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London's skyline is a striking commentary on architectural evolution. This street scene illustrates the blend of history and innovation. With dozens of medieval landmarks like the Tower of London, there are beautiful modern buildings such as The Shard, with 26 stories, dozens of restaurants, residential living and a five-star hotel. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" "THERE"S NO PLACE like London." That a line sung by a young sailor named Anthony Hope as he marvels at London in Stephen Sondheim's brilliant musical, "Sweeney Todd." It's a line we utter each time we visit this exciting city of nine million. We, too, are enamored. With a rich history dating back centuries and its exciting blend of contemporary and medieval buildings, it never fails to engage the traveler. Thousands gathered in the Mall outside Buckingham Palace to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's record-setting 70 years on the throne. A Royal Air Force "fly past" noted the occasion. THE ENGLISH city dates back to Roman times.  It has seen coronations, beheadings, royal weddings and many governments. A terrible fire in 1666 nearly leveled the town and left thousands homeless. As the capital of England and the United Kingdom, it has rebuilt and thrived, surviving war, plague and political turmoil. Today, millions of travelers count it as a favorite city for its wonderful delightful mix of theater, neighborhoods, architecture, museums and some of the world's best ethnic food. London's train stations are a world unto themselves. Street scenes highlight modern buildings and stately old ones, famous cathedrals and historic bars and restaurants. School groups on tour in the foreground mix with travelers, shoppers, businessmen and tourists. WE RECOMMEND taking organized tours to make the most of your time. Two in particular are favorites: exploring and hopping on and off London's Big Bus and taking a food tour with London's Eating Europe. On our fun day with Eating Europe, Alexander brought London's east end to life, regaling us with anecdotes and insights into kings, queens, scoundrels, lords, ladies, and ladies of the evening. Our gastronomic-history adventure stopped at elegant eateries, casual fish and chips joints as well as London's oldest pub, "Ten Bells," where in 1881, Jack the Ripper lured prostitute victims, to their grim deaths. Poppies in London has multiple locations and is famous for its paper-wrapped fish and chips. Here, "Keller and Cookie" await their order. WHATEVER YOU do in London, you'll be entertained and likely want to return. We have visited two dozen times, and will return in a few days. London has it all: food stores, festivals, buskers, bustling energy, world class theater and museums, nightlife, parks and distinctive neighborhoods with welcoming pubs and architectural wonders. Once you visit, you'll understand young Andrew's fascination and agree "there's no place like London." London's Big Bus tour stops at many famous landmarks, offering a comprehensive overview. Here, the Shard looms, with London's best viewing. MORE INFO : www.bigbustourslondon www.eatingeuropelondon ************************************************************ Famed cowboy artist Charlie Russell lived in Great Falls, Montana, for much of his life. His home is preserved at the C.M. Russell Museum, Great Falls. UP NEXT: We're always on the move, with the world our oyster. In the next few weeks, we're touting the pleasures of traveling with kids, touring a museum dedicated to the works of cowboy artist C.M. "Charlie" Russell, cavorting in Europe, meeting the Komodo Dragon and surviving in Indonesia, and celebrating the New Year with fireworks, fanfare and contemplation. Remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us each Thursday for a fresh look at travel, the arts, performance, nature, family and more.

