Sunday 01/03/2020 — Day 46
So the focus of the visit in Parma was more about blogging then exploring… I felt like I had a lot to catch up on, and the weather forecast was for heavy rain, so it seemed like a good excuse.
The day started slowly as it had been a late night the night before. Schedules all seem a little crazy with the kids off school because of Coronavirus. I had some tea, caught up on Greys and started to upload the photos for the blog. Made sure some of the general admin tasks were done like laundry and route review. Then breakfast with everyone before I decided to risk the rain.
At the advice of Bia, I went to check out the frescoes in the main Cathedral. Wow is all I can say… it was amazing! The photos in no way do it justice. I did some general wandering, enjoying the hams hanging in the shop windows, before heading to a bookshop to start writing.
Nave end of the church with the large fresco around the door 
Altar end of the cathedral, there is work being done to the dome but still really impressive space 
The organ and the side wall paintings 
Concentrating face as try to get the photo right, but the main ceiling of the cathedral (photo in no way does it justice!) 
One of the side Chapels in the Cathedral with a lovely altar 
Another chapel with vaulted ceiling and lovely patterns 
Close up of some frescos in the chapel 
Other side of the chapel with a close up of the fresco
Sitting in the bookshop was lovely, there was a cafe/restaurant so I got some lunch which was a roll with Parma ham in it (I couldn’t not have Parma ham in Parma!) Once I had got through some of the writing I went for another walk to check out the second writing place suggested.
Outside of the Cathedral with its tower, one of the few places still open 
Beautifully intricately carved door 
Views of Parma. I think the main square and a civil building 
The old palace building that had been converted into a theatre art gallery and museum, very cool from the outside but sadly shut. 
Parma ham roll with ricotta and artichoke. Yum. Oh and don’t forget the tea
The second blogging spot was in a converted star fort, most of it made into a park and the building was a community space with a cafe. It was a lovely atmosphere and very chilled.
Entrance to the Park with the fort walls and moat 
Inside of the park… can just about see the walls past the trees 
A break in the rain and the sun going down over the fort 
Second blogging set up with, you guessed it, more tea 🙂 
Rest of the community space in the fort park. 
Park in the evening as I was kicked out
More blogging until it was dark and it closed, before I headed back to hang out with everyone and have another lovely meal and craziness. Eventually got my head down for some more sleep but was having to much fun with everyone.
Despite the less than favourable weather it was a great to stop and relax a bit, and to catch up with things. Thanks again to my amazing hosts… next stop with a bit of luck will hopefully be in Venice!
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Add Yours →It was a pleasure to welcome you, learn and listen to your stories, we are following the Blog and sending good vibes on your journey. Big hug from the 4 of us!