Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Hershey Felder channels the great Irving Berlin at La Jolla Playhouse, in a spirited, fast-paced and engaging program. It's set in...

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

Hershey Felder received a well deserved standing ovation opening night of his joyful homage to composer Irving Berlin. STORY By CHRISTENE...

A walk through Gran Canaria  resulted in Cookie and Keller being invited to participate in a nativity. TAKE A HOLIDAY BREAK WITH A PLAY,...

TOAST THE HOLIDAYS WITH A PLAY! "A Christmas Carol" at Cygnet means new music and an "reimagined"telling of the holiday classic, adapted...

San Diego's skyline reaches high and proud -- and its theater matches in its lofty accomplishments. Southern California city pushes the...

Bill Jones was a wonderful painter, whose one-man shows drew crowds in Phoenix and Los Angeles galleries.  Here is a favorite...

A beautifully acted comedy drama at North Coast Repertory Theatre features Anabella Price and Mark Bramhall as Dubliners Betty and Dan....

Comings and goings at High Chaparral in the Northern Rockies:  another fabulous family reunion features talent galore.  Some had to leave...

Actor Sam Waterston this summer as Prospero in "The Tempest," at New York's Shakespeare in the Parks.  ACTORS, AUDIENCE  HAVE STAYED...

A "Rancho Deluxe" party poster hangs by the registration desk at the Murray Hotel. At left is actor Sam Waterston, at right Jeff Bridges....

One of San Diego's most versatile actors, Rosina Reynolds, plays a neuroscientist who has created a non-biological being. Talented actor Nick Cagle plays the creation "born" over the course of the play. The production is excellent in all aspects. 'UNCANNY VALLEY' POSES THOUGHTFUL QUESTIONS ABOUT ROBOT TECHNOLOGY AND ITS PHILOSOPHICAL IMPLICATIONS The Lyceum is the attractive down town home of San Diego Repertory Theatre. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER  and S

Bette Midler makes the "Tops" list with her  effervescent energy and expressive voice. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER...

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...

Queen Elizabeth's pool is spacious and inviting, but understated in its artful touches.  A stunning marquetry panel invites inspection as...

Cookie hamming it up with temp Maori tattoo SLICE OF MAORI LIFEREMAINS WITH TRAVELERSIN MEMORIES OF GENTLEPEOPLE, HOMEMADE GOODIESAND BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN Okains Bay encourages families to live there, providing cheap lodging in exchange for children learning the Maori language. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER We left historic Akaroa, founded in 1840 by the French, for a 50-mile plus drive.  We were met by a group of school children who welcomed us with song and

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

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...

Cinema's beloved Hobbit journey began in New Zealand's picturesque forest The homes of the Hobbits are small, befitting the tiny, magical...