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Architect's imagination and reverence for nature highlight his 'La Pedrera,' in Barcelona STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers enjoy a moment of reflection outside Gaudi's Casa Mila, or "La Pedrera." The curved "attic" of Casa Mila is a museum on its own, with drawings, exhibits and models showing the profound influence nature had on Gaudi's life's work. WHEN THE brilliant architect Antoni Gaudi was struck by a tram on a pleasant June morning in 1926, he had no identification on his body. He rested unknown in a morgue for several days while officials tried to identify him. The great man was walking to his daily confessional at a nearby church when tragedy befell him. When it was discovered that he was an internationally known architect -- one of the city's proudest sons -- he was mourned for weeks. Today, he is still celebrated as a genius.  His work is acclaimed for its grace, originality and connection to nature, evident in its nods to the sea and its creatures, and to birds, flowers, trees, and all living things. WE SPENT a recent week marveling at Gaudi's wondrous accomplishments. He viewed the natural world as perfect, a creation from which he drew his inspiration. This connection is visible in all his work but critics believe it is most present in his masterpiece, Barcelona's famous Sagrada Familia. The cathedral has been in constant development since its foundation was laid in 1883.  Its completion -- many times delayed -- is now scheduled for 2026, on the 100th anniversary of the great artist's death. MUCH OF Gaudí's career was occupied with the construction of the Sagrada Família, his "over the top" cathedral where pineapples and the Virgin Mary peacefully coexist. It's difficult to name a favorite of Gaudi's magnificent buildings.  Tourists flock to his famous Sagrada, but grand as it is, it is not our favorite of his works. We've spent several relaxing afternoons at his fanciful Park Güell, and at the better part of a day each at two stunning homes he designed in downtown Barcelona: Casa Milá and Casa Batlló, an important pair of modernist buildings.  Looking to the sky, as he often way, Antoni Gaudi celebrated light and nature in his magnificent open-air view skyward. This sixth visit to Barcelona, we concentrated on Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, which means "stone quarry" and celebrates Gaudi's Catalan heritage and love of landscape. Known today as the greatest exponent of Catalan Modernism, Gaudí is honored for his individuality and his unique style. Most of his most famous creations are in Barcelona, one of the reasons we return so often. Nearby Casa Batllo's roof is a fanciful place, representing scales on a dragon's back.     Above, a storage closet in La Pedrera gives insight into the life of a wealthy family in Barcelona nearly a century ago. At right, the life of Gaudi is shared in books in many languages, with t-shirts and art for sale, too. Some think the shapes of Gaudi's top floor art in Casa Mila represent the scales of lizards or creatures of the sea, serpents or mythical beings. LA PEDRERA - - meaning “the stone quarry” because of its unusual rough-hewn appearance, is more commonly called Casa Milá and is one of Barcelona’s most popular modernist buildings. UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage site in 1984. Built between 1906 and 1912, the magical structure came to life when clients gave him a limitless budget and reign to do something "wonderful and different." It housed several apartments and  was  Gaudí’s last private residential design. Many consider it the most imaginative house in the history of architecture, one which continues to influence architects today. It is truly more a sculpture than a building. The façade is a varied and harmonious mass of undulating stone that, along with forged iron balconies, explores the irregularities of the natural world. Other Spanish artists gained fame in their experimental work, too. MANY PEOPLE wonder if Gaudi and Salvador Dali were friends, and if they endorsed one another's work. The much older Gaudi was born in 1852 and Dali was born in 1904. One wonders, then, if either man knew Picasso, born in 1881, between the two other famed artists.  The rooftop of Casa Mila. While Gaudí and Dali were buddies, often complimenting each other's work, Picasso and Gaudí did not see eye to eye. Both made art their life's work, but while Gaudi didn't criticize fellow artists and visionaries, Picasso spent a lot of time dissing the Sagrada Família, Gaudí's magnum opus. Gaudi didn't return the barbs, remaining a man of deep faith, honoring the credo of tolerance and forgiveness.   He was in fact on his way to mass, his daily ritual, when he was struck by the tram. Only when his housekeeper reported him missing did officials figure out who he was. La Pedrera was fashioned into several apartments by Gaudi, and is now used for fundraisers and as a museum. Gaudi's architecture is distinctive in its use of curves inspired by his view of nature. GAUDI'S LIFE'S work is a celebration of nature and the natural world.  The only woman he loved, historians tell us, did not return his affections. (She was a divorced teacher whom he met during one of his early projects.) Much has been written about his art -- but there isn't much to tell about his personal life since he remained single and devoted his life to his art and private commissions. barcelonaturisme.com visitbarcelona.com Accomplished actor John Rubinstein endows his character, Dwight D. Eisenhower, with wit, intelligence and confidence in a stellar performance beautifully directed by Peter Ellenstein.   