Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Escape to a world of dreams, moonlight and indulgence on a barge trip or cruise. We celebrated our 100th cruise on Carnival Miracle. Try a relaxing week on the water for a rejuvenating break I have sailed the world, beheld its wonders, from the Dardanelles to the mountains of Peru..... --from "Sweeney Todd" and the song, "No Place Like London" STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER One of the world/s prettiest harbors is in St. Thomas. LIKE Anthony in "Sweeney Tod

Riding the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad from Skagway is one of Alaska’s most scenic excursions. Built during the Klondike Gold Rush, the historic train climbs steep mountain passes, crossing trestle bridges and waterfalls on its way to White Pass Summit. It’s a breathtaking journey through gold rush history and rugged wilderness.

A HOTEL WITH HEART, AMBIANCE, SOCIAL CONSCIENCE, TOP-NOTCH SERVICE The Pan Pacific Hotel's appointments are artful and Asian inspired, creating an atmosphere both soothing and stimulating. Above, a view from the 10th floor elevator and at right, the tastefully decorated lobby. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THROUGH MY years of travel, I've developed two hotel ratings lists -- "top ten" and "ten worst." It changes with new finds -- sublime inns and gu

Seattle is at its best viewed from the water. Options include ferry, Argosy boat or private sail on lovely Far Niente yacht. FAR NIENTE...

Cruising's pleasures heightened by exhilarating Alaskan adventure

SO THIS is an homage to the beauty of flowers and those who tend them, a salute to the world of blooms which surrounds us. I am thankful for their offerings: the rainbow's hues, the fragrance of nature's finest perfume. To flowers! To those seductive enticers of bees and hummingbirds -- and to the blooms which lured a couple of lucky kids with cameras into the wondrous world of gardens thousands of miles apart.

Catalina Island

A mother's love of all things theatrical inspires lifelong affection for drama, movies, costumes and make believe

Throughout Egypt, handsome and friendly children greeted American visitors who wonder if they are safe now. Friendship with brilliant guide, encounters with children, foster worry for their safety Adept as a guide and translator, Amr took the photographer and writer through Egypt, proudly sharing his country's wonders. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER AS NEWS of bloodshed in Cairo commands our attention this week, we wonder about our friend Amr. We met this

Split between Montana’s wide-open landscapes and California’s coastal beauty, we’ve discovered that “home” isn’t tied to one place, it’s rooted in nature. From mountain air to ocean breezes, the natural world connects our lives across distance, grounding us in a shared sense of comfort, belonging, and peace.

This birthday, Keller takes Cookie sailing off La Jolla Shores. Ringing in another year brings time for reflection, joy, humor and appreciation "...all the gardens of spring and summer were blooming in the tall tales Beyond the border and under the lark full cloud. There could I marvel my birthday...." --Dylan Thomas STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" AS I MARK my birthday tomorrow, I am thankful that I, too have "lark full cloud" and a

The Crazy Mountain Inn is a welcoming stop in the heart of Montana, offering comfortable lodging, local hospitality, and easy access to some of the state's most beautiful scenery. Located near the towering Crazy Mountains, it's an ideal base for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Guests can explore nearby small-town attractions, discover the Yellowstone River region, or simply relax and enjoy authentic Montana charm away from the crowds.

The Bair family home in tiny Martinsdale may be toured, its treasures viewed. Montana sheep baron Bair made millions; daughters' left...

Child born with Down Syndrome sparks love, unity, courage in Cosgriffe family Christena's auntie Misha bestowed a pretty new dress!...

We've borrowed many terms from life aboard ships; whether you "know the ropes" or not, come have fun If you "know the ropes" you have proficiency in your task, a term which comes straight from sailing. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" AHOY , avast and shiver your timbers! Much of our language comes from the sea, from the early Phoenician and Greek cultures, on up through the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries when British naval vessels