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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Langham Hong Kong hotel review: class, panache, elegant touches: plus location, location, location
Discover refined luxury at The Langham Hong Kong in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. From elegant rooms and Michelin-starred dining to its prime location near Victoria Harbour, this iconic hotel blends timeless European charm with modern comfort—perfect for travelers seeking a sophisticated Hong Kong stay.

Cookie & Keller
Apr 1, 20163 min read


Brilliant 'Bucky' stimulates, moves on San Diego Rep's Lyceum stage
Actor Ron Campbell gives a brilliant performance as R. Buckminster Fuller in "The History (and Mystery) of the Universe" at San Diego Repertory Theatre. 'HISTORY, MYSTERY OF THE UNIVERSE' GLITTERS: A STAR-SPANGLED, BEAUTIFULLY ACTED, THEATRICAL WORK The real Buckminster Fuller by his famous geodesic dome. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and courtesy San Diego Rep and Scatena Daniels FASTEN YOUR seat belts, and prepare for a wild, wonderful ride. You're ab

Christene Meyers
Mar 25, 20164 min read


Dolphins, dining and dogs -- Hornblower offers it all
Thrilled guests watched a pair of whales blow -- thanks to Hornblower staff who make announcements on sightings, explaining various whale...

Christene Meyers
Mar 18, 20163 min read


Asia Bucket list trip finds happiness around every corner
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.

Cookie & Keller
Mar 4, 20163 min read


Wrigley gardens, museum, 'sky' airport celebrate Catalina's diversity
William Wrigley Jr. put his heart and his pocketbook into his beloved Catalina Island, where his widow erected a loving memorial in the...

Christene Meyers
Feb 26, 20164 min read


Catalina Island Bison? Yes, because Hollywood put them there
Catalina Island Bison

Christene Meyers
Feb 19, 20163 min read


Catalina casino: glamorous past, glittering present - but, wait, there's no gambling!
Catalina casino

Christene Meyers
Feb 12, 20164 min read


Love story with a brogue: Sure and begorrah 'Mullingar' delivers at San Diego Rep
TOUCHING PLAY WITH FINE ACTING, A COMIC EDGE AND A TOE-TAPPING TRIO TO SET THE MOOD Manny Fernandes and Carla Harting square off and eventually admit their attraction in a winning play at San Diego Rep. From left, Richard Tibbets, Jim Mooney and Alicia Previn set the tone for "Outside Mullingar," a lyrical tale of family, loyalty, pride and love. The pastoral pull of Ireland's countryside comes inside with "Outside Mullingar," San Diego Rep's first-rate production. STORY By

Christene Meyers
Feb 5, 20163 min read
San Francisco's Bay Aquarium brings out the kid in the curious of all ages
These jellyfish -- as graceful as ballerinas -- attract viewers from all over the world, and of all ages at Aquarium of the Bay. A...

Christene Meyers
Jan 29, 20163 min read


Lion Habitat Ranch! Las Vegas animal park provides thrills a casino can't
WALK WITH THE ANIMALS, WATCH THE LIONS DINE, ADMIRE A GIRAFFE PAINTING PICTURES The Lion Habitat Ranch is a wonderfully run operation where you can get up close and personal with these gorgeous lions. TAKE AN EDUCATIONAL BREAK TO COMMUNE WITH LIONS NEXT TIME YOU'RE IN VEGAS AT LION HABITAT RANCH STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Families and nature lovers take a break from Las Vegas action to enjoy the Lion Habitat Ranch not far from the famous Strip, and a r

Christene Meyers
Jan 22, 20164 min read


San Francisco Zoo lets you walk, talk, learn from the animals
THE SAN FRANCISCO Zoo is not pretentious, and that is one of its charms and strong suits.
It wants people to learn something while enjoying the animals. There are guided tours and lectures throughout the day and feeding times with commentary.

Christene Meyers
Jan 15, 20165 min read
San Francisco off season retains its elegance, beauty, sense of fun
The "Painted Ladies" near Alamo Square, San Francisco, California, represent an architecture used for Victorian and Edwardian houses and...

Christene Meyers
Jan 8, 20164 min read


Happy New Year! Make it an adventuresome one!
Kick hell out of your bucket list in 2016. Have you always wanted to see Egypt? Don't let fear of travel stop you. Here, Cookie and...

Christene Meyers
Jan 1, 20163 min read


HOLIDAY DOUBLE-HEADER: Brilliant 'Berlin'; Hornblower hooray
Hershey Felder channels the great Irving Berlin at La Jolla Playhouse, in a spirited, fast-paced and engaging program. It's set in...

Christene Meyers
Dec 24, 20153 min read


Santa Catalina -- the island of romance, fine dining, adventure, fun
Signature coconut shrimp, hibachi steak with mushrooms and yummy soup made moments ago are part of a delightful "Taste of Catalina" food...
Jaime Hazerian
Dec 17, 20154 min read
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