Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

IT WAS A GLORIOUS meeting! Two queens -- one elderly, the other a fairly new kid on the royal block -- were side by side for a day in the harbor at Long Beach, California. It was a Cunard family reunion with a cast of thousands -- dignitaries and local ship lovers.

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

The Māori people of New Zealand welcomed us with warmth, pride, and incredible talent. From powerful haka performances to intricate carvings and storytelling, their culture is vibrant and deeply rooted in tradition. Every smile, song, and shared moment revealed a community that values hospitality, heritage, and connection. Meeting Māori locals was an unforgettable highlight of our journey

Experience the heart of New Zealand by meeting the Māori people, the country's Indigenous culture keepers. From powerful haka performances and traditional songs to storytelling, carving, and a delicious hāngī feast, a Māori cultural tour offers one of the most authentic and unforgettable experiences in New Zealand.

We stopped for a spot of ale, after touring Hobbit homes. Where else, but at The Green Dragon? A trek through Hobbiton in New Zealand's...

Hobbiton New Zealand

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

DANISH ARCHITECT UTZON'S VISIONARY BUILDING IS A TRUE MASTERPIECE Tourists from around the globe tour Sydney Opera House, enjoy tastings and see plays, dance and concerts in many venues. After the tour, enjoy dumplings, oysters, shrimp; Below, the "sails" from under them. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IT RANKS with the architectural wonders of the world. The Sydney Opera House is like no other building. Famous for its gorgeous shells -- resembling the sh

The bridge climbing group wends its way carefully above the waters of Sydney, Australia's, world famous harbor. RECOVERING COWARD TICKS A BIG ONE OFF HER LARGE BUCKET LIST WITH TWO BRIDGE CLIMBS At the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Keller and Cookie celebrate with a wave and a victory cheer. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER I MUST HAVE been dream walking the morning I went on line to book two tickets to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I sent a text to t

AUF WIEDERSEHEN TO A BELOVED ICON: ACTOR, WRITER, CAT LOVER, GOURMET, GARDENER, TRANSLATOR, TRAVELER Hannelore Carter, left, her longtime companion and "son of the heart," Jason Webinger, and Christene Meyers, at a reception following a play. "The sun will rise and the moon will set and we learn how to settle for what we get. It will all go on if we're here or not, so who cares, so what." -- "So What?" from the score of "Cabaret" STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS

TONY BENNETT PLAYS VEGAS WITH LADY GAGA TO KEEP HIS TALENT TUNED UP Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga took the stage in Las Vegas to usher in...

Project Hope in Columbus, Montana, offers hope for the new year and beyond to anyone in need in Stillwater County. Here, the Project's next-door sister shop, Laughing Ladies, aids the effort through antiques and vintage clothing. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER I'VE ALWAYS been proud of the warm-hearted spirit of small towns. Project Hope in Columbus, Montana, is proof that good deeds and generosity can change lives. The non-profit organization provides

MINSTREL, TEACHER PLAYS ENGAGING RANGE OF STYLES, PERIODS Greatly gifted Josiah Diallo plays and teaches in the San Diego area. STORY By...

You're sure to find a wilderness preserve or wildlife and bird refuge near you. Check it out for a relaxing, cheap diversion. STORY By...

La Casa Del Zorro (home of the fox) encourages a peaceful and magical stay from registration until reluctant departure. The fox logo, giving Zorro its name. LA CASA DEL ZORRO: CHECK YOURSELF IN FOR AN EXCLUSIVE HIDE-AWAY DEEP IN THE DESERT NEAR BORREGO SPRINGS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Five-star accommodations are enhanced by a fine restaurant with terrific service. YOU KNOW you're at a class-act resort as you bask in understate