The Romantic Colors of Burano, Italy

17 May 202517 May 2025

Forty-five minutes later and the ferry from Venice was approaching the island of Burano. Vibrant waterways with pastel colored homes came into view and small fishing boats were docked in front of the homes like cars parked in their driveways. A woman and her child stood at the edge of the dock waving out to the open sea and the blast of a boat’s horn rang out. Local folklore claims that fishermen would paint their homes different colors to identify their family as they departed the island and I could have bet that I had witnessed a legend in the making.

Before the crowded ACTV (ferry) approached the dock, I caught a glimpse of the miniature bridges connecting the waterways and in the distant background, the campanile (bell tower). I looked forward to getting lost among the walkways to purchase some white wine, sample local seafood and shop the lace boutiques in the heart of town.

Reflections of the colorful row houses appeared along the canals as I strolled through the charming isle of Burano. The calmness of the water gave off an identically perfect reflection with only a ripple to disturb the scene. Hardly a tourist was to be seen and I felt as though I had the island all to myself.

Adding to the appeal of Burano were the decorative flowers that seamlessly flowed from their window boxes. The homes were pristine, well maintained and demonstrated the pride of the residents who had lived here. Many generations have made Burano their home which has made this an incredibly tight community.

Twenty-eight hundred residents live on the island of Burano and most of them are farmers and fishermen. A part of the Veneto archipelago, Burano is located on the northern part of the lagoon, near Torcello, known as the birthplace of Venice.

The symbol of Venice, the lion, can be seen throughout the island of Burano. A symbol of strength, the lion is also a representation of St. Mark, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ.

An occasional glimpse through a back street revealed colorful walls and doors of gold, purple and teal. Heading towards the square, I looked forward to exploring the restaurants, gift shops and charming boutiques. The island is most known for its delicate lace and I was hoping to find a beautiful tablecloth to take home as a souvenir.

Within a couple of hours, I noticed the island was more crowded than when I had arrived. Galuppi Square was bustling with tourists who were ready to enjoy a relaxing lunch and spend time enjoying their surroundings. Local restaurants surrounded the perimeter of the square while the tables were conveniently set up in the center of the plaza. The menus offered plenty of fish dishes, including a local favorite, the “risotto de go” made with Arborio rice and the small spiny-finned fish of the lagoon. Pizzerias also offered a variety of pies and slices with a wide range of toppings. For dessert, Burano is known for its Bussola Brunei or Esse (the Venetian butter cookies) which should be purchased at the pasticceria, Carmelina Palmisano.

Walking through the maze of streets and over a a few narrow bridges, I enjoyed the sights of the colored homes for a final time. I thought once again of the fishermen’s legend as I boarded the water taxi for Venice. Standing towards the back of the vaporetto, I stared at the purple home and watched it until it disappeared into the distance.

Have you seen the colorful homes of Burano? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for taking this voyage with me to Burano. Happy Travels!

Where to Stay:

The Centaur Hotel
San Marco
Campo Manin 4297/a
30124, Venice (Italy)
Tel. +39 041 5225832

Where to Eat:

Al Gatto Nero Da Ruggero
Fondamenta della Giudecca
Giudecca di Burano 88
30142 Burano, Italy
Telephone: +39 041 730120

The locals claim that this restaurant makes the best Goby Risotto! Their website suggests the homemade noodles with spider crab which sounds absolutely delicious. The prices are inexpensive and the service is superb!

What to Eat:

Aperol Spritz is made with Prosecco (bubbly) wine, Aperol and a splash of soda.
Bellini’s were invented at Harry’s Bar and is my favorite brunch drink made with Prosecco and peach puree.
Seafood, especially sea bass. Black goby is a local fish from the lagoon and another local dish is fried sardines.
Vegetables from the Rialto Market
Instead of pasta, Venice serves rice and polenta. Rice and peas (risi e bisi) is a very popular dish.
Appetizers such as Venetian meat and cheese (the salami is amazing!) or cicchetti (similar to Spain’s tapas) are small servings that are the right portions. Baccala Mantecato is a topping for cicchetti made of creamed white fish.
Polpetta are deep fried meatballs
For lunch, the locals will order Tramezzino (sandwich) which is triangular in shape.
Dishes served with Nero di Seppia (Squid Ink Sauce) are a delicacy and the squid ink is very dark, so it may come as a surprise when your dish arrives.
Fritto Misto (Fried Fish and Seafood) can also include fried vegetables.
Venetian cookies (Buranelli – from the island of Burano and Sfogliatine) can be purchased at the local bakery.

