Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

FAMED WESTERN artist Charlie Russell was a lousy student with a talent for drawing. Born in St. Louis, he didn't like school much. He would become one of the world's best known western artists.

Step into a dreamlike journey through Catalonia with this Dalí museums Spain itinerary, tracing the surreal legacy of Salvador Dalí. From the theatrical wonder of the Dalí Theatre-Museum to the seaside sanctuary of the Salvador Dalí House-Museum and the storybook romance of the Gala Dalí Castle, this unforgettable route blends art, landscape, and eccentric genius into one extraordinary road trip through Spain.

Meet Cesar Manrique

The Dam Square is still the city's heart. But today this former barrier between the River Amstel and the “Southern Sea” is one of the few places in the center of town that you cannot sail a boat to. The last part of the river leading to the dam fell victim to land-traffic in 1922. The street that replaced it is called "Damrak," meaning “Last section of the river, leading to the Dam.” Today, a subway line is being built in the old riverbed.

 AS MUSICIANS and artists, we made our first tour stop in Helsinki at the memorial to the famed Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius. Aptly named the Sibelius Monument, it was erected in 1967 by Finnish sculptor Eila Hiltunen. It is a striking abstract sculpture, as impressive to the eye as the dramatic composer's work is to the ear. It can be seen from a half mile away and  resembles clusters of organ pipes.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK is best shared with friends -- and most pleasantly, with chums from another country. We showed off the nation's oldest national park recently to our friends, John and Sue Speight, an adventuresome English couple we met a few years ago on a Southeast Asia cruise.

Step onto the sacred island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where mythology, ancient ruins, and Aegean beauty converge. Wander through marble streets, crumbling temples, and the legendary birthplace of Apollo, just a short boat ride from Mykonos.

The Spanish mission-style structure is the crowning jewel of a charming downtown which includes galleries, museums, bistros, taverns and a performing arts center. The inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a State of California Historic Landmark, and is a member of Historic Hotels of America. Tours of the property are available through the Mission Inn Foundation, which operates the enterprise.

The countryside around Julian, California, offers fine hiking, fun places to stay, bird watching -- and a peaceful get-away.    Lilacs bloom and welcome to verdant countryside and Julian hospitality. ART, MUSIC,  FUN PLACES TO STAY, SHOPPING, BIRDS, FLOWERS, APPLE PIE AND A FINE ITALIAN RESTAURANT   STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Spring flowers lead the way to a lovely late April and a pleasant May. A VISIT TO  Julian, California, is a journey back in time

Butchart Gardens delights, amazes, with fabulous flowers, theme plantings, artful global collections

From Sugar Loaf to Ipanema, Latin city serves up samba, sports, scenery and scanty clothes

If you're looking for authentic, old-fashioned fun, a vintage restored town and beautiful scenery, head for Virginia City, Mt.

TIME IN THE COUNTRY YIELDS CONNECTION WITH FAR-AWAY COUSINS IN SETTING OF RURAL BEAUTY 

Sofiero Palace Helsingborg Sweden

YES, THERE WERE survivors of the two-day siege on the Little Bighorn, but they were not among the five companies who stayed with Custer. That was June 27, 1876.

TOP LIFETIME SHOWS LINGER IN ARTS REVIEWER'S HEART, AS SHE SHAMELESSLY GOES GAGA  "I call her "firefly" 'cause oh, my. She radiates moon glow. Wants none of that noon glow. She starts to glitter when the sun goes down 'Bout 8 p.m., it's mayhem........."

WHAT A glorious entry into Sydney Harbour at dawn this morning...... we are so excited, we are reprising our bridge climb! Just had a picnic in the wind at the Sydney Opera House....made new friends who live in Melbourne, where we'll be in a couple days.

A stop in Jackson, the heart of Jackson Hole, delivers the perfect mix of mountain scenery, Western charm, and lively entertainment. From strolling the iconic town square to enjoying a hilarious dinner show at the Jackson Hole Playhouse, it’s a road trip destination packed with unforgettable fun.

The ranch, located on the banks of the Clark's Fork River, provides a peaceful escape from the challenges of a busy life. A family-operation for over seventy years, the Cary's pride themselves in a well-kept and clean facility, amazing food, a relaxing atmosphere, and clients who return year after year, inviting their friends and family to join.

You might not expect a northern California wildlife preserve along the rugged coastline. But B Bryan Preserve has been actively committed to the breeding and preservation of African hoof stock for over a decade.