For the first time, I feel like the preparations for my gallivant are all falling into place. Have already mostly fallen into place. Are in place. Almost.
The remaining tasks are, knock on wood, manageable within my remaining in-Australia time (fingers crossed the removalists show up tomorrow), my parents and I have booked dinner for Wednesday (my last!) night at one of our favourite fancy restaurants in Canberra, I have seen and hugged many of my dear friends, I’ve bought new check-in and carry-on luggage, and booked flights and accommodation for the first half of August.
New swirly-black-and-white carry-on! And what looks to be antennae and a bauble growing from my head!
Within the first half of August, plans are afoot for so many magical moments that I’m giddy-beyond-excited. Also, I just whipped up a gorgeously vibrantly deeply pink bowlful of banana cherry soft serve with cacao nibs and vanilla, which was delicious. And ate the following dark chocolate bar from Trader Joe’s. Segue?
Trader Joe’s 70% Dark Chocolate Bar Caramel with Black Sea Salt
Thank heavens I’m flying to America, rather than sailing. If I were going by sea, I’d be utterly terrified of being attacked by a marlin bigger than my ship, or by a bird-winged schoolbus-turned-airplane. Trader Joe’s, were you high when you designed this chocolate package?
That aside, lookee the pretty! Pretty sparkles of just-plain sea salt and Hawaiian Black Sea Salt! According to the package, this “Exotic Hawaiian Black Sea Salt hails from the Pacific seawater that surround the Hawaiian Islands. This stunning black salt is evaporated in above ground pools that form naturally from lava flows”.
Well. Surely the ship should be being attacked by lava, not marlin, then?
It is undeniable that this 70% dark chocolate block was gorgeous, with its glossy dark shiny chocolate, sparkling salt flakes, and thick golden flowing (albeit messy) caramel.
When I took a bite, the chocolate shattered into a whisper of lace-thin rich fruity meltingness. The caramel immediately rushed forward to steal the show with a smoky, fruity, and butterscotch sweetness that was tempered, and at times overwhelmed, by the intensity of the two types of sea salt.
The black salt and sea salt did, I must admit, sometimes attack the overall flavour of this chocolate bar just as a marlin attacks a ship.
Overall, I wish I could say that this Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Caramel with Black Sea Salt bar was wonderful, but it was simply a bit too salty for my liking.
My new luggage isn’t salty, though. Just so you know.
Ooooh, look at you with your fancy-pants new luggage! So, so exciting
I showed the carry-on because the check-in luggage is plain black and not fancypants at all
That caramel is a bloody mess, I tell you. BLOODY MESS.
So much so that my Mum pulled a face when I gave her some.
so so exciting!!!!
I would love to try this too salty chocolate. Salty chocolate is my favourite!
Your travels and braveness to explore the world are inspiring. Surely that bag is too small for all your gallivanting? My handbag is bigger than that:)
Oh Sarah, thank you! I need to hear that when I go through moments of doubt.
Never you fear, I have check-in luggage as well. It’s still quite small, but I prefer it that way. I’d much rather ease-of-travelling than a month’s worth of clothes
Oh new luggage is so exciting. When it is all fresh and unscuffed by whatever monsters live behind the scenes at airports to move luggage. Love it.
And extra salty chocolate sounds good to me, I was the one Australian not completely revolted by salted licorice in Denmark – they like things supremely salty there.
Actually, there were a few holes in the lining of this brand-new luggage, so I got it for 10% off
I’ve heard of salted licorice before, but haven’t yet been game enough to try it. So far, I’ve only liked licorice in gelato form in Florence.
I love the bauble on the side of your head. Will you be taking that in your new carry-on or wearing it on your head as a bold statement? The chocolate looks delicious. Enjoy your dinner at the fancy restaurant xx
I’m hoping they’ll let me through security with it. It’s filled with sparkles, so I’m scared it will make the metal detector go off.
well at least you will be able to go and tell Trader Joe in person – I am sure he will be very happy for your expert feedback
You may even have to do some more taste testing while you are there!
If that’s what I have to do, that’s just what I’ll have to do.
I wish you a fabulous trip Hannah! You said you’re coming to my country – Canada… but you mention America here. Does that mean you’re visiting both countries?! Do you have a post that talks more about your trip in details? YOu’ll love Trader Joes and Whole Foods!
Thank you so much, Heather! My announcement post is here: http://wayfaringchocolate.com/2012/07/03/my-great-big-swirling-whirling-announcement/ but I’d travelling freely this time; will mostly be making plans up as I go. Oh, and don’t worry about Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Garden of Eden, Integral Yoga, Zabar’s, Food Emporium and me…. those places are my heaven, and I cannot wait to return to the circle of their embraces. I’ve been known to arrive at night in New York, drop my bags off, and literally run to Garden of Eden before
I MISS YOU ALREADY
Thanks lady! You’ll simply have to plan a holiday.
My OH my… THIS looks like my kinda chocolate – I love the salteeeeee. PLus gooey caramel? I want to live at Trader Joe’s.
See, I love the salty too, and find Lindt’s Sea Salt not salty enough. But somehow, the salty caramel PLUS the very generous salt flakes on the chocolate itself was too much for me.
Trader Joe’s is wonderful, but I’d rather like at Whole Foods or Garden of Eden personally
gah!! I’M SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!
hope you have a smooth flight and trip there! And let your adventures begin!!!!!
Thanks lovely!
Ooooh – want the chocolate AND your swirly patterned carry on. We’re discovering that sensible black is rather difficult to pick out from the other hundred versions of sensible black both in overhead lockers and on the luggage conveyor belt.