What to Read:

Donna Leon has a series of crime novels all based in Venice.
The Glassblower of Murano, by Marina Fiorato
A Venetian Affair, by Andrea di Robilant
The City of Falling Angels, by John Berendt
Dead Lagoon, by Michael Dibdin
A Thousand Days in Venice, by Marlena De Biasi

Photo Guide for Venice:

The Bridge of Sighs leads to the waterfront dungeons and is best photographed from the Ponte della Paglia.
Burano is one of the islands within the Veneto was once a community of fishermen. The colorful homes can seen from a distance as the vaparetto approaches. The colors of the island and reflections make memorable photographs.
Piazza San Marco / St. Mark’s Square is the main meeting place in Venice to explore the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile and the Clock.
Pont de l’Academie translates as the Academia Bridge and is the second most popular bridge behind the Rialto Bridge.
The Rialto Bridge at Sunrise and Sunset; Take a trip on the vaparetto along the Grand Canal for some amazing photo opportunities.
Rivi degli Schiavoni is where the gondolas are “parked” with the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore in the background.
St. Mark’s Campanile is the bell tower in the square. Visitors can purchase tickets to ride up to the top for spectacular views of the lagoon and nearby buildings.
If you can visit during the Venice Carnival celebration, you will have many opportunities for some amazing, dramatic photos of people dressed in costume.

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Historical Christian Moerlein Brewery Reopens at The Banks in Cincinnati

2 July 202122 September 2024

After spending a beautiful day along the Banks of Cincinnati, I was ready for an outside table at Moerlein Lager House. With views along the Ohio River and northern Kentucky, I had the perfect Cincinnati Reds pre-game seat to enjoy a hearty lunch and a couple of beers. The place was flooded in red with Reds game attendees.

Prior to Prohibition, Cincinnati was one of the leading beer producers throughout the United States with nearly one-hundred breweries opening before the 1920s. One of these brewers was German immigrant, Christian Moerlein.

Moerlein arrived in the United States in 1841 and settled in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati popular with German and German-American immigrants. He began brewing beer in his blacksmith shop before opening the Christian Moerlein Brewing Company on Elm Street in 1853. He produced over 1000 barrels of beer in his first year of production.

Moerlein created brews that were not only popular in Cincinnati, but throughout the country. The brewery became the largest in Ohio, the fifth largest in the country and began shipping internationally to Europe and South America. By 1890, Cincinnati was called the “Beer Capital of the World.”

Unfortunately, with the passing of Moerlein in 1897 and Prohibition shortly thereafter, the brewery closed in 1920.

The Christian Moerlein brand was reintroduced to the public when Christian Moerlein Select Lager was produced by Hudepohl Brewing Company in 1981 and was considered on the “leading edge of the craft beer revolution.” It was the first beer to pass the strict Reinheigsgebot Bavarian Purity Law of 1516 which requires a beer to contain only four ingredients: malted barley, hops, water and yeast.

By 2004, local Cincinnatian, Greg Hardman purchased the Christian Moerlein and Hudepohl brands to re-introduce some of the best known brews of Cincinnati. Six years later, Hardman bought the Husman Potato Chip factory in Over-the-Rhine just a few blocks from Moerlein’s original site. The first beer produced was the 1861 porter which was introduced on New Year’s Eve 2010 in celebration of Arnold’s Bar and Grill’s 150^th anniversary.

I was excited to see an amazing list of Cincinnati retro beers to include Hudy 14-K, Hudy Delight, Hudepohl, Little Kings and Burger on the Lager House menu. I ordered the Purity Pilsner from their amazing selection , a wonderful light beer.

