We leave Parma and head off to the mountains, for Lucca; however, we stop at Pontremoli, a medieval village, where we meet our local guide for a walking tour.
After our visit, we get back on the van and go for lunch at the home of a lady who makes testaroli , which is a sort of pasta which resembles a crepe. The crepe is made on a very hot stove with no oil. The only two ingredients are flour and water. It is cut up into pieces and various sauces are mixed in; we had pesto, tomato and cheese and olive oil. We also had a potato-leek tarte, and finished off the meal with a cake embedded with choolate chips. We had wine available as well as water for our meal.
Back on the bus for Lucca! We arrived mid afternoon, and checked into our gorgeous room. We strolled a bit as well.
We went to a local place for dinner chosen by Alice. This was not one of the planned dinners, but she often will recommend a place and those who wish can join her. She usually selects restaurants with high quality and low prices. This one was a food-to-table organic place and I ate only a starter – and dessert, of course. I had eggplant-mozzarella stacked up, surrounded with tomato coulis. Delicious and satisfying
Tomorrow we explore Lucca, with a walking tour.
Karen — yesterday, while touring Parma, you mentioned a “famous” Italian, G. Verdi. You bet he is famous, one of the most illustrious opera composers of the 1800s. “Aida” comes to mind, among
several dozen others.
Debbie (friend of Bea)
Yes, of course, and Lucca is the home of Puccini. Visited his home and museum yesterday and heard a concert of his ” greatest hits” in a church last night. Lovely!!
Karen,
Thanks so much for this ‘trip’ that we are experiencing thru you! (with no jet lag on our end:)
Boy, the food pics and description just hit the spot form me this late afternoon, working at office and hungry!
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
-Greg T
Perfect! Great pictures and description. Talked to Allan. His spirits sounded higher than we are used to. Thanks
Another interesting day …. pictures are coming though very nicely.
No oil? How does the mixture not stick? Too hot?
What a wonderful time you’re having!
Take care. Thanks for writing.