BEST BET:  A world premier in an intimate Los Angeles theater offers play lovers an engaging immersion in history via a close encounter with our 34th President. "Eisenhower:  This Piece of Ground" is Richard Hellesen's fascinating opus about a war hero turned world leader.  Tony award winning actor John Rubinstein endows Ike with humanity, humor and intelligence in this captivating one-man production at Hudson's MainStage Theatre.  Peter Ellenstein directs this graceful, amusing and informative immersion which explains why the five-star general is now regarded as a great president. More info: www.onstage411.com/eisenhower A Brazilian guide in Porto, Portugal, took us around the city to its bridges, museums, eateries and special unknown corners.  Tune in next week for "free tours" tips. UP NEXT : Free tours. From the far north of Europe to the southern reaches of Spain's Canary Islands, free tours are becoming the rage. Many cities around the world now offer no-fee walking and sightseeing tours.  The trend of ‘'free'’ walking tours began in Berlin in 2004 and has spread to over 40 cities around the world, including nearly every major tourist destination in Europe. We give pointers on finding them, and suggestions for tipping the well informed guides, who rely on and deserve generous gratuities. They live on our tips. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live. Catch us weekly for fresh spins on travel, the arts, nature, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com

The studio of famed western artist Charles Marion Russell is much as he left it and is part of the nationally known museum named after the man who lived from 1864 to1926. Known as one of America’s greatest artists, he lived the life he captured on canvas, creating a fine historical record of Western cultures, landscapes, and wildlife. Story By Christene Meyers Photos By Bruce Keller "The Carpe Diem Kids" FAMED WESTERN artist Charlie Russell was a lousy student with a talent for drawing. Born in St. Louis, he didn't like school. At not quite 16 years, he convinced his parents to let him leave formal education to set out on his own for Montana. In 1880, in the wide open spaces of Big Sky Country, he worked as a sheepherder and didn't like that much, either. But the man who would become one of the world's most famous western artists had a vision. Luck played a part, too, in the people he met, places he landed. Charlie Russell's paintings range from elegant landscapes to comical observations. He painted and sketched more than 2,000 works in his lifetime. His artwork is acclaimed for its attention to detail and depiction of life as it was in the early days of the west's settlement. Painting, drawing, often trading sketches for room and board and drinks at the bar, Russell gradually made a name for himself and eventually exhibited widely in the U.S. and Europe. His success is due in great part to his business savvy wife, Nancy Cooper Russell, who is given proper credit for her role in his fame at the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls. They met in 1895 at a dinner party at the home of one of Charlie's friends. Nancy was the live-in housekeeper. She caught Charlie's eye. They courted and were married the next year. The artist cultivated friendships with native Americans, and captured their strength, elegance and connection to the earth. The museum has an international reputation for its 3,000-plus pieces of Western art in a complex covering an entire city block. Great Falls is a pretty, mid-sized town -- around 60,000 people -- nestled between mountain ranges, rivers and wilderness areas. Most visitors spend a couple days and there are hotels and restaurants for most budgets. The home and studio of famed western artist C.M. Russell is visited by thousands of tourists each year. Here, Bruce Keller and Christene Meyers tour. The museum doesn't feel overwhelming despite its breadth. It includes an impressive 16 exhibition galleries, educational programming spaces, a research center and a lovely outdoor sculpture garden. A favorite of visitors is Russell's fully-restored home and studio. What strikes the viewer of his art is his eye for a vast country in transition, with all its virtues, and vanities. N ear destruction of the bison, racism, ignorance and intrusion of the white man into nature and native life are all astutely documented. Culture, landscape and wildlife all take a turn and often mingle in his detailed paintings. Charlie Russell and his wife, Nancy, made a successful team. She understood the business end of the partnership. He was happy to be the artist. THE HOME HAS a charm unique to the west, with a glimpse into the life of the family. The studio is charming, with Charlie's sketches, personal effects and architectural nuances. It's a studio that looks loved and lived in, a National Historic Landmark, where he lived and created for 24 years alongside his astute wife and business partner Nancy Cooper Russell. Plan to spend at least three hours in this treasure of the Treasure State. More information or to visit: cmrussell.org ***************************************************** Seeing Legoland or Disneyland, a park, a new hotel, a museum, with children gives adults a new perspective. Here, Cookie in green, with her niece Amarylla, and her two kids, Peny and James. UP NEXT : If you haven't traveled with a youngster, consider it! Take a niece or nephew, grandchild or favorite little person with you on a day outing or a long trip. We often take part of a trip with our family, and find it enriching and eye-opening. It enhances a journey -- long or short. You'll likely plan your time better and make use of resources you might not consider without another generation or two along. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on family, performance, the arts, nature and more.

