Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

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...

Bay area Indian restaurant offers ambiance, art, films, family history, great fresh food Artful touches abound in Juhu Beach Club in...

Las Vegas loves to go big, and the High Roller delivers. Rising above the Strip, this giant observation wheel lifts you into a slow, smooth spin with jaw-dropping views of the neon skyline and desert beyond. Day or night, it’s pure Vegas magic—perfect for photos, laughs with friends, and that “wow, we’re really here” travel moment you won’t forget.

below: Unique Australian Artwork Jazzes up Melbourne's hidden venues The variety and caliber of Melbourne's graffiti varies greatly, but the center portrait especially caught our eye. Bruce Keller poses with an enchanting mural painted on a Melbourne, Australia, alley wall. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WE ALL  know the sadness and frustration of seeing a beautiful wall, bridge or fence blighted by graffiti. Tasteless, vulgar, even obscene sometimes. The ha

RIGHT ON THE LAS VEGAS STRIP, LEGENDARY HOTEL HOSTS PARADISE FOR FEATHERED FRIENDS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A flightless pelican -- wounded by fishing line and unable to fly -- is among pampered guests at the Flamingo's wildlife habitat. These unusual Asian white-faced  ducks whistle not quack. You'll see flamingos in the art at the legendary hotel -- and in the bird habitat. THE BEST KEPT secret on the Las Vegas strip is not the view from a fancy hote

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

DUNEDIN has the feel of a big city minus the crime, pollution and sleaze.  The country's second largest town has a distinct, rural feel. You'll see plump sheep grazing on the drive into town -- the harbor is a few miles from city center.  And you'll see dairy cattle, responsible for beautiful cheese you'll find at the fashionable shops. Once in town, head to the train station to book a trip on the famed Taieri Gorge Railway. Ride the world-famous Taieri Gorge

NEW ZEALAND, AUSSIE BIRDS, SOME BATTLING EXTINCTION, RANK HIGH ON 'MUST-SEE' LIST We watched two pair of Australian white ibis -- at two...

Queen Elizabeth's pool is spacious and inviting, but understated in its artful touches.  A stunning marquetry panel invites inspection as...

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

Expressive hands of a Maori elder welcome visitors and enhance a story in a village on a Waimaramamaori.com tour. Our guide, Denise, ponders a question in a pensive and reflective moment before a musical show. TRAVELERS LEARN OF ANCIENT CULTURE, ENJOY MUSIC, GAMES, TATTOOS, ART, TALES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER  THE MAORI  people are a proud and noble race, descending from warriors, farmers, healers, astronomers and explorers.   The people go back as f

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...

Cinema's beloved Hobbit journey began in New Zealand's picturesque forest The homes of the Hobbits are small, befitting the tiny, magical...