Two award winning aquariums offer insights into life under the sea

The Aquarium of the Pacific's beautiful Lookdown Fish are one of many engaging displays. We visit
it and Maui Ocean Center, another fine aquarium, in today's post about the creatures of the sea.

TAKE YOURSELF INTO A WORLD
OF UNDERSEA WONDER AT FABULOUS CALIFORNIA, HAWAII AQUARIUMS

A life-size whale greets school children and families at
the spectacular Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.

 

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

ONCE YOU'RE hooked on aquariums and can't miss a museum devoted to underwater wonders, you're a sea fan for life.  You never ignore an opportunity to get close to the creatures and life in the mysterious depths and alluring shadows of the sea.

We find pleasure in the grand ones -- like the fabulous Monterey Bay Aquarium-- and we've spent equally engaging time at tiny, impressive facilities devoted to the ocean, such as Hilo's fine Pacific Tsunami Museum.

The impressive Aquarium of the Pacific awaits
in Long Beach, with magnificent exhibits and
convenient nearby parking with plenty of other
enticements from shopping to dining in the area.

TWO RECENT finds merit our attention. They should both be on a "must see" list if you are a devotee and anywhere near. They are the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and Maui Ocean Center in Hawaii.  

First, we take readers to the Long Beach facility.  It's an enormous, eye-popping place, with well marked exhibits guaranteeing a fabulous outing for all ages. We mingled on a week day with tourists, local families and school groups. It's a delightful learning sanctuary for singles and couples, too.  It features shows at many major exhibits. One offers a chance to mingle with and feed birds in the lorikeet forest.  We enjoyed the seal and sea lion exhibits featuring these magnificent creatures who live throughout our coastal waters. There's a shark lagoon with two touch pools, and children were enamored by these.

Frogs are front and center at Long Beach facility,
 a colorful array from around the world. You can 
paint your own virtual frog in Pacific Visions.

The aquarium offers an attractive outdoor space overlooking picturesque Rainbow Harbor. Times of the shows are announced and posted so you can plan your time.

        Visit Tsunami museum

The place, like the one in Maui, is dedicated to preservation.  It  hosts a modern veterinary hospital with holding tanks and animal habitats.  Experts are on hand to care for displaced or injured creatures.

 The splendid tropical reef habitat is the Long Beach aquarium's largest exhibit, with 350,000 gallons of saltwater. We spent nearly an hour watching fish, rays, sea turtles and sharks glide among the coral. This is a star of 100-plus exhibits and 19 major habitats, including a gallery devoted to southern California and Baja coasts. Among our favorite is the impressive penguin habitat with the playful Magellanic ones we saw recently on a trip  

The penguin exhibit at the Aquarium of the Pacific
has a fine penguin habitat and breeding program.

 off the South American coast. It's wonderful to see these beautiful creatures carefully tended and increasing under human care.

WE ARE devoted "frog fans," so the frog nursery completely captivated us.  We admired the flash red and black poison dart frog and learned that his venom is produced by the food he eats.  We were charmed by the Kaiser's Mountain Newt, endangered due to habitat degradation and fish predators. The place is a living classroom. You're certain to come away better educated about our fellow planet dwellers.

The aquarium offers great location, easy parking,

At Maui Ocean Center, artful scenes divide the
exhibits. This one was painted by communication
manager's daughter for a high school project, one
of the ways the aquarium involves and educates.

fabulous displays. Harbor Breeze Cruises in Long Beach has a partnership with the aquarium. Take advantage of that, to explore the ocean. It's an intriguing, world class facility. The smaller, equally dedicated Maui facility is noteworthy, too. Read on.

*  *  *

A FEW THOUSAND miles across the Pacific, Maui Ocean Center is also an impressive facility. It features more than 60 interactive exhibits, including a nursery bay and a turtle lagoon where you can get close-up views of favorite marine life. We visited on a Sunday afternoon, surrounded by families learning about Hawaii’s diverse underwater world. 

