Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Singapore's sound and light show attracts visitors from all over the world. Highlights are these magical "lit-up trees." The Grand Palace in Bangkok is best visited through a tour. Our Viator cut through the throngs. If you're with a tour, there's power in numbers. IF YOU DON'T MIND GROUPS, A GOOD TOUR'S THE TICKET TO MAKING THE MOST OF TIME, MONEY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IN OUR COMBINED decades of global travel, we have always taken tours, chiefly a

Step into a Vietnam restaurant and discover the vibrant world of Asian culinary traditions. Colorful salads burst with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and bright citrus flavors, while steaming bowls of soup deliver comfort and balance. Across Asia, cuisine reflects culture, history, and a love of healthy ingredients. This Asian cuisine travel guide explores dishes that are as nourishing as they are beautiful, offering a flavorful glimpse into traditions shared across cultures

Asia is a feast for the senses and a dream for every traveler’s bucket list. From bustling street markets and ancient temples to peaceful beaches and vibrant cities, happiness seems to wait around every corner. Every journey reveals colorful culture, unforgettable flavors, and warm welcomes. For curious explorers, Asia offers endless discoveries—each step, taste, and view becoming part of an unforgettable adventure.

The "Painted Ladies" near Alamo Square, San Francisco, California, represent an architecture used for Victorian and Edwardian houses and buildings painted in distinctive pastel hues. The term is over a century old. HEAD TO THE CITY BY THE BAY FOR VARIETY, FUN, WITH A FEAST FOR THE EYES AT EVERY TURN STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "One day if I go to heaven ... I'll look around and say, 'It ain't bad, but it ain't San Francisco.'" Herb Caen, noted San Fr

Hershey Felder channels the great Irving Berlin at La Jolla Playhouse, in a spirited, fast-paced and engaging program. It's set in...

Signature coconut shrimp, hibachi steak with mushrooms and yummy soup made moments ago are part of a delightful "Taste of Catalina" food...

City Cruises offers a refreshing way to experience some of the world’s most iconic waterfronts—where the journey itself becomes the destination. Whether gliding past city skylines at sunset or drifting along historic rivers rich with culture, each voyage blends sightseeing with a relaxed, immersive atmosphere. Passengers can expect thoughtfully curated experiences, from casual daytime excursions to elegant dinner cruises complete with panoramic views and local cuisine.

Wild turkeys cavort and forage at our Montana place, High Chaparral, in Stillwater County on the river. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS...

Bill Jones was a wonderful painter, whose one-man shows drew crowds in Phoenix and Los Angeles galleries. Here is a favorite self-portrait. Here's looking at you, kid: Artist, writer, traveler, funny guy BILL JONES --- a TRIBUTE By CHRISTENE MEYERS A DECADE HAS elapsed since Billy’s passing. This week, we celebrate his rich, but brief life: Bill and Cookie traveled the world, here in Portugal in 1997. BILL WAS BORN in Indiana and liked to say he moved his pare

A beautifully acted comedy drama at North Coast Repertory Theatre features Anabella Price and Mark Bramhall as Dubliners Betty and Dan....

Action-packed CityPASS maximizes precious time, gives options that show off a dozen of the world's most lively cities

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

BRIAN MENGES is an amiable entrepreneur who loves what he does and enjoys watching lively people appreciate the delicious food he prepares. The ambitious 43-year old is proud of his eatery, Gil's Goods, and the inventive way he "recycled" the old Gil's Gifts sign to read "Gil's Goods." While Livingston is embracing the eatery, Menges is giving back. He employs over six dozen people, making his one of the largest operations in town.

Comings and goings at High Chaparral in the Northern Rockies: another fabulous family reunion features talent galore. Some had to leave the night before, but these cousins and close family said farewell until next time on the last morning. RAINY DAY GIVES FORUM TO GARAGE BAND, WITH FAMILY TALENT SHOW OFF THE CHARTS Great nephew James, above, practices his whistle, and great-niece Elliana, in green hat with Nora, previews her costume while cuddling our Yorkie. STORY By C

"Food, glorious food," as the lyric from "Oliver!" goes. The appetizers are being devoured as the main course is prepared. FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD AS CLEVER KITCHEN CAPERS PROMOTE QUALITY FAMILY TIME STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS The family gathers to nosh and talk and play -- here niece Aurora with her daughter, Elliana, and at right, James, chasing Yorkie Nora. PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WHEN ONE MENTIONS food and music, our family "comes big." That's the expression my grandfather us

STILLWATER PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION DOES GOOD WORK, THROWS FUN PARTY WITH A FILM CLIP The Stillwater Protective Association preserves life...

NAPIER, NEW ZEALAND OFFERS ART DECO DELIGHTS IN A TOWN THAT GREW FROM RUBBLE Napier is proud of its art deco design and buildings dating back to the 1930s after a 1931 earthquake leveled Napier. Napier goes all out for holidays and festivals. STORY BY CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WHEN YOU first set eyes on the mid-sized town of Napier, New Zealand, you get a large feeling that "vintage" is in style all year. You expect to see Gatsby stroll by, in a dapper suit, w

Wellington Auto Museum known as the Southward Car Museum - wonders unfold with vintage autos, cable cars and rare organ

LANGHAM HOTEL DOWN UNDER PERSONIFIES EXCELLENCE, UNDERSTATEMENT, LOCATION View at dusk from our Langham bedroom yields the splendid Yarra River, train station, cathedral and Federation Square. Stately St. Paul's Cathedral and lively Federation Square make a fascinating, well integrated pair in Melbourne. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER YOU MIGHT not remember that you asked your waiter for a cup of mint tea, to point you calmly toward dream land before you h

Magistic Cruises' sleek catamaran glides past iconic sights of Sydney. FABULOUS FOOD IN A GLORIOUS VENUE, PLUS TOP TALENT, VIEWS Artfully prepared salads and side dishes await diners, with beautiful appetizers, main course entrees and decadent desserts as well. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER GLORIOUS FOOD , fine champagne, terrific entertainment, and, of yes, the views. You're gliding through the water in a quiet boat. You're in luxury's lap, enjoying v