Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

"Daydreams" by Patrick Dougherty, under construction last fall at Tippet Rise, is part of a glorious landscape merging art and nature,...

This photograph was taken in the fall as one of the first large sculptural pieces was being installed. The piece is "Proverb," by Mark di...

Red Rock Canyon beckons our roadies away from gambling, with a leisurely 13-mile scenic drive through the Mojave Desert. ROCKS OF RED,...

Hundreds of elephant seals -- once nearly extinct -- swim in a few weeks each year to breed on central California's coast. WONDROUS...

The Point Arena Lighthouse has history dating back to 1870 when the original lighthouse was erected. Point Arena Lighthouse includes...

The sampans navigate the harbor in Hong Kong, taking tourists around for 350 Hong Kong dollars ($70 a couple, U.S.) You can get cheaper fares to take you around the Aberdeen area, if you negotiate. The sampan is part of Hong Kong lore, distinct because it is maneuvered with oars at the stern.  Retirees make up the majority of the sampan drivers. TAKE A MUSK OX RIDE, HOP A BULLET TRAIN, JUMP ON A JUNK, OR BIKE, BABY! In Halong Harbor, we were happily jostled about in our tour

Actor Ron Campbell gives a brilliant performance as R. Buckminster Fuller in "The History (and Mystery) of the Universe" at San Diego Repertory Theatre.  'HISTORY, MYSTERY OF THE UNIVERSE' GLITTERS:  A STAR-SPANGLED, BEAUTIFULLY ACTED, THEATRICAL WORK The real Buckminster Fuller by his famous geodesic dome. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and courtesy San Diego Rep and Scatena Daniels FASTEN YOUR  seat belts, and prepare for a wild, wonderful ride. You're ab

Thrilled guests watched a pair of whales blow -- thanks to Hornblower staff who make announcements on sightings, explaining various whale...

William Wrigley Jr. put his heart and his pocketbook into his beloved Catalina Island, where his widow erected a loving memorial in the...

These jellyfish -- as graceful as ballerinas -- attract viewers from all over the world, and of all ages at Aquarium of the Bay. A...

WALK WITH THE ANIMALS, WATCH THE LIONS DINE, ADMIRE A GIRAFFE PAINTING PICTURES The Lion Habitat Ranch is a wonderfully run operation...

Gauhati is one of many happy headliners at San Francisco Zoo. He wears down his horn by rubbing it on rocks in his enclosure. The zoo's...

Kick hell out of your bucket list in 2016.  Have you always wanted to see Egypt?  Don't let fear of travel stop you. Here, Cookie and...

Signature coconut shrimp, hibachi steak with mushrooms and yummy soup made moments ago are part of a delightful "Taste of Catalina" food...

BEAR MAKES HIS MARK ON OUR SUMMER HIDE-OUT, BUT WE ARE ALL FOUR FINE AND 'BEARLY' UPBEAT Once inside, our bear searched for an exit and...

Abundant, attractive sheep are a constant presence on the Faroe Islands, which also boasts exotic bird life. QUIET, VERDANT ISLANDS...

TIME IN THE COUNTRY YIELDS CONNECTION WITH FAR-AWAY COUSINS IN SETTING OF RURAL BEAUTY  Spending time with our Norwegian relatives was a...

Hollyhocks are in full flower here in the northern Rockies, as autumn approaches. CHILDHOOD MEMORIES  OF FAVORITE FLOWER REMIND OF...