This Editor’s Note originally appeared in the August/September 2024 issue of Dream of Italy. Members receive access to more than 190 back issues—if you’re not a member, join here.
Did you get the word play on “Big Parma”? Like “Big Pharma”? All credit for the title and the cover story goes to contributing writer Kevin Raub. Parma, with just 200,000 residents is indeed one of Italy’s smaller cities but packs a powerful punch in terms of food, culture and just an overall civilized and pleasant atmosphere.
Not only is Parma a treasure unto itself but makes a great base for exploring the rest of Emilia-Romagna. This region is quickly becoming my favorite go-to recommendation for travelers seeking an authentic Italian experience without the crowds.
If you have a car while visiting the area, be sure to visit Labirinto della Masone which is our Dream Day this issue. I was just there this June and finishing the labyrinth is harder than you think! There’s so much more to this place than just meets the eye including an impressive art collection and we talk about this fascinating site in both the Dream Day and Kevin’s main Parma article.
Kevin and I share something in common and that is that so many see what we do as the ultimate “dream job.” I know he and I agree we wouldn’t want to do anything else. Yet working as a travel journalist and producing travel content not only gives us once-in-a-lifetime experiences but some world-class headaches! You will enjoy Kevin’s reality check on being a guidebook author.
And nothing like a poem to welcome September. I love the symbolism of the swallows (rondini) as they represent new beginnings and transformation and a hopeful way to enter a new season.
I always welcome your feedback, questions and comments, so feel free to reach out to me at kathy@dreamofitaly.com
–Kathy McCabe