Here is the last minute Information Sheet for our APPCA trip to Parma, Italy next week. I've heard from some of you this week and it is so great that you are all as excited as I am. See you in Italy! Ciao! candy
Things to know before you go:
Arrival and Departure: Airport arrival on Sunday - November 4th Upon arrival - look for your Academia Barilla Staff Member - Annalisa Gardella, She has beautiful red hair -and speaks perfect English. She will be holding a "Academia Barilla" Logo sign. Annalisa will direct you to the cafe, money exchange, restrooms, shopping or the waiting bus. This is a group transfer - so the bus will depart for Parma when the last flight arrives. If you miss your flight or connection, you will need to take the train from the airport to the Milan Centrale Station- to connect to a train to Parma. Annalisa will be at the airport starting at 7:15 - her cell phone number is +0039-347-521-2655 (If you have called your cell phone provider and extended your service to Europe - you will get the "+" sign by holding down the * key on your phone pad)
For the return transfer: As with the arrival - this is a group transfer. So, the bus will need to leave the hotel on Friday morning at 4:20 AM. It is a 1 and 1/2 hour drive to Malpensa from Parma - so we need to arrive prior to the earliest flight - which is 8:40. There is great food & shopping at the Milan airport - plenty of places to spend your leftover euros! If you are continuing your travels on Friday and not returning home - you may depart anytime after breakfast- but before noon.
Before you go: Make sure you carry your passport with you at all times - It is your best form of identification. It is a good idea to make 2 photo copies of your passport and any credit cards that you intend to use while traveling. Leave one copy at home and hide another copy - not in checked luggage. You will need to present a credit card when you check into the hotel for "incidentals” - phone calls, laundry etc. You may want to call your credit card company before you go to let them know that you will be traveling in Italy – otherwise they may reject your first purchase until they hear from you. Bring the itinerary that we have provided with you – it has contact information if you need it. Also, please feel free to leave the number of the hotel and the Academia with your family in case they need to reach you. You may also provide the US number for their convenience. The number is 866-772-2233. This number is for emergencies only.
While you are there: The dress code for all activities is casual - jeans are fine. The most important item is comfortable shoes. And, of course, no sandals or flip flops in the kitchens. The hotel has a prompt laundry service – so if you intend to travel light (which is suggested) you can have your clothes laundered to extend your wardrobe. The weather should be very nice – similar to Chicago fall weather. Maybe some rain. You may wish to pack a small packable umbrella and raincoat. If the weather is chilly…you may be tempted to purchase one of the many beautiful Italian leather coats that you will see. The hotel rooms are equipped with hair dryers. Please note that you will need converters for any electrical items you bring from home. Some advice….Don’t bring your very best piece of equipment. Converters can be very hard on the high wattage hairdryers, strengtheners, shavers, etc.
Please remember that you are traveling in a group. It is important to remember that if you are late, it holds up the entire group. For the off-premises tours, the bus will have an exact departure time – in order to make it to all of the activities in the day. Please arrive on time for the departure. Breakfast is provided at the hotel starting at 7 am. So make sure you have had your breakfast, worked out, or whatever your morning routine consists of – before the departure time. You tour guide will give you some free time in various locations, but will ask that you return to the bus at an exact time. Please try to arrive on time. If you decide to “opt out “of any activities – please let Candy or Annalisa know ahead of time, so that they are not worried about you.
Meals: Most lunches and dinners are conducted as a group. Wine, water and some soft drinks are provided with your meals. If you prefer other cocktails, or additional wine, you may need to purchase that separately. One night during the tour is “dinner on your own”. If you are still hungry after all of the food from the day, our staff or the hotel staff will be happy to make suggestions and reservations for you.
Cooking Classes: The classes are especially designed with your group in mind. When you arrive, you will find a bag in your room with a recipe folder. Please bring that folder with you to class. Your bag will also contain a souvenir apron – take that home with you. We will provide aprons in class, as well as all other equipment. It is NOT recommended for you to travel with your knives.
Photo Bonus! Be sure to bring your camera! At the end of the tour a member of our staff asks for any of the memory sticks from your camera’s to make a complete photo CD. That way you will be able to combine everyone’s photos – if you choose to. The CD will also contain the recipes from the cooking classes.
Personal needs: If you have any personal needs, health issues, or emergencies, our staff will do everything we can to assist you. If there is anything we need to know before you go – please know that we will keep your information confidential.
If you have any further questions you may contact me at: 847-778-9574 or at Academiabarillaculinary@barilla-usa.com.
Enjoy your trip! Marsha Gibson-Heuberger – Culinary Services US, Academia Barilla
