Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Parma Promenade


We might as well call it a promenade - the town was all but ghostly with just a few leisurely strollers when we visited.  And as expected, many of the historical sites were in mid-restoration.  With Italy's age and history, it's no wonder the architecture is in a state of flux - it requires plenty of  loving care and attention to preserve for generations to come.

During August, it can be eerie to walk through these Italian towns with nearly everyone off to the mare for vacanze.

The streets and parks are deserted, traffic is almost non-existent, visitors are few and the city becomes almost 100% pedestrian or bicyclists.

Still in all, it was a lovely day to stroll the streets and hunt for a ristorante that was open.



We eventually found a cozy bar called Tiffany with dining al fresco on a quiet street. And to complement the local wine, we enjoyed a "cutting board" of local specialty meats and cheeses, names Prosciutto di Parma and Parmegiano Reggiano.  It could not have been more delicious.