Chewing the Fat with Amy

04/29/2024

Three Reasons to use a travel advisor; 1) They save you time 2) They take the stress out of planning your trip 3) They can handle the unexpected ASTA - American Society of Travel Advisors Bursch Travel

03/19/2024

Day 7-8: Isatanbul: Where East meets West. The only city that lives on two continents. Day one we went to a beautiful Islamic mosque. All of these tiles are handmade in the region.

Fun fact: did you know that the tulip is native to Turkey? They gave a bulb to the Dutch Ambassador way back when as a gift. These tiles all have tulips 🌷 on them.

While in Istanbul we did hear them call for prayer during the day. On the 2nd day there was a calling for a funeral-which was at a different time.

After the Mosque, we went to an Egyptian Spice Bazaar. There we had an opportunity to try some pomegranate tea, Turkish coffee ☕️ and Turkish delight. Lots and lots of Baklavas! Soooo many spices. Different meats, cheeses. Some of the stalls had knock-off wears, like purses, luggage;etc…

Silk and cashmere items. Sooo many kinds of dates & olives. They dye the olives in different colors- organically; with beet juice, or blueberries, stuff them with peppers and cheese.

After the Spice market we went on a river cruise on the Bosporus where we could see both the European and Asian side of the town. We saw all three bridges before turning around and heading back to the ship.

That night we had our last meal on the ship @ their Italian restaurant called Manfredi’s. I have to admit I liked the Chef’s table better - but the food was still delicious.

We had left our bags out to be taken down - and we were set to disembark by 7:30am. Used our shipboard card one last time to get off the ship, collected our luggage and grabbed a taxi to our hotel. Orientbank Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection in old town. It was actually just next to the spice market we had been to the day before!

Fun fact: this hotel is newer; only been open for about 3 years. It used to be a German bank - but had been closed for many years; if you watch 007 this hotel is in that movie.

We checked in dropped our bags and headed off for a food tour that lasted the day. I think we ate at 7 different locations! 2 breakfasts, 2 lunch, snack, dessert with coffee - good thing we had been walking or there was no way we could’ve done it!

We had a nice group of people with us and our guide was really great! We ended up back at that same Spice bazaar for first breakfast- which was really good. My fave there was the buffalo clotted cream with honey & the goat cheese.

Then we made our way to the Asian side and did what we would consider a gyro style Iskender - is the name of the gentleman who created the (how do you call it - an upright spit) to gently cook the meat and carve as needed. It’s served a little different than in just a pita -but the basics are there. And it was verrrry good.

Apparently pickles are part of a Turkish diet. They buy them by the 1/2 gallon tub for the week. (Yes-that’s right, the week) and not only do they eat pickles, they like to drink the juice from anything pickled. We all know that it’s good for your guts - so slante!

The. It was time to get down to business: we went to Çiya Sofrası and our guide Leyla ordered for us; grape leaves, stuffed eggplant, a whole array of toppings, like hummus, tzatziki, different salads with nuts and pomegranate, then we had braised beef that was falling apart it was delicious.

Stopped and had some fresh shucked mussels -just for funzies

And finally we had dessert 🍨 ice cream, baklava, and coffee/tea.

It was a day! The city is busy, but inland not crazy; considering there are anywhere from 16-20 million people living there. It is a little taxing on the senses if your sensitive to that. There are a lot of different smells going on at the same time. Not all pleasant

We didn’t get to a few places- so have to go back!

Viking Bursch Travel

03/17/2024

Day 6 - Cush-a-dessa: Ephesus: mind blowing!

This ruin; finding; unearthing; whatever you call it, is simply hard to get your head around. You enter on the “Main Street” and yes, it is a street- is made of marble blocks. Well, everything is marble.

Which van be quite slippery we found out - a few people in our group fell. You can see the terra-cotta piping they used for their water system. And the intricate carvings on all of the stonework.

Public bathhouse - toilets.

This main road lead us down to the library - it was one of 3 in the ancient worl to have been discovered and in its glory would have housed upwards of 250,000 scrolls of parchment.

Sadly it burned at some point and the scrolls were lost, but the building remains.

They also found this amphitheater - that they actually use today for concerts: Bocelli, Elton John - etc…

They have only discovered 25% of the city so far, there is so much more to uncover. Alexander the Great would’ve been the one who started the construction of this city- that’s 300bc?

