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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Dalí Museums Spain Itinerary: A Surreal Road Trip Through Figueres, Portlligat, and Púbol
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.

Christene Meyers
Mar 27, 20255 min read


Travel bucket list ideas: Trains, boats and planes! Do something you've dreamed of doing
Dream big and start checking off that travel bucket list idea. From gliding across continents on sleek trains to drifting along storied rivers by boat or soaring over oceans by plane, the world is waiting. Promise yourself one unforgettable journey this year—ride a legendary rail line, cruise a hidden waterway, or fly somewhere you’ve always dreamed of. Adventure begins the moment you decide to go.

Cookie & Keller
Dec 26, 20244 min read


Cesar Manrique's home: the artist who changed the face of an island
FOR 25 FRUITFUL years, he transformed Lanzarote to an imaginative place, where nature and architecture blend. It's a playground for imagination. Perhaps no single man has had a greater influence on a place. Only Gaudi comes to mind, in his contributions to Barcelona. For working with Lanzarote's volcanic landscapes, Manrique insisted there be no tall buildings.

Cookie & Keller
Dec 12, 20243 min read


Venice captivates with its magnificence: canals, gondolas, bridges, buildings, timeless wonders
Venice remains one of the world’s most magical destinations, where centuries of art, history, and culture rise from the water. Our visit revealed both the romance of the floating city and the growing challenges of over tourism, including new visitor taxes designed to protect this unforgettable Italian treasure

Cookie & Keller
Sep 26, 20244 min read


Bernina Express Train takes adventurers to the top of the world with striking mountain views
Riding the Bernina Express to St. Moritz is one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world. This scenic rail adventure climbs through the Swiss Alps, crossing soaring viaducts, gliding past glaciers, and winding through postcard-perfect villages. From dramatic mountain views to engineering marvels, the Bernina Express delivers an unforgettable travel experience on the way to glamorous St. Moritz.

Cookie & Keller
Aug 8, 20244 min read


Exploring Buenos Aires with a native son yields touring at its best; Official Tourist Card is fine option, too
From the rhythm of late-night tango to the aroma of sizzling steaks, Buenos Aires captivates travelers with its unmistakable blend of European elegance and Latin passion. In neighborhoods like San Telmo and La Boca, colorful streets, historic cafés, and lively plazas reveal the city’s artistic soul. Whether you’re strolling grand boulevards, savoring a perfect Argentine steak, or watching dancers glide through a passionate Tango, Buenos Aires invites you to slow down, stay ou

Cookie & Keller
May 9, 20246 min read


Helsinki highlights: Finland's finest city boasts churches, art, striking Sibelius Monument
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.

Cookie & Keller
Aug 14, 20203 min read


Palm Springs Art Museum Guide: Art, light, space welcome tourists to world class galleries
Palm Springs Art Museum is 150,000 square feet -- an innovative, example of midcentury modern architecture, a shining star in Palm Springs and a major draw to this remarkable desert town in southern California. It is the largest cultural institution in the Coachella Valley, spanning three floors of world-class architecture and a collection including the work of contemporary icons and artosts of the American West.

Cookie & Keller
Feb 28, 20204 min read


Amsterdam Travel Guide: Culture, Canals, and Timeless Dutch Charm
Amsterdam blends centuries of cultural heritage with a vibrant modern lifestyle. From its UNESCO-listed canals to legendary museums and historic neighborhoods, the city offers an unforgettable European travel experience filled with art, history, and atmosphere

Cookie & Keller
Oct 4, 20195 min read


Paris travel guide beckons for fabulous fun in springtime, summer, winter, fall.....
Paris is as intoxicating as a cocktail or a brothel on a Saturday night, as sophisticated as the best-dressed dandy at opera's opening night. It assails the senses like no other city, beckoning one to sip of the elixir, stay a while and let Paris cast its spell.

Christene Meyers
Mar 9, 20184 min read


Cinque Terre treats, the Italian way: with castles, scenery, seafood, churches, riots of color and stunning views
WE SPENT a few delightful days here, on the northwest edge of Italy's boot," recharging after a week of hectic touring. We jumped ship after a rejuvenating Royal Caribbean sail aboard Brilliance of the Seas, and returned to Monterosso al Mare.
Cinque Terre is nestled between the Italian Riviera (Liguria) and the island of Corsica, this quintet of enticing hamlets may be accessed by train or boat from La Spezia.

Cookie & Keller
Dec 29, 20172 min read


Mission Inn magic in Riverside: Come catch the holiday spirit or visit classic inn any time
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.

Christene Meyers
Dec 22, 20172 min read


Julian, California: Lovely dog-friendly country get-away gives small town welcome
A VISIT TO Julian, California, is a journey back in time to a more innocent, leisurely day.
People still say "hello" and strangers with a map might find themselves guided to their destination -- "why it's just up the street and around the corner. I'll take you. I'm going that way."

Cookie & Keller
Apr 21, 20174 min read


Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C. delights, amazes, with fabulous flowers, theme plantings, butterflies and artful global collections
Butchart Gardens delights, amazes, with fabulous flowers, theme plantings, artful global collections

Cookie & Keller
Oct 14, 20163 min read


Inviting, multi-cultural Brazil provides visitors with fascinating opportunities -- dancing, included
From Sugar Loaf to Ipanema, Latin city serves up samba, sports, scenery and scanty clothes

Christene Meyers
Aug 19, 20163 min read


Norway Farm Visit: Come explore a Norwegian wood with farm, flowers, family rural Scandinavia - Skol!
TIME IN THE COUNTRY YIELDS CONNECTION WITH FAR-AWAY COUSINS IN SETTING OF RURAL BEAUTY

Christene Meyers
Sep 29, 20153 min read


Sofiero Palace and Gardens in Helsingborg, Sweden Colorful 'Tradgards Festen' blossoms
Sofiero Palace Helsingborg Sweden

Christene Meyers
Aug 28, 20153 min read


Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument Montana - a few of Custer's Army survivors were saved and one lived to nearly 100
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.

Cookie & Keller
Jul 7, 20153 min read


Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett duo dazzle in fabulous New Year's Eve Vegas show
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........."

Christene Meyers
Apr 24, 20154 min read


Sydney Opera House patio - a stunning Sydney sight
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.

Christene Meyers
Dec 12, 20141 min read
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