Food and more food! Drink and more drink!

It is day 16 of my 40 days in Europe. I have indulged in 3x more food and drink than I would consume in the US. It is amazing that my clothes still fit, yet they do! For this, I am grateful, because the social gatherings around food and wine have been some of my best experiences in Europe!Just when I think that I have had enough food for the day, my host goes back into the kitchen to prepare several more courses. Yesterday, my hostess and I went to a cafe', and she asked me what I liked. Of course, the pastries looked inviting but knowing that they are quite rich, I was thinking that we would share one pastry. I told her which 3 looked most appealing and suggested that she choose which one of these she would like to share. Next comes a plate with all 3 pastries. Wow! Within 2 hours, another host prepared a picnic lunch with fruit and a huge German pretzel, and then when I could not eat another bite, we stopped by a cafe' for a drink, and he ordered Black Forest cake and Black Forest blueberry cake, too...and a glass of currant juice. Shortly thereafter, we stopped by the house and a huge plate of beef, zucchini, and onions were prepared for me. Now...I was certain that I had indulged in enough food for the next week or possibly next month, when the wife said that she and her husband are planning to prepare a very special, traditional German meal for me that evening. How could I resist?  So, within a very short period of time, I was served the most amazing aperativ (before dinner) drink. This drink was very special. It was a chili, chocolate liquor. It had a strong, firey zing. It was a delight. Then came 2 large gourmet dishes of bacon, onions. and cream on a specialty, thin, crisp bread...more delight! It was served with fresh tomatoes and salad from the garden. Then comes a refreshing wine from the vineyards of the Black Forest. Now, it is time for bed...ohhh... not yet... it is time for dessert, especially prepared by the hostess...puréed Black Forest apricots mixed with cream. I slept well. The next morning, she shaved ginger from the root and made me a sandwich with butter and a German  pretzel. Now, I must catch the train!

, whe