Hello everyone, and nice of you to stop by our blog (again). After my stay with the #ContiEuropeanRoadshow in Madrid, stops in Zaragoza and Barcelona were actually planned. Well, Zaragoza fits, but in Barcelona there are problems with the local forwarding agent, so the event has now been moved to Tarragona. But before work calls again, I have to do a few finishing touches on the truck and take care of the check-in at the hotel.

 

A safe parking space

The drive to Zaragoza is pleasant and quiet. When I arrive, my plan is to check in and relax a little. However, that doesn’t work out. I want to park the truck in a secure parking lot, but that doesn’t work either. The location is really inconvenient. To get away from the parking lot on foot, you have to call a cab, as you can’t walk the distance – along the road – on foot. But it’s only a 12-minute walk. Fortunately, I find a parking space right in front of the hotel, which saves me a lot of time and effort.

 

My parking lot directly in front of the hotel. Photo: Ronny Nittmann

 

Small mishaps and special hotel rooms

The parking space is found, but the next mishap is already on the horizon: I paid a visit to Burger King for dinner and unfortunately lost my room key. Just arrived and made a great impression straight away – great, hopefully that won’t happen to me again. The rooms are really special. In my room, I have two cupboard doors in front of the windows. When it’s warm outside, I can close the doors and the heat stays in the small anteroom. That’s not a bad idea, it keeps the room cool. I can also close them in the evening. That helps because the windows aren’t airtight. And I have another little fun fact for you: The Spaniards don’t seem to have toilet brushes, I haven’t seen one in any hotel so far – a bit strange.

Look at these doors in front of the windows. Photo: Ronny Nittmann

 

Exploring the city

Wednesday consists of: Checking out the location and cleaning the truck. The industrial estate where we are here is very new and modern. I really like that. Zaragoza also surprises me, it’s a bit windy here in the mountains – but very pleasant for me. I can cover up my sunburn a little and get my thick jacket and hat out again. Apparently it’s too cold for the locals. At breakfast, people actually come in wearing winter jackets and sit down at the table.

 

Power problems and rain

On Thursday I am confronted – once again – with power problems. But luckily an electrician is on hand to fix the problem. There really isn’t much going on at the event. Only a few customers visit us. I’m greeted by the rain when it comes to dismantling. Unfortunate timing, dust is stirred up and covers the truck. This means I have to wash again. On Friday we continue to Tarragona. It’s washing day there too. However, the work is done too thoroughly: the Kärcher is sprayed too close to the Continental lettering. This has come off – so I have to have the truck re-stickered at home.

 

Weekend in Barcelona

In Tarragona, however, everything runs like clockwork. The sun is shining brightly, the electricity is working perfectly for the first time and everyone is completely satisfied with the event.

I spend most of the weekend in my hotel room in Barcelona. Because we had to reschedule our stop in Barcelona, I organize a private trip to the metropolis. The rainy weather makes it difficult to explore much, but I use the time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the city. A short shopping trip and exploring the surrounding area round off my weekend.

The home ground of FC Barcelona’s second men’s team, youth team and women’s team. Photo: Ronny Nittmann

 

Soccer match and view of Italy

Monday dawns and the rain continues throughout the day. But nothing can dampen my anticipation for the soccer match between Barcelona and Valencia, which is due to take place in the evening. Armed with a rain cape, I make my way to the stadium, ready to enjoy the game before continuing my journey to Italy.

Until then – and stay on the road,

your Ronny