Field trip last October 2019 to the chocolate world; a joint-venture of Sundari and I. We thought our kids needed a break. Of course, we had no funds but we were determined to make this trip happen. We took a morning off from class. We had help from the university to provide us with a bus, which we were most grateful. Although this trip was at our own expense, the kids were happy to have a morning out.
Earliest History of Chocolate:
The Olmec of Southern Mexico were probably the first to roast and grind cacao beans for drinks around 1500 BC. According to a cultural arts curator for the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, this was based on pots and vessels uncovered in this ancient civilization which showed traces of cacao chemical. Then other civilizations from Central and South America - the Maya, the Inca, the Moche, the Arawak, the Tupi and the Aztecs became interested in cacao trees.
By the 600s AD, Maya and Arawak farmers were growing cacao trees instead of picking wild cacao. The Tupi people were still gathering wild cacao. The Maya people said that the god Quetzalcoatl had brought the cacao trees down from heaven for the people to farm!
During the 1400s AD, the Aztec empire controlled most part of Central America and they made the people pay their taxes in cocoa beans. Cocoa beans were good for money because they were expensive, rare and precious, and could be stored for a long time.
Queuing up to go up the bus
Azlan, our dedicated driver
Let's go!
The Beryl's Chocolate Factory that we went to was in Seri Kembangan, about 45 minutes from the university. Entrance is free. Tour is free as well. However, it is a small factory with a small museum. Disappointedly, the cafe was not ready for business yet. There was a souvenir shop and an ice-cream booth though for all to shop for chocolates.
Waiting for our turn for the tour
To the hall to watch a video
As helpful as this tour guide was, her biggest mistake was to talk as the video played. So we had no choice but to listen to the video in English and her loud voice booming in Bahasa Malaysia.
EXTREMELY ANNOYING!
Cocoa beans
It says here:
The Olmec Indian civilization in north-western South America is believed by many to be the first people to discover cocoa around 1500 to 400 BC. However, the use of cocoa began to spread in the region when the ancient Mayan people started cultivating cocoa around 250 to 900 AD.
Chocolate mould
Aztec cocoa merchants
Metal chocolate moulds
Cocoa beans were used as currency
10 cocoa beans = 1 rabbit
3 cocoa beans = 6 tomatoes
4 cocoa beans = 5 chillies
Cocoa Goddess
Ceramic chocolate pots to serve chocolate drink
Moustache cup, to keep moustaches dry while drinking!
Silver Chocolatieres used to serve chocolate drink
Metal coffee cup
Yasmin, Sayeshree, Kugesh and Raahini
In the bus on the way back to the university. Game led by Azri.
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