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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Madeira: gardens, parks, artwork beckon visitors to Portuguese island
The drama of Madeira is partly because it rises from sea level to 6,000 feet. One can drive it in less than an hour, experiencing the...

Christene Meyers
Sep 7, 20234 min read


Rome Vivaldi concert rockets to top of reviewer's lifetime concert list
FABULOUS CONCERT, GREAT TOUR WITH 'GET YOUR GUIDE' -- A SPLENDID DAY Elvin Dhimitri turns a page on a score, backed by one of two second violinists, partly hidden at left, with his violist near mirror, and cellist, seated at right. Each of six musicians participated in a stunning concert. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The second violinists enter the stage for an encore . MUSIC CHANGED my life when I was a three year old, watching spellbound as the great J

Christene Meyers
Aug 31, 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


Montana Shakespeare in the Parks: AMBITIOUS TOURING COMPANY BRINGS THE BARD TO THE MASSES
Lights, action, enjoyment. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks brings a pair of works to enthusiastic audiences from Bozeman to Cody, Wyo., Helena to Superior, and parts of Idaho with a stop in Washington state. The award-winning endeavor is presented free and sustained by grants and donations. "Love's Labors Lost" was on tour in an earlier production. Notice the elaborate costumes, and a stage that is collapsed, packed up and transported via truck dozens of times per season. ST

Christene Meyers
Aug 3, 20233 min read


Gannets galore at wondrous habitat in New Zealand's north island
A spectacular gannet sanctuary in New Zealand offers a rare opportunity to view these graceful, enduring birds close-up, here with their...

Christene Meyers
Jul 13, 20234 min read


Terrific trains: best bet to explore Europe, UK, Bay Area and beyond
A Travel story about bloggers Cookie and Keller train adventures with friends and family around the globe

Cookie & Keller
Jul 6, 20234 min read


NCL's Viva inaugural offers classic ports, artful design, dining delights
Norwegian Cruise Lines is known for its flashy artwork and distinctive designs on the ship. Here, NCL's Getaway is photographed on a...

Christene Meyers
Jun 29, 20234 min read


Kualoa Ranch operation offers many ways to learn, have fun in nature
Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers take a pause for a selfie, framed by the skeleton of a dinosaur on the beautiful "Jurassic Park" backdrop at Kualoa Ranch, on Oahu. FROM MOVIES TO ZIP LINE, BIKES, HORSEBACK RIDES, TREE PLANTING, KUALOA RANCH OFFERS TOURISTIC FUN STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Keller, Cookie and their fabulous guide on Kualoa Ranch. PUT YOURSELF on set. You're right there in Jurassic Park, escaping growling dinosaurs, running for y

Christene Meyers
Jun 15, 20234 min read


Worldwide, we celebrate PRIDE month with hope, understanding
The famous Sydney Opera House is aglow with "Pride" colors, a proud rainbow celebrating Australia's strong support of the progress toward inclusion, tolerance and embrace of all people. PRIDE month encourages professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER LGBT Pride Month is celebrated worldwide. It stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month, celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Sto

Christene Meyers
Jun 1, 20234 min read


Memorials worldwide you must see - honor victims, heroes, urging us to remember
Wherever in the world we go, we never miss an opportunity to visit a memorial. War, loss, suffering, heroism and sacrifice are universal themes.
4 of the best memorials worldwide you must see are discussed below:
So is the need to honor the fallen, those we loved, those who have suffered loss.
Nearly every village in Europe has a memorial to the victims of World War I. War memorials are found on every continent, in metropolitan areas and remote villages alike.

Cookie & Keller
May 25, 20235 min read


New Zealand's Te Papa is free and wondrous, a top world museum
The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is an architectural, cultural and artistic wonder. Wellington's delightful complex...

Christene Meyers
May 18, 20235 min read


Bishop Museum is Honolulu's treasure trove of Pacific Island wonders
The museum offers a deep scientific perspective on the Pacific, revealing the unique ecosystems of Hawaii, including native birds, marine life, and volcanic geology that make the islands unlike anywhere else on Earth. Interactive displays explain how the Hawaiian archipelago formed in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and how isolation created unique biodiversity. The museum’s science center and planetarium add dimension. It's great for families and curious travelers.

