Michael Patrick Shiels

2 months ago | goworldtravel.com | Michael Patrick Shiels

The idyllic day seemed as surreal as a Paolo Sorrentino-directed film. But there I was, in the backseat of a little, vintage Fiat car, being driven through the rolling, green countryside during an afternoon in which the sky was as bright blue as the vehicle swerving through the curves and over the hills of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region near Bologna. The scene was even more surreal because I was in a caravan of candy-colored, classic Fiat cars in front of and behind me.

2 months ago | lansingstatejournal.com | Michael Patrick Shiels

Michael Patrick ShielsFor the Lansing State JournalMurano has been Venice’s glorious glass-making island since the 13th century. Tolerating life in Venice means constantly navigating its delicate collection of islands, bridges, boats and canals. Murano is a close-knit community. A working island with lots of families living there, according to hotel manager Tony Veljaca.

2 months ago | goworldtravel.com | Michael Patrick Shiels

As an actor, radio host, and travel writer based in Beverly Hills, California, I am accustomed to seeing Hollywood celebrities and luminaries dine in Los Angeles-area restaurants…particularly those serving Italian cuisine. I have personally seen, for instance, Hugh Grant, LL Cool J. and Chris Rock at Culina, the restaurant inside the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. For decades, Dan Tana’s has been frequented by big-name stars.

2 months ago | lansingstatejournal.com | Michael Patrick Shiels

My mother, Gladys Marie Jurczyk Shiels, celebrated a milestone birthday. I do not dare reveal a ladies’ age except to say the first digit would be pronounced, in Spanish, ‘ocho.’I brushed up on my Espaniol because I took mi madre to Puerto Rico for a winter getaway at The Royal Sonesta San Juan, a resort on Isla Verde Beach. My mother would get some sun…with her son.

Feb 28, 2025 | goworldtravel.com | Michael Patrick Shiels

In addition to capturing the hearts of travelers, Venice, Italy, also literally captures visitors. Physically and logistically, it is easy and necessary to detach from reality in Venice. Logistical planning and navigation are required, along with patience and some concessions for time.