top of page
Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Back stage on a cruise ship yields neatly packaged treats, treasures
For this couple, the world's great cruise ship lines offer opportunity to perform magic, dancing, and other treats. SINGERS, HOOFERS, MAGICIANS ANSWER SEA'S SIREN CALL TO ENTERTAIN PASSENGERS Gowns, boas, beautifully pressed and stored, await their time in the spotlight. A stage hand does inventory. An actor's life for talented singers and dancers aboard Royal Caribbean. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER SPACE IS SMALL , but spirits soar for thousands of

Christene Meyers
Feb 7, 20143 min read


Pyramids offer glimpse into global connections, unusual people
The Pyramids of Guimar convinced famous Norwegian anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl of a connection between Tenerife's ancient Guanche people and the civilizations in Central America and Egypt. PYRAMIDS OF GUIMAR INTRIGUE -- ARE THEY CONNECTED TO OTHER IN DISTANT LANDS? STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The grounds of the Casa Charcona Museum contain nautical lore, sculpture, pottery copies, mummies and much more, as Cookie discovers. This inhabitant of Tenerife i

Christene Meyers
Feb 4, 20143 min read


Cadiz: white-washed beauty beckons with fun, 3,000 years of history
The Cadiz Cathedral, "Catedral de Santa Cruz," offers spectacular views of the city and port from southern Spain. ANCIENT PORT CITY OFFERS GARDENS, CHURCHES, PARKS, PEACE, FLAMENCO PLUS GREAT SURFING STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Cadiz is known recently for shopping and surf, plus history! All roads point to Cadiz now, a hot new tourist spot. WHEN CHRISTOPHER Columbus set forth from Europe, his last steps were taken in Cadiz. From this lovely and ancient c

Christene Meyers
Jan 28, 20142 min read


Steamboat Natchez chugs and whistles back in time
The New Orleans skyline is bathed in light as Natchez departs the dock. Lively evening on the Mississippi harkens back to Mark Twain days and life on the river "The Mississippi is well worth reading about. It is not a commonplace river, but on the contrary is in all ways remarkable. Considering the Missouri its main branch, it is the longest river in the world--four thousand three hundred miles." From Mark Twain's "Life on the Mississippi" STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS

Christene Meyers
Jan 24, 20143 min read


San Diego theater moves, challenges, enlightens, amuses, engages
The colorful Lyceum Theatre houses San Diego Rep in Horton Plaza. A PLAY-LOVER'S BRAVO! SALUTING FOUR RRIFIC SAN DIEGO COMPANIES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS ART By BRUCE KELLER & THEATER COMPANIES SAN DIEGO'S year-round growing season produces more than lush landscaping. Our city offers a lively and varied theater crop. San Diego theater can't be beat for quality and diversity. I spend time in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Cleveland, Atlanta, St. Louis, San Francisc

Christene Meyers
Jan 22, 20143 min read


Theater's powerful impact stays in the heart and mind
BEAUTIFUL 'BUTTERFLIES' prompts look at what makes great theater Fabulous acting, subtle direction and a wonderfully rich story make "In the Time of the Butterflies" a class act. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS FILE PHOTO and BRUCE KELLER PHOTO IF YOU'VE seen a play that moved you to tears, a play that you couldn't stop thinking about, you've been "socked in the kisser by art." The San Diego Repertory Theater is producing a fabulous play, "In the Time of the Butterflies," a lyrica

Christene Meyers
Jan 21, 20141 min read


Seville Spain seduces with its architecture, tapas, flamenco and orange trees
Discover the vibrant soul of Andalusia with a journey to Seville, Spain—a city where history and modern life move to the same rhythm. From the haunting passion of flamenco to the intricate beauty of the Alcázar, Seville delights at every turn, offering a rich and unforgettable experience for every traveler.

Cookie & Keller
Jan 17, 20143 min read


New Orleans celebrates life with food, fun, jazz on the river
New Orleans celebrates life with food, fun, jazz on the river

Christene Meyers
Jan 8, 20144 min read


Paella por favor: how about making it a tradition!
This New Year's paella features shrimp, but you can add other seafood, sausage or chicken! Be creative. Happy 2014. PAELLA WILL PLEASE -- PUT YOUR OWN SPIN ON IT FOR A NEW YEAR'S WEEK FEAST This paella, prepared by Ecuador born Carlos Montero, features seafood. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER NOTHING SAYS "eating" in Spain the way the paella pan does. A celebration is underway the moment the pan is placed on the grill. Our favorite paella has plenty of se

Christene Meyers
Jan 4, 20142 min read


Parador Aiguablava on Costa Brava offers old world service, sea views, fine food, art, flair
OLD WORLD hospitality meets contemporary design and artful flair in Spain's Parador Aiguablava on the spectacular Costa Brava.

Cookie & Keller
Dec 24, 20134 min read


Costa Brava medieval road trip unveils Spain's pleasures including thousand-year-old villages, furrowed fields and a hardware store!
Step inside Peratallada, a medieval village near Girona where cobblestone streets, ancient stone architecture, and tucked-away dining spots create one of the most enchanting stops on a Costa Brava road trip. Discover why this hidden gem deserves a place on your Spain itinerary.

Cookie & Keller
Dec 20, 20134 min read


Dali Museum Figueres: Road trip delights with originality, love of landscape, analytical thinking, playful theatrical sense
Step into the surreal world of Salvador Dalí at his most personal and imaginative creation—the Dalí Theatre-Museum. Located in his hometown of Figueres, this museum is more than a gallery; it’s a living work of art that blurs the line between dream and reality.

Christene Meyers
Dec 17, 20135 min read


Salvador Dalí Museum Figueres travel guide: he lived, loved, created with a larger than life approach
Step into the surreal world of Salvador Dalí in Figueres, Spain, where imagination spills into reality at his iconic museum. This travel guide explores the dreamlike creations, fascinating life, and must-see highlights of the Dalí Theatre-Museum.

Cookie & Keller
Dec 13, 20134 min read
Performing arts center has proud history hosting world's top performers
FOX RENOVATION TOOK A LONG AND WINDING ROAD WITH A NAME CHANGE TO HONOR ALBERTA BAIR STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS from archives and...

Christene Meyers
Dec 11, 20133 min read
Performing arts hall appealed to pioneering philanthropist Bair
Corby Skinner and the writer, aka Cookie, were instrumental in the saving and resurrection of the programming at the "old Fox", now ABT....

Christene Meyers
Dec 7, 20133 min read
bottom of page