Cookie & Keller
May 11, 20234 min read


Honolulu's Spam Jam fest celebrates canned treat beloved in Hawaii
Four happy Spam Jam patrons head for a picnic table after choosing their dining fare SPAM, SPAM, SPAM....CELEBRATING POPULAR PRODUCT IN HAWAIIAN FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND FUN STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Even Honolulu's doggies get in the "Spam Spirit." SAY WHAT you will about Spam, that pink, salty staple of soldiers in World War II, and a favorite part of every Hawaiian's diet. Spam has longevity, large appeal and love behind it. Nowhere is that affectio

Cookie & Keller
May 4, 20235 min read


Spectacular Sydney: harbor, port, restaurants, bridge, Opera House
Sydney, Australia: sparkling in early evening, from a climb atop the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge. It's fun to look for your cruise ship...

Christene Meyers
Apr 20, 20236 min read


Captivating Katoomba: Wonders unfold in scenic Blue Mountain village
Perched on the edge of the breathtaking Katoomba, this charming mountain town feels like a gateway to another world. Just a short journey from Sydney, Katoomba welcomes travelers with crisp alpine air, cozy cafés, and sweeping views of the legendary Blue Mountains. Whether you’re gazing out at the iconic Three Sisters rock formation at sunrise or wandering through eucalyptus-scented trails, every moment here feels quietly unforgettable. For WhereIsCookie.com, Katoomba isn’t j

Cookie & Keller
Apr 15, 20235 min read


'Empire Strips Back' is affectionate 'Star Wars' parody, fun burlesque
Fabulous dancing marks "The Empire Strips Back," in San Diego. Here, Chewbacca and Han Solo dress the stage in a wonderful dance. It's one of the highlights of an action packed, unauthorized burlesque parody of the "Star Wars" trilogy. It is playing through April 30 in San Diego. --(Photo Courtesy of The Empire Strips Back ) 'STAR WARS' HIP, NEW PARODY FEATURES COMEDY, BURLESQUE, SEXY DANCING AS FANS CHEER ON BELOVED CHARACTERS Emcee Eric Newton provides "adults only" bant

Christene Meyers
Apr 6, 20234 min read


Waikiki Trolley in Honolulu, happy place! Explore it and have a blast with friends and family
The best hotdog in Honolulu is one of the treats you'll discover aboard the Waikiki Trolley, which offers various tours for discovering this exciting east-meets-west city and Oahu's capital. Here, John's World Famous Hawaii hotdog stand is popular with locals and tourists alike. TAKE THE SCENIC TOUR: HOP ON, OFF WAIKIKI TROLLEY FOR FUN TIME SOAKING UP BEST OF HONOLULU Even on a slightly cloudy day, Waikiki Trolley brings a sunny spin to Honolulu sightseeing. We recommend our

Christene Meyers
Mar 30, 20235 min read


Busy Brisbane: bustling, booming, fun, and a nighttime wonderland
Brisbane's majestic skyline is an impressive, sky-high mix of contemporary architecture, artfully set off by well established trees, and...

Christene Meyers
Mar 23, 20237 min read


Lovely Lone Pine: Australia's the place to cuddle koalas, feed 'roos
CRUISE BRISBANE'S WATERS,
WALK, TALK WITH THE ANIMALS
IN AUTHENTIC AUSSIE ADVENTURE
Plus a delightful, informative boat ride to get you there in sight-seeing comfort

Cookie & Keller
Mar 16, 20235 min read


New Zealand trains offer spectacular scenery, nostalgia, history.
All aboard! Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers took a pair of spectacular train trips on a recent Celebrity cruise around New Zealand. Trains allow prime viewing of the country's spectacular scenery. Cruise tours are the best way to see the most in a short time in port. Celebrity's are tops. STEP ABOARD PAIR OF TRAINS FOR A TRIP BACK IN TIME WITH STUNNING SCENERY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Passengers have time to admire scenery and take photos. I

Christene Meyers
Mar 9, 20235 min read
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