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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Whale watching in Ventura CA: dolphins eclipse migrating grays, as stars of the ocean's show
Dolphin bonanza: we happened to be on the water when a pod of 5,000 dolphins hit the coast off southern California. This close-up of one of them shows what spectacular creatures they are. THIS WEEK'S FEATURE: Whale watch! WHALE OF A TALE IN THE CHANNEL ISLANDS WHERE DOLPHINS ARE THE MAIN EVENT ON DELIGHTFUL ADVENTURE STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Whale watching in Ventura THE MIGRATION of the whale is one of nature's most impressive odysseys. Being on

Christene Meyers
Jan 23, 20255 min read


Fires continue 2024, containment increases, destruction figures rise, animals saved as winds abate a bit
Fires continue to destroy structures mid-day Wednesday. Containment percentages are increasing, according to L.A. mayor. Because of...

Christene Meyers
Jan 9, 20256 min read


America's Cup ride welcomes new year, with thrills, chills and terror
It had been Keller's dream to sail an America's Cup yacht since Dennis Connor became an international hero. The dream came true in St. Maarten.

Cookie & Keller
Jan 2, 20256 min read


Make Christmas dreams come true with new food, fun, traditions
Christmas morning on Hawaii, "the Big Island," presents a double rainbow to passengers aboard a Body Glove trip down the Kona coast....

Christene Meyers
Dec 19, 20246 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


Dolphin Watch in Gibraltar - Monkeys, yes, but Gibraltar offers spectacular sea life & more
Dolphins aplenty in Gibraltar Bay. It's exciting,, but Gibraltar offers Gardens, wildlife, cable car adventure, dining and friendly folk.

Cookie & Keller
Dec 5, 20244 min read


Jambalaya - Give thanks, share and kick your meal up a notch with something new
Jambalaya is a tradition for Thanksgiving in many southern homes. Cajun appetizers also make Thanksgiving special. We'll share an easy...

Christene Meyers
Nov 28, 20244 min read


San Juan seduces with nightlife, beaches, architecture, resorts, food
SAN JUAN is a vibrant mix of stately buildings, towering trees, lively cafes, posh nightclubs, glitzy resorts, simple street food carts, plazas to people watch, museums, beach life and more. It's an enticing blend.

Cookie & Keller
Nov 21, 20244 min read


Puerto Rico's gorgeous El Yunque Forest: lush acres and a special frog
The El Yunque Rain Forest is one of the smallest, yet with a most diverse "repertoire" to behold. "I went to the woods because I wished...

Christene Meyers
Nov 14, 20244 min read


'Jewel of the South': Ponce's pleasures delight all year through
A stately mansion in Ponce, Puerto Rico, is said to have ghosts. Castillo Serrallés (Spanish for Serrallés Castle) was built by a rum...

Christene Meyers
Oct 31, 20244 min read


Falklands tour: Yanks discover "Islas Malvinas," learn about the war and long British influence
We all remember when Queen Elizabeth 2 famously requisitioned her namesake ship, QE2, converting it to a troop ship during the 1982 conflict in the remote Falkland Islands, known as Las Malvinas in nearby Argentina. We take you there.

Cookie & Keller
Oct 3, 20244 min read


Tourists, go home! Demonstrators protest crowds in southern Europe
Crowds on our recent crossing of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence illustrate the overcrowding which is taxing the patience and pocketbooks...

Christene Meyers
Sep 12, 20243 min read


One World Trade Center celebrates America: endurance, optimism, hope on solemn 20th anniversary of 9/11
THE HORRORS of September 11, 2001, will never vanish. But the beautiful new tower, sturdy stone slabs, soothing water and engraved names of victims help ease the pain of atrocities committed by terrorists on that sunny autumn day 20 years ago.

Cookie & Keller
Sep 9, 20243 min read


Porcelain potter Cosgriffe retires from studio, parts with treasured collection
Rick Cosgriffe's decades long fascination with Oriental brush stroke painting shows in his graceful and detailed work. These jars are inspired by the wildflowers of his native Montana. Sumi brush painting influenced Montana born artist's unique pottery style PORCELAIN COLLECTION GOES FOR SALE AS ARTIST MARKETS COLLECTION OF VINTAGE SHOW PIECES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Artist Cosgriffe's fine porcelain pottery caught the eye of New York Times art critic

Christene Meyers
Sep 5, 20244 min read


Tourist card enhances Europe's charms seen through brother's eyes
Unlock Europe for less with tourist cards that bundle transport, museum entry, and skip-the-line perks. From Paris to Rome, these passes can save money, time, and stress while helping you see more in fewer days. Discover how to pick the right card for your trip, stretch your budget, and avoid common pitfalls so your itinerary flows smoothly across iconic cities and hidden gems.

Christene Meyers
Aug 29, 20245 min read


Art, nature, music merge in Montana's stunning Tippet Rise Art Center
A "bonus concert" arranged just days before, capped a weekend opening as world class musicians performed at Tippet Rise' Art Center....

Christene Meyers
Aug 22, 20244 min read


Tirano's treasures: a charming inn, gourmet restaurant, mountain views
The view from our room at the lovely Ostello del Castello, where we spent a few peaceful nights before boarding Bernina Express for a...

Christene Meyers
Aug 15, 20243 min read


Montevideo itinerary: history, stately buildings, friendly people, fine food, many free attractions
Most travelers never make it across the Río de la Plata to Montevideo—and that's exactly why you should. Just a short ferry ride from Buenos Aires, Uruguay's laid-back capital offers beautiful waterfront promenades, historic neighborhoods, vibrant markets, and a slower pace that's refreshingly different. If you're looking for an unforgettable South American side trip without the crowds, Montevideo may be your favorite hidden discovery.

Cookie & Keller
Jul 18, 20244 min read


Casapueblo with its Santorini look attracts nature lovers to Uruguay
ARTIST DREW HIS INSPIRATION FROM GREEK VILLAGE AND THE BIRD NESTS HE LOVED AND STUDIED STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS Top photo: The colors...

Christene Meyers
Jul 11, 20243 min read


A fond farewell to fellow traveler John: amiable, adventuresome friend
Yorkshire farmer and world traveler, John Speight, and his wife, Sue, enjoy a laugh with friends Bruce Keller, left, and Christene...

Christene Meyers
Jun 27, 20244 min read
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