Children of all ages peered at sea jellies, tropical reefs and a shy, corner-dwelling octopus, with nicely marked and pleasant outdoor trails to get you from one exhibit to the next. The place features over 11,000 animal species and more than 50 exhibits, showcasing the diverse marine life found in the Pacific. We were charmed by this aquarium for its originality, color, devotion to the sea and imaginative exhibits, enhanced by artwork created by locals.

Diver and Ocean Center staffer, Paul, shows
visitors how coral is grown and preserved
to insure it is not lost in these times of
threat to the oceans and coral.

THE PLACE is a riot of color.  From the vibrant colors of tropical fish to the sleek sea otters, we found an opportunity to learn at every corner.

In the coral reef lab, Paul explained how coral is incubated and reproduced to replace damaged or lost coral when necessary. Discovery, learning and educating the next generation are the bywords here.

The artwork is gorgeous, too, in this lovely facility near Wailuku.  Naturally, it focuses on Hawaii's unique marine life -- right out the door. 

"We think it's a great place to learn about the ocean’s beauty up close, with the shores right outside," says communication director Mike Morris. He emphasizes conservation and education goals of the aquarium. "We make a visit both fun and educational."

Maui Ocean Center is smaller than its Long Beach

Visitors to Maui Ocean Center will find pleasures
once inside the entry.  Guests are still outside
for many of the exhibits. There's a tunnel, too,
with sea creatures swimming above. 

  counterpart, but shares an equally interesting variety of inhabitants. There are colorful fish, beautiful sea turtles, sharks, rays and an impressive living reef exhibit, which showcases Hawaii's unique corals while preserving and growing replacements.
With exhibits aimed at awareness, it's fun to see children expanding their knowledge, asking questions, beginning to understand the importance of keeping the oceans healthy.

 WE ENJOYED an interactive experience featuring the humpback whale. It's a 3D "Sphere Experience" which transports guests into the underwater world of these fascinating, once endangered gentle giants. 

  

Jellyfish are well represented at both aquariums,
and both emphasize conservation and education.
Here, two graceful jellies seem to enjoy the day. 
 
 

Maui facility also pays homage to the indigenous culture and its connection to the ocean. “Hawaiians and the Sea” beautifully explains the historical and cultural significance of the ocean in Hawaiian society.

The Long Beach aquarium
collaborates with Harbor
Breeze Cruises for a lively
harbor tour. The operation
also offers whale watching.

 Like the Aquarium of the Pacific, Maui Ocean Center offers an artful entry. 

And once inside, you're "outside and in the sea" with a wealth of exhibits to entertain and educate about our precious oceans.

 Tickets, more information:
aquariumofpacific.org 562 590-3100

harborbreezecruises: 2seewhales.com; 562 432-4900

mauioceancenter.com 808 270-7000

Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers
enjoy an afternoon on the water aboard Endless
Dreams. They booked a Sunday brunch cruise
with City Cruises, which offers many options
 for special occasions or "just because" out of
various ports in southern California and beyond.
 

COMING SOON: With summer in full swing, so many options lure the traveler to explore, learn and enrich life. We're climbing aboard a beautiful yacht for a brunch cruise around picturesque Newport, California, then we spend an afternoon on the American Pride, a graceful three-masted schooner berthed in Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach. It is a proud California vintage sailing vessel, dedicated to education.  Then we hop on Big Bus to tour Singapore and Sydney, visit koalas and kangaroos in Lone Pine, Australia, and return to America to explore New York's lovely Central Park as it blossoms out with its summer cloak. We'll also head to New York's High Line to explore its gorgeous gardens and repurposed space, then head to Bermuda for a dive into its famous caves. Meanwhile, consider a City Cruises brunch or dinner cruise for a special occasion this summer, and remember to explore, learn and live. Catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, waterborne adventure, performance, the arts, family, nature and more.

 

World class maritime museum offers ships, subs, displays, nautical history and a fun cruise on San Diego Bay

 

Bruce Keller has sailed all his life, as a native San Diegan with a love of the sea.  He taught sailing
to Christene "Cookie" Meyers. She learned sailing and he learned to ballroom dance. Here they are
at San Diego Maritime Museum, a world renowned museum with vessels, exhibits and much more.

