TravelCommentator

Author: Carlo Irlitti

* Review / Places

Le Mura di Lucca

The Symbol of Lucca The massive fortified walls and ramparts that surround the old town of Lucca are what sets it apart from all other Italian towns. It’s the symbol of this charming place. I never cease to enjoy a stroll here, even after many years of visiting Lucca. Definitely one of my favourite spots anywhere to relax. It’s great all year round for walks and jogging, but probably the best way to enjoy “le mura” is by bike at a leisurely pace. Bikes can be hired from several places. Poli and Bizzarri are two of them. Both in Piazza Santa Maria, inside the walls near Porta Santa Maria. Another place is the Tourist Center Lucca, in Piazza Bettino Ricasoli, near Lucca railway station....

* Review / Transport

Singapore Airlines SQ278/SQ279, SQ324, SQ365

Flew six flights with Singapore Airlines over September, October and November 2017. Four of them as a family of four. The other two, with my son. All flown in Economy Class. All these flights, as I expected, were a pleasure to fly on. SIA’s product is consistent. Very little changes between aircraft types, the quality of service offered, the type of seats, how they are configured, the food served and the type of IFE. One bonus, the newer aircraft (Airbus A350) don’t have the annoying entertainment box (IFE) under one of the seats. A real relief. Here are the flights we took. SQ278/SQ279 These are the daily flights Adelaide-Singapore and Singapore-Adelaide. SIA operates the Airbus A330-300* with the 2-4-2 configuration in Economy Class and...

* Review / Accommodation

LHP Suites Rome – Termini Classic

Modern, Comfortable, Well Located and Secure Apartment This is an apartment in Via Filippo Turati run by Hotel Siena. Situated less than ten minutes walk from Roma Termini railway station and its side entrance in Via Giolitti. It’s one of two apartments located in the same building, both on the second floor. The apartments use the same entrance to a small hallway. Our apartment faced the internal courtyard, the other Via Turati. The apartment is small, very modern and minimalist, all painted in white. It has just enough room for a family of three or four. We were four, two adults and children of 12 and 14 years old. We arrived at 12:30pm and were allowed to leave our luggage in the apartment at...

* Review / Eatery

L’Emiliana, Lucca

Enjoyable Evening, Good Food & Surroundings This was our second time dining at this restaurant for dinner. Both as a family. First time back in June 2014 when Rossana was the owner. Since then, sadly, she has passed away succumbing to cancer. The waiters have changed too. Several times it seems over the three years. The food quality then as for this visit was about the same, very good. The service too the same, but probably a little sharper this time due to the place being full and with only two people serving. One being the male manager that evening. The other, a young lady who spoke good English. She took two nice family photos for us. We ordered several different dishes, my wife...

* Review / Accommodation

Hotel Rex Lucca

Superb for Location, Price and Staff A family run hotel in Piazza Ricasoli, Lucca, in a prime location next to the railway station. This was our second stay here as a family, previously in June 2014. On that occasion we had the family room with the balcony, the one flying the flags of Italy, the European Union and of Lucca. This time the room was on the floor above. Same configuration with adjoining bedrooms, both with Queen size beds. The main room also had bedside cabinets, while the room for the kids had a shelf above the bed headrest. Bathroom with toilet, bidet and the shower inside the tub. We found the rooms tidy and clean. There is free WiFi for as many devices...

* Review / Eatery

Bella ‘Mbriana Pizzeria, Lucca

Great Pizza, Price and Service, A Bit of Napoli in Lucca Been to this pizzeria twice now. I remember visiting a few years ago with a friend, a local, who recommended the place to me because they made true Neapolitan pizzas. Although the owner Renata is not actually from there but not far, on the other side of the Sorrento peninsula, Salerno. The pizzas then were very good so this time I wanted to take my wife and two children there for lunch. It’s located off the beaten track, away from most of the tourist traffic in Via Fillungo and Piazza San Frediano. It’s a short distance around the corner to the right of the facade of the church of San Frediano, in Via...