Moerlein Lager House opened in February 2012 along Cincinnati’s newest neighborhood, The Banks, located along the banks of the Ohio River. This prime location is also adjacent to Great American Ball Park, home of Cincinnati Reds baseball along the riverfront.

Measuring 150,000 square feet and standing two stories, Moerlein offers plenty of seating with 500 seats inside and 600 outside throughout its multiple beer gardens. A large beer garden connects to Schmidlapp lawn, an outdoor event space along the riverfront park.

With an extensive menu, Hardman wanted to include foods based on the 19^th century German cuisine of Over the Rhine such as soft pretzels, German sausage platter and Reuben sandwich.

I couldn’t resist ordering the Cuban sandwich, chips and Hudy Delight. With over 80 selections, I have time to try another beer before the Cincinnati Reds game.

Have you visited Moerlein Lager House in Cincinnati? What beers did you order? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Thank you for reading about my visit to Moerlein and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 2337
Website:

Where to Eat:

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 521 2337
Website: https://www.moerleinlagerhouse.com/

Where to Stay:

AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks
135 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 521 2337

What to Eat:

Skyline Chili: My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce. I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out. Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese. Additional toppings include onions and beans.
LaRosa’s Pizza: A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce. My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
Graeter’s Ice Cream: It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich. Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
Montgomery Inn BBQ: Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience. Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals. Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
Glier’s Goetta: While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy. Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
BonBonerie: One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Where to Drink:

AC Hotel Rooftop Bar
135 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 744 9900

What to Read:

Eligible: A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
Running, by J.T. Cooper
Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
Beloved, by Toni Morrison
Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide to Cincinnati:

City Hall – Inside and Out
Smale Riverfront Park
Union Terminal
Roebling Suspension Bridge
Washington Park
Krohn Conservatory
American Sign Museum

Travel Tip Tuesday: Cruise Ship Fitness and Health

22 July 202022 September 2024

Cruise vacations include a wide variety of foods that are accessible twenty-four hours a day, so staying healthy while aboard can be a challenge. Having worked for the cruise lines on contracts that lasted for periods of 6 months at a time, I can sympathize knowing how easy it is to put on the pounds when surrounded by food. Here are some healthy tips that will ensure that you can maintain your current weight and maybe even lose a couple of pounds.

1. Try to keep up with the same routine that you have while at home. For example, if you have an eating schedule that helps you to maintain a healthy diet at home, then try to incorporate those eating times into your vacation schedule. The same goes for working out. If you have a routine already established at home, try to keep with the schedule during your vacation on the cruise ship.

2, Take advantage of your time in port. Most passengers go off-shore to explore the various ports of call. Whether you have signed up for an excursion or decided to visit the port on your own, many of these activities include some type of physical exercise such as walking or swimming. You will be surprised at how active you are while disembarking the ship for some shore time.

3, Just because the ship provides some type of food option over a 24 hour period, does not mean that you need to eat for 24 hours. All-inclusive food offerings make it easy to stray away from your normal eating habits and overindulge. Step away from the midnight buffet!

4. You will want to ensure that you have a healthy breakfast each day, especially on the days that you plan to go ashore. Choose items that are high in protein and fiber so that you will stay full longer until you are ready to eat either at port or back on the ship for lunch.

5. Learn a new healthy type of exercise. Many cruise lines offer various sports or exercise activities that you may have never tried at home. For example, I once took a yoga class just to try it out to see if it may be something that would be of interest. Check out the ship’s daily schedule for various activities that you can incorporate while you are aboard the ship, and especially during those days at sea.

In addition to these five tips, you should also drink plenty of water and make healthy food choices when selecting menu items for meals. You will be pleasantly surprised when you reach home after vacation and find that you have actually lost weight on your cruise! Bon Voyage!

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Holland, Michigan: True to its Dutch Heritage

30 April 201615 September 2024

As my family continues to grow, our vacations are typically based on two factors: driving distance to our destination and space for all of the kiddos. If we can find a beach (lake or ocean) and a list of fun attractions, that is also a plus. After coming up with several ideas and narrowing our search, we all agreed to spend our summer vacation near Traverse City, Michigan with an overnight stop in Holland.