Cookie's favorite Thanksgiving meal is not turkey -- although it is available on cruise ships and in many hotels catering to Americans on Thanksgiving. It's rare lamb chops with asparagus, lentils and a balsamic drizzle. Story By Christene Meyers Photos By Bruce Keller "The Carpe Diem Kids" TRAVEL IS FUN  for us, and no part of travel is more pleasurable than exploring the gastronomic pleasures of far-away places. Especially on holidays, a special meal is a highlight of the trip. We love watching what the locals order in European restaurants, and aren't shy about asking a fellow diner what that attractive offering on his freshly served plate is. A breakfast buffet in Tarragona, made a Thanksgiving morning special in Spain. HERE ARE  a few tips for dining abroad on Thanksgiving or any holiday. May they broaden your tastes -- and not your waistline -- without flattening your wallet, and make you a bit more adventuresome on the road.  * Use your concierge.  Hotels are proud of this amenity and the concierge is often the most knowledgeable person in the hotel when it comes to good places to dine and celebrate a holiday.  He or she will also know which places cater to locals, or where you might find other Americans -- whatever your preference. We prefer local favorites, not tourist traps. Cookie and Keller enjoy a leisurely Thanksgiving weekend lunch in Monterosso. It's not a holiday in Cinque Terre but they made it one by celebrating.  * We've found our most relaxing meals in Europe are off-season (before the Memorial Day holiday, when you can find succulent spring produce and Easter feasts, and after Labor Day through our Thanksgiving weekend which is not a holiday in many places.  You'll miss the huge crowds and find restaurants less busy and staff more accommodating.   In France, Italy and Spain in November, chefs, restaurateurs and key suppliers are not as taxed as in summer months when Americans flock to Europe. So October and November are our favorite times to be there. Much of Asia and Australia experience delightful weather then. * C check addresses and  opening-closing hours. If you have your heart set on a particular restaurant, make sure it is open! Consider bar food and appetizers instead of a full meal. A memorable Thanksgiving dinner can be enjoyed on a a cruise. Here, Amarylla, Ellen, Robbie and Christene celebrate on Celebrity's Century. * Keep an eye on key dates for religious festivals, public holidays, big  soccer and other sporting events. We also avoid places with televisions -- or you might find your bistro turned into a  World Cup screening room. Go back a street or two from the main drag. Look for an outing to make your Thanksgiving or other holiday special. Here we enjoyed a wine tasting with a sommelier in southern France. He gave tips and made reservations for a dinner later. We pay attention to street stalls and markets and look for menu items featuring those ingredients. *Cruises are a great place for holiday meals. They always celebrate our USA holidays with special foods, even if they aren't American based. Always ask your waiter to recommend your appetizer, entree and dessert.  He knows what the food looks like in the kitchen and what the chefs put their most energy into.  ************************************************************ UP NEXT: There's no place like London. That a line from a Sweeney Todd lyric in "Sweeney Todd," but it's a line we've uttered many times in visiting this exciting city. The English city dates back to Roman times, with a rich history and a terrible fire that nearly leveled the town. As the capital of England and the United Kingdom, it has seen coronations, beheadings, royal weddings and a many governments. It has survived war and political turmoil and we count it as a favorite city -- for its wonderful theater, neighborhoods and delightful mix of ethnic food. Westminster Abbey is a much photographed London building, scene of many historic events.

Flamenco dancers dazzle with their movements and hypnotic footwork. CENTURIES OLD DANCE TRADITION LIVES ON IN ENGAGING SPANISH VENUES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The swirling and twirling of scarves is part of the flamenco tradition. AS A YOUNG  bride on honeymoon in Granada, I witnessed my first flamenco dance. I was mesmerized. The dancers were a mix of ages and shapes, but all had the expressive moves down pat -- their arms and feet moving in time to the intricate footwork, shawls whipping around their bodies. From our center table in a small dimly lit cafe, we could see the facial expressions and drops of sweat. I pressed a flower that flew from the head of one of the dancers during an intricate move. Dancers take individual bows at the end of each piece. THE TIME  honored dance form became famous in Spain but reflects contributions from many other world cultures.  