PARRRRMA...some of the best food in Italy - and Colorno

Colorno - Ali's school called Reggia

Does that look like a school to you?

Main Piazza in Parma - Piazza Garibaldi

To begin my weekend, I took the train to Parma to visit Ali and then make our way up to Alto Adige/Sudtirol with her Masters' program friends. It was great to be able to see where she was living and experience Parma, at least for the night. Every Italian or European traveler raves about the food in Parma, so of course I had to see for myself. After a couple hour train ride from Lugano, I arrived in Parma. I had forgotten I was leaving the tropics and did not wear appropriate clothing, but being stared at in Europe happens to be a regular occurence no matter how hard you try to fit in. After stopping by Ali's apartment we went out for some wine and dinner. Our first stop was one of her favorite wine bars called Tabarro. It's right off the main Piazza Garibaldi on a happening street called Via Farini. We tried to have dinner at a great little place called Sorelle Picchi, but the wind was blowing and they had closed the outside seating, which suddenly made their capacity much smaller. Instead, we went to Ali's second choice called Il Tribunale, nearby. We had some of the Parma specialities: tortelli d'erbette, guanicaletti di maile and to drink, a sparkling red wine called Lambrusco. One of the best parts of the night was the Italian waiter...definitely a looker! From there we walked the streets and entertained ourselves watching the social Parmigiani! I love Italy, and Parma is a great city full of life, and for once not full of tourists, but instead typical Italians.