I had recently visited Holland during a visit to the city’s annual Tulip Time Festival and recommended it as the overnight stop for our trip. I was impressed with the local attractions, restaurants and shopping opportunities as well as its absolute charm.

Our first stop in Holland was the city’s state park. After strolling the beautiful coastline and watching the locals fish from the pier, we headed downtown for an early dinner. We could not have asked for better weather with sunny skies and a cool breeze.

The fish were biting and we saw a young boy taking his catch to the end of the dock to drop it into a bucket. Lake Michigan is full of fish including bass, trout, catfish, perch, walleye, bass as well as salmon.

On the way back from the pier, we took a closer look at the beautiful red lighthouse on the opposite side of the channel. We learned that the locals call it “Big Red” , but its official name is the Holland Harbor Light. It plays an important role for guiding the boats through the channel between Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa.

Strolling along the beach, we worked up an appetite and decided it was time to find a restaurant that could accommodate all of us. The trip into Holland did not take but a few minutes and we were able to find parking on 8^th street, the main shopping and restaurant district of town.

We decided on Crust 54 where we ordered pizza and pasta. The place was packed, but we were able to find seating for our group of six. We stepped up to the counter to order and they brought our food to us when it was ready. The Chicago Special pizza with Italian sausage, mushrooms, green peppers and onions was abundantly cheesy and delicious.

The sun was beginning to set and we had a little time to shop before reaching the hotel. Holland is typical small town America and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has won several awards and was ranked by the well-being index as the second healthiest/happiest town in the United States. CNN ranked it as one of the top five places to retire in 2006.

Have you vacationed in Holland or live here? I would love to hear your suggestions for where to eat and shop if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my family vacation stay in Holland! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Holland State Park
2215 Ottawa Beach Road
Holland, MI 49424
Telephone: 616 399 9390

Holland Harbor Light
2215 Ottawa Beach Road
Holland, MI 49424
Telephone: 616 399 9390

Where to Stay:

Baert Baron Mansion
120 S. Church Street
Zeeland, MI 49464
Telephone: 616 748 1953

Where to Eat:

Crust 54 – Downtown Holland
54 E. 8th Street
Holland, MI 49423
Telephone: 616 394 3002

Where to Drink:

What to Read:

Holland, the Tulip Town, by Randall P. Vande Water
Boats Made in Holland: A Michigan Tradition, by Geoffrey D. Reynolds
Holland, Michigan: From Dutch Colony to Dynamic City, by Robert P. Swierenga

Photo Guide for Tulip Time and Holland:

The Fields of Tulips throughout the city
DeZwaan Windmill at Windmill Island Gardens
Sunset on Lake Michigan
Polder Molen Windmill at Nelis’ Dutch Village
Dutch Dancers
Nelis’ Dutch Village: landscaped gardens, canals, carousel, brick walkways, gardens of tulips, petting farm, Carillon Bell Tower, The East Gate, Dutch houses
Windmill Island Gardens, merry-go-round, carousel, dutch dancers

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

A Young Boy and his Fish

Incidental Cruise Line Costs

14 May 201531 August 2024

Have you ever booked a discounted cruise and realized that there were additional charges that you did not factor in the total cost of your trip? Here are some hidden costs that may take you by surprise:

Cruise Ship Taxes: The base rate of the cruise is usually listed on advertisements and websites, but it is important to know that this is not the final total that you will be paying for the cruise part of your vacation. There are those little additional fees called taxes. These include tax on the cruise as well as taxes that are charged by the Port Authority of the various ports that you will be visiting on your trip. These fees are not controlled by the cruise lines, but rather the government agencies or states that govern the port.

Drinks: Many cruise travelers are surprised to learn that soda is not included in the drinks that are available on the ship. Of course alcohol is an additional charge and this includes wine unless you happen to be sailing on a European cruise where wine and well drinks may be included.

