Left Asti yesterday to head across to Parma. It took us about 25 minutes to de-ice the windscreen and windows before we could start driving. Even though it had stopped snowing, it was still below zero, with a thick blanket of fog covering the city. We again decided to forgo the convenience of using the Autostrada and stick to the regional roads (to see more of the "real" Italy). Well, after about 2 hours of crawling along at less than 100kmh, and negotiating a neverending series of small villages (all of which were devoid of any life or activity), we had had enough of the "real" Italy, and set sail for the nearest entry point for the freeway.

The next 150km were covered in no time at all. The fog had lifted and we were soon driving in bright sunshine. We reached Parma just after lunch which gave us enoiugh time to check into the hotel (Starhotels Du Parc), and do a bit of exploring to get our bearings.

Parma is an interesting city, with a number of attractions to visit - Parma’s Duomo, Battistro, Palazzo della Pilott, Piazza Garibaldi,and the Parco Ducale just to mention a few.Then there is the multitude of restaurants where we can sample some of the finest Parma ham and cheese.

So yesterday and today was spent taking leisurely strolls around the city, poking our noses into here and there (including every perfumery shop in Parma), enjoying plates of Parma ham and cups of most excellent coffee.