Latest news with #Vespa
Evening Standard
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Evening Standard
Best Electric Mopeds: Top Choices for City Travel
Best for: classic style, modern technology With a full-on 'no point in messing around' attitude right from the offset, there is no more classic moped than the Vespa. The motorised star of many a movie over the decades, the Vespa is the vehicle every moped owner aspires to. Oozing Italian style, the 'wasp' – as the name translates to – has been in production since 1946, with 138 variations hitting the market and over 19 million models sold worldwide since then. Then, in 2019, Vespa released its first e-moped, and now we have this vision of Vespa beauty: the Primavera Elettrica 45 Euro 5. Blessed with all the beloved style ques of Vespa fame, here we find a machine with a removable 48V battery that feeds the motor a 2.7kW of continuous power and a maximum output of 3.1kW, converting that a top speed of mph for a distance of around 53-miles between recharges, which is more than reasonable, with a full recharge from 0-100 per cent taking roughly 4-hours. Torque comes in at 200Nm, which is apparently better for acceleration and, indeed, handling at lower speeds. Meanwhile, a hydraulic front disc and a rear drum brake make stopping conveniently quick and comfortable. And speaking of comfort, the seat is sculpted and padded to lovingly embrace any bottom from bony to abundant, with just enough resistance to ensure you don't get too comfortable in the saddle and lose focus. And why would you want to lose focus, when you have a stunning three-inch LCD display that combines analogue and digital controls with connection to your smartphone to give you complete command over your mobile e-empire, watching speed and power consumption, while also being able to make and take calls, read messages and listen to music? Oh, and let's not forget the first road safety commandment: paying attention to the road. Featuring under-seat storage, LED lights front and back for safety and seeing, plus 12-inch tubeless tyres front and rear for a more comfortable ride, plus freedom from punctures and reduced rolling resistance, you'll be cruising in style and, thanks to the e-motor, near silence wherever you Rome. Sorry, roam. It is available in three colourways: Verde Amabile, which roughly translates as 'lovable green'; Bianco Innocente, which is obviously 'innocent white; and Nero Convinto, which literally translates as 'convinced black'. I myself am not convinced by my loose translation, so please, feel free to draw your own conclusions. In any event, the leccy Vespa looks simply iconic in any colour, the sweeping curves paying homage to the original '67 model, the technology on board very much a tribute to today. Key specs
Business Insider
4 days ago
- Business Insider
I moved from Florence to London and wasn't ready for the fast-paced lifestyle. It made me wish I'd never left Italy.
I'm from Chicago and took a gap year to travel when I turned 30. I started out in Florence. I loved living in Florence, where it was easy to meet people, and everyone I met seemed welcoming. I was optimistic about my next destination, London. However, it wasn't a right fit for me. When I hit my 30s, I hit the road. I quit my job in the US and flew straight to Florence, where I spent the next six months basking in the city's sunlight and rich culture. It was a beautiful start to my gap year of travel, which I was treating myself to as I entered a new decade of life. After Florence, I ventured to London, which was a bit of a culture shock. I'd always pictured London as this luxurious city filled with Royals and cheeky accents. However, living there was a new reality far from what I'd expected. All in all, I wasn't ready for the fast-paced life in London after living the slow life in Florence. The harsh contrast was something that made me wish I had never left Italy. I felt welcome in Florence, and meeting people was easy In Italy, I was spoiled by the welcoming nature of the Florentines I met. From the start, I was getting approached by locals in bars, overjoyed to speak with an American. One day for lunch, I was sitting solo, and the waiter invited me for a ride on his Vespa during his break. He showed me the most beautiful outlooks of the city. It was one of the best spontaneous moments of my time there. The generosity and excitement from strangers to show me their city is what made living there so special. I even became part of an Italian family. After six hours of learning how to make pasta, my teacher invited me to meet his wonderful wife and son the following night at their home. They made me feel so welcome, it was as if no barrier existed between us, despite their being Italian and my being American. I went to their home for many dinners throughout my time in Italy. My experience in London was very different After having such a positive experience in Italy, I was confident about going to another city to meet people. However, I was surprised to find the people I met a bit more reluctant than I had imagined. When I went out for a night, I would sit at the bar and actively strike up a conversation with someone. Most of the time, the