May Kwento Ako #7 : Torcello

In a not so distant past, a friend who has long been based in Venezia took me around some of the sights most have yet to discover.  Makes it more interesting for me, a budding photographer.

Like a little boy, I followed.  As we rode the vaporetto then walked quite a bit, we got to the place and then, he says this is the Torcello Cathedral.  Also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta or the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta.  Before Venezia’s famous St Mark’s Basilica was built.  He knows my fondness for chapels, churches and basilicas.  Architecture, in general.   The older, the better.

Founded in 639 A.D.   While the original church was smaller, it forms part of what we see today.  I cannot imagine the full history that this Basilica has been a witness to.  A refuge to many.  Throughout the wars, the plagues.

I am glad that people have continued to care for this Cathedral.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torcello_Cathedral

May Kwento Ako #6 : Detaxe ?

 

 

Why, oh, why do they have to have three DIFFERENT drop boxes for your Value Added Tax/VAT refund ?!!    This process allows a non-EU traveller to get back the VAT on the purchases beyond a certain amount.

Note to self, should I have anything to drop, make sure that I have completely filled up the forms BEFORE leaving for the airport.  And watch the drop boxes.  The yellow VAT refund drop box is tiny compared to its blue and orange brothers.

This applies if you want your detaxe monies credited back to your Credit Card and not want them back in cash.

Also, the new procedure is as follows :

  1. go to the Check-In counter and inform the ground crew that you need to go for “detaxe” after check in, present your passport and follow their instructions
  2. take all your suitcases and handcart with you and proceed to the Customs Office
  3. Customs Officer will study the forms
  4. After detaxe forms have been processed, the Customs Officer will take all your suitcases and continue the check in process
  5. You now have to look for these detaxe dropboxes
  6. MATCH your envelope with the correct detaxe dropbox.

 

These drop boxes are not next to the Customs Office but “nearby”.

Accueil

http://globalblue.com

May Kwento Ako #5 : La Porziuncula

In recent years, I have stumbled upon Roman Catholic churches with incredible stories. Upon entry, I immediately saw the sign that photographs are not allowed.  I asked politely and luckily, was granted permission to take these photographs.

Below are photos of La Porziuncula  ( meaning a little portion of land ) or La Porziuncola, a chapel built in the 4th century which was donated to Saint Francis of Assisi sometime in the 13th century.  GGTPE9096

Fast forward, a Pope had this basilica built over this chapel in honor of the good Saint.

La Porziuncula2 (1 of 1)

A sneak peak at the interiors of the Chapel.

Do say a prayer for Saint Francis and for a loved one.

La Porziuncula1 (1 of 1) copy

 

May Kwento Ako #4 : La Fontana

IMG_E0294

I walked passed this fountain or fontana many times.  Initially, it intimidated me.  For someone who is Asian living in a third world country, I thought that this was such a waste of precious water. But it looked nice.

After some research and asking around, I gave this a try.  It was cool and tasted refreshing.  And the minerals were definitely there.  Each time I pass one, I refill my water container.  Water in this city, Rome is safe for drinking.  After all, their Emperors built the aqueduct as early as 572 B.C. from 7 springs outside of the metro for all to enjoy, regardless of sex, status and economic rank.  Not more than 80 meters away from each other, there were 1,352 water fountains built for people to fetch, wash or drink.

The Emperors ruled that water is a public resource and not be privatized.

Ingenious engineering, too!