* Review / Accommodation / Apartments

The Happy Unicorn Apartment, Florence

A Few Let Downs. Overall a Pass I’m in two minds regarding this apartment. Before booking I read many reviews, the grand majority very positive. Only later did I find out that the online booking agent where I booked (which I won’t mention here), stacked all the positive reviews on the first page. Didn’t think much of it at the time, however it has made me aware that you need to read all their reviews, even those on back pages. This apartment is located about 10 minutes walking distance from Firenze Santa Maria Novella railway station. It is not hard to find. Address is Via Palazzuolo, 50 (number in red). The apartment is on the third floor, up six flights of stairs. There’s no...

* Review / Shopping

Pam local supermarket, Florence

Handy Place to Buy Groceries Great little supermarket. It was recommended to us by Laura from The Happy Unicorn apartment in Via Palazzuolo. The supermarket, Pam local, is located in Piazza degli Ottaviani (corner of Via Palazzuolo, Via dei Fossi and Via della Spada), and close to Piazza di Santa Maria Novella. It is about a five or so minute walk from the apartment where we stayed. It’s not the cheapest but still reasonable especially when you haven’t got time to go to the larger fruit and vegetable markets and supermarkets. Handy to buy fruit, vegetables, pre packed salads, ready meals, bread, biscuits, cakes, general groceries, toiletries, laundry products, etc., when you just need them. Open from 8am until 10pm. Service also very good....

* Review / Accommodation

Glam Hotel Milan

Good Marks for Location, Room and Service. Food OK A better than expected experience. Wasn’t sure of the quality of this establishment and didn’t know what kind of room we were getting for a family of four as I didn’t see one on their website. I knew it was in a prime location right opposite Milano Centrale station, across Piazza Duca D’Aosta. That was one of the reasons why I chose this hotel because it would be easy to reach from Malpensa Airport and to leave when we took the Frecciarossa to Firenze (Florence). Also having access to two lines of the Metro, M2 (Green Line) and M3 (Yellow Line). M2 for Porta Garibaldi station and trains to Lake Como and M3 for Duomo,...

* Review / Places

Amsterdam’s Red Light District

Ladies of the Day and Night The Red Light District of Amsterdam. Would I recommend this place? All depends on what sort of person you are and what interests you and whether you get offended or not. If you like erotica and perhaps seediness, yes, it’s the place to get your kicks. If it is the novelty effect, and I guess many people go here for that, it’s just something you’ll need to experience. Like many other places during travels you may even learn something. Me? I look at things from cultural and an historical perspective. As an ex-photojournalist I’m desensitized (if that’s the right word…) when it comes to seeing women like this, I have photographed many in all sorts of states of...

Airports

Adelaide International Airport

Adelaide’s gateway to international flying The airport is located west of the city at about 6 kilometres from the city centre. When arriving by car or taxi you’ll be dropped off under the multi-storey car park. Public transport buses stop further up but are not far from Arrivals and Departures. The car park is approximately 100 metres from Terminal 1. Lifts at roadside take you to level 2 of the car park and to a walkway over the plaza to Departures. Alternatively you can walk across the open-air plaza to Arrivals and up an internal escalator to Level 2 Departures. I fly several times a year with Singapore Airlines. Their check-in counters are to the right of those of QANTAS. They were to the...

* Review / Accommodation

Absalon Hotel Copenhagen

Colourful, Trendy with Great Staff, Breakfast & Handy Location A classy boutique hotel. Located in a prime position, a short distance away from Copenhagen central railway station, in Vesterbro, southwest of the city centre and close to the old “meatpacking district”, the hippest, trendiest place currently in Copenhagen. The hotel is positioned on a street corner with other hotels close by. Across the street there’s a sex shop. It’s part and parcel of Northern Europe and Scandinavia, so don’t be put off by this, it can easily be ignored. My kids had a laugh the few times we went past. Our room for four, two adults and a 12 and 14 year old, was on the fourth floor facing the internal courtyard. Windows flanked...

