Take a Trip to Pisa, yes, the Leaning Tower is the main attraction, but the Tuscanny city offers more.
The Pisa Airport is close to the city center. From the airport, next to the parking lot. take the people mover to the main train station, a ten minute ride.
Getting around the university city is easy. Walk down the main street, Cross Italia where there are many shops, bars and restaurants.
People Mover to the Center Pisa Centrale
A historic stroll along the old wall is a must, starting at the Arno River or at the Leaning Tower.
With so many students, Pisa is blessed with squares filled with drinking and eating establishments.
A quiet street Italian Risotto Arno River Pasta The other side
I did not anything about the Italian city Lucca. A German friend recommended the ancient Tuscany settlement calling it “Schon” meaning “Lovely”. Located thirty minutes from both Pisa and the beach by train, Lucca for any traveler would be a great stop off point to explore the region.
What struck me about the walled city were the picturesque settings of squares, narrow streets and towers. Strolling around looking up, forward, back or around there is a scene or architectural style ready for a photo. Blessed with many cafes and restaurants with authentic atmosphere, the morning cafe or dinner options are numerous.
Staying in Lucca for one day was not enough, next time, more.
I got the Nokia G60 5G smartphone to check out. I am still learning how the Android 12 device works. For a spin I walked the famous Nuremberg Christmas Market using the camera. Impressive and fast are my first impressions. The images turned out to be sharp and vivid.
I will give a full review of the Nokia G60 5G smartphone soon. I am still playing.
The 18th century residence, The Royal Palace of Caserta is a a sight to behold. While traveling around Naples a stop at in Caserta was a must. The Southern Italian city is home to last great palace built in Europe. To say the least, it is spectacular. Cause of the Covid restrictions I could not go inside. A pity, but the outside garden was sufficiently eye filling, awe inspiring.
I recommend not visiting in August. The heat and sun are beasts making a walk in the garden a sweltering experience.
I attended my first InnoTrans event in Berlin. Why would I go to a mass transit trade fair? As a person who uses public transport in every city I visit for either business or pleasure getting around is crucial. I am not a high profile magazine editor wearing Prada. During fashion weeks I jump on and off buses, trams and metro networks all day.
InnoTrans is the largest mobility event in Europe occurring every two years. After Covid, there was a great deal enthusiasm to reconnect. I knew no one. Twenty-nine massive halls with exhibitors from around the world discussing mass transit. Ask me about the brake mechanics of a tram, not a clue! But there was a shift to mobility, design and customer experience. Manufacturers and operators are transitioning to to connected and digital spheres. Metro screens guide riders to transfers or local spots. Transport apps better coordinate travel plans. Regional trains have vertical bike holders as well as battery rechargers for commuters.
Overall, it was fascinating participating in InnoTrans, a learning curve, but well worth it.
KonCar
The rounded exterior
Back seats of the KonCar Tram
Sitting in the KonCar Tram felt similar to a living room experience instead of the cattle car feel of mass transit.
Pod Car-Hopefully, in 2024 these will be on the street
Interactive Display
Interactive Display
These interactive displays have to potential to engage users in many ways.
Vienna Metro Info Screen
Holistic Vienna Metro Interior
Dubai’s Sky Pod
Buzzing around in the air similar to the iconic 1960’s cartoon THE JETSONS.
When I saw the enchanted Schwerin Castle the fairy tael “Cinderella” came to mind. I started looking for a glass slipper. The pretty as a picture structure is a World Heritage Site.
It is not hard to get to Schwerin. Meclenburg Vorpommern is a slight detour between Berlin and Hamburg via AutoBahn 24.
“What Happens in the Reeperbahn Stays in the Reeperbahn.” The St. Pauli’s Red Light district is known for sin. Historically, sailors staying in the Hamburg would visit the Reeperbahn for “fun”. Today, while hit by the tourist overload, in the evening its true character comes out. I recommend a stroll after 18:00.
