National Geographic: Asian-Inspired Chocolate in Brussels

March 25, 2013

I spent a morning with chocolatier Laurent Gerbaud in Brussels and got to indulge all my fantasies of opening a chocolate shop in the wonderful country of Belgium. Here's more on National Geographic Urban Insider.

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Where Sophie saw fire for the first time. 🔥 🔥 🔥

A small bit of Iguazu Falls - view from Brazil side!

I could not believe how magnificent this bird park was- awestruck by so many species, mostly rescues, as this park (founded by a German couple in 1994) focuses on conservation. You see 200 flamingoes circling each other on their toothpick legs, preening in the mirror (mirrors help them breed!); squawking, brilliant macaws; baby boa constrictors (!); endangered owls snuggling; birds with yellow, red, and orange noses; birds that lay bright blue eggs...and Sophie herself was also an attraction, with people taking photos of her (apparently, blue eyes are super rare here). “Bird park” doesn’t do it justice.

One of those hotels I dreamed of my whole life! And I will forever tell Sophie that her first dip in a pool was here. @belmondcopacabanapalace #riodejaneiro

I could write a few words about overtourism (even though it’s shoulder season here) but we made it to Cristo Redentor before we leave! I absolutely love Rio - but its creative, beach-y, delicious soul isn’t up here.

Today, it was total crap weather in Rio. Gusts of wind, endless pouring rain. We rescheduled a trip up Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer was “hidden” in the clouds) and instead - went to the mall! But we ended up having the most “authentic” Rio experience at the mall. No one spoke English. There were so many families. I recognized maybe 5% of the stores. We loved seeing their robust recycling program. I wandered gleefully through an organic grocery store, buying dulce de leche protein powder, chocolate, & mini chia smoothies. We bought a Brazilian swimsuit for Sophie. Everyone was ridiculously nice - traveling with a baby helps. And I peeked out the window of the fourth-floor food court, and there he was: Christo Redentor (tiny in the distance) overlooking his city in the rain. We took the clean, fast subway back to the hotel during the Friday evening rush hour, illuminating once again how dilapidated the NYC subway is. It was a really good day.

Driving to Copacabana from the airport #SUGARLOAF #RIO

Start with omakase at Sushi Katsuei, end with splitting a doughnut. Everyone needs a @dbrandoff in their life.

City baby exploring Hippo Playground (the BEST) & Riverside Park on one of those rare, perfect weather NYC days.

“Please keep your hands and feet inside your fish.” You guys. The SeaGlass Carousel in Battery Park really is magical! #teamcharles #youngertv

@anniefitzsimmons

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