AHOY MATIES, SET SAIL FOR A DAY OF ADVENTURE, DISCOVERY, MAYBE A PIRATE

SHIPS, HISTORY, EXHIBITS,

Keller is in his element on the Star of India, one of several
vessels at the museum which visitors can board and admire.

MOVIE LORE, SAILING, 

MEMORABILIA & MORE

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

Ships and nautical history are front and 
center, here a view of several of the boats.

From various vantage points at the museum and out on the sea,
one can enjoy splendid views of San Diego and the skyline.

IF  YOU WANT a taste of the sea, with the vessels which explored the world, you won't find a better place to indulge your secret sailor than the San Diego Maritime Museum. The excitement, lore and lure of the sea are represented in myriad vessels and carefully designed displays. You're in for treats galore at San Diego Maritime Museum.

The collection of boats is a focal point on San Diego's waterfront, a treasure trove of all things nautical.
A knowledgeable, sea loving staff and an equally enthusiastic volunteer force have spent thousands of hours and months of care developing a rare collection of vessels. So expansive and well curated is its collection of vessels and exhibition space that the facility enjoys a worldwide reputation. Named one of three top worldwide maritime museums, this one needs to be on your bucket list!

Moored along the waterfront on the Embarcadero, it is one of the city's chief delights. 

The beloved Berkeley was moved from northern California
to its home in San Diego. Notice the beautifully preserved
wooden tables and elegant stained glass windows.

The museum sports more than a dozen boats and ships, including a submarine you can explore, and expertly curated and researched maps and nautical paraphernalia.  Visitors get a double treat: a traditional indoor museum and an opportunity to board and inspect the vessels.  Sometimes there is action and entertainment as "pirates" stroll and strut.  And there are always workers doing endless repair and maintenance, all eager to share their knowledge with ship loving visitors.

A favorite part of the exhibit is the stately Star of India, built in 1863.  This graceful ship is the oldest active merchant sailing ship in the world.

From time to time, the museum takes her out.  We enjoyed a sail on her many years ago, and have our fingers crossed for an encore as plans are firmed 

A delightful pilot boat takes museum guests on
the bay and harbor, pointing out spots of interest.
We've had wonderful guides, including Kiki.

for an outing in a year or two. 

We took our British friends aboard the Star, with its elegant wooden decks and English-related stories of her sailing days of yore. Fun to see her rooms and picture life in her difficult sailing times.

Star of India began life during the Civil War, in November of 1863.  Her first voyages took her to India, where she supplied badly needed jute to England. This replaced cotton, which because of the war was unavailable from the U.S.

SAN DIEGO'S fine staff and devoted volunteers are constantly restoring and maintaining the Star and other historic vessels to insure that future generations may come aboard to learn and enjoy. Restoration excellence makes the museum unique. 

Two crewmen get their exercise lashing and unfurling the
sails during a lively four-hour sail on the Californian. 
This adventure is highly recommended for fun seekers.

Our sail on the Californian was a delightful one. As our state's official tall ship, she was built from the ground up in 1984 at Spanish Landing in San Diego Bay, Californian was launched with great fanfare for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. In July 2003, she was officially designated the tall ship of the State of California, the only vessel to hold this prestigious title.
Since her launch, Californian has hosted thousands of adventure seekers, sailing enthusiasts, students, and history buffs along the West Coast. She has  embarked on voyages to Hawaii, Mexico, and the East Coast, becoming one of the most recognizable and celebrated tall ships in  America. We highly recommend a trip on her. 

From the stern of the Berkeley,
Keller and Cookie are framed by
the San Salvador, rear right.

THE FERRY Berkeley is another treat, the first ship you'll see after you leave the ticket booth and approach the museum. She is full of lore from her days as a ferry in the Bay Area.  Among her surprises:  a vintage upright piano, donated by a local music lover and ship aficionado and lovingly cared for.

The Berkeley has beautiful stained glass windows, polished wooden tables and original sturdy floors. The San Salvador has movie lore and offers pirate adventure. 

Berkeley also hosts a delightful concert series, "Music at the Maritime."  It features concerts Sept. 14 and Nov. 9, with the Hausmann Quartet presenting "Haydn Voyages." The concerts finish the 2025 season series. So you see the variety of experiences -- from elegant to rustic, all for those who love maritime lore.