Ahoy, maties! A re-enactor tells tales of a sailor's life, impersonating explorer Juan Cabrillo, aboard San Salvador at Maritime Museum of San Diego.  GO DOWN TO THE SEA IN SHIPS AT A WORLD CLASS CALIFORNIA MUSEUM Christene "Cookie" Meyers and her brother Rick Cosgriffe aboard Pilot, which takes visitors on a fun harbor tour. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER 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 sailor side than the San Diego Maritime Museum. The collection of boats, on San Diego's waterfront, is a treasure trove of all things nautical. The museum's enthusiastic volunteer force has spent thousands of hours developing a rare collection of vessels. So expansive and well curated is its collection that the facility enjoys a worldwide reputation.  Named one of the worldwide top three maritime museums, this one needs to be on your bucket list! Bruce Keller, lifelong sailor, and his first mate, Christene "Cookie" Meyers, delight in coming aboard Star of India. Moored along the waterfront on the Embarcadero, it is one of the delights of the city. The museum sports more than a dozen boats and ships and a nicely researched and well curated array of nautical paraphernalia in a traditional indoor museum. Then outdoors, there's action and entertainment as "pirates" stroll and repairmen do their endless work. San Diego's fine staff and volunteers are constantly restoring, maintaining and operating these historic vessels to insure that generations to come learn and enjoy. WE'VE MADE two visits in the last month -- showing off the wonders to family from Montana and friends from England. Both sets of visitors were impressed with the beautifully maintained collection of historic ships, including the world’s oldest active ship, the majestic Star of India. Venturing onto some of these ships and exhibits is part of the admission, and tactually stepping inside the vessels is the best way to actually understand the important role ships played in the settling of the world -- not just California. A handsome view of San Diego awaits in the 45-minute tour aboard Pilot, built in 1914, after exploring the museum. We always head first for Star of India, built in 1863. This stately ship -- aptly named -- is the oldest active merchant sailing ship in the world. The museum takes her out on fundraisers from time to time, and we enjoyed a sail on her many years ago -- fingers crossed for an encore as plans are announced. We took our British friends aboard the Star, with its beautiful wooden decks and English-related stories from her sailing days of yore. Star of India began life during the Civil War, in November of 1863. and her first voyages took her to India where she helped supply to England badly needed jute -- cotton being unavailable from the U.S. because of the war.  All aboard! The ferry Berkeley has many lovely appointments, including stained glass windows, a beautiful bar, and nicely done displays of marine history. THE FERRY Berkeley is another treat, the first ship you'll enter after you leave the ticket booth. It's full of lore from those who spent time aboard this beautifully restored ferry, brought from the Bay Area. Among Berkeley's surprises: a vintage upright piano, lovingly cared for and donated by a local family.  A painter works on a wall inside the 1898 ferry, Berkeley, which was moved from the Bay Area. We enjoyed a chocolate festival aboard the gorgeous ferryboat Berkeley on one visit.  Another time, we toured the Dolphin submarine (interesting for its design but too claustrophobic for this reporter), watched repairmen working on the tall ship Star of India, and the HMS Surprise, replica of a sturdy British frigate. She has starred in several films, including one of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series and "Master and Commander."   DON'T FORGET the Californian, available for an actual sailing.  Built in 1984, she is crafted in the style of the famous cutters which patrolled California's coast during the 1849 era gold rush. Going aboard her is a real sailing adventure, an additional ticket. My sailor beau, child of the sea since birth, encouraged our Californian's sail, a four-hour journey aboard the ship he's admired since it was built. I was thoroughly entertained -- as close as I'll get to "going down to the sea in ships." Fortunately, we went "down" in the best sense of the word: out into the Pacific and safely back.  Cookie found the submarine claustrophobic . Others love it. FOR THIS reporter-sailor -- with hundreds of hours on small sailing vessels and more than 125 journeys aboard cruise ships -- a visit to San   Diego's Maritime Museum feels like the real sailing deal. We highly endorse a day of touring this gem.   Bruce Keller loves to talk about sailing, and major films shot at his hometown San Diego's fine Maritime Museum. BESIDES THE schooner Californian and historic Star of India, this world class museum offers other vessels to climb aboard or sail at specific times.   The San Salvador is a replica of a 1542 Spanish Galleon like the first European vessel to reach America's west coast.  The Californian goes out on weekly, delightful sails which we've enjoyed and will be writing about again. She's a gorgeous, 145-foot long vessel and the state's official tall ship, a must-do sail for anyone grounded, like my partner, in maritime history and life on the water.    Although built fairly recently, in 1984, she is designed in the style of the famous cutters which patrolled California's coast during the 1849 era gold rush.   