Letters To Juliet’s -Verona, Italy

16 Aug 2011 4 Comments

by starvillanueva in europe, Italy, places & travels Tags: , , , , , , ,

Mention the name Verona and you immediately associate it with romance and the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet immortalized in Shakespeare’s works. Now with the release of the movie “Letters to Juliet” The movie,was intriguing recently because it dealt so closely with the romance and intrigue of one of Italy’s most beloved icons, Romeo and Juliet was written by Shakespeare set in Verona.

The house is claimed to be that of the Capulets’ from Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, which is now a big tourist attraction featuring the balcony, small courtyard and also a bronze statue of Juliet. Casa di Giulietta, or Juliet’s House, is located in the center of Verona at via Cappello 23,. Follow the directions to Piazza del Erbe and once you see the graffiti covered sign post and the plaque above the archway, you will recognise it by the number of people inside the courtyard.

Pass through the short dark tunnel, and you’ll find yourself in the intimate courtyard & Juliet’s Balcony vying for a photo opportunity with fellow awe-struck visitors.  

The dark tunnel through which you entered houses a collection of love letter on its walls, left for the secretaries of Juliet to answer. For just €6, you can visit the interior of the house to see the bed from the 1936 Zeffirelli’s movie Romeo and Juliet.

Young ladies write letters to Juliet, often asking for advice in love, and tuck them into the wall. At night, the letters removed and the next day brings another collection of notes and letters. In the movie, it is a group of women who answer each one. In real life, it is a group of volunteers in Verona who make it a point to answer the 5,000 letters that arrive for Juliet each year.

 Some of the letters are left in the wall each evening, and others are mailed to Juliet in care of Verona. The group that answers the letters call themselves the Club di Giulietta. These fifteen or so volunteers are divided by languages spoken and romantic expertise.

There is a bronze statue of Juliet located in the courtyard. Legend states that those who stroke the right breast of this statue will have good luck. Many people believe it, and travel long distances to visit.

 Juliet’s Tomb - It’s inside the monastery which has been indicated as the place where the final events of the tragedy took place. Lovers from all over the world come to visit this romantic hideout and remember Shakespeare’s great masterpiece. 

Another Eternal Tour in Rome!

20 Oct 2009 12 Comments

by starvillanueva in All about flight attendant, europe, food, Italy, Layover Flight, life as a cabin crew, museums, paris, Rome Tags: , , , , , , ,

“Stepping into the St. Peter Square in Vatican is indescribable. I’ve only seen this place in televisions, movies and read about it in books…”
 
 
 My 2nd time in Rome for the month of October! (The last time was Oct 11-13 See the pics here) Only few days gap but the weather changes extremely shocks me! The last time I was wearing sleeveless on a 14-16 degrees Celsius but it was so sunny so it’s still tolerable, but this time I was wearing long-sleeved but I don’t have my jacket with me. I thought it will still be sunny but to my surprise the climate became 9-12 degrees! It was freezing!

 
 

 Ms. Bulgaria, Ms. Philippines, Ms. Nepal, Ms. Algeria and Ms. India (It’s official, I miss speaking in Tagalog! 
 
The last time I’ve flown with fellow Filipina was last September! In my 3 years flying experience, it’s very rare if there’s no pinay mafia on board! hehehe!)The Vatican is the world’s smallest country, independent state, it is an autonomous region despite its close proximity to Rome. It has its own communication network, postal office (stamps), guards and transport system.
 

I usually preffered to join  2-3 crew, but this time we were 5 in the group but I didn’t regret joining them, we’ve had so much fun & laughter! Our tour begins waiting each other in the lobby of the hotel around lunchtime then took a cab, (I love the idea of riding the public transportation and walking on the neighborhood of the hotel. It gives you the real atmosphere of the place) went to

 
 Piazza San Pietro or St. Peter’s Square, Every tourist in Rome comes to St. Peter’s Square and to the Vatican. The church is one of the world’s largest, covering 5.7 acres and able to hold 60,000 people.
 
 

 

 
Aside from being the heart of the Catholicism, it is also equally attractive to other tourists since Vatican is home to one of the world’s most spectacular art collections. St. Peter’s Square is the one of the main destination in Vatican City. Situated right in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, it is the central nerve of the Vatican. Every day, hundreds of Christians, Catholic pilgrims and tourists of all stripes came here to visit this popular tourist attraction. I felt holy being here!

 
 
The exterior of the Roman Colosseum is made entirely of travertine, stretching 527 m around and four stories high. The arches of the second and third stories were originally filled with statues. There were 80 entrances, with the two principal ones reserved for the emperor and his entourage.
 We’re craving for authentic Italian food, fortunately the 2 restaurants that we’ve been for lunch and dinner fulfilled our expectation. The pasta was cooked to perfection and the sauce is compliments the pasta delightfully then had a gellato and cappuccino afterwards.
  
