Hello everyone and thank you for stopping by our blog (again). I last reported to you from Zaragoza and Tarragona, but before I continue with the #ContiEuropeanRoadshow to Italy – Milan to be precise – I’m spending some free time in Barcelona. I’m greeted by a heavy downpour on Monday. So much water falls from the sky that the streets are already flooded when I step out of the hotel. But this is just the beginning of an eventful week. As if the rain wasn’t enough, I experience a power cut at the hotel in the morning. The chaos is perfect.

Particularly amusing is the complaint from a German group who are upset that the breakfast room is already occupied by pensioners at 7.30 am. Typically German, I think to myself.

 

Comparison with Germany and coffee problems

In my mind, I compare the situation with Germany. Here in Barcelona, I notice that although there are lots of dogs out and about, there are no dog poo piles anywhere. In Germany, I also see lots of dogs, but just as many dog poo on the street – unfortunately, I can’t tell you exactly why that is. The nicer the clean streets, the more annoying another issue. One thing that really bothers me is the coffee. I can hardly enjoy what is served here as a morning pick-me-up, the coffee just doesn’t taste as good here as it does here in Germany. So I have to find a decent coffee myself before I set off to explore Barcelona.

 

A city full of contrasts

New day, new city – on Thursday I’m off to Italy. After my adventures in Barcelona, I’m ready to discover Milan. The journey to Italy goes smoothly. From Nice onwards, I pass numerous mountains and endless tunnels. I also see houses and towns built into the mountains. After a few construction sites and narrow roads, I finally reach the lively metropolis of Milan and am eager to explore everything the city has to offer.

The first thing on my to-do list is to wash the show truck. But what the Italians are trying to sell me here as a car wash is really funny. It’s more like a wash box that would fit a motorhome at best – but not my truck. But I end up doing the washing myself.

You wouldn’t believe how many tunnels I drove through. Photo: Ronny Nittmann

 

Milan: a city full of sights

There is so much to see and experience in Milan that I hardly know where to start. From the imposing cathedral and historical museums to picturesque parks and a victory column – the city has something for everyone. I stroll through the streets, admire the architecture and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the city. Although all the sights are scattered all over the city, I work through everything in one day. I am correspondingly tired in the evening.

 

I find the streetcars particularly interesting. The streetcars are very old and some only consist of one carriage. The way they look, they’re from the 70s or so. Not a trace of modernity. And I can tell you: after my time in Milan, I no longer complain about the streetcars in Germany. It’s much worse here, the trains are always late – always at least five minutes later than planned.

 

A soccer match and the largest transport fair in Italy

Of course, as a soccer fan, I can’t resist buying another ticket for a soccer match. AC Milan versus Genoa is on the program. The game is really good, but the Milan block has completely stopped chanting due to a bereavement.

Next city, next stadium. Today, AC Milan face Genoa CFC on the program. Photo: Ronny Nittmann

 

On Wednesday I’m off to the trade fair, where I’ll be until Saturday evening – so there’s not much time for more city tours. At Transpotec in Italy, everything revolves around buses, trailers and trucks. Over 50 manufacturers will be exhibiting at Italy’s largest transport trade fair.

You can marvel at the latest innovations in a huge hall and a little outdoors. We are represented both indoors and outdoors, with the VDO tachograph in the spotlight indoors.

The Continental stand at Transpotec. Photo: Ronny Nittmann

 

From Daimler to ZF, even an axle manufacturer from Gummersbach is on site. There is simply everything: suppliers, belts, additional parts such as lights and of course tires!

The trade fair is going quite well, the Italians in particular seem to be satisfied. And as far as fashion is concerned, the visitors are in full splendor: finely dressed and the women in extreme high heels.

I can tell you one thing after my stay in Italy: Milan is definitely worth a visit. Now I’m curious to see what awaits me in Switzerland and Austria. But first it’s time to head back home.

Until then – see you on the road,

your Ronny