Through homemade maps, CityLab readers shared perspectives and stories from a world transformed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Through homemade maps, CityLab readers shared perspectives and stories from a world transformed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Do you love plants and all things to do with gardens? In our #GreatGardens series, we revisit our top eight episodes which feature the planet’s wildest sub-tropical landscapes and quintessential rural retreats.
“Houseboats in the ‘Tom Sawyer wooden hut style’ are still widespread in the tourist sector,” architect Chris Finckh explains the idea behind the new development. “We wanted to build a boat that would allow you to experience the changing natural and urban spaces intensively and in a very special way from the water. It should be a powerful touring houseboat with a high standard of aesthetics and functionality.
“The boat-loving architects, Chris Finckh and Tanja Wunderlich-Finckh, teamed up with Haus & Boot Manufaktur Magdeburg, which specializes in advice, planning and building individual houseboats is and implemented the planning of the architects.
The lounge boat is 44 square meters, has four beds and a small bathroom with all the necessary amenities. It is approved for inland waters (category D), but can also sail larger rivers such as the Elbe or Havel as a version with more motorization. As a spatial extension, there is a U-shaped roof terrace, which is designed as a lounge area and is accessible via a ladder at the rear.

“We have already used the noraplan uni rubber flooring more often in residential construction, it is perfectly suited for the high-quality material concept of the lounge boat,” Finckh continues. “With its silky matt surface and pleasant feel, the material looks extremely classy”.

The prototype of the new touring houseboat, which is currently in Werder an der Havel, meets the highest demands in terms of aesthetics and functionality. The color is limited to a minimum, so that there is a lot of space for experiencing nature. The materials also had to match the high-quality ambience and the puristic room concept.

The architect therefore chose the rubber covering noraplan uni from nora systems. The special feature: Not only the floors of the lounge boat, but also the walls were covered with the product. The design classic with its subtle light gray and matt surface ideally underlines the classy, puristic look.
The Scout Yoho is the lightest hardwall camper in the truck camping industry today, weighing a base weight of 913 lbs* dry, sleeping up to 4, and built for mid-size trucks.
It was developed for individuals and families who want an exceptionally lightweight, highly-durable, and versatile adventure vehicle. This camper is like a backpack for your truck – inside it contains all the camping equipment you need for off-grid adventures and the portability to take out and use the components outside.

The Renogy 160W Monocrystalline Solar Panel is capable, durable, and reliable. Built-in standard to every camper, this solar panel can withstand the elements from heavy snow to strong winds. It’s high-quality construction and multi-layered sheet laminations enhance cell performance and ensure a long-lasting solar system.
Filmed and Edited by: Hans Leysieffer
Sequences mainly from my first feature film “Ars Natura” which has beside other nominations and awards been nominated as “Best Independent Production” at the European leading GREEN SCREEN International Wildlife Filmfestival Eckernförde 2019. “Ars Natura” is a 95 min non-verbal emotional and meditative movie about the beauty of nature and life based on an inspiring surround sound track.
Music: “Harpoon” by Igor Dvorkin, Duncan Pittock, and Ellie Kidd
Movie website: arsnatura-thefilm.com
Sailing the Seas will take readers on a series of nautical adventures across the globe, from the coast of the USA down to the Caribbean, through classic Mediterranean voyages and on trips in far-flung locations such as Thailand and French Polynesia. Presenting a fresh, younger side of sailing, this volume reveals the sights, sounds, tastes, and experiences that can be had on board a boat.
Since the dawn of time, exploring the world by boat has been seen as the pinnacle of freedom. There is no greater adventure than setting sail, at the mercy of the wind, being sprayed by salty water as you voyage from island to island and sea to sea, discovering new landscapes and cultures.
With beautiful photos of locations, detailed itineraries, and “Captain’s Notes” filled with useful tips and insights on destinations, Sailing the Seas will inspire novice sailors and “old salts” alike to take to the waves.
Text and preface by Dayyan Armstrong and Ross Beane
Sailing Collective is comprised of an energetic group of captains, culinary artists, and explorers with a shared enthusiasm for adventure. Their passion lies in curating journeys to the world’s most exotic locations, captained and crewed by talented professionals.
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From Afar magazine (June 15, 2020):
The England Coast Path will soon allow you to walk along the entire coast of England, including areas previously inaccessible to the public. The trail, due to be completed next year, will stretch 2,800 miles along cliffs and beaches and through seaside towns and major cities, making it the longest marked oceanside path in the world.

Hikers will be able to tackle sections at a time, but those attempting to conquer the whole thing should expect to be plodding along for more than five months. Two slightly shorter routes, the iconic Pacific Crest (2,653 miles) and the Appalachian (2,200 miles) Trails, both take between five and seven months to complete.
The route is split into four sections, some portions of which are already open.
Travel Highlight Film | Some snowfall and sights from a trip to Romania in February, 2020.
Romania is a southeastern European country known for the forested region of Transylvania, ringed by the Carpathian Mountains. Its preserved medieval towns include Sighişoara, and there are many fortified churches and castles, notably clifftop Bran Castle, long associated with the Dracula legend.
From McKinsey & Company (June 15, 2020):
As travel companies redesign their traveler experiences to address risks and anxieties related to COVID-19, they should remember that the pain points and trends that existed before the crisis—such as the shift toward a more digital and personalized journey, and an increased emphasis on wellness and sustainability—have not gone away.

Many initiatives can make the travel experience simultaneously better and safer. Housekeeping services, for instance, will need to adjust for safety concerns, but revised protocols can also reduce environmental impact (such as through less-frequent
laundering of sheets during each stay), decrease cost, and give guests more flexibility (by letting them choose their own housekeeping schedule).
Companies should empower customers to build their own itinerary using smarter, connected digital tools and make it easier for them to modify or cancel their plans. In addition, companies must recognize that the factors that promote customer loyalty may now have shifted; near-term uncertainty may mean, for example, that the ability to cancel a reservation matters more than brand choice or price.