Then we went back toward the ship and had a Turkish rug demonstration- I have to say, they are quite beautiful. And they are hand made, some from silk, some from wool, some from cashmere.

We also tried the local tea and coffee with their version of ouzo callled Raka - that whitish liqueur. It has a milder anise flavor than ouzo and is not as Sweet.

There’s m’boat Jenny!
Viking Bursch Travel

03/10/2024

Day 4: Rhodes

Known for the the Palace of the Grand Masters: Knights of Rhodes /then Malta; as in Knights of the Crusades. All the aristocratic families of Europe sent at least one - usually more sons to fight. There was a caveat: you had to trace your bloodline back 4 generations to qualify for the order. ?

They did good things too; built hospitals and swore to take care of those that could not for themselves.

Once again - the island was overtaken by the Italians in the 15th century whom fortified the island against the Turks/ottomans.

They eventually lost to the Ottomans - and again to the Germans. The Germans were the ones who refurbished the Palace to its former glory. Just in case Mussolini were to come and stay, he needed a palace. was a moneymaker!

We meandered and found some things to bring home. Once back on the ship - we had another wonderful dinner- stuffed to the gills! Food is so good!!!! (Like I’ve ever said no! 🤪)

A leisurely start to tmrw! And onto Kusadasi - (Cush a dessa) Island of birds: where we go to Ephesus.

03/09/2024

Day 3: Crete

Arrived first thing, we had ordered room service because we had to be ready to go by 8:45 for our museum and town walk tour.

Like getting here from the airport, smooth - everything is numbered, you get on the bus, follow the leader. Easy

The museum visit was enlightening: a lot of artifacts - always so humbling to realize how insignificant one is in the great scape of everything.

After we wondered through town and had some time on our own. Our guide had recommended phyllosophies.gr for a Bougatsa with cream or one with mizithra (which is a ricotta style cheese made from goats milk) and they were both amazing!! It was definitely a locals spot, as it was packed.

When we returned to the ship, we had a leisurely afternoon, then took advantage of the spa.

03/09/2024

WE MADE IT! After 20+ hours of travel, we finally landed in Athens. Firstly I wanted to give a shout out to Delta Air Lines, thanks for the upgrade and the smooth ride, both were much appreciated!

When we arrived at baggage, the Viking team was already there waiting, so all we needed to do was collect our bags, attach our tags, drop them with the team and walk out to the waiting bus.

It couldn’t have been any easier. The Viking team is a wells oiled machine when it comes to getting people from point a to b with nobody falling thru the cracks.

We arrived at the port, received our keys and were allowed strait into our room. Everyone greeted us warmly.

The room is smaller than anticipated, but well appointed and the amenities are nice.

There are 2 restaurants that require reservations and three that do not. All of the main areas have live music starting in the early evening and lasting until around 10.

Everyday at 4:30 they do a preview of the following days port call; brief overview of the stop, what is significant and why, what to buy there and then a run down of each excursion. They pay particular attention to the locations and accessibility levels; stairs if there are any; length of the walk, and so on..

Days 1 & 2: Athens
Arrival - E-bike excursion of the Acropolis (which was interesting- but would’ve been more enjoyable had it not been a local holiday and all school kids were also visiting that day and navigating was a little precarious)

We also saw the original Olympic stadium built for the first Olympics in 1886 - the entire stadium is made of marble. In addition to that we saw the first Olympic village.

Changing of the guard at the presidential palace. Interesting to learn about their uniforms and the choreography. They are conscripted - but it is an unpaid service, and this particular branch is only a “parade” branch, so they don’t carry or learn to use any weaponry. It is apparently one of the most revered positions they can earn. (Not everybody can stand still with no inflection for 8hours at a time)

Time to push off to Crete - hopefully another gorgeous day awaits us!

09/18/2023

Throughout the year Bursch Travel offers a variety of learning opportunities.  These presentations offer information, insight, first hand experiences and knowledge on destinations, tours, cruises and a variety of other travel-related topics.

08/16/2023

Because of this affinity and love for Hawaii, we want to give back and give others the opportunity to participate. The fundraiser we had planned for Travel Elevates (our non-profit) is being transformed into a broader fundraising event, so more members of our Signature community can participate. It will include collecting donations through Travel Elevates (link below) and executing an online silent auction with over 20 travel experiences (to be sent out before the meeting), while directing 100% of all funds to our designated charities. Below is information about the organizations we will support through our fundraising efforts.

