What a wonderful evening was spent at the Aphrodite Caffee in Melioria! It was in the form of a salon wherein we discussed chocolate--its history, ethics and economics within the context of the year 1781. Appropriately, hot chocolate, chocolate cake and truffles were served, making our hearts quicken and our minds become sharper. We discussed the possibility of growing cocao trees ( Theobroma cacao ) in Melioria and of making our own chocolate. The logistics of carrying out such a task (including growing seasons, soil conditions, shipping of the saplings) were discussed animatedly.

This will take time but considering the enthusiasm and support for the project, I am convinced it will happen. We were very anxious that slave labour would not be used for making Melioria chocolate so we also decided to make our own honey as sweetener rather than buying cane sugar from the Jamaican plantations. We now have our own official beekeeper and two hives have already been placed on our land. Bees have already been sighted in the orchard and in some of our balconies. We will discuss these enterprises further at our gathering this evening at Aphroditre's caffee in Melioria at 5pm slt. I hope we will get a fine turnout! There will be lots of chocolate cake and truffles left over from last night.