If you have a sailor in the family, a pair of tickets to the museum, or a Saturday sail on the Californian would be a  wonderful gift. More information: www.sdmaritime.org ; midway.org   ******************************************************************************************** Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers explore aircraft on the USS Midway Museum downtown San Diego . That story is next up. UP NEXT : While we're in the neighborhood, the USS Midway Museum is right down the waterfront of San Diego. The enormous, historical naval aircraft carrier museum is also in downtown San Diego, at Navy Pier. The aircraft carrier has a proud history -- in the Gulf War and other conflicts --  and is worth a day's visit. way museum consists of the aircraft carrier Midway. The ship houses an extensive collection of aircraft, many of which were built in Southern California. It also has informative and fascinating tours, narrations, exhibits and an impressive outreach and education program which extends into the community and schools. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, theater, nature, family and more:  www.whereiscookie.com

Join veteran travel writer Cookie and photographer Keller on Where is Cookie?—a travel blog celebrating cruising, the arts, food, and cultural stories from around the world. 2 Million Views & Counting – Follow the Adventures of The Carpe Diem Kids Award-Winning Global Travel Blog by Cookie & Keller Inspiring Curated Adventures in Culture, Cruising, Theatre, and Nature Welcome to Where Is Cookie? , a globally followed travel and arts blog sharing inspiring journeys across 120+ countries. Follow award-winning writer Christene "Cookie" Meyers and photographer Bruce Keller as they cruise the world, explore hidden gems, attend cultural performances, and review top hotels and destinations. Whether you're a travel lover seeking expert advice or a tourism board looking for curated media exposure, you'll find travel tips, hotel reviews, theater guides, nature escapes, and more — all captured with authenticity, wit, and heart. VIEW FULL BLOG About Our Blog Where Is Cookie? is a travel and lifestyle publication with 2+ million views, blending decades of journalism, photography, and global exploration. We share timely, trend-focused content that enriches and educates, making travel more accessible, fun, and meaningful. We’ve been featured in SD Voyager, Big Sky Journal, and more. ADVENTURE TRAVEL STORIES CRUISE REVIEWS & TIPS TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FAVORITE HOTELS & STAYS MUST-SEE MUSEUMS THEATRE, MUSIC & ARTS SCENIC TRAIN JOURNEYS ABOUT US HIRE US TO HELP WITH TRAVEL As featured in Heads Up! We’re currently updating our website, so some older content might be temporarily unavailable. Thanks for your patience and support! - Cookie & Keller

Explore our media kits showcasing travel, cruising, theater, museums, hotels, trains & destinations. Partner with Cookie & Keller for bespoke storytelling and brand exposure. TRAVEL MEDIA KITS Our story and media kits about global adventures! For inquiries please contact us here Explore our curated media kits designed for brands, destinations, hotels and cultural venues. From adventure treks and scenic train journeys to cruise reviews, museum features and theatre experiences, our storytelling team of Cookie & Keller offers press‑ready insights and partnership opportunities. Click a category below to view the full kit. ADVENTURE MEDIA KIT CRUISING MEDIA KIT DESTINATIONS MEDIA KIT HOTELS MEDIA KIT MUSEUMS MEDIA KIT THEATER & MUSIC MEDIA KIT TRAINS MEDIA KIT

Download the adventure travel media kit for rugged destinations, adrenaline tours, cultural treks and global travel stories by Cookie & Keller. ADVENTURE MEDIA KIT Our story and media kits about global adventures For inquiries please contact us here From climbing Sydney’s famous bridge to trailing whales and penguins, from food tours and mountain hikes to swimming with manta rays — Where Is Cookie combines adventure with learning and exploration across the globe. Whether exploring Cape Canaveral or Iceland, favorite American cities from San Francisco to New York, or uncovering Antarctica’s wonders and Europe’s hidden gems, we deliver dynamic travel‑stories rooted in discovery and culture. DOWNLOAD MEDIA KIT Explore Lisbon's delights: Ancient seaport offers music, monuments, tuk-tuk tours STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids " The Monument to the Discoveries is a magnificent tribute to Portugal's power on the seas. It juts upward to depict the country's explorers, rulers and sailors who made history in their explorations of the world. SAILING INTO Lisbon on the majestic Tagus River, two imposing architectural wonders catch our eye. We see the stunning limestone Monument to the Discoveries. Intricately carved, it pays homage Keller Keller Nov 13 3 min read Guy Fawkes Day Guy Fawkes Day celebrates a plot's failure with bonfires, fireworks, Christene Meyers Nov 5 3 min read VANCOUVER'S BIG BUS HAS LARGE PERSONALITY, FUN TOUR OPTIONS Lovely Vancouver is best seen by Big Bus if you're there only briefly. It's a great option for an entertaining overview and if you have a bit more leisure time, it's a great way to get a taste and overview of a city. Editor's Note: Today, we debut our new website. It makes it easier for you, our cherished readers, to find information on cities, tours, activities, cruises, trains, performance, special events in your area, parks, nature preserves and the lively mix of stories Keller Keller Oct 16 3 min read 1 2 3 4 5