people I met didn't want to be bothered, and I ended up talking to the bartender all night. Upon my entering stores, it was common for associates to greet me with "You alright?" While this greeting may be natural for locals, the question always felt jarring to me, and I found myself keeping my guard up far more often than in Italy. For most of the two months I spent in England, I felt alone due to the interactions I had when trying to make friends. To me, the city felt like a city of cliques, with groups of people from Uni or work that had no intention of expanding their circle. This feeling isn't unique to London, but of bigger cities in general. As an American, I felt welcome and seen in Italy. In England, I felt isolated and guarded. Going from sun to consistent cloudy skies Besides the culture shock, the March weather in England was also a harsh adjustment. After the first week, the lack of sun overshadowed my sparkly view of this bustling city. I was used to the sunny days in Florence, where it was encouraged to take time to enjoy your morning cappuccino, followed by a two-hour Aperitivo, and finally a four-hour dinner that lasted well into the night. London's fast pace was also a shock. Being from Chicago, I thought I would also ease right into the Tube and large crowds. However, I had gotten so used to the lightness of Italy that I had a hard time adapting. For example, it took me a month to understand the London layout and how vast it really was. I took countless trains going the wrong direction and waited for buses that never came. By contrast, it only took me about two weeks to get my bearings in Florence. I hardly ever took public transportation and found its accessibility to be one of its best parts. I could easily walk three to five miles from one neighborhood to the next. I could give it another try This isn't to say that there aren't wonderful things about London. I was able to find a slower lifestyle, more akin to Florence, by the southern coast and in the Somerset countryside. All in all, the contrast between Italian and English cultures was too drastic. I wasn't able to adapt in a way that made me feel comfortable in London. In fact, I ended up going back to Italy for four months after my time in England. However, that's not to say that I wouldn't enjoy England if I lived there at a different time. I am currently living in New York City and think the similarities would actually help me enjoy London the next time around. Both cities have a flourishing cultural scene and many unique neighborhoods worth exploring. I did myself a disservice by trying to compare Italy and England while I was visiting. In reality, there is no comparison to Italy. In my experience, its slowness and warm embrace are truly unmatched.
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Buzz Feed
29 Shoes To Keep You Comfy On Your Next Trip
A trendy, lightweight pair of New Balance 608 V5 Cross Trainers that amazed a reviewer with how well they carried them through a full day at Disneyland — and we all know that's the true test of comfort for any pair of shoes. They're made with minimal interior seaming and are lined with supportive foam inserts so that your feet can kiss those painful blisters and midday discomfort goodbye. Or chunky Fila platform sneakers to give you that extra height boost without sacrificing the comfort you desperately need to carry you through hours of walking. So, no pain in your feet (just in your wallet, as you reach into it after spotting yet another souvenir you just *need* have to have). Lug-sole Dr. Martens Rometty boots — these babies are sure to give you some edge. With a classic look and a comfy platform, you have the freedom to wear these to breakfast for an early start to the day *and* on a tour of the city. And some absurdly cheap yet cute waterproof Chelsea boots because I think we both know you're way past letting a rainy destination ruin your trip (or your outfit)! These will allow you to splash around in slushy puddles all you want without any worry of getting a dreadful wet sock. Some bestselling Adidas Cloudfoam sneakers with cloudfoam cushioning that has earned them over 63,000 5-star ratings. They'll be the two lil' clouds your feet need when it comes to a long walking day. And since they're super lightweight, you can also pack them without stress! A pair of quick-drying lace-free sneakers you'll be glad you have if your destination is full of aquatic adventures! Not only will these keep your feet nice and dry, but they're also super breathable, have an anti-slip rubber sole, *and* have a pull tab at the heel that allows you to take them on and off super easily. Or some lightweight Tioseban sneakers because they weigh basically nothing (buh-bye luggage weight fees👋) and are made of breathable mesh that'll keep your precious feet cool and sweat-free. Basically, if you want to combine the freedom of being barefoot with the support of a cushy sole, these are the shoes for you! A pair of lightweight lug sole sandals that are giving *major* early 2000s Lizzie McGuire vibes, which means you're destined to be wearing them in Rome on a Vespa. Yeah... I'm gonna need these in every color (and there's a lot of them). 