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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Tragedy strikes as young musical talent succumbs to heart condition
Good-bye Marlee: We will miss your sweet smile, music and precocious wit. SATURDAY MEMORIAL CELEBRATES BRIEF, LOVING LIFE OF MARLEE CLUFF Marlee Rebecca Cluff loved singing and dancing and pushing the envelope. In top photo, near the end of her life, she tried a new hair color. "It wasn't quite what I thought it would be," she confided. "I wanted more purple." Marlee loved to sing and dance, here with her mom's good friend and landlord, James Hayes, on bass. STORY By CHRISTE

Christene Meyers
Apr 15, 20163 min read


Park Hotel Tokyo Japan rooms with museum quality art work gives artists room to explore
Park Hotel Tokyo rooms with museum quality art work gives artists room to explore. Art floor celebrates Japanese culture -- book a hotel room to enjoy the view of your own art show

Cookie & Keller
Apr 8, 20163 min read


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 itinerary: Bucket list trip finds happiness, new friends 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


Exploring Catalina Island
Discover the best things to do on Catalina Island, from Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden and the Catalina Museum to Airport in the Sky and delicious Avalon dining.

Cookie & Keller
Feb 26, 20165 min read


Catalina Island Bison - Yes, because Hollywood put them there
Seeing the Catalina Island bison is one of the island's most unforgettable experiences. Roaming the rugged hills just beyond Avalon, these magnificent animals offer visitors a surprising glimpse of the American West in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you're taking a guided off-road expedition or exploring Catalina's scenic interior, spotting these iconic bison is a must for any first-time visitor.

Cookie & Keller
Feb 19, 20165 min read


Why You Should Visit Catalina Island in 2026: Discover the Historic Catalina Casino and Island Adventure
A trip to Catalina Island isn't complete without visiting the legendary Catalina Casino. Despite its name, there's no gambling here just nearly a century of history, breathtaking Art Deco architecture, a stunning circular ballroom, and the beautifully restored Avalon Theater. Whether you're exploring the island for a day or spending a weekend soaking in the laid-back coastal atmosphere, the Catalina Casino is one of Southern California's most unforgettable landmarks and the p

Cookie & Keller
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 Bay Aquarium brings out the kid in the curious of all ages
Discover the wonders of San Francisco Bay without ever getting wet. The San Francisco Bay Aquarium offers an up-close look at the marine life that thrives beneath the famous bay, making it a fun and educational stop for visitors of all ages.

Cookie & Keller
Jan 29, 20163 min read


Lion Habitat Ranch! Las Vegas animal park provides thrills a casino can't
JUST A HALF-HOUR from the glitter of the Las Vegas strip, a fascinating haven for lions exists.
Call it a proud pride!
Far from the happy noise and chaos of Sin City, another kind of jackpot awaits the Vegas visitor.
This heavenly enterprise is Lion Habitat Ranch, a non-profit endeavor spawned by Keith Evans and his wife Beverly.

Cookie & Keller
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 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

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
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