Hershey's Chocolate World and the Caverns this morning.

In what was our first day to really relax since departing Australia last week, the students enjoyed the opportunity to take in some sights around Hershey amidst the snow cover and the choir also sang in the Caverns when they were down underground.

We then visited the local shopping outlet stores where the students (and staff) displayed their own shopping prowess, canvasing a multitude of different stores in a little over an hour, before returning to the coach with their new purchases. Man of us were wondering how these items are going to fit into the suitcase? But... most importantly, we all got a bargain.

After this little bit of 'retail therapy' we continued our morning trip and headed off to 'Hershey's Chocolate World' where we enjoyed lunch and then started to engage in learning about all things chocolate. Most importantly we all got to design our own Hershey's Bar with wrapping and packaging, using the latest technology in their onsite production area.

Each tour member was allocated a unique code which allowed them to log in and select various ingredients, combinations and then also track the chocolate making, combined with designing their own wrapper! The highlight was seeing all the students and staff where their apron and matching hair protection (you'll see the fashion in the photos below!).

At the end of the tour, each member of the touring party had their own wrapped chocolate in a box! Photos of these will follow in the next few days.

Late afternoon, we ventured to Hershey Park - Christmas Candy Lane, where we managed to smother the Carousel as we entered the park, and then enjoyed some small rides and sideshow games, before having a bite then heading back to the hotel for a well earned, early night before a very early departure to Washington (via Gettysburg).

Hoping you enjoy the photos and we'll keep in touch over the next few days as the student have their homestay in Washington. Brad M