Sorry for the delay, but we were sans wifi for our farm days outside Parma; we are now in Bologna and I am going to try and catch up.
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We picked up the car this morning at Malpensa airport, a small adventure in luggage carts and a nonchalant toss of the keys – no check of the car, but wait, he did tell me that it took diesel fuel. I am driving my cousin’s BMW, a sleek black version, with 6 speeds; poor David, I know he would much rather be driving this car.
And off we went down the autostrada, this car really goes fast. David was an excellent navigator, translating Deana, our GPS, for me. We made excellent time for our lunch date at La Buca in Zibello with Palma, Jerry and Sandi, so started off the wait with a frizzante white wine and a plate of the local salume. Soon our friends arrived, fresh from the outlet mall, and eating in earnest began.
La Buca was everything Jim Zurer and Palma said it would be, from the excellent food to Mama sitting outside observing her “guests”. This is where Mario Batali learned to make pasta. It was a sulty summer afternoon and we were happy for the vine shaded patio. First (after our salume) was a plate of the local culatello di Zibello, and more wine. We opted for pastas and dolci on this hot day – from pumpkin ravioli to tagliatelle con funghi or con culatello; the dolci were pretty good too. Wine and food, about 30 E each.
tagliatelle con funghi
After lunch David and I left to find our B&B, the Agriturismo Leoni, outside Parma, about a half hour from lunch. I think we are the only guests tonight, and I also think we may be without wifi for a few days, so I am doing this as a word document. The proprietors, Lola and Cinzia, had evening plans in Parma so I think we are in charge of the farm. Tomorrow we are getting a farm and parmigiano tour; the cheese is made here on site.
And then we took naps; David’s knee is, as expected, sore and we are both a little travel-lagged. Later in the evening, we went out again (driving my BMW down the gravel road), in search of an evening meal. This B&B is on the outskirts of Parma, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to negotiate the Centro Storico this evening. Somewhere in my notes I had the recommendation for a pizzeria, which turned out to be between us and the center of Parma; and there was a parking lot, nice. Pizzeria San Martino had a large patio, and was full of families having Sunday supper; more bambini in one place than we are used to seeing, quite fun. We shared a caprese salad, a half bottle of wine and each had a pizza – quattro formaggio for David and calamari fritti for me – calamari and pizza together! All together, 36 Euro total. I think we may have been the only non-Italians in both ristorante today.
calamari pizza
There will be wifi in Bologna in two days; so I will be the cut and paste person then.
Comments (6)
Great news that you and David arrived on schedule. Hope
David's knee heals and you both enjoy your trip.
I'm interested to know what you do with the car in Bologna. Wondering whether you can drive right up to your hotel/apt. We are staying very close to the main piazza and looking for parking options other than the expensive hotel valet parking.
Enjoy.
Posted by chiaro di luna | June 8, 2010 4:53 PM
Posted on June 8, 2010 16:53
Marcia, Mat's mom just left today and I'm having fun catching up on the blog. I'm thrilled you are in Italy and the fact you are driving is awe inspiring. Lovely to read about your arrival and adventures. Have fun.
Posted by Barb Cabot | June 8, 2010 11:47 PM
Posted on June 8, 2010 23:47
So glad you're blogging! I want that pizza now. Safe travels and have a blast!
Posted by Annie | June 9, 2010 6:16 AM
Posted on June 9, 2010 06:16
You are so brave to drive in Italy! I am really wanting a pizza right now also.
Posted by girasoli | June 13, 2010 9:51 PM
Posted on June 13, 2010 21:51
Wonderful! Glad that you and David successfully navigated the driving!
Posted by Rhonda Lawrence | June 14, 2010 1:33 PM
Posted on June 14, 2010 13:33
The BMW looks multo cool. The hills must be fun with the 6 speed transmission. Zoom.
Posted by Lisa | June 15, 2010 6:14 PM
Posted on June 15, 2010 18:14