Changes in Candy Land

My first expedition into Candy Land was several years ago now. More then several in fact. I went there first as a child. I had been asked specifically to search for the missing King Kandy and was helped on my way by the cuddly Mr. Plumpy and Mr. Mint. I passed a disturbing looking gumdrop man and neglected Gramma Nutty's Peanut Brittle. There were several sticky sections where I was caught indefinitely but with the wisdom of the King's daughter, Lolly, and his wife Frostine I made it through. And finally by passing the friendly Gloppy I discovered the missing, plump King. The landscape was simple, and easily understood and my mission was clear.

Recently I was invited back to Candy Land by King Kandy for a party in my honor (perhaps he remembered my former rescue attempts). Things had changed since my last visit. Mr Plumpy's gingerbread plum trees had gone extinct and were replaced by a Cupcake delivery service. Global climate change had also been hard on Mr. Mint's peppermint forest, it was now an ice cream slope perfect for snowboarding. Gumdrop pass was taken over by gummy bears, and Gramma Nutty's home had been remodeled into a gingerbread house. Lord Licorice was still up to his old tricks though, but his power had diminished, he could now only halt you for a moment on his sticky paths. I was sad to discover though, that King Kandy must have lost his wife to over eating, but before she passed away she left another daughter. Princess Frostine and Princess Lolly urged me onto the palace for the party. Right before I  got to the castle I climbed over a chocolate mountain (where there used to be a swamp, there must have been an earthquake) passing an older Gloppy and Gramma Nutty's sister. The King, looking strangely fit welcomed me to the party. It was a relief to get there, because the landscape had seemed remarkably busy, but seeing as parties are not my favorite thing I wondered why I went there to begin with.

Now maybe I just hate to see change, but I admit I was a little disappointed. Mostly because I felt like my mission was important the first time, I mean a King was missing! I was also very surprised by the impressive weight loss by the King and some of the others in a world where only candy is available. However, I rather liked the gingerbread remodeling and the gummy bears new train station.
Who knew Candy Land would change so  much, almost like it was more connected to our world then I thought. Single parents, busier lives, more parties, and apparently more diets.