It usually features a solo performer, backed by musicians and sometimes a partner.  Hand clapping and that distinctive percussive footwork give flamenco its flair, enhanced by intricate hand, arm, and body movements.     Today's flamenco reflects music of Latin American, Cuban, African and Jewish traditions.  It was originally not set to music but was accompanied by emotional singing and clapping of hands called “toque de palmas." The company takes bows on stage, with the featured singer in the center here. IN OUR  annual forays to southern Spain, we always include at least one night of flamenco. On this most recent trip, we gilded the flamenco lily, choosing two very different cities and several venues to enjoy this integral part of Andalucian culture. Both Barcelona and Malaga offer fine flamenco options. One can find as many definitions of flamenco as there are tapas bars.  Most scholars agree that flamenco is composed of four elements: voice, or cante; dance, or baile; guitar, or toque, and "jaleo," which roughly translated means "hell raising."  Clapping, stomping, shouts of encouragement to the featured dancer convey the emotion of the numbers, often laments about life's sorrows and the human condition. Flamenco guitarists and rhythm makers are an integral part of every flamenco show. Dancers, singers and musicians share a final bow. One of our shows, "Encuentros en la cumbre del baile," or Encounters at the pinnacle of dance, featured two of Spain's most famous flamenco dancers, Miguel "El Rubio" and Palmoa Fantova, backed by Maria Carmona and Sara Barrero. Another show, "Tablao Flamenco Cordobes," promised to convey the mystery of flamenco's singing and poetry -- paying homage to Gypsy, Moorish, and Andalusian folklore. As our waiter said, "flamenco is an outcry, an expression of love and pain, or enjoyment and happiness.  It is meant to be felt, not necessarily understood." More information: to find flamenco on the web, google the city and flamenco:   flamencomalaga.com       flamencobarcelona.com   All aboard next week for tips on Eurail travel with our team, Cookie and Keller, exploring the world with enthusiasm. UP NEXT : Eurail was the way to see Europe for many young Americans in the 1970s. Our two young at heart travelers take to Eurail again, so all aboard with tips on seeing Europe anew again by train. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each Friday for a novel look at the arts, travel, nature, family and more at whereiscookie.com

Join veteran travel writer Cookie and photographer Keller on Where is Cookie?—a travel blog celebrating cruising, the arts, food, and cultural stories from around the world. 2 Million Views & Counting – Follow the Adventures of The Carpe Diem Kids Award-Winning Global Travel Blog by Cookie & Keller Inspiring Curated Adventures in Culture, Cruising, Theatre, and Nature Welcome to Where Is Cookie? , a globally followed travel and arts blog sharing inspiring journeys across 120+ countries. Follow award-winning writer Christene "Cookie" Meyers and photographer Bruce Keller as they cruise the world, explore hidden gems, attend cultural performances, and review top hotels and destinations. Whether you're a travel lover seeking expert advice or a tourism board looking for curated media exposure, you'll find travel tips, hotel reviews, theater guides, nature escapes, and more — all captured with authenticity, wit, and heart. ADVENTURE TRAVEL STORIES CRUISE REVIEWS & TIPS TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FAVORITE HOTELS & STAYS MUST-SEE MUSEUMS THEATRE, MUSIC & ARTS SCENIC TRAIN JOURNEYS ABOUT US HIRE US TO HELP WITH TRAVEL As featured in About our Travel Blog Where Is Cookie? is a travel and lifestyle publication with 2+ million views, blending decades of journalism, photography, and global exploration. We share timely, trend-focused content that enriches and educates, making travel more accessible, fun, and meaningful. We’ve been featured in SD Voyager, Big Sky Journal, and more. All Posts (812) 812 posts Adventure (460) 460 posts Buses (5) 5 posts Culture (18) 18 posts Cruising (137) 137 posts Destinations (98) 98 posts Family (6) 6 posts Food (194) 194 posts Holidays (3) 3 posts Hotels (77) 77 posts Museums (31) 31 posts Music (16) 16 posts Personal History (18) 18 posts Theater (174) 174 posts Trains (16) 16 posts Travel (422) 422 posts Tours (27) 27 posts Cookie's latest Lillian (8) 8 posts Book, Poetry, Love Stories (5) 5 posts 'Lilian's Last Dance' book tour passes 30 mark -- Europe to Asia to rural Montana...bars to backyards, bistros, barns & Buffalo Bill Center A troupe of actors makes its way across the U.S., as silent movies give way to the talkies. Side trips to Paris and London, with a stop in rural Montana, plus a love triangle, drug addiction, show biz flair, loyalty tested, gunslingers, jealousies and dreams. Critics praised the tone, detail, intricate relationships and colorful rendering of place, period and interesting people. Cookie's latest Lillian Christene Meyers 3 days ago 3 min read First novel by Christene "Cookie" Meyers First novel by Christene "Cookie" Meyers. Lilians Last Dance Cookie's latest Lillian Keller Keller 3 days ago 6 min read Guy Fawkes Day Guy Fawkes Day celebrates a plot's failure with bonfires, fireworks, Adventure Christene Meyers Nov 5 3 min read Halloween, sacred days abroad blend religious traditions, pagan fun, new and old customs A pumpkin carving contest on Queen Mary 2, offered a mix of spooky and amusing results, some irreverent, some ghoulish. Travelers find Halloween displays along with Day of the Dead and All Saints Day decor in hotels in Europe, Mexico, and other countries around the world as autumn holidays and celebrations merge and overlap. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" ALL THE WORLD seems to enjoy a celebration, be it pagan inspired or religious bas Culture Keller Keller Oct 30 3 min read 1 2 3 4 5 Heads Up! We’re currently updating our website, so some older content might be temporarily unavailable. Thanks for your patience and support! - Cookie & Keller

Contact Cookie & Keller — award-winning travel writer and photographer duo sharing global travel stories, cruise reviews, arts coverage, and cultural insights. CONTACT US Do you have questions or want to explore working with us? Want to Feature Your Destination or Hotel? We offer consulting, sponsored reviews, and curated press coverage. Contact us to collaborate. First Name* Last Name Email* Phone Share Your Message SUBMIT

Meet Cookie & Keller — award-winning travel writer and photographer duo sharing global travel stories, cruise reviews, arts coverage, and cultural insights. ABOUT US Meet Cookie & Keller – Travel Writers, Photographers, and Global Explorers “Cookie and Keller” are the creative duo behind WhereIsCookie.com — a global travel and arts blog sharing curated adventures, cultural stories, cruise reviews, and travel tips from around the world. Christene “Cookie” Meyers is an award-winning travel writer who has explored 119 countries and been passionate about travel since her first transatlantic crossing as a child. Bruce Keller, a lifelong explorer and talented photographer, grew up traveling Europe with his military family and began capturing the world through a lens while teaching scuba diving in the Red Sea. Together, they created this blog to showcase their work and inspire others to explore with purpose, passion, and perspective. Our Focus: Travel with Purpose and Perspective We believe that travel and the arts inform every aspect of our lives — shaping how we think, connect, and grow. This shared passion inspires us to explore and write about destinations across Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Antarctica, and the U.S. Through our blog, we celebrate the transformative power of travel, cultural storytelling, live performance, visual art, nature, and meaningful global encounters. What We Do At Where Is Cookie?, we bring the world of travel, culture, and the arts to life through engaging stories, interviews, and photography. Our work includes: Interviews & Features – Conversations with actors, playwrights, directors, pilots, ship captains, artists, musicians, museum curators, composers, dancers, and street performers. Photography & Storytelling – Insightful photos paired with lively critiques and recommendations drawn from our lifelong passion for theater, music, and cultural history. Iconic Venues & Museums – Coverage of world-class destinations such as the Prado, Louvre, Van Gogh Museum, and MoMA, alongside intimate galleries and regional cultural treasures. Performing Arts Coverage – From opera houses and jazz clubs to ballet, flamenco, classical, rock, and ragtime performances, we showcase both world-renowned and emerging talent. Spotlighting Artists Worldwide – Highlighting everything from internationally celebrated performers at the Metropolitan Opera to gifted musicians and creators at Montana’s Tippet Rise Art Center. Through these experiences, we share the stories that make travel richer — blending the arts, culture, and authentic local encounters in every journey. Our Experience We cover everything from cruising and train travel to performance venues, cultural events, nature escapes, and boutique properties