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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Hawaii marine life encounters you must see
From playful dolphins to ancient sea turtles gliding through turquoise water, Hawaiian marine life encounters are unforgettable. Snorkeling reefs, watching whales offshore, and respecting the fragile ocean ecosystem reveal the magic beneath the waves. In this WhereIsCookie.com story, discover the sea creatures and coastal moments that make Hawaii’s waters truly extraordinary.

Cookie & Keller
May 16, 20245 min read


Exploring Buenos Aires with a native son yields touring at its best; Official Tourist Card is fine option, too
From the rhythm of late-night tango to the aroma of sizzling steaks, Buenos Aires captivates travelers with its unmistakable blend of European elegance and Latin passion. In neighborhoods like San Telmo and La Boca, colorful streets, historic cafés, and lively plazas reveal the city’s artistic soul. Whether you’re strolling grand boulevards, savoring a perfect Argentine steak, or watching dancers glide through a passionate Tango, Buenos Aires invites you to slow down, stay ou

Cookie & Keller
May 9, 20246 min read


Up, up and away to the top of the world on Palm Springs Tramway
At Palm Springs Tram, the Coachella Valley spreads out in the far distance, looking from the mountain-top vista. Far below is the city of Palm Springs The tram is a great escape when temperatures in Palm Springs can climb to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It's 35-40 degrees cooler at this lovely vista. TRAM RIDE YIELDS GORGEOUS VIEWING PLEASURES HIGH ABOVE PALM SPRINGS Layers are appropriate for Bruce Keller & Christene "Cookie"Meyers in late spring. By early May, the park is war

Christene Meyers
Apr 24, 20244 min read


Mate magic: Uruguay's national drink infuses energy, ritual, tradition
Our lovely Uruguayan guide, Paulo, takes a mate break at one of our stops. NATIONAL DRINK HAS ANCIENT HISTORY, GIVES JUST THE RIGHT BUZZ...

Christene Meyers
Apr 11, 20243 min read


Colonia's charms attract international visitors to quaint historic town
Plaza de toros Real de San Carlos, the bullring in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, was built in 1909 but soon closed after prohibition...

Christene Meyers
Mar 28, 20244 min read


End of the world in Ushuaia with wondrous birds, parks and more
Cormorants abound off the tip of South America, with a motor boat trip from Ushuaia. From a distance they resemble penguins, which are...

Christene Meyers
Mar 21, 20244 min read


On the penguin trail: fascinating tours go far into the southern hemisphere for treasured viewing opportunities
Gentoo penguins are recognized by their bright orange feet and their reddish beaks. They are a bit over three feet tall when mature and...

Christene Meyers
Mar 14, 20245 min read


Desert Symphony notes 35th season with gala, 5-shows, Sinatra singer
Palm Desert is a haven for sun seekers, hikers, bikers, lovers of the desert and its beauty. Since 1989, tourists and locals alike have...

Christene Meyers
Feb 28, 20244 min read


Kualoa Ranch Oahu, a working ranch offers magic, entertainment and education.
Hawaiian Culture Tour Learn about ancient Hawaiian traditions, fishponds, and sacred sites while discovering the deep cultural roots of Kualoa. This tour offers valuable insight into the area’s historical significance. Part of the educational fun at Kualoa Ranch is watching workers prepare the harvest for sale in the store on the property, and for demonstrations during various farm tours of this working ranch. KUALOA RANCH OFFERS ADVENTURE, LEARNING ON HORSEBACK, BIKES, MOVIE

Christene Meyers
Feb 6, 20245 min read


CityPASS (Official Tourist Card) offers an economical fun way to enjoy a city's attractions
SAVE MONEY, TIME, WHILE SEEING THE BEST ATTRACTIONS A CITY OFFERS with CityPass

Christene Meyers
Jan 11, 20244 min read


Thanksgiving blessings abound; be grateful, loving, generous all year
Gratitude comes in family size for Christene "Cookie" Meyers, in center, surrounded by her clan of siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, adopted family and the next generation. GATHER TOGETHER, ROLL MERRILY ALONG, COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS, BE GRATEFUL FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY Editor's Note: Our annual Thanksgiving essay is dedicated to our American friends and family and extended clan and pals abroad who celebrate their thanks on other days. Cookie and Grandpa Gus on Thanksgiving Day

Christene Meyers
Nov 23, 20235 min read


British train: Try one if you are a world traveler: efficient, clean, punctual and fun.
WE HAVE long admired the world's railway system. We've logged thousands of pleasant train miles from Australia to the United Kingdom

Cookie & Keller
Nov 16, 20234 min read


Good grub includes barbecue, gator bites on Cocoa Beach foodie trek
Cocoa Village boasts a super food tasting experience with entrepreneur Halim Urban, who runs his popular tour with wife Jessica. With 20...

Christene Meyers
Oct 26, 20233 min read


Florida's Space Center showcases our labors in space
Kennedy Space Center's extraordinary exhibits symbolize American ingenuity while feeding the curious soul. The Center's intriguing...

Christene Meyers
Oct 19, 20234 min read


Whale watching in Depoe Bay, Oregon to have a whale of a time with resident visitor whales
Depoe Bay, often called the “Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast,” offers one of the best chances anywhere to see gray whales up close. Between June and October, a group of about 200 so-called resident gray whales—members of the Pacific Coast Feeding Group—stay along the central Oregon coast instead of migrating all the way to Alaska. Around 40 of these familiar giants frequent the waters between Lincoln City and Newport, drawn by rich feeding grounds just offshore.

Christene Meyers
Oct 12, 20235 min read


Oregon Cabaret produces lively season with fine food, great seats
Oregon Cabaret Theatre attracts sell-out crowds for a variety of performances. "Kinky Boots" drew raves for its recent run. Up next is a...

Christene Meyers
Sep 28, 20234 min read


Oregon Shakespeare Festival fights back with smaller but stellar season
TONY WINNING FESTIVAL SURVIVES FIRES, LAYOFFS, TURMOIL, PANDEMIC, FINANCIAL WOES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The...

Christene Meyers
Sep 21, 20234 min read


Tippet Rise spotlights Montana's geology along with nature, music, art
Artist Mark di Suvero's "Beethoven's Quartet" is a stunning work. An art tour participant in the left of the photo gives a sense of the...

Christene Meyers
Aug 24, 20234 min read


Pop-up Montana wedding: Here comes the surprised, speechless bride!
The clan gathered for a birthday party for Christene "Cookie" Meyers, but she didn't know it was also a wedding. Her longtime partner, photographer Bruce Keller, had arranged the ceremony with the couple's niece and nephew, Amarylla and Steve Ganner. "Father Steve" officiated. "Father Steve," a San Francisco lay minister, has officiated at other weddings. He and his wife, Cookie's niece Amarylla, secretly arranged with Keller to add a wedding to the birthday bash. GROOM P

Christene Meyers
Aug 17, 20234 min read


"Little Big Man' symposium: groundbreaking film celebrates 53 years
More than a half century after its release, the Montana-made movie, "Little Big Man,"is still entertaining, stimulating conversation and encouraging consideration of the plight of indigenous people and the white man's role in that. There is an endless supply of white men. There has always been a limited number of human beings.” -- Old Lodge Skins LITTLE BIG HORN SEMINAR DRAWS SCHOLARS, EXTRAS, MOVIE AND HISTORY BUFFS TO PONDER CLASSIC FILM

Christene Meyers
Aug 10, 20235 min read
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