* Review / Trains / Transport

Leonardo Express

Still Best Way to/from Rome Fiumicino Airport Have used this train service many times and have reviewed it before with lengthy explanations. One thing I must add since my review of November 2016 is that the walkway that used to go across to Terminal 3 has been pulled down. The façade at Terminal 3 has returned to its original design of mostly glass. The walkway to Terminal 3 is now the same one that takes you to Terminals 1 and 2. So head straight ahead away from the train platforms and concourse until you come to what seems a dead end and turn right. The signs above will indicate T1, T2 and T3. This walkway has travelators and was the one I used back...

* Review / Bus / Tours / Transport

SIA Hop-on Hop-off Bus

See Singapore in Comfort A great way to see Singapore and its highlights all done while sitting in an air conditioned bus. Or, if you prefer from the open-deck of the top level from where you’ll get a great view. If you fly with Singapore Airlines you get a discount (which I do) by using your boarding pass or your KrisFlyer membership card. If you are on a stopover holiday it is free, otherwise pay full price if on neither. It’s not public transport, but you can use this bus to go to any of the best sights and hop-off and hop-on again later. So it can be worthwhile compared to catching public transport, either buses or trains. At least you get to see...

* Review / Accommodation

Hotel Royal at Newton Singapore

Perfect for a Short Stopover A stopover organized by Singapore Airlines (SIA). My second stay at this hotel this time with my family. Basically this is a stay to recoup some sleep after arriving from Europe on an early morning flight. Our flight out was late in the evening. Singapore Airlines gives rooms out for free depending on the fare you’ve paid. Ours was included. If you are on a cheap fare you’ll need to pay a supplement if you want them to organise a stopover for you. That was the case with our kids who were on a cheaper fare. Otherwise you need to book a hotel yourself. The price seems to be reasonable for a day rate (07:30 to 20:30). We had...

* Review / Shopping / Technology

iStudio Apple Premium Reseller

Handy Apple Reseller At Changi Airport Singapore iStudio is an Apple premium reseller in Singapore. Been to several of their stores, Plaza Singapura and at Changi Airport, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. If you want to purchase something at the airport while transiting a good idea is to check their website first before arriving to see if they have what you require. All shops have plenty of accessories, but if you are looking to purchase an iPhone, iPad or MacBook make sure to check. Otherwise you can always order online and pickup later. I wanted an Apple Pencil as I bought an iPad Pro 12.9 for my daughter several weeks earlier at home in Australia and the Pencil was out of stock. She wanted...

* Review / Trains / Transport

Singapore MRT (SMRT)

Coolest Way Around Singers I use the MRT extensively when in Singapore. It’s my favourite mode of transport, safe, clean, very efficient and reasonably priced. Not taking anything away from the other forms of public transport in Singapore, all excellent, the MRT is definitely the best way to get around the city-state whether you are a tourist, local or a regular visitor like me, alone or with my family. Most places of note are in walking distance from the stations, some are right above or within the building. The network is mostly underground keeping you out of the heat and humidity but a few lines run above ground in the outer areas of Singapore, such as part of the track to and from Changi...

* Review / Lounges

SilverKris Lounge Adelaide International Airport

An Adequate, Comfortable Lounge for Short Stay This lounge is airside of passport control/emigration and is adjacent to Gate 16 about 50 metres from Gate 18, the usual departure point for Singapore Airlines flights. It’s located below the Departures concourse (Transit area) and is accessible by an escalator. The lounge opens in the mornings about 90 minutes before departure of flight SQ278. It is also open in the late afternoon for SQ276 when this flight is part of the schedule. Entry is allowed for Singapore Airlines Business Class, PPS, KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold status holders flying Singapore Airlines. A guest on the same flight is also welcome. The lounge is windowless and is on the small side, but big enough for the...