😍 Floral ballet flats with adorable cutouts that aren't just for style, but for breathability! Plus, they're flexible as heck, so you can roll them right up to take on your next sunny getaway! Super supportive, water-resistant Dr. Scholl's kicks — aka the new cushy pair of shoes you'll be reaching for when it's time to go to the airport. Since they're super easy to take on and off, TSA might just stop yelling at you as you try to make your way through security as quickly as possible. Or Time Off Sneaker that have managed to impress countless reviewers — from frequent travelers that fly for work to college students studying abroad. They're made with water-resistant faux leather *and* have ultra-flexible outsoles with extra grip and cushioning. And bonus! They're sustainably crafted from recycled material. A pair of water-resistant Sam Edelman combat boots to accompany you as you strut around the city like you're a Cheetah Girl in Barcelona. With a soft sock panel and a sturdy leather structure, these boots combine comfort and style like no one's business. Sorel strappy sandals with secure straps and a signature molded EVA footbed that'll have you checking off the landmarks you've got planned for the day *without* the dreaded aches and pains. Plus, those groovy scalloped soles will give you some extra height *and* give you some extra style points. Sketchers slip-ons that'll let you avoid having to awkwardly stop in the middle of a walkway to crouch down and tie your shoe *again*. With these, you can keep the cute sneaker look sans the pesky laces! Plus, many reviewers say they're super comfy — even if your feet are on the wider side! Or some classic slip-on sneaks — the pretty color options will catch your eye, but the breathable canvas material, padded insole, and stretchy fit are what will capture your heart. 😍 Reviewers also rave about how surprisingly easy they are to pack! Huarache sandals that are 100% handmade and woven by Mexican artisans. (So each pair is unique!) They're *perfect* if you want the comfort of a supportive sneaker, but in a more ~cutesy~ way. They also have a miraculous way of perfectly molding to your feet, meaning you'll spend little to no time breaking them in! Snazzy heeled slip-ons if you want something you can easily slip on for a snazzy dinner after taking a much-needed nap at the hotel. These babies have a thick heel for stability as well as soft, thick braided straps to keep your feet in place (because having them slide all over the place can be so annoying!). Espadrille platform sandals to carry you from the Spanish steps in the morning to the Trevi Fountain in the evening. Plus, reviewers with wide feet love these and say they fit perfectly! Or Dr. Martens platform sandals that'll practically have you ~floating~ through the streets of Italy. Adjustable buckles? Check. Super lightweight EVA soles? Check. Ripple tread platforms? CHECK. Doc Martens, you've done it again. Mesh sneakers made with knitted mesh material to keep your feet dry and cool. Plus, its comfy insole is designed with a honeycomb patter to keep your feet balanced and strain-free. Reviewers have run 5ks, hiked for miles, and stood for up to 18 hours in these bad boys without feeling any pain! Quick-drying, long-lasting Teva midform sandals are a must for any activity that doesn't require a closed toe. Whether you'll be trekking through the city, or just walking from your hotel room to the pool, this quick-drying pair will keep you from feeling like you're walking on wet sponges while the strap design ensures your feet stay put. Or Nisolo flatform sandals that you'll absolutely love if you're going on a tropical getaway. They've got a lightweight, breathable design that won't let your feet overheat *and* they don't even need a break-in period, so you can toss them into your luggage as soon as they arrive! High-top Converse sneakers with a chic platform sole — whether you pair them with your fave pair of jeans or juxtapose them with a dress, they'll have you looking on-trend wherever you go. Super pretty Toms canvas cutout sandals, because in a world where security and stability are rare a find, you should at least own shoes that give you *both*. This pair's thick straps and chunky heels will keep your feet in place, and will look oh-so-cute on you as you walk from that locals' favorite café to a stroll in the park. Some sport shoes with a breathable insole, soft lining, and ultralight EVA soles that'll have you walking on air from one landmark to the next. Besides, look at that adorable stitching! Splurge-worthy block heel mules that'll ensure you're walking in both comfort *and* style from your first sip of latte in the morning to the moment you fall back onto your hotel bed in the evening. They have a supportive 2-inch cylinder heel, plush foam padding, and an array of stunning colors to choose from. Some soft Clarks wedge loafers with the *chef's kiss* perfect amount of added height to offer some glorious heel support. And bonus! Their OrthoLite footbeds will keep your feet super happy as the rest of your tired group decides which landmark to hit next. Or!! Very affordable pointy-toe loafers, which reviewers love because they don't require breaking in. And if you're in an unpredictable "hot, then cold, then hot again" climate, their closed-toe, open-top design makes them extra ideal. One reviewer even said they preferred these over their Gucci pair! Platform sandals that are basically what happens when comfy sandals and stylish heels have a baby. They've got cushioned insoles, adjustable ankle straps, and ridged soles that'll give you peak stability while you sightsee in ~style~.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Tributes as Perthshire hotel boss loses cancer battle just months after marrying partner
