This region of Italy is known for making delicious Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. We checked out of our hotel at 7:00 then boarded our small bus. We first stopped at Lazzaro Spallanzani an institute where they make this cheese.
I took lots of pictures and short movie clips of the process. Later, I decided to buy a small package of the cheese. During our trip each room has a small refrigerator, so if I don’t eat it before I get home, it should arrive in good shape.
After we left, we drove to a small family-owned balsamic vinegar business. We were given a tour of the vineyards and the rooms where the barrels of vinegar are stored. We tasted the difference in the 12-year, 25-year, and fairly new vinegar.
We were served appetizers, such as bread, cheese, and veggies drizzled with balsamic vinegar. We also tasted some of their very fruity red wine which is family made but not for sale. (I am liking the very fruity red wines of this region.). For lunch we had a tart and ice cream drizzled with balsamic vinegar.
While we were waiting for Emilio to bring us dessert, I took my peepers puppet out of my pocket and sang this song:
Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmigian, Ricotta,
You should eat it every day and you should eat a lotta,
It is great with chino, and it’s even good with watta,
Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmigian, Ricotta!
When Emilio returned, we sang it again for him. My peepers asked him if he could sing a song. Emilio went back downstairs and came up with his guitar. He sang an American folksong with his lovely voice. Alessandro said that Emilio had never sung for a group before this, and he was very surprised!
Before we left, I bought some 12-year vinegar and had it shipped home. Just before we got back on the bus, Emilio set up his tripod and took a picture of us with his iPhone. He then sent the picture to my phone since I was the only one with an iPhone.
We then rode for a while to Parma where we checked into our hotel. Alessandro took us on a short walking tour of the area around the hotel to show us the location of a few stores and restaurants.