To Donate now, please use the following link: https://www.mightycause.com/donate/Travelelevates

Three of the organizations that our Travel Elevates fundraiser will support:
The Hawai'i Community Foundation (HCF) is accepting donations through its Maui Strong Fund. The Maui Strong Fund provides financial resources that can be deployed quickly, with a focus on rapid response and recovery for the devastating wildfires on Maui. HCF will not be collecting a fee for donations to the Maui Strong Fund - 100 percent of the funds will be distributed for community needs.

Maui Food Bank provides "safe and nutritious food" to anyone in Maui County who is at risk of going hungry. Maui Food Bank also donates food to disaster relief efforts on the island.

Maui Humane Society is providing rescue, veterinarian, and shelter services to the estimates 3,000+ animals that have been displaced by the Maui wildfires.

To Donate now, please use the following link: https://www.mightycause.com/donate/Travelelevates

We made our way through the pandemic with one overarching mantra – if we focus on helping others, we will be just fine. That's what we will continue to do.

Mightycause is your all-in-one nonprofit fundraising platform. User-friendly, customizable fundraising software and tools to engage your supporters and raise more funds.

03/12/2023

Weekend breakfasts! Dutch baby GRANDE! Caramel/cinnamon rolls with optional cream cheese frosting -

02/12/2023

Make Ahead and Freeze Dinners for Easy Meal Time Prep

Orange Chicken
Ingredients
2 cups carrots
2 cups bell pepper
1 lb chicken breast
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
8 oz orange juice concentrate

Instructions
Combine all ingredients in freezer bag. Seal bag and place in freezer. Thaw over night in fridge. Cook in crock pot on low 4-6 hours. Serve over rice.

Crock-Pot BBQ Spareribs
Ingredients
2lbs of pork ribs
1½ cups ketchup
1½ Tbsp seasoned salt
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup white vinegar

Instructions
Place pork ribs in gallon sized ziplock. Mix remaining ingredients together in a separate bowl and pour over ribs. Seal bag and place in freezer. Thaw over night in fridge. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours.

Crock-Pot Cheesy Chicken Potato & Broccoli
Ingredients
2-4 chicken breasts
1 large green pepper, chopped
2 cups broccoli, chopped
1 lb. red potatoes, sliced thin
1 tsp. paprika
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
¼lb. (4 oz.) VELVEETA®, cut into ½-inch cubes
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley - (I used dried parsley)

Instructions
Add all ingredients except for cheese in a gallon freezer bag. Seal bag and place in freezer. When ready to use thaw in fridge overnight. Cook 6 hours low. Add cheese and cook on high for 5 minutes. Stir melted cheese in.

Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
2-4 Chicken Breasts
3 Garlic Cloves, smashed and chopped
1 Teaspoon Dried Basil
½ cup Soy Sauce
½ cup Ketchup
⅓ cup Honey
2 cups carrots (or choice of veggie)

Instructions
Place all ingredients in gallon size ziplock. Seal bag and place in freezer. Thaw overnight in fridge. Cook on high for 3-4 hours.

Crock-Pot Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients
2 pounds of cubed beef stew meat or 4 cups of cooked ground beef
2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chopped onion
2 T Worcestershire sauce
½ c water
1 c. sour cream
2T minced garlic
packet of onion soup mix
chopped mushrooms (optional)
egg noodles (to serve over the day you cook)

Instructions
Cook meat & let it cool. Add all ingredients to a gallon size freezer bag except egg noodles. Seal and place in freezer. When ready to use thaw in fridge overnight. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Serve over egg noodles.

Crock-Pot Nacho Chicken
Ingredients
2-4 chicken breast
1 can Rotel
1 package taco seasoning

Instructions
Place all ingredients in gallon size freezer bag. Seal and place in freezer. When ready to use thaw in fridge overnight. Cook on low 8-10 hours.
Spread Nacho Chicken over tortilla chips, and top with your choice of toppings including shredded cheese, green onions, black olives, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and salsa.

Crock-Pot Chicken Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon curry powder
½ teaspoon ground ginger
3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 onion, chopped
1 cup peach preserves OR apricot preserves
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
½ cup chicken broth or water
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions
Sprinkle chicken with salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, curry powder, and ginger. Add peach preserves, vinegar, and soy sauce to gallon freezer bag. Add in sweet potatoes and onion, and top with chicken. Seal bag and place in freezer. When ready to use thaw in fridge overnight. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until chicken is thoroughly cooked and sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with fork.
Combine chicken broth and cornstarch and mix well. Add to slow cooker. Cover and cook on high 10-15 minutes until sauce is thickened.

Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Ingredients
4-5 lbs Pork Butt/Shoulder
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
4 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 large onion - sliced thin
BBQ Sauce (optional) We prefer Sweet Baby Rays

Instructions
Combine all ingredients except onion in bowl, rub onto pork. Place onions and pork in a gallon sized freezer bag, seal bag and place in freezer. When ready to use thaw overnight. Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours. Shred pork with 2 forks, add BBQ sauce if preferred. Cook on low additional 30-45 minutes with BBQ Sauce
Via: Lazy Gourmet

08/19/2022

Final day on Rocky Mountaineer Rockies to Red Rocks - early start, but a beautiful morning to watch the sun rise on those majestic mountains. We left Glenwood Springs at 7am and arrived early into Moab around 11:45am where the local temperature was a cool 95 and climbing - hence, the pool. Moab is the gateway to 5 National parks Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, are both within a stones throw, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are just to the south. There is no shortage of things to see and do here! Bursch Travel

08/18/2022

Day one on Rockies to the Red Rocks on Rocky Mountaineer we started out in Denver and road the rails to Glenwood Springs. Nothing short of awesome! Went through 30 tunnels! One that was the highest elevation at 9200 feet above sea level and 2800 feet below the surface and 6 miles long! (Moffat Tunnel) My engineering friends would have fun with that! Glenwood Springs is home to many natural hot springs and is said to be the Switzerland of the West. Bursch Travel

08/17/2022

Denver - you were good to us! Although it was a bit rainy, that didn’t stop us from getting out and about. Headed downtown for lunch; stopped at the famous Union Station - where we will leave on the train in the morning, grabbed some grub for dinner to have at our “home away from home”

08/16/2022

Day one in the books! Mile high city; Pastrami sammy, local brew, epic chess match and some rain.

03/08/2022

Two years has been TOOOOOO LONG! And although we didn't fail to have a gathering at our place to celebrate, the parade was still missed! Annual Gathering at our place is of course still happening - 11am eats prior to heading to the parade and then Eats, drinks and fire again post parade. If you know we live then - you know...🧙‍♂️🧝‍♀️🤷‍♂️👕🩳☘️🍀🍯🍻🥃💚

After a 2-year hiatus, Crosslake St. Patrick's Day Parade & Celebration is BACK!

You won't want to miss this celebration! 🍀💚

Head to Crosslake on Saturday, March 19 for a full day of fun!

🍀Clover Dash 5K Run
🍀Lost Pot O' Gold Treasure Hunt
🍀Lucky Lanyard Deals and Discounts
🍀The BEST Parade in MN

Visit www.crosslake.com for all the details!

09/03/2021

Breakfast reimagined from last nights salad: fresh tomato and peach caprese on a croissant with fresh ricotta - super yummy 😋

07/29/2021

We’re working to make sure everyone heading back to learn and work in our schools stays safe and healthy this fall.

The best way to do that is to get everyone 12+ fully vaccinated before the school year.

Let's Vax to School, Minnesota💪

07/01/2021

This is where it’s at! It’s all happening now! Isaiah Moengen

06/13/2021

Foil-Packet Shrimp Boil! No water needed…just the grill and a few splashes of white wine in the packets! 😳

Yes, I do actually cook with it too….

05/07/2021

I have to share this amazing opportunity with you - Please share with any of our Frontline Healthcare / Medical Heroes - Opportunities like this just don't land in your lap that often.

If you are wondering if you would like something like this; I have had the pleasure of being on a River Cruise and I can tell you first hand that it is BY FAR the BEST way to travel in Europe!

A floating boutique hotel with First Class service / food / choice of whatever tours you want or don't want to do - it's your vacation; you can just relax on the ship and read if you want - or go bike/hike through the town your docked in for the day - whatever you feel like doing.

There is something for everyone - gentle pace to the very active.

04/23/2021

Check out these beauties! Milk chocolate chip with peanut butter and pretzel- perfect combo for those salty sweet folks! Mmm mmm good! 😋🍪🥜🧂🥛👩‍🍳

04/22/2021

03/29/2021

Happy Holi! Nice way to start the week...