More about the museum:

#sdmaritime

@sdmaritime

www.sdmaritime.org

www.sdmaritime.org/visit/on-the-water-adventures/tall-ship-adventure-aboard-californian/

.

ON TAP: While we're diving into the wonders of maritime museums and exploring our beautiful Pacific Ocean, come with us to two world class aquariums. First, we visit Newport, California's extraordinary Aquarium of the Pacific. The award winning facility is dedicated to instilling "a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems." Then we take readers inside another fine aquarium, Maui's Ocean Center, a great spot to view our oceans' residents, including an octopus. You'll also see a research lab where coral is grown. Both offer fine arrays of exhibits, surprises and delights -- with an education bent. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, the nature, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Cool off, enjoy at Borrego's Palms at Indian Head, a boutique treasure

The Palms at Indian Head offers a tranquil, beautiful escape from city life, with its open airy feel.

DESERT HIDEAWAY DESERVES YOUR VISIT

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

The property boasts an Olympic size pool, which is a popular
place to be as temperatures heat up in the desert. 

YOU'LL STEP BACK in time at the Palms at Indian Head -- to a world where nature artfully complements man-made beauty.

It's a unique hotel which feels both laid back and sophisticated, thanks to careful development by a visionary couple.

David Leibert and Cynthia Wood

saved  the complex from neglect when they bought and lovingly  restored the main building where stars of cinema's golden age relaxed.

You'll find unsurpassed desert views, privacy and solitude.

Imagine Clark Gable, Lon Chaney, Will Rogers, Bing Crosby and Marilyn Monroe lounging by the pool. Pretend it's 1950. The stars are enjoying the bar, golf, a quiet place to read, relax, swim and visit.

EVERYONE was relaxed then, and  the creative owners have preserved that "laid back" feeling at the 20-acre, 12-room resort, built in 1947.

Thanks to the enterprising owners and their love of nature, you can soak up the ambiance, wander on a nearby nature trail, enjoy a leisurely meal or swim in the pools. Nearly eight decades after the property was conceived, Leibert and Wood are patiently restoring it to its glory days -- with their own spin and tasteful  

The hotel's gallery showcases a tasteful mix
 of fine art, often reflecting desert imagery.
Here's a Michael Weelden's piece.

architectural changes. (The original bungalows were lost to fire but are mostly replaced by a charming boutique hotel over the lobby and lounge, and a few guest cottages on ground level.) The two were inspired by the beautiful trees on the property -- California's famous fan palms, Mexican palms and date producing palms near the pool. Thus the name, which also reflects the inn's location. It is located at the base of Indian Head Mountain,  a stately summit in the gorgeous San Ysidro Mountains.

The town is Borrego Springs and the area is the Anza Borrego Desert, named after Juan Bautista de Anza, a Spanish explorer who explored the region in 1774. Borrego refers to the bighorn sheep that inhabit the area, and is the Spanish word for lamb.

Framed by a soon-to-bloom
ocotillo on a Palms bike ride. 

 THE OWNERS'  love of nature and impeccable artistic vision blend in this unique place. You'll hear Frank Sinatra tunes as you check in.  If you stroll the grounds, you'll see remains of the original hotel bungalows, lost to fire.

Owners Dave Leibert and Cindy Wood
at Machu Pichu. The two travel widely 
and run two Borrego Springs venues.

Replacing them are the boutique hotel and a popular restaurant, Coyote Steakhouse. Another local favorite restaurant is the more casual Red Ocotillo, also owned by Leibert and Wood.

THE TWO have worked hard to make their restaurants and the inn welcoming. All around the Coyote Steakhouse, you'll hear chirping birds.  We also saw rabbits, a roadrunner and dozens of charming little lizards on the walkways.

Gifted pianist Joey Ross plays weekends at the
Palms, here with musician Cookie enjoying.
Steve Hunter also plays from time to time.

