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One week report from Italy

Hi, I am one week into my solo independent vacation and thought it might be helpful to hear about masks or the absence of them. I have been in Milan, Stresa, Cremona and now in Parma so far.

Regionale trains - almost 100% compliance on the trains to/from Milan. A couple of blue surgical masks. Several blue surgical masks in the smaller routes heading east. And a lot of the kids heading to school getting off the trains were just wearing the blue ones. I do like that I can pick where I want to sit on the train - mostly a row of seats between people.

Restaurants - I have eaten at pizza, etc. type and tonight at a very nice restaurant in Parma. I have only eaten outdoors since there’s a lot of options and what I prefer, anyway. The wait staff have all worn masks. No restaurant customers were wearing masks while ordering.

Masks were required in museums and adhered to very well - no blue ones allowed, wear correctly, etc. I attended a classical concert in a small hall, and everyone was required to have the stringent masks.

Churches require masks, although most visitors are staying a good distance from each other.

Outdoor walking around, I haven’t seen anyone wearing a mask. A few on a boat; we were sitting outside.

Hope that helps!

Posted by
5222 posts

Hi Jean,

You’re back in Italy! I’m jealous!

Wishing you a wonderful time in Italia!

Looking forward to reading your trip report!

Posted by
746 posts

Thank you, Jean, for posting this information. I'm also looking forward to reading your trip report. It is good to hear from a solo independent traveler.

Posted by
3961 posts

Jean! Thanks for sharing your observations so far. Wow, a week already! Very helpful information for those heading to Italy. Also looking forward to your report. Enjoy!

Posted by
7314 posts

I will be here another 2 1/2 weeks and will post a trip report after I’m back. Yes, it is wonderful to be back in Italy! I was making a short video of Cremona’s Piazza Duomo while a violinist was playing the emotional “The Prayer”. My friend is too sick to travel, and loves music, so I wanted to give her a moment to feel she was here, too. Looking at the historic buildings - church, clock tower, the outdoor tables, sites and locals - I started to cry making the video!

Posted by
7314 posts

The Parma restaurant is La Forchetta. My husband & I ate there in 2016, and I was happy to see that they are doing very well and doubled their seating area - both outside & inside. They are even using the courtyard garden of the Palazzo Hotel Della Rosa where I’m staying, too. My dinner was excellent!

Posted by
2746 posts

Jean, your friend will love the video. What a good, kind friend you are. My eyes teared up as I read your post.

Posted by
7314 posts

Horsewoofie, it’s one of those treasures you make for someone else, and in return, thinking of her gave me this to enjoy watching & hearing myself many times after I’m home.

Posted by
2390 posts

"Cremona’s Piazza Duomo"

A beautiful setting - I really enjoyed my 3-day stay in Cremona. Loved the owner of the Enoteca Cremona.