Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

St. Petersburg's architecture reflects its glory days as a city in Imperial Russia. The Hermitage Museum is home to one of the world's...

Tallinn's Old Town is one of the best preserved of any city in the world. Tourism opens up there this week. A stunning 19th Century...

It's thrilling to be back on the sea, after a near three-month absence. There are plenty of rules for boating in these "COVID times," but...

The view from Channel Islands Hampton Inn is one of a lovely marina, offering spectacular sunsets.  The hotel is open for business, minus...

Ocotillo, or "little torch" in Spanish, is usually a desert plant.  This one, outside our home, brings forth bursts of bright red blooms...

Lake Atitlan offers beauty, culture and an insight into ancient ways of doing things. This woman is washing for her family. These young...

In Denmark the Maypole tradition is all but extinct.  Originally, a real tree was used as dancers greeted the spring.  Happily, we found...

This produce stand in Bangkok also offered beautiful flowers for our hotel room -- and fruit for a midnight snack.  This array of Dutch...

Bruce Keller and Christene Meyers bike an hour a day around their neighborhood. Nearly everyone they meet wears masks (notice the couple...

A well played Scrabble board includes a pair of "xs" and four blanks instead of the traditional two. Scrabble aficionados know tiny "x"...

The village of Zaanse Schaans on the banks of the Zaan river, features tidy houses, working windmills. If you've always wanted to visit...

The 2020 season at Oregon Shakespeare Festival includes ten promising productions in three venues. Here, the Allen Elizabethan Theatre...

Palm Springs Art Museum has two outdoor sculpture gardens and is home to paintings and sculpture by Alexander Calder, Claire Falkenstein,...

Lovely hotels are part of the allure of Palm Springs, here the pool area of the Hilton Palm Springs in the heart of downtown. MORE LAID...

Exploring the ruins of Iximche, Guatemala, provides a fascinating look into the ancient Mayan culture. Volcan de Fuego steams, smokes and...

Bohemian Bus Beautiful represents a delightful retro-inspired alternative to traditional hotels and hostelries. CONVERTED BUS PROVIDES...

During a period of challenge, loss and tragedy, a fine production of "A Chorus Line" at Welk Theatre, buoys the spirits. This week's...

Nick, left, and Nora, dry off after a swim in their "Auntie Robbie's" pool, in spring of 2006. They were born in fall, 2005. Nora, left,...

If the Amalfi Coast calls you, Naples is where you'll likely land first, via airplane or ship. Then on to Positano, or perhaps charming...

New Year's Eve lights are spectacular in Bangkok, from the beautiful hotels and a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River. Times Square in...