Enhancing the desert's pleasures is a lovely gallery offers artfully showcasing landscapes, appealing pottery and imaginative paintings. On weekends, gifted pianist Joe Ross offers a range of beautifully played classics, '50s and '60s pop, light classics and occasional Scott Joplin ragtime. A genius at variety and smooth segue, he plays inventive medleys with hypnotic force in a repertoire ranging from French impressionists to jazz and the Sinatra repertoire which is synonymous with the inn.   

THE MENU at the Steakhouse is superbly chosen, with artful, tasty salads and a range of entrees including steaks, chops, seafood and chicken  -- all beautifully  prepared.  We've tried the steaks, salmon and chicken -- all delicious. Of the many appealing appetizers, the tasty ahi tartare and crab cakes are treats.  Lobster, osso bucco, special holiday offerings  and other delights are offered and if you dine before 6 p.m., enjoy a price break on a prix fixe meal. We end with the sugar-free cheesecake, and there's often homemade berry cobbler. An after dinner tradition is a stroll: the property rests on land once occupied by the Cahuilla Indians and the mountain profile of a reclining Indian frames the property and inspires a closer look during after the satisfying meal.  It's also beautiful at dawn and dusk. 

We parked our bikes outside the Palms' gallery,
which offers a nicely displayed and tasteful
mix of paintings and sculpture.

THE BUILDING that now houses most of the rooms was constructed in 1958 in the famous California "Mid-Century Modern" style -- with Mondrian influences. The architect is unknown but David and Cindy narrowed the field to Joseph Eickler, Cliff May and Albert Frey, all noted for their flair in the style of the day.

IN THE DAY it was called Hoberg's Desert Resort, and guests reveled in the star-studded night sky. We did the same recently, after hiking and biking the  retreat and exploring nearby Palm Canyon. The stars -- like the inn itself -- have a timeless appeal.

Information: To book a room at the Palms or reserve a table for dinner at Coyote Steakhouse: stay@thepalmsatindianhead.com 760-440-6824

To book redocotillo.com 1 760-767-7400

Dine in or take out.

For expert tips on organizing your time & what to see: andrea@GotoBorregoSprings.com

BEST BETS: 

Erica Marie trades her apron for sexy
cocktail dresses, food banter, songs. 

A merry mix of music and food chat takes the audience on a spin around the globe in "I Can Cook, Too." This engaging work is gracing the stage at New Village Arts in Carlsbad through May 26. It's served hot, sassy and sizzling by singer-actor Erica Marie Weisz backed by a terrific musical trio and fun lighting and sound effects. Inspiration for the piece came to Erica Marie during the exile days of COVID.  She found therapy in isolation by combining her two loves: musical theater and cooking. She sings, sashays and flirts, stirring up a couple dozen tunes, all with dining, food and romance references. The songs are served in "courses" and the range is impressive -- from sultry Peggy Lee songs to Edith Piaf's signature piece, a ballad from "Sunset Boulevard," Jerome Kern's "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and more.  New Village stalwart Olivia Pence joins Erica Marie for a stirring rendition of "Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy" made famous by Judy Garland and her daughter, Liza Minnelli, and beautifully delivered here. Weisz's wit, energy and her clever script pair cooking and song with help from a brilliant "sous chef," pianist and musical director Patrick Marion. It's a tasty romp with bass player Martin Martiarena and percussionist Jon Berghhouse. What fun to see gifted faces in San Diego musical theater together. Marion's flawless accompaniment includes an accordion cameo in "La Via en Rose." This marvelous production comes dressed with a half-dozen costume changes and an hilarious audience participation number that brings the house down. The show sent this Broadway Baby tap dancing down memory lane. For tickets: (760) 433-3245 or newvillagearts.org

Bruce Keller prepares to help hoist the sails on
California's official tall ship, the Californian.
It is one of many nautical treasures one can
board and enjoy at Maritime Museum of San Diego.
 

