Back to School with Chocolate

                                                                                    Article Index


It’s back to school time again, and incoming college freshman are settling in to dorm life. While heading off to college usually involves the family car, a U-Haul trailer, and the camaraderie of waiting in long lines for elevators at State U., for many students it’s quite different. Instead of the family car, they take a quick jaunt to the nearest international airport with luggage in tow and fly off to lands far, far away. 

As more and more students consider universities outside of the United States, major publications are taking notice. In fact, the August 13, 2006, issue of Newsweek ranked the Top 100 Global Universities. Now, it’s time to travel to some of the foreign cities with these top universities (their Newsweek rankings are in parentheses following the university’s name).

University of Cambridge (6) - Upon arrival in the United Kingdom, stop by the duty free shop at the airport to sample some of Churchill's fine confections. These elegant confections are available in a wide variety of stunning keepsake packaging, and come in everything from fruit jellies to fudge. They are sure to satisfy those midnight cravings while studying. The next stop on your trip is Cambridge.

Most people arrive in Cambridge by train. If you’re visiting Cambridge, consider starting your journey in London, take the National Rail north, and then take a bus from the local train station to campus. Many of the colleges at the University are accessible to the public for tours, although some charge a small entrance fee. If there’s a specific college in which you’re interested, be sure to check when it offers tours as many are closed during examination periods. Even if you’re unable to tour a building, the campus itself is breathtaking enough for many days’ meandering.

After you’ve toured campus, take a bus back into the city of Cambridge to see the sights. The city possesses a wealth of old world charm while still offering every modern amenity. A local favorite is the Bellina Chocolate House. This quaint little establishment is renowned for serving only the finest Belgian chocolates. Try purchasing a box of these exquisite chocolates and a coffee for a lovely afternoon tea on the grounds of the University of Cambridge.

Tokyo University (16) - Tokyo University is spread throughout the city of Tokyo in five campuses. Touring Tokyo, you’re almost compelled to stop at the main Hongo campus. This campus rests on the former estate of the Maeda family, a powerful family of feudal lords from the Edo period in Japanese history. The Akamon, or Red Gate, is a beautiful reminder of both the history and majesty of this university that has produced some of Japan’s greatest politicians.

The Japanese people have a curious fascination with chocolate that sometimes borders on obsession. Throughout Tokyo, there are a myriad of “chocolate bars,” on par with a sushi bar. There are several Japanese chocolatiers who attempt to lure in the locals, but most seem to prefer the European chocolate. Some of the most popular European bars, including those by Feodora and Butlers, can attract hoards of customers (most of them female).

University of Toronto (18) - The main St George campus of the University of Toronto is a picturesque tribute to the history of the region. Founded in 1827 as King’s College, it is now Canada’s most important research institution. There are daily walking tours throughout the grounds for those who wish to have a guided tour of this beautiful campus.

Toronto has several chocolatiers that are quickly becoming very well-known for their use of Swiss and Belgian chocolates, including Botticelli. By combining the best chocolates of Europe with the freshness of locally-made treats, these shops are making waves in Toronto. Another trend that has hit Toronto is the Chocolate Bar. More like martini bars than Tokyo’s chocolate bars, these bars have brought a new generation of chocolate fans into the mainstream.

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (21) - The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, or ETHZ as it’s known for its official name of Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, was founded by the Swiss Federation in 1854. This university boasts one of the world’s premier educations in the sciences, including 21 Noble Laureates. The campus itself is stunning, set amidst the breathtaking city of Zurich. A walking tour of the university is a must in any tour of the city.

Zurich is, of course, one of the chocolate capitals of the world. One of the largest tourist attractions in Zurich is the Lindt Sprungli Chocolate Factory, which allows tours and samples daily. Add in the chocolate bistros that line the street speaking of the birth of some of the world’s best sweets and confections, and you have a chocolate lover’s dream vacation.

So while back to school may mean one thing to most college-bound students, to some it means a chance to tour some of the world’s most famous cities and taste some of the best chocolates the world has to offer. Why not try your own college-based chocolate world tour this fall?

Article Index