We awoke to bright sunshine and had a window seat at breakfast that allowed us to enjoy the golden rays.

After breakfast Mr C headed off to visit a trade show, one of the main reasons for our stay in York. I walked into York thinking I would visit the ‘Chocolate Experience’ attraction when I got there I realised that I was muddling it up with York’s other chocolate adventure. The ‘Chocolate Experience’ is something to explore with other chocolate seeking adventurers.

My plan B was to visit the nearby Fairfax House but I found that it didn’t open until 11am. The chocolate factory I had originally been thinking of was nearby but by this time I had gone off the idea of a chocolaty adventure. I spent a pleasant time browsing in Waterstones and was tempted by one of the games (Parks), but I resisted temptation. By now Fairfax House had opened so I returned to the small property before making my way to Clifford’s Tower to sit on one of the benches part way up the Motte, soaking up the sunny rays whilst waiting for Mr C. My lofty perch allowed me to view the antics in the car park below and a loud shouting exchange that followed a mini bumping of two cars. The car park has narrow spaces and is extremely busy, not a place I would choose to park.

Although we were in the location to continue our walk along the town walls we had to make our way into town for lunch, the nearby Castle Museum café was not only available to museum visitors. Our walk took us through the busy car park where people were still struggling to get in and out of the extremely narrow spaces. We lunched in Pret, where due to a miscommunication, I ended up with the wrong sandwich!

During the morning Mr C had been told that a Royal Mail parcel would be delivered but the on-line options for changing the delivery arrangements did not offer a suitable alternative delivery whilst we were away. Mr C was advised that it had been delivered to our secure porch. We don’t have a secure porch leaving us to wonder what exactly Royal Mail had done with the parcel…

We retraced our steps from Pret and resumed the wall walk. The wall walk ended in the perfect location for visiting the Yorkshire Museum which is currently exhibiting the Rydale Hoard. Just outside the museum was an ice Viking, part of the ice trail. I chose not to photograph it before we entered the museum which was a big mistake. When we left it had vanished with just a patch of water to show where it had been. Many children and parents were milling around, having just arrived to tick it off the trail list.

Back at the hotel Mr C had an update on the parcel delivery. The picture of a ’secure porch’ was a doormat? We phoned a family member to ask them to check if a parcel had been delivered to our doorstep. They came back with a negative, there was nothing left on our doorstep.

We dined in Ate O’Clock which has a charming entrance that invites you. Our delightful waiter informed us that some of the menu choices were no longer available. Although this was not ideal, at least we knew in advance so that we didn’t get our taste buds leaning towards one of the missing items.

We visited the Golden Fleece before heading back to the hotel for a nightcap which we purchased from the hotel bar and took to our room to chill out in comfort.

Earlier in the day I had noticed a perfect shop for morning coffee, but I was overruled and told that it wasn’t the right time for morning coffee.  I did however manage to work my way back there for afternoon tea

The shop is associated with a hand made chocolatier of  over 30 years. The drinks are served with home made chocolates and the hot chocolate drink is served with real chocolate too.

I have to confess to succumbing to a cup cake, although it did have meringue on the top rather than butter sugar cream

PS: The days walking tallied up to 9 miles and I ended up with sore feet, I think the treat was well earned Later in the day everyone else was in bed by 10pm!!

On first inspection it looked a little shut, but then the proprietor came to our assistance.  It seems we were quite lucky, they were supposed to be closed but had opened because it was the school holidays.  I think they must have been glad of our custom because we were the only people in there.  We got lots of personal attention and had a good conversation with the proprietor.

Not to mention the delicious indulgence we all took part in.  When in Bruges it has to be done at least once

So many Christmas memories unfold and roll back into one happy memory. Family, friends, fun, laughter, the occasional tear, frost, snow, school concerts, singing at Ironbridge on Christmas Eve; which reminds me we did the same in the local pubs, hospitals and old peoples homes. So many happy faces over the years…

They even remind me of the class bully at junior school and my inadvertent comment which much later led to the sharing of chocolates.

All those years ago I didn’t appreciate how many memories a box of Mackintosh’s Weekend could hold locked up inside…

I have used these before but not for a couple of years. I just couldn’t resist sharing them again (or eating them)

For more of this weeks PhotoHunt pictures check out tnchick.

1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to have chocolate (more than once but less than 10)

2. Multiply this number by 2

3. Add 5

4. Multiply it by 50 — I’ll wait while you get the calculator

5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1759 and if you haven’t , add 1758

6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born

You should have a three digit number, the first digit of this was your original number (i.e., how many times you want to have chocolate each week).

The next two numbers are…

YOUR AGE

The Chocolate Calculator – spread the word

H/T Pupazz