Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

An array of vintage buildings present visitors with a feeling of nostalgia, in Hardin, a town proud of its history. LITTLE BIG HORN...

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 back to the 1930s after a 1931 earthquake leveled Napier. Napier goes all out for holidays and festivals. STORY BY CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WHEN YOU first set eyes on the mid-sized town of Napier, New Zealand, you get a large feeling that "vintage" is in style all year. You expect to see Gatsby stroll by, in a dapper suit, w

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 "The Carpe Diem Kids" WE ALL know the sadness and frustration of seeing a beautiful wall, bridge or fence blighted by graffiti. Tasteless, vulgar, even obsc

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

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...

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

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

WHAT A glorious entry into Sydney Harbour at dawn this morning...... we are so excited, we are reprising our bridge climb! Just had a picnic in the wind at the Sydney Opera House....made new friends who live in Melbourne, where we'll be in a couple days.

THE APPLE CAPITAL of the world has a nice rhyming nickname. It also offers a get-away both soothing and exciting. Julian, California, a small, quaint mountain town in southern California, offers history, fun hotels, shopping, scenery and perhaps the best fruit pies in the state.

From iconic film landmarks to sweeping city views, Hollywood is more than just a name on a sign it’s the heartbeat of entertainment history. Whether you’re chasing cinematic nostalgia or soaking in California sunshine, Hollywood delivers an unforgettable blend of culture, glamour, and adventure.

'LILIAN'S LAST DANCE' OUT ON AMAZON! The cover of "Lilian's Last Dance" is a collaboration: Cookie collected photos by Keller and Bill's cowboy watercolor. Celeste Barnett did the design. Racy historical novel now available to readers "...a marvelous romp through the history of film and performance, with a pure love for the stage, in whatever form it presents itself.....You'll love Lilian!" Acclaimed writer Ruth Rudner on “Lilian’s Last Dance.” STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS P

Ghost town CASTLE Montana became a map dot in 1884, when the North Carolina Mine opened, according to a U.S. Forest Service interpretive sign.

Barcelona's La Sagrada Familia is the city's most spectacular architectural feat, Gaudi's masterpiece still under construction. All eyes...

The Murray's classic style includes nods to Montana and the west, with a contemporary flair. Elegance, comfort and western...

Master builder Bruce Keller, whose specialty is high-end La Jolla, Calif., projects, is spending part of his summer in the Beartooths, helping Cookie with their summer home. REMODELING POINTER: YOU WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE BEAUTY,BUT AT A PRICE! PATIENCE IS A PREREQUISITE Expert framer Tom Giamanco traveled from San Diego to help. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WAAAAAAAAH. RICKY. I've been making my own personal "I Love Lucy" home movie. I'm thinking of the fam

Lisbon, Portugal delightful city awaiting your discovery and our stay in the renowned Altis Belem Hotel in the Belem district, near famed Belem Tower.

Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, Hearst Castle is a dazzling blend of opulence, history, and coastal beauty. From its grand rooms filled with European art to sweeping ocean views along the rugged California coastline, this iconic estate offers a glimpse into a world of luxury unlike any other.