ON TAP: Ahoy, maties. Kick off the summer with an adventure on the sea.  It's almost Memorial Day weekend and with that comes the beginning of summer tourism. Here in San Diego, we're ready to welcome ocean loving tourists. The city's world class Maritime Museum of San Diego offers a wonderful immersion in nautical lore and life on the high seas.  An impressive collection of vessels includes the Californian, our state's official tall ship, so we step back in time with a four-hour sail on it, and help hoist the sails.  It is a showpiece of the much loved museum with knowledgeable docents to help you step back in time, visiting a pirate ship and a submarine.  The Museum is a treasure trove of vintage vessels -- the steamship Berkeley, the famous Star of India, which rounded the Horn in the early 1800s, and the San Salvador where famous movies were filmed. Then picture yourself on a yacht with a beautiful view, live music, a glass of your favorite beverage and delicious food.  It could be a brunch or dinner cruise aboard City Cruises, coming to readers soon. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, performance, the arts, family and more.

 

 

Museum of Latin American Art offers stunning Long Beach diversion

Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers enjoy an afternoon at the Museum of Latin 
American Art in Long Beach, where Latin American artists from around the world are displayed.

Intriguing installations are part of the charm and allure.
Here, a Marta Boto plexiglass piece draws Cookie's eye.

LONG BEACH MUSEUM SHOWCASES LATINO ART IN BEAUTIFULLY CURATED EXHIBITIONS 

The Museum of Latin American Art's impressive
collection extends to an artful sculpture garden. 
This Carlos Luna piece expresses duality,
a theme of exiled Cuban artists. 

Sculpture Garden provides calming and fascinating place to reflect on artistic inspiration and global talent 

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

ON THE grounds of California's first movie studio, imagination continues to reign.  In the enchanting Museum of Latin American Art, contemporary works by acclaimed artists from around the world challenge viewers and offer fresh perspectives.

Friendly, inviting, interactive, MoLAA  welcomes, tests and teases the viewer -- urging him to participate in a new vision.

Judithe Hernandez makes a bold, graceful statement in the museum's
sculpture garden. She is an acclaimed Chicana artist. 

The museum draws from its extensive permanent collection to present deftly curated exhibitions -- while inviting new artists to explore their own worlds and stimulate our senses.

Works run the gamut from whimsical to provocative, from classical to avant-garde.

THE SPACE is unique -- open and airy -- lending itself to a colorful landscape indoors which leads to a calming and intriguing outdoor sculpture garden. 

Long before Hollywood existed, pioneers in the film industry were at work in this unassuming space on Alamitos Avenue in Long Beach.  In 1913 in a barn near the corner of Vine and Selma, Jesse Laskey and C. B. DeMille rented the space to make movies. Fragments of the original building still exist on the grounds where Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford got ready for their close-ups.

Job Garcia's imagination is front and center in works at MoLAA.

They were instrumental in forming what would become United Artists, through negotiations on the museum's present grounds.  Surely their spirits are smiling down on this unique and engaging museum.

 

IT IS ONE of the premier Latino museums in the country and is dedicated to modern and contemporary Latino art. The museum's mission is to educate, collect, preserve, present, and interpret art for cross-cultural dialogue.

Knowledgeable and motivated docents are part of the charm
of the museum.. Here, Paula asks viewers what they see,
and responds with insightful commentary. 

THE MUSEUM has an impressive docent program, with highly skilled volunteers eager to express their interest in the museum's history and extensive holdings.  Our excellent docent explained its merging of art, science and technology.  Our visit was enriched by Paula's erudite explanations of individual pieces.  She explained the often complex layers of a painting or sculpture, questioning us to draw our impressions.  This interactive approach gives the visitor a genuine feeling of participation and is gratifying to both guest and guide.

Sculpture is represented in the museum's eye-catching
and varied exhibitions, both inside and in a lovely garden.

PAULA SHARED her pride in the museum's impressive permanent collection and in a cutting edge installation, "Arteonica," which explores an obscure but fascinating Latin American art movement begun 60 years ago.  Waldemar Cordeiro is the muse behind the exhibit which explores the state of electronic and cybernetic arts, "a verbal synthesis featuring the computer as an instrument of positive social change influencing both art and culture."

Intriguing multi-media exhibitions at MoLAA
invite the visitor into the artists'  imaginations.

The museum's overriding focus is to create a dialogue between art and people, much as Cordeiro's exhibition does.

MANY OF the museum's pieces carry political and social messages, conveying the turbulent and often tragic consequences of dictatorships, thousands of "disappeared" persons, corruption, violence and political turmoil.