Chris Stanton, known as Mr Chris, married his fiancee Alice Maxwell at the hotel earlier this year in front of hundreds of their loved ones. Tributes have been paid to Pitlochry Hydro Hotel general manager Chris Stanton who has died of cancer aged 56. In March this year Chris married his fiancée Alice Maxwell at the hotel in a ceremony attended by over 200 guests. Alice said this week it created a blended family of three beautiful daughters – Francesca, Isabelle and Amy. The happy occasion followed a three-year cancer battle – during which he climbed Ben Vrackie in a charity fundraiser he co-organised. Sadly Chris passed away on June 21 at Cornhill Macmillan Centre, Perth. Chris was born in Whiston Hospital on Merseyside and lived in Huyton until he was three, with his mum, dad, sister and two brothers. He called himself a 'woollyback' and his sense of humour, warm nature and love of The Beatles came from the strong connection with Liverpool. At the age of 16 Chris moved to London to work in various hotels for several years. He went on to work on cruise liners, exploring the world. He also worked during ski seasons, blagging he could speak fluent French, but when it came to food and drink orders he had to ask his sister to help. Chris always wanted to be a dad and he came back to the UK to settle down, moving to Pitlochry in 2000, raising his two beautiful daughters Francesca and Isabelle, and working as general manager at the Pitlochry Hydro Hotel. Chris loved music and volunteered at the local community owned Heartland FM radio station; Moonlight Drive was aired each Thursday and Sunday night, showcasing a range of music and quizzes entertaining Highland Perthshire. Various friends and family joined him on a show or two. He was a keen writer producing stories, short plays and even a musical. He also created and produced a quiz board game called 'All Rounder' and sold them at local farmers' markets. Chris was well known around Pitlochry for his work at the Hydro. He was known as Mr Chris to his colleagues. Many employees became friends, one of which Chris set up on a blind date and now the couple are happily married with two wonderful children. He enjoyed going to gigs, walking his dogs, entertaining at home with his brilliant cooking, playing scrabble, tennis, running, and riding his Vespa. He was behind the name of the '100 step walk' by Pitlochry visitor centre and dam for which Chris and his daughters made the sign, sneaking down one night to erect it. The steps are now officially called '100 step walk'. In 2022 Chris was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent successful surgery. Late 2023 he was diagnosed with unrelated lung cancer and received further surgery and treatment. Only six months after he had his right lung removed Chris and colleague Csaba Kollo decided organise a charity walk 'Picnic up the Ben' which raised £7,486 with 50% of proceeds to Macmillan, 25% to local first responders and 25% to Pitlochry Paths. Post operations and treatment Chris and his family thought that was the end of Chris's cancer, but unfortunately he started to experience back pain, which turned out the cancer had spread to his spine. Chris didn't have a bucket list, but he wanted to marry his fiancée. During Chris's stay at Perth's Cornhill Macmillan Centre he was told even more devastating news in that the cancer had spread to his brain. Alice said: 'Chris stayed at Cornhill for over four weeks where the care he received was astounding, the whole team of consultants, doctors, nurses, health care assistants, auxiliaries and volunteers worked together delivering the best medical, personal and emotional care. Great support was given not only to Chris but to family and friends. 'Chris never stopped being positive and strong. 'The Cornhill team did everything they could to accommodate his wishes, including a couple of home days, film night and take away with the family and friends in the communal sitting room, two new tattoos (a first for the centre to have a mobile tattooist visit), surprising Chris and me with a bed for us to share, encouraging Chris that if he wanted to enjoy a cigar and dram at home for him to do so and much more... Chris's mum Ruth and sister Julie were named the 'Golden Girls' and stayed at the centre the whole time and like everyone were made extremely welcome. 'Everyone has shared loving words about Chris, his love of life was contagious and those who were in his world were so lucky to have known him.' A JustGiving page has been set up in aid of Perth's Cornhill Centre: His funeral service took place at Perth Crematorium on Monday July 14.