 1. Rome, Italy (October 11-13)
2. Rome, Italy (October 16-18)

 

 

Walking in ROME… ITALY….

15 Oct 2009 28 Comments

by starvillanueva in europe, Layover Flight, life as a cabin crew, lifestyle, museums, places & travels, Short Stories/ Thoughts, Special Feauture Tags: , , , , , ,

The Eternal City of Rome is famous for its mind-blowing monuments, remarkable churches and magnificent museums but the squares in Rome are the best places to enjoy the vibrant city life and the perfect spot to laze away your day surrounded by people and history.

 

After 3 years of being a Flight Attendant who would believe that it’s my first time to be in Rome! As mentioned on my previous blog post, I was given 3 days Rome flight before but I swapped it for 24hours Manila because it’s Christmas Season. It was actually my fifth month of bidding this flight, at last they gave it to me! 2 Rome Flight in a row – back to back!
 Arrived in our hotel (Sheraton Roma) past 8 in the evening. While in the lobby we all agreed to get ready in 15mins. To have a late dinner in the mall, at first I was hesitant to agree because I don’t have jacket and it’s freezing 9 degrees that night. Then while waiting for the Taxi the concierge told us that the mall is just open till 9pm only, so we’ve just decided to have a snack in the hotel. We ordered for Margherita Pizza, they ordered for their wines and since I don’t drink any alcohol beverage I just tried the Italian Cappuccino but it seems like Machiatto because it has more espresso shot and less froth milk. We all had a great chat that night about funny rants & gossip among our flights…hehe! Just Kidding!
 Next day, it’s 14-16 degrees Celcius but it’s very sunny. We left the hotel around 11am, walk around, walk, and then walk again! Rome is best to explore by walking. Tour Rome walking your way through art and tradition. All other tourists are geared up with their boots, jacket or on a double clothing so they were all looking at me wondering why I’m the only one there without sleeves! Eh anong magagawa ko hindi naman ako nilalamig, so why be bothered to blend with them? But finally had the feeling that I’m cold after few hours and after eating lots of gelatto plus as a defense against the sun so nag long-sleeves na ’ko…
 

I can still recall the imitations of the Roman Colosseum I saw before in my previous travels such as Macau (See the pic here it looks the same but definitely smaller) The Colosseum is a tremendous amphitheater, the embodiment of both the grandeur and cruelty of the great Roman Empire. Construction of the Colosseum began about 72 AD and ended in 80 AD and has a capable of seating 50,000 spectators.
 

 

 

The Trevi Fountain is perhaps the most loved landmark in Rome after St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and due to its enduring appeal this baroque fountain is probably the most photographed monument in Rome.    
There’s a saying that when one visits the Fontana di Trevi in Rome, one should throw a coin in the fountain to ensure that one will get to visit again. Luckily, I have other countries coin or else I’ll throw away another 2 Euros! But what’s 2 Euro if you will experience your wishes can come true!



Roman Forum from the Capitoline Hill In this post we started by walking though the Capitonline Hill. Many of the current structures on the Hill are from the Medieval period or designed by Michelangelo during the Renaissance. Along the way, you’ll see people in costumes that will let you have a souvenir photo for an amount of 2 Euro…

After several pictures, we get to enjoy dinner at a very nice restaurant near the Fountain di Trevi. It was along the side of the street, with umbrellas and they were preparing candlelight dinner for evenings. When in Rome, we surely did as the Romans do. We had gelato, as there are shops in every other corner of every piazza. I could not get over the number of delicious flavors of this creamy Italian ice cream.

We Reach through taxi the lively Piazza di Spagna from where you will immerse yourself into beauty, history and mystery where the combination of a monumental staircase, the world renowned Spanish Steps. They said a trip to Rome would also not be complete without a visit to the – Spanish Steps, the most famous square in the city then Climb its 138 steps!

 

View All the Tour Pictures Here –>

 

 
 

LOUVRE MUSEUM (Paris, France)

12 Jun 2009 82 Comments

by starvillanueva in europe, Layover Flight, museums, paris, places & travels Tags: , , , , , , ,

 ”Pictures are archives of our lives”

 
The Louvre Museum in Paris is the biggest and most visited art museum in the world. Its collection of approximately 35,000 pieces is exhibited over 60,000-square-meter floor area. Among the many famous collections in the museum are Venus de Milo and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

 

 

 

Louvre Museum, well-known museum from the movie The Vinci Code. Displays the famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and many other first class paintings from across Europe. Leonardo da Vinci used his finger to eraseoutlines and create an impression of fuzziness.

 

 

 

The Louvre is bathed in natural light that reduces the use of energy while providing a dramatic view of the sky and the outline.

 

 

 

Instead of a conventional building constructed above ground that might draw attention away from the original museum, the new underground complex remains low key while providing the necessary additional space required by the project. By building underground the land is also efficiently used by maintaining the open space above.

 

Leonardo da Vinci painted there the Mona Lisa between 1503 and 1506. The subtle smile of the Mona Lisa is world famous. Leonardo da Vinci died in 1519 in Amboise, one of the favorite towns of the king.

 

 

This huge canvas once adorned the refectory of the monastery of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. Here, Veronese, acclaimed as a colorist and for painting vast, multifigured scenes, chose to depict Christ 19s first miracle, performed during the Marriage at Cana.

 

 * Wedding Feast at Cana

 

* Louvre Museum Official Site

 *View The Rest of my Paris Tour

   

 

  

MUNICH, GERMANY (Travel Review)

04 May 2009 28 Comments

by starvillanueva in europe, germany, Layover Flight, life as a cabin crew, lifestyle, places & travels Tags: , , , , , ,

The Flight from Doha to Munich was only 6hrs, the flight departs around 02:00am by the time we arrived in our hotel – Hilton Munich, it’s only 09:00am local time.

 

I told my colleagues that it’s my 1st time to do the flight because I keep on swapping it for Manila! But since I already swapped my 2 days Milan for a 24hrs Manila, I guess it’s time for me to explore Munich!

 

The signage was pretty good and I had no trouble finding my way around even though German names (double ss’s and double ff’s) were a bitof a challenge! Because I was with Sandy & Jennifer (my tour guides) they always have Germany Flights (Berlin, Munich & Frankfurt). Through a €9.00 tram. We went to Marienplatz Central Square. The ride was about 20 mins.

 

Marienplatz was full of nice boutiques, shoe shops and eating places.  The Rathaus-Glockenspiel is also there it plays to visitors from all over the world. There are figures mechanically danced around the clock tower. (usually around 5 past the designated hour).

 

Also had a very huge snack of grilled veal sausages in Old Town then went to Galeria Supermarket to buy some food while on the hotel and my favorite comfort snack -CHOCOLATES!!! As I munched my way around the supermarket I realized it’s no wonder the German’s call Munich Munchin’… I mean "Munchen" Then later on had gluttonous pork dinner on Weisses Brauhaus Restaurant  in front of Old City hall.

***More Pictures in my Photoblog-Click Here***

Sleep Deprived March Roster

29 Mar 2009 4 Comments

by starvillanueva in europe, fashion, germany, Layover Flight, life as a cabin crew, places & travels, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Finally the month will soon be over… I don’t like my roster this month… Too much turnarounds all minimum rest – departing evening – arriving morning – departing evening again & again… and for the 1st time after more than a year I don’t have any U.S flight! When I was in Economy minimum of 3-4 Washington or New York flight each month, but as Premium class crew no more!? Waaaah! I earned more at the Aft Cabin! hehehe! Joke.

Then, I supposed to go on a 7days Beijing Flight. I was ready. All set. My transport pick up arrived but when I was signing in for the flight in Qatar Airways technical bldg. I was like “Hmmm, how come it’s different flight number?” OMG! They just change my flight without any notice at all… That evening I flew to Manchester, UK. I don’t mind doing the flight since I haven’t been there because I keep swapping that flight for MNL but how can I go shopping?!  My suitcase is filled with gym attire, Jackets & boots. The Hotel in Manchester is Midland. The location is perfect for shopping there’s H&M, Zara, Mark & Spencer,Topshop and “Primark” is just 5mins walking distance yehey!

I really wanted to buy lots of stuff but my suitcase is packed for 7 days stay in Beijing. (No much space) But still I managed to bought lots of stuff like 2 Jackets, Lingeries, Tops, lots of warming tights, (good for winter) & some pasalubong. Spent about 70 pounds.

Back in Doha, I have Roster changes again!!! They gave me Delhi – Bahrain – Delhi back to back turn around flights!!! Waaah!!! Best word to described it – Damn Tiring!!!

I also had Tripoli – Cassablanca (morocco), I don’t have picture there because I didn’t go out, I just went to Spa for a relaxing massage & tried the much talk about “Hammam” service. (Their term for body scrub). Unfortunately, it wasn’t relaxing at all. My skin has a lot of nail scratch afterwards & the way they massage is not gentle. Ouch! Nothing beats Thai Massage or Swedish Massage in The Spa, Fitness First or City Lifestyle QC.

* View the rest of the pictures in my Photo Blog

Wishful Thinking: Nice Roster of flights for the month of April!!! =)

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