A "don't miss" feature of this internationally known museum is its gorgeous garden. The Robert Gumbiner Sculpture and Events Garden showcases an extraordinary exhibition of sculpture from MOLAA’s permanent collection. Gumbiner, who passed away in 2009, was a beloved physician and philanthropist was a major force behind the museum's permanent collection and laid the groundwork for the sculpture garden.

Bruce Keller "listens" to this Lucia Monge installation
a fascinating study of nature by the noted Peruvian artist. 
It includes drawings, real plants connected to a microphone. 

The museum is rightly proud of both its indoor space and its outdoor space, internationally recognized as the most important collection of contemporary Latin American sculpture in the nation. The collection has grown due to the generous donations from artists and collectors, as well as from long-term loans. The sculpture garden now presents a permanent display of over 15 abstract and figurative sculptures representing almost one artist per Latin American country.

WE WERE fascinated by the variety of bronze, wood, metal, stainless-steel and polychrome metal. The diversity is impressive, reflecting an intriguing mix of  Latin American art. Abstract works include a bronze sculpture by Peruvian artist Fernando de Szyszlo, a stainless steel sculpture by Mexican artist Leonardo Nierman and a polychrome metal sculpture by Argentinean artist Perez Celis. Figurative works of note include bronze sculptures by Guatemalan artist Max Leiva, Panamanian artist Guillermo Trujillo and Cuban artist Carlos Luna. The museum showcases art by a "Who's Who" in Latin American talent. It is truly a  fascinating place.

More information: www.molaa.org -- The museum is free on Sundays. Ask about docent tours, well worth the time.

The Palms at Indian Head offers a relaxing respite, a
calming and lovely escape from the heat of summer.

ON TAP: With summer around the corner for most of the United States and the Northern Hemisphere, we begin a series of summer enticements. A fascinating hotel awaits in southern California, the Palms at Indian Head in the fascinating desert of Borrego Springs.  It was home to stars of yore -- Charlie Chaplin  Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe and other luminaries escaping the rigors and demands of the Hollywood studios. You can book a stay there today to relive their glamour days with an Olympic size pool, beautiful hiking   and a gourmet restaurant on property. The Palms at Indian Head is a quiet, restful getaway and we'll take you there to enjoy. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature, family and more. Please share the link: www.whereiscookie.com

British trains offer organized, relaxing way to see the UK your way

 

Bruce Keller poses by one of the UK's many efficient and comfortable trains. By using a
BritRail pass, we were able to visit several cities during a brief trip, making the most of our time. 

Bruce Keller and Christene Meyers in Edinburgh's
Waverley Station, an easy hop to Princes Street,
Edinburgh Castle, many cafes and shops. The two 
 and a Yorkshire friend met with Scottish family.

TRY A TRAIN ON BRITRAIL FOR YOUR NEXT UK VISIT 

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

IF A VISIT to the United Kingdom is on your bucket list, you might be overwhelmed by the variety of historic places vying for attention.

A visit to Hampshire's Highclere Castle, where
"Downton Abbey" was filmed, makes a pleasant
train  trip. A package includes a trip on a classic
British Pullman, a lovely brunch and castle tour.

We visit England often, and had grown tired of renting cars.  This time, we let BritRail do the "driving" to make the best use of our brief time in a favorite destination.

THE BRITISH rail system is time honored. Our UK cousins really know how to run their trains. Theirs is one of the oldest rail networks in the world.  In the early 19th Century when most people traveled by horse, ships or carriages, those clever Brits were already riding the rails!  

 On this most recent UK visit, rather than the stress of renting a car and the confusion of driving on the other side of the road, we chose to travel by British Railway. We had several places to go, after crossing the Atlantic on Queen Mary 2. Our BritRail passes made it possible to combine historic landmarks, cities, castles we'd admired on TV, and family visitations.

 In the same UK visit, it is possible to travel from Southampton

Visiting old friend, well known Oxford
scholar David Howlett, was a treat.
He pointed out historic buildings, Bill
 Clinton's student digs, some of the famed
university's many colleges and favorite
spots on quaint streets. A delightful day
 trip from London's Paddington Station.
 

to see friends in Yorkshire, from London to connect with  Oxford friends, spend a day with family in Edinburgh, and  tour an English castle or manor house.

