It was on one of these afternoons when Venice is packed with tourists and the heat is reaching into the little courtyards baking in the sun. Visiting Sacca Sessola island, also called Isola delle Rose (Rose Island) had been on my mind for quite some time, since it became accessible to the public on 24 June 2015 when the Hotel and Spa JW Marriott opened. It was one of those cases when Venetians were not sure what to think of the project. They never cease to think about the islands surrounding …
Island Discoveries – Exploring Sacca Sessola
Celebrating El Redentór with Historical Recipes
It takes us at least a few days, sometimes more than a week, to prepare for the Redentore Feast. I mean, in the kitchen. We are going through old family recipe books and hand-written journals. We consult neighbors and the vendors at the market. And of course, we talk to Signora Mascari when she's serving the clients at their wonderful store next to the Rialto Market. Days before, we stroll around the market, taking in every little detail of the wonderful produce on offer right now. Above all, …
You know it is summer in Venice when …
In mid-July, a very special season starts in Venice when the city is preparing for the Redentore Feast. For some of us this will be the most difficult time of the year. Afa is overwhelming our town - very humid, thick and hot air often emphasized by a light southerly wind, the scirocco, bringing even more heavy moisture into town. Life in Venice is now very languid and walking all day long like visitors usually do becomes unbearable. Most Venetians also avoid stopping outside as much as …
A Dreamy Summer Day in the Lagoon: Unexpected Burano
Join me for a weekend trip to Burano! It's early July and we'll take an early morning boat from Fondamente Nove. From here, depending on the traffic (! yes, traffic! the public boats vaporetti usually queue up in front of the landing stage Murano Faro, it may take up to 15 minutes), we will reach Burano in about 40 minutes. …
Pomegranate spritz and our Venetian solstice menu
After 5:00 pm, you can feel the sun rays getting flatter and less hot on Solstice Day in Venice. Parts of Riva degli Schiavoni are now tucked into refreshing shade, so it's a good time to start exploring my favorite area in town. …
