Venice used to be a romantic getaway. Now it's kinda like being in grade school, because there are just so many rules you have to follow. Last year, we warned you to keep your shirt on--being bare-chested, or eating a picnic on St Mark's Square, can get you fined almost $40. But starting next week, feeding pigeons will be banned, too.
Venetian authorities are sick of the repair bills the birds cause, not just from droppings but also because they peck at gaps in building facades. Feeding the pigeons is apparently much worse than exposing your chest, because the fines start at €50 (nearly US$80).
We're not sure that the pigeons will get the message here, as they've been ruining St Mark's Square for decades now. And we're curious about what activity will be next on the "Not in Venice" list.
We warned you about baring your chest in Venice, but apparently not all of you were listening. The city now has half a dozen official stewards enforcing new-ish rules that you can't set up a picnic in Saint Mark's Square, throw trash on the street or walk around with your shirt off.
During August, over a hundred tourists were given the minimum fine of €25 ($34) and thousands were asked to move to the designated picnic areas. Nobody seems to mind too much, but plenty of people agree that the flocks of pigeons might be a bigger problem than a few bare-chested tourists.
Sorta-good news has arrived for business travelers and their militant anti-baggage checking brethren. The TSA ban on carry-on liquids has been relaxed. Guidelines are still strict, but at least you'll have something to work with. The new rules officially take effect today.
Here's what you need to know. "Most" liquids bought inside secure airport areas are OK. That means you can bring your own water onto your next long haul without bringing tape worm off of it. Toiletries are also OK so long as they are in 3-ounce portions, and so long as your total cache fits inside a clear 1-quart size plastic bag. That means Ziploc just became your new best friend.
The true test of our fabulous new liberties and how they might affect your travel experience will come shortly. As always, the mob at Flyertalk has got your back.
Czech and German brewers are incensed over European Commission plans to increase taxes and regulate the sale of beer in the EU. The EC commissioner said the tax hike in the Czech Republic would be 16 percent, a sizeable amount when you consider the low cost of beer at present. What's more, beer would be sold through licensed shops only.
The Czechs are not amused. Here's our favorite quote, from the director of the Czech Union of Breweries:
"Should the EC push through all of its intentions, the new regulations would infringe on basic human rights and freedom."
We couldn't agree more. The EU can't manage to integrate immigrants into the society of their member countries, but apparently they can raise alcohol taxes without breaking a sweat. What a waste for all parties involved.
0 Comments - Add Yours
by amandak
