocolate and no real schedule to keep, we successfully accomplished our trip!

He's smiling for his selfie!

The fencing shop was located in the factory (allstar.de), where the workers were busily sewing each garment by hand, working in the warehouse and assembling weapons.  Lucky for Nate, DHL (German postman) was on strike and the painter wasn't busy, so he hand painted Nate's mask right then!  His new jacket has "Mensch Germany" on the back so this way the officials will pronounce his name correctly!  They always say Menk...

The Ritter Factory, established in the 1920s, was not available to us to tour, but the museum next door explained the history of the family business and how they managed to grow in spite of setbacks (mainly WWII).  One could also participate in a chocolate making workshop, however, tickets were sold out.  That just meant more time shopping for flavors we've always wanted to try.....

After sampling a few *interesting* flavors at home later, we understand why these didn't make it to the store shelves!

• Cranberry mit Schuss (schuss was how they spiked my gluhwein last winter....) 
• Knusper Tortilla Chips (chocolate covered popcorn is what it really tasted like...) 
• Apricot Holunderblüte (remember that old orange medicine Dr. Dunlevy used to prescribe??)
• Dunkel Keks & Nuss (which is NOT oreo cookie!)  

All in all, a wonderful day with our friends, Devon, Jordan & Mary.  Tomorrow we hit the gym.  

Best quote of the day:  "Nine out of ten people like chocolate.
The tenth one is lying."  John Tullius, American artist