Courier-Mail
15-07-2025
- Courier-Mail
I found the secret to avoiding the crowds in Rome in summer
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. The last time I visited Rome at the height of summer was during the European heatwave of 2023. Temperatures reached 38C on this ill-fated day in late July, yet my friends and I decided it would be an excellent idea to walk nearly 20,000 steps and then cruise around Villa Borghese on an open-air cart, despite the nagging heat. I was staying in separate accommodation to my pals and late in the night, I fell ill with what I assume was heatstroke. I spent the next day – my 40th birthday – alone and sick in bed. Cue the pity party. Heat is not the only downside to visiting Rome in summer; you have to contend with overcrowding, too. X Learn More SUBSCRIBER ONLY An obvious solution would be to visit during the shoulder seasons and avoid the heave and heat altogether. But if you're still partial to some of that European summer goodness, you need to think outside the box. Vespa tours are ubiquitous in Italy, and many companies have similar experiences: food, street art, night-life, wind in your hair. Upon doing further research, I find a tour operator offering something a little different and sign up for a Countryside Vespa Tour with local company Scooteroma. The tour takes place in a rural area of Lazio known as Castelli Romani, which has long been the summer retreat of aristocratic Roman families. It's also home to the papal summer residence, although I'm an atheist so that bears no relevance to me. Jenny Hewett on her countryside tour with Scooteroma. The tour begins with getting the hell out of Rome. Or the centre of Rome, I should say. I take a 40-minute train ride to the scenic lakeside town of Castel Gandolfo, where I meet my Vespa driver and tour guide, Marco. Set atop a hillside overlooking volcanic Lago Albano, this is Rome's low-key answer to Lake Como, and in the centre town sits the soft-yellow papal summer palace, though it was not in use during the tenure of Pope Francis as it didn't fit with his image of being 'for the people'. Marco tells me there are not many hotels in this area, which makes it less of a target, for lack of a better word, for tourists. After learning about the history of the town (it's older than Rome), we enjoy a tortina (pastry) and coffee and then cruise along the country roads, past summer villas dotted among Italian cypress trees and neighbourhood trattorias and chioscos. The town of Castel Gandolfo overlooking Lago Albano. The food tradition is long and deep here, with local towns known for their porchetta. We stop in Marino to learn about its wine history and see the Fontana dei Quattro Mori (Fountain of the Four Moors). Then it's back onto the scooter to check out Grottaferrata, one of the most affluent villages in the area, to marvel at the ancient mosaics and frescoes at its medieval-era Byzantine abbey. I notice a couple of tourists exploring the Old Town in Castel Gandolfo, but nothing like what you'd see in Rome. However, when we get to Grottaferrata and walk over to chiosco Porchetta da Lele for a casual lunch on a picnic bench, I hear nothing but Italian accents and see local kids using their pocket money to buy porchetta panini. There's a freshly roasted whole pig in the deli window and Marco points out items for our antipasti platter, including artichokes, olives, salami, crisp crackling, porchetta and pecorino. Antipasti feast from Porchetta da Lele. Picture: Jenny Hewett The final stop is Frascati, where we zoom past the Italian gardens of Villa Aldobrandini, more chioscos, a piazza and a cathedral, before I hop on the train and am back in the chaos of Rome in under an hour. If you need reprieve from the crowds in Rome, even just for a day, this is how to do it. When in Rome, they say. The writer travelled at her own expense and with the help of Scooteroma. Originally published as I found the secret to avoiding the crowds in Rome in summer
