top of page
Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures
Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett duo dazzle in fabulous New Year's Eve Vegas show
TOP LIFETIME SHOWS LINGER IN ARTS REVIEWER'S HEART, AS SHE SHAMELESSLY GOES GAGA
"I call her "firefly" 'cause oh, my. She radiates moon glow. Wants none of that noon glow. She starts to glitter when the sun goes down 'Bout 8 p.m., it's mayhem........."
Christene Meyers
Apr 24, 20154 min read
Two Cunard Queens meet, take a bow in Long Beach
HISTORIC MEETING AS QUEEN MARY WELCOMES HER 'NIECE,' QUEEN ELIZABETH Cunard's majestic Queen Elizabeth sailed into Long Beach Harbor and spent the day, next to the venerable Queen Mary. The Queen Mary has been retired from the seas since 1967 but still draws a million and one-half visitors annually. STORY BY CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IT WAS A GLORIOUS meeting! Two queens -- one elderly, the other a fairly new kid on the royal block -- were side by side for a d
Christene Meyers
Feb 17, 20154 min read
Maori people welcome travelers with art, stories, beautiful landscape
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
Cookie & Keller
Feb 6, 20152 min read
Maori people - treasured time in a cultural bubble
Expressive hands of a Maori elder welcome visitors and enhance a story in a village on a Waimaramamaori.com tour. Our guide, Denise, ponders a question in a pensive and reflective moment before a musical show. TRAVELERS LEARN OF ANCIENT CULTURE, ENJOY MUSIC, GAMES, TATTOOS, ART, TALES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THE MAORI people are a proud and noble race, descending from warriors, farmers, healers, astronomers and explorers. The people go back as f
Christene Meyers
Feb 3, 20152 min read
Sample Sydney's glories from a ringside 'Magistic' cruise seat
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
Christene Meyers
Jan 23, 20153 min read
Sydney Opera House - controversial project sails proudly into architectural prime time
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
Christene Meyers
Jan 16, 20153 min read
'Hannamama' Fairy godmother's passing means an era's end: long live 'Hannamama'
AUF WIEDERSEHEN TO A BELOVED ICON: ACTOR, WRITER, CAT LOVER, GOURMET, GARDENER, TRANSLATOR, TRAVELER Hannelore Carter, left, her longtime companion and "son of the heart," Jason Webinger, and Christene Meyers, at a reception following a play. "The sun will rise and the moon will set and we learn how to settle for what we get. It will all go on if we're here or not, so who cares, so what." -- "So What?" from the score of "Cabaret" STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS
Christene Meyers
Jan 6, 20155 min read
Versatile musician jazzes up the San Diego music scene
MINSTREL, TEACHER PLAYS ENGAGING RANGE OF STYLES, PERIODS Greatly gifted Josiah Diallo plays and teaches in the San Diego area. STORY By...
Christene Meyers
Dec 26, 20142 min read
mixed story...Lillian - Cygnet Theatre:
Cygnet Theater in Old Town is a fantastic night out, with a stop at nearby Hacienda de las Rosas Winery before or after. 'A CHRISTMAS...
Christene Meyers
Dec 2, 20143 min read
Why visit Hollywood! Studios provide feel for film, fodder for book in Los Angeles visits
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.
Christene Meyers
Nov 28, 20143 min read
North Coast Rep - Freud meets C.S. Lewis and theater is never better
NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE OPENS BRILLIANT TWO-PERSON PRODUCTION STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER (and courtesy North...
Christene Meyers
Oct 24, 20143 min read
Helena bed and breakfast offers history, pride, piano, family ties, fun and location
The Barrister Bed and Breakfast in Helena offers a warm, history filled stay in a stately mansion near the cathedral. BROTHER AND SISTER ACT MAKE THE BARRISTER B&B A HAPPY, HISTORIC HIT Beverages are available in the dining room, which sports a portrait of young Queen Elizabeth II. The Barrister takes its name from its owner's law career. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Special touches and an artful eye mark each Barrister guest room. THE BARRISTER B&B is th
Christene Meyers
Oct 14, 20145 min read
Bridgehouse Bed and Breakfast in Redding CA great Italian food and a unique bridge
BEAUTIFUL SUNDIAL BRIDGE IS THE CENTERPIECE FOR YEAR-ROUND RECREATION, ART, NATURE VIEWING, FABULOUS DINING The Bridgehouse Bed and Breakfast in Redding is a unique B&B. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER I'D NEVER SPENT time in Redding, Calif., but the opportunity seemed too good to miss when our travels took us to Mount Shasta for a friend's 60th birthday party. Dara Engelhardt and Logan Engelhardt are part of the family enterprise that is G
Christene Meyers
Jul 1, 20144 min read
Farm to table Point Arena California with James and Kelle
PURPLE MARTIN'S MAJESTY GROWS FINE ORGANIC FARE James Walker Hayes washes freshly picked produce at the organic farm he and his partner, Kelle Martin, run. The historic Point Arena Lighthouse, above, is a few miles back toward town from the farm, then up the road a bit. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THE APPROACH to a gardener's Eden is a good half hour outside of Point Arena, Calif., down a winding country road dense with fir, cedar, pine and redwoods. Yo
Christene Meyers
Jun 20, 20145 min read
Steamboat Natchez chugs and whistles back in time
The New Orleans skyline is bathed in light as Natchez departs the dock. Lively evening on the Mississippi harkens back to Mark Twain days and life on the river "The Mississippi is well worth reading about. It is not a commonplace river, but on the contrary is in all ways remarkable. Considering the Missouri its main branch, it is the longest river in the world--four thousand three hundred miles." From Mark Twain's "Life on the Mississippi" STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS
Christene Meyers
Jan 24, 20143 min read
New Orleans celebrates life with food, fun, jazz on the river
New Orleans celebrates life with food, fun, jazz on the river
Christene Meyers
Jan 8, 20144 min read
Performing arts center has proud history hosting world's top performers
FOX RENOVATION TOOK A LONG AND WINDING ROAD WITH A NAME CHANGE TO HONOR ALBERTA BAIR STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS from archives and...
Christene Meyers
Dec 11, 20133 min read
Performing arts hall appealed to pioneering philanthropist Bair
Corby Skinner and the writer, aka Cookie, were instrumental in the saving and resurrection of the programming at the "old Fox", now ABT....
Christene Meyers
Dec 7, 20133 min read
Happy trails to a well-rounded guy who never lost his love of Montana
Remembering 'Uncle Cog' for his wry wit, Harry A. Cosgriffe, above right, poses with his siblings, circa 1930.From left, Richard (the writer's father), twins Nancy and Mary, Harry. "Uncle Cog" was the oldest child, but outlived his three siblings. In left photo,Cog with his daughters,"my girls," he called them,Susie, Colleen and Kathleen. attention to detail and devotion to family In left photo, Cog with his daughters, "my girls," he called them, Susie, Colleen and Kathleen
Christene Meyers
Jul 20, 20137 min read
Tasting the treats of tango: San Diego keeps sexy dance form alive and well
Expert tango dancers move with the music at Pampas Argentine Grill. STORY: CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Is there a dance more...
Christene Meyers
Jun 8, 20132 min read
bottom of page