Coffee Shop Drinks: One of the best services brought on board cruise ships is the inclusion of specialty coffee options. There are stands that are usually set up around the ship that offer cappuccinos, macchiatos, frappuccinos, etc. and may be available 24 hours or at posted times according to the coffee stands and/or ship’s itinerary for the day. Specialty coffee drinks require the services of a barista, which is why there is an additional charge for an afternoon caffeine boost. Don’t be surprised when you receive a bill for the service and you may want to check to see if a tip was already included as well.

Water in your room: Just as in hotels, the bottled water provided to you in your stateroom is not free (unless otherwise indicated). There is usually a fee for drinking this water and a receipt for the bottled water will be provided to you at some point in your cruise.

Wine Corkage Fee: So you have decided to order a bottle of wine and notice that when the bar service representative presents you with the receipt that there is a “wine corkage fee”, your first instinct may be to ask why you are paying an additional fee on top of the wine that you had purchased for your meal. What could this possibly cover? Interestingly enough, this fee is included for the service of opening the wine as well as providing wine glasses and chilling or storing the wine depending on the type that you have purchased. I consider it a small token for the additional service that is offered to you by the bar staff.

Room Service Fee: Room service can be very convenient, especially during the one or two hours where a buffet is not available. Many cruises will offer a 24 hour pizza delivery service, but of course, there is a fee for them to deliver the pizza. It’s a small price to pay for the luxury of having food delivered to your room, but again, it is available and you need to know that there is an additional charge added to your bill. The information will be outlined in the daily schedules that are provided to you during your cruise.

Gratuities (bar, room attendant, waiter, busboy): In the good old days, before computers and technology, tips to service staff included an envelope in each passenger’s stateroom. It was the passenger’s responsibility to tip each of the service staff for their work over the number of days that they cruised. Of course, the cruise director would provide the standard tipping rates and passengers could provide more (or less) as they saw fit for tipping. Today, the tips are already included in the total cost at the close of the ship’s journey. You can choose to keep the charges on your credit card, pay cash or challenge the amount that was predetermined at the front desk. Just remember, the service staff work very hard to make your vacation as enjoyable as possible, so even if you decide to forego the dining hall and eat at the snack shop, keep in mind, that the minimal charge that is added to your bill may be a big help to the service staff, as they depend on these tips for their livelihood.

Shore Excursions: Most people know by now, that if the ship offers shore excursions, there will be a fee for signing up. These outings are optional, but depending on the port of call, you may decide that you want to see your destination with the assistance of a tour guide, most of whom are local residents. The ship usually provides a wide range of port options ranging from a day at the beach to a full day of port exploration. When using the internet, you can select which trips you want to take while you are in port and you can determine which ports you may want to adventure on your own. Just note that if you purchase excursions apart from the ship’s offerings, you will want to ensure that you board the ship at the designated time or the ship will depart without you. Please be aware that the tour guides welcome tips, so be prepared to have an amount of cash as you see appropriate.

Laundry service: Did you know that some ships offer laundry service for its customers? Most likely you will find this service available on “world cruises”, but you may want to check into this service if you plan on taking an extended cruise. This helps you plan accordingly for packing and can also save you luggage fees for flights if you travel light. You can leave your laundry in a bag, the room steward will pick up the laundry and you will receive you cleaned belongings ironed and folded in perfect condition. This of course will incur a fee and you may feel obliged to tip your room steward as well.

Exercise Classes/Gym Use: On most of the ships I have traveled, there is a gym as well as a spa on board. There may or may not be a gym fee, but spa services are not included in the cruise rate and an additional fee will be charged according to the spa menu. You may also note in your daily itinerary the various workout classes that are being offered on the ship and something may peak your interest. Read the fine print to see if there is an additional charge for attending the class and again, if you find the service to your liking, you can opt to tip the instructor as well.

I suppose it is obvious that there are additional items where one could spend money on a cruise ship, such as gambling, internet use, purchases from the gift shop, bingo and raffles. But if you plan accordingly, these additional fees and charges will not come as a surprise. This will allow you to enjoy your vacation without stressing about the final bill, which will appear in your room the night before departure. When in doubt, contact the front desk to keep your charges in check or if you have any questions about the status of your charges, they will be happy to help.

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