Motoring, music and mountians

Leaving early from the lovely town of Modena we chose to drive the local roads to Parma.  Driving on the AutoStrada is a great way to get from one place to another fast, but so many sights are passed and missed.

Generally the road we followed from Modena to Parma
was flat and passed through many towns and roundabouts whilst the speed limit is constantly changing from as low as 50 to a high of 90kmh.

Parma is a small town but the attraction we knew we needed to see was the Parma Cathedral as this was the place we had read and seen the most of during our research. Other than the Cathedral there are other attractions, but when pressed for time we find it is best to spend more time in one place than little time in many places.

The Parma Cathedral did not disappoint. Outside is just like many other Cathedrals, but inside was decorated in such an amazing display of dedication to the faith.

Next we were back on the road, this time on the AutoStrada to Berceto. It was chosen for no particular reason other than it was in the middle of the Apennine Mountians.

We had a nice lunch, and then to stretch the legs wandered the little town and its streets.

Lunch time.

 When in a new town we normally drop into the local church as even the most bland buildings from the outside can often provide miracles, when it comes to the art in situ. On entry we noticed an orchestra of 6 musicians in practice for a later performance.  We wondered around listening to them and then pulled up a pew joining many locals that had also come in .

Sneaky photo of the practice session.

Finally we arrived in the area of LaSpezia, but specifically in our home for the next 6 nights in the town of Arcola.  The weather has dropped a little in temperature but a little more humid. We had some time after check in to drive into LaSpezia and have a look at the waterfront.

Our accommodation is very nice, it is on the mountain top with views overlooking the olive groves and the harbor city of LaSpezia. I promise some photos are on the way in the next day or two.

Tomorrow, Five Lands