* Review / Cities & Towns / Destinations / Places

Zaanse Schans, Netherlands

An afternoon trip to Zaanse Schans to see the windmills. Not the best day for us as it was grey and windy, not unusual for the Netherlands at the time of year, autumn. It would’ve been nice if we had blue skies with the wind to run the windmills. Best time to visit is in spring (April) when the tulips are normally in bloom. This will add colour to any view. Getting to Zaanse Schans is easy from Amsterdam. We caught the train from Amsterdam Sloterdijk where we were staying but you could easily do it from Amsterdam Centraal. It takes approximately 15 minutes from Sloterdijk to the Zaandijk Zaanse Schans railway station. Then a short walk of approximately 20 minutes to the historical...

* Review / Trains / Transport

Train: Schiphol to Amsterdam Sloterdijk

Efficient, Inexpensive Airport to City and Country Service Very efficient and inexpensive way to travel to and from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The station is located under Terminal 1. Access to the train platforms are by escalators from the Arrivals concourse. For information there’s a small kiosk next to the Meeting Point Red and White sculpture. Make your enquiries there regarding which public transport ticket will suit your stay best. The NS Ticket office is opposite the kiosk and you can buy tickets for travel all over the Netherlands. We chose a 3-day ticket for Amsterdam and its surrounds that could be used on all forms of public transport. Remember to check-in and check-out every time you board and alight (trains, trams etc.). We stayed...

* Review / Accommodation

Meininger Amsterdam City West Sloterdijk

Good Modern Hotel in Prime Transport Location If you want handy public transport and don’t mind a sterile location – not in the heart of older more charming Amsterdam but in modern office surrounds – the Meininger Amsterdam West is in the perfect spot. Coming and going to Schiphol Airport, getting around Amsterdam or the surrounding countryside is easy from Sloterdijk. I chose Meininger for this reason, its location. Sloterdijk Station is a short walk (about 150 metres) from the hotel. Two stops from the airport and one stop to Amsterdam Centraal. We visited Zaanse Schans, Haarlem, Den Haag (The Hague) and Rotterdam by train from here. If we had more time we would’ve visited Utrecht and a few other places. Outside the station...

* Review / Accommodation

Hotel Grand Pacific Singapore

Quick Relaxing Stopover This is my fourth visit to this hotel, this time just for a one-night stopover before heading to Europe. Also this time with my family. When I booked I actually made a terrible mistake and got the date wrong. Only finding out when we arrived. They were also fully booked. Luckily though after sorting a few things out they found two rooms for us. The only drawback, I had to pay extra, $SGD160 for the rooms. I wasn’t planing to spend that extra money on accommodation but it was a small price to pay for my error. I didn’t want to go looking for another hotel just after arriving with luggage and family in tow, especially after I had already mucked...

* Review / Chauffeur & Taxi Services / Transport

Adelaide Metropolitan Chauffeurs

Reliable Airport Transfers This is a chauffeur service I use regularly to and from Adelaide International Airport. I’ve always had reliable and efficient service, whether with Peter, the owner, or any of the drivers he’s sent when he is busy or booked. Peter and the chauffeurs are courteous and well-presented. Their vehicles comfortable and spotless. Some cars will have an entertainment system with monitors on the rear of the front seats. Great for keeping the younger ones entertained. Peter’s Chrysler has a Harman Kardon system with 19 speakers throughout the interior giving surround sound when videos are played on the front screen. Pricing is reasonable considering the quality of the service, point to point. Definitely the best way to start and finish your journey...

* Review / Lounges

KrisFlyer Gold Lounge Terminal 3, Changi Airport

Acceptable But Needs Refurbishment Singapore Airline’s lounge for KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold members. The KrisFlyer Gold Lounge in Terminal 3 is located on Level 3 above the shopping concourse between Emigration/Passport Control and Gates A1-A8. It is a very popular lounge and can get crowded at times. My suggestion? Be aware of the departures schedule and plan ahead, especially when there are several flights into Asia on A380s. The service is OK. The food is acceptable, but can become boring if you use this lounge regularly. Also considering the amount of people you’ll have to be lucky to time new servings of hot food. There are sandwiches, small cakes and nibbles as well. Coffee and tea and plenty of soft drinks,...