"BritRail," as it is affectionately called, makes it possible to organize smooth train travel between whatever points your itinerary includes. It just takes a bit of planning.

THE COUNTRY'S extensive rail network offers a variety of passes for various amounts of time. Do your homework because there are multiple choices for travel across England, Scotland and Wales. There are some discounts for youth and seniors and watch for promotions which can stretch your pounds with a bit of research and homework.

 Over 20 Train Operating Companies (TOCs) make up the National Rail network of Great Britain. BritRail sells the passes and other companies operate the trains. Our passes were issued through ACP Rail, one of BritRail's star partners. So ACP Rail is where you need to get your BritRail passes, particularly if you are seeking a mobile pass.
Passengers may use selected BritRail passes on all National Rail trains. Just know the boundary of your specific pass zone.

The ease of UK train travel made a family reunion
possible.  Bruce Keller, Margaret Ganner, Christene
Meyers, Gerrard Ganner, Jane Brodie and Sue Speight
 met  for a day in Scotland. The Ganner party took the
train into Edinburgh from their nearby town, while Cookie
Keller and Sue came by train from Yorkshire.
 

THE HUGE VARIETY of passes and tours allows one to custom design a specific itinerary. Because there are so many choices, you'll have to narrow the field. First, determine what places you really want to see and how many days you have. Then review the options at the website. What's your pleasure? Do you want a scenic trip through Scotland, cultural delights of village life and rural England, a visit to an abbey or castle where a favorite PBS program was filmed? We truly enjoyed seeing where PBS productions were filmed. Access to the famed "Downton Abbey" and "Brideshead Revisited" sites are easily arranged. Perhaps you wish to visit the town of your ancestors to look for family roots and records.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal in Yorkshire
are the largest of its kind in Europe, a vast ruin
 open to the sky, popular with locals and tourists.
A train trip from King's Cross to York then a
short taxi ride make a lovely day trip.

  TO MAKE the most of your time, arrange your itinerary before and don't be unnerved if your favorite abbey or castle is a few kilometers from the nearest train stop. If you want to see Fountains Abbey, for example, take the train from London to York, then take a taxi or hitch a ride with a friend to see the abbey. 

An amiable steward offers
beverages and snacks.

WITH OUR Yorkshire friend, Sue, we booked a train to Edinburgh using our passes. She purchased a single roundtrip ticket from Darlington to Edinburgh, arranging to sit with us.  This enabled us to spend the day with our Scottish relatives. They were eager to show us highlights of Scotland’s magnificent capital city,  treating us to a Scottish meal at a delightful restaurant, regaling us with the city's

Cookie relaxes on BritRail with a splendid view, 
 comfy seat to see the picturesque English country.

 

 history while we strolled Princes Street, bought souvenirs and stopped for a bagpipe trill at Scott Monument, the world's largest monument to a writer. On another trip, we toured the Royal Yacht Britannia and heard the mid-day gun salute from Edinburgh Castle. To do that would have meant overnighting, but we accomplished a lot in a single day's journey.

We're forever fans of BritRail and the variety of passes which save time, money and nerves.

If you want a pass, ACP Rail is the only distributor for BritRail pass especially on the Mobile-Pass.

More information or to book: www.acprail.com/

www.britrail.com/britrail-passes/britrail-pass/

www.visitbritainshop.com/au/en/uk-travel-passes-and-transport-tickets/britrail-passes

 

Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers in front of
the intriguing Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach.

COMING UP: A treasure trove of Latin American art, by both famous and emerging artists awaits in the fascinating, user friendly and beautifully curated Museum of Latin American Art. The metal sculpture in front of the Long Beach museum is typical of the work at this extraordinary museum which is the only facility in the United States dedicated to both modern and contemporary Latin American art.  A unique sculpture garden is part of the pleasures of this intriguing and imaginatively curated museum.  We step inside to reflect on the diversity of sculpture, paintings and more.  Meanwhile remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on art, nature, performance, family and more. Thanks for sharing the link, too: www.whereiscookie.com