Back to the chocolate – looks like the perfect snack for leg one of your flight!
Ack! I wish you hadn’t told me that! I just bought plain-black check-in luggage! Aaaaaah well. What’s travel without the constant fear ad the belt that the airline has lost your bags?
I’m going to be taking over half a kilo of chocolate in my carry-on for the flight.
I have plain black luggage too and I tied a colorful belt around it when checking it, and on another trip I bought bright purple duct tape and wrapped the handles with it. Both worked great.
THAT IS BRILLIANT. I need to figure something out like that
Have an amazing trip there, started off by this delicious chocolate
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I am getting so excited for you!
That carry on looks great, I loved shopping for new suitcases, feels like such an adventure is happening. 
Did you lick your suitcase? You never know, it might actually be salty.
I lick everything.
Not really.
But maybe.
Not really.
But maybe.
Oooh, fancy pants luggage! How could the trip not go well with that sort of carry on bag? Such splendiferousness
This chocolate looks pretty fancy too, so I am sorry to hear about the excess salt. I do like that last photo, though, as the caramel looks kind of like a mouth. I’ve just entertained myself for quite a long time imagining it into a face. Which probably means afternoon break time is over and it’s best I return to work
I’ve spent my life with boring carry-on, so I couldn’t pass up something that looked like a cross between Victorian and Mary Poppins
The best chocolate to eat is chocolate that looks like a face. Wait, what?
Mmm looks rather salty, like something from the sea. Glad you’re kitted out and my goodness on countdown time! Breathe breathe breathe. The best thing about big trips is sitting down in the plane and half an hour into the flight realising that nothing matters and everything that comes next is unstoppable. Drink lots of water and don’t play Cave Man! Xx
Oh darling, you are wise and beautiful like an owl! In a way, I am indeed looking forward to, as you say, letting go of all control, breathing deeply, and accepting the quiet hours to come. Without internet! Almost two straight days without internet! That will be strange. But likely good for me.
However, I can’t really go too far on the water front. I hate using airplane bathrooms.
I’m so glad the preparations are coming together. Enjoy the gallivanting.
I’ve been meaning to go to Trader Joe’s so that I can purchase this bar, for the mostly sole purpose that I love the packaging.
It’s about time that everything falls into place planning-wise. Now you can spend your remaining time enjoying that fancy meal and hugging your parents long and hard:)
So much hugging. Still a fair bit of sorting and last-minute prep, but at least I can do it under a cloud of calm rather than a storm of panic.
It’s worth going to American just for Trader Joes – love that supermarket!
Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Garden of Eden… I love them all and can’t wait to explore them again!
I’m excited that you’re excited! And I’m excited about your new luggage, and your chocolate, and I’m also really hoping that the giant bird-bus-plane isn’t your mode of transport!
Thank you for your excitement! This morning I woke up with a feeling of utter disbelief and panic. I need to start packing at some point.
Aww soon you’ll be in the land of Trader Joes and peanut butter!
!!! soooo I know I’ve been MIA (lots and LOTS going on) but I’ve saved all of your posts I hadn’t yet read (13 actually) and of course, JUST read the one where you announced you were heading to the US. Best of luck and safe travels dear… and definitely let me know if you end up in Boston at all!
Oh Shannon! Your comment has made my heart go all jazzy with happiness! Thank you for reading them all; that’s so lovely
I will most certainly let you know if/when Boston happens! I really like that place, so do hope to visit it again. If not this year, then next 
I’m so glad everything is coming together for you.
Soon you’ll be able to buy everything in the Trader Joe’s brand! (Lucky girl).
I’ll be thinking of you on Thursday. xxxx
Thursday morning, Thursday afternoon, Thursday night, Thursday witching hours, Friday morning… there are a lot of plane hours for you to think of me during!
xo
While I think of you I’ll eat some Lindt 85% to salute you.
Mmmm I knew I’d love this after my new-found love of dark chocolate and sea salt but I think caramel can tend to be overpoweringly sweet.
But can you believe you will have a TJ’s that you can go to at ANY TIME?! Perhaps you can ask Mr Joe why he designed a package so terrifying
Thursday my darling!!!
Teehee, not quite anytime, as Trader Joe’s isn’t quite as widespread across America as Whole Foods, but dear heavens I can’t wait for all of the deliciousness ALL OF IT. I may have to stock up on wacky healthfood store goodies before Utah, though.
This chocolate looks wonderful!
ok, obviously i m a salt fiend because that TJs bar is my absolute hands down very #1 chocolate. loooooove it.
I almost really really really really liked it, but then my tastebuds baulked. I may simply have to buy another one ON FRIDAY IN NYC OMG for “quality control” purposes
oh man, my fave. although, it is the only TJs chocolate bar I’ve purchased (so far)!
It does look a bit salty. Now to see if you will have further salty adventures abroad…
I had pistachio gelato for dinner upon arriving at my hotel in New York. Not *quite* salty.
You look adorable! I like your style. I’m going to call it “urban comfort.” Leggings go with everything.
Sorry your chocolate was a salt lick. Just think of all the chocolate bars you’ll inevitably be gifted with on your trip, some of which will surely blow your mind.
Teehee, thank you! It’s a constant struggle to balance the doctor-prescribed uggs with not-looking-like-a-hobo.
Anytime I hear anyone say “salt lick”, I think of Laura Ingalls Wilder and of Bambi. Ooooh, chocolate ahead! I bet there will be! Just you wait, Whole Foods, just you wait ’til I get to you…
Oooh i must get my hand on this.. i love salty chocolate!
great to hear things are falling into place!