Hello everyone and nice of you to stop by our blog (again). If you’ve been following my blog posts from the past few weeks, you’ll know that I’ve been in Italy, Spain and Portugal. An exciting time, I can tell you! Three countries, three different cultures – and yet they feel surprisingly similar when you’re there. It’s the little things that make the difference and that’s what I want to look back on with you today.

 

Different countries, different surprises

The things that immediately catch my eye are the following: In Spain, for example, there are often no toilet brushes in the hotels, while in Portugal I noticed the incredible cleanliness. Italy impresses me with its multicultural and international atmosphere, especially in the city centers.

As far as the food is concerned, I’m glad to be back in Germany. I can even get a tasty sausage at rest stops! In Italy, there is a lot of pizza and other pasta dishes – you rarely find anything else.

But I felt at home everywhere, there are so many beautiful places and so much beautiful nature in southern Europe! I was particularly pleasantly surprised by Portugal. In terms of nature, Portugal is also my clear favorite – the mountains are simply breathtaking. But the other countries also inspire me with their mountains and the sea – every country has its highlights. In Spain, I feel most at home in Seville – I just love this city!

My location in Portugal. Photo: Ronny Nittmann

 

But Barcelona and Madrid are also great. And then there’s Milan: the drive from Nice to Genoa along the Cote d’Azur offers a fantastic landscape with mountains and the sea – I really want to go on vacation there again.

As far as sightseeing is concerned, Milan in particular has a lot to offer – there is something to discover on every corner: Museums, the cathedral, an expensive store in a side street… However, I first have to get used to the traffic in Italy – nobody stops at crosswalks and people just cross the road at red lights. Although we grumble a lot in Germany too, the traffic here is a bit more pleasant.

 

Events and teamwork

We are very successful with our show truck events in all three countries. In Spain, we do have some problems with the electricity, but the team is always helpful and finds solutions quickly.

In Portugal, everything runs perfectly – the planning, the location, over 100 customer visits, everything runs like clockwork. I am impressed by how quickly and well problems are solved.

The cooperation with Continental employees in the various countries is also excellent. Despite language barriers, we can always communicate well and overcome any challenges.

Our stand at the Tranpotec Logitec in Milan. Photo: Ronny Nittmann

 

Personal challenges

My personal challenge is to keep up my fitness routine. The long, hot days make it difficult to go jogging and the gyms in the hotels are often small and poorly equipped. I was hoping for more!

As for coffee, I always have my own with me, which I make in the morning. In Italy, the coffee is very small, like espresso. In Spain it’s mediocre, often too watery and from vending machines. A good filter coffee would have been nice. Fortunately, I am always well supplied.

In conclusion, I can say that the attitude to life in southern Europe cannot be compared with that in Germany. In the south, everything is calmer, less hectic and without the constant pressure that we often feel in Germany. It’s a great experience and I’ve taken many valuable memories with me! Whether Italy, Spain or Portugal – each country has its own charms and I would travel there again at any time. As you may have already noticed, I was particularly impressed by Portugal and I will definitely make another trip to the south-western tip of Europe – with more time.

But for now, I’m off to Switzerland and Austria – mountains, here we come!

Until then – see you on the road,

your Ronny