The Freudian Slip Of A Bacolodnon

      I never thought that in my whole lifetime I could get to visit a place such as Venice, a place I used to just read in books or see on television. The first time I stepped foot on Venice, I could not help but feel giddy about the whole experience. Venice, the city of gondolas, gondoliers, bridges and yes, romance. Some would say, Paris is the City of Love, but when I was in Venice, I could not help but fall in love with the city, its meandering streets, food and people.   If you happen to be in Europe or in Italy specifically, find time to visit Venice. Venice has an international airport where you can fly in and out to any destination you want. Transportation is also not difficult.      Venice used to be a Republic in itself and during its glory days was actually a seat of influence in the Mediterranean region. Going around the City built over canals, one cannot help but notice the historic and beautiful architecture, many dating back...

As a continuation of my "online" Visita Iglesia, I am highlighting the various churches that I have visited in the Philippines and around the world. For this Holy Wednesday, I am featuring the Church of St. Mark's in Venice. While I was in Venice, I really had to make sure that I would visit St. Mark's Square and the historic Church. There are two ways you can reach St. Mark's Square and the Basilica: you can walk or you can ride the water taxi. The latter is faster. The former is cheaper. If you don't have enough time but have enough money, then take the water taxi. If you have plenty of time to waste, then walking to St. Mark's would also be an exhilarating experience. St. Mark's Basilica is a good example of Byzantine architecture. Adjacent to the church is the Doge's Palace. According to text books, it is also called the Church of Gold. From their official website, the church is described in detail: St. Mark's plan is Greek cross....

Exactly 7 days from now, I will be heading back to the Philippines to begin yet another new chapter in my life. The next 7 days will be my last aboard the Voyager of the Seas working as their first ever Medi-Spa Physician. Six months ago I was almost hesitant to come onboard and work abroad, far from the comforts of home and family. The first 2 weeks were a struggle and I was on the brink of giving up. But then I decided to let go of all negative thoughts and focused on the things that were more positive. It is true what they say, "You can't direct the wind, but yo can adjust your sail." So I gave up on the thoughts that tell me that "I can't" and started declaring the two most powerful words in the entire Universe, "I can". As I started this new attitude, I looked back and recalled the times I spoke the words, "I can't". Perhaps it is no longer important how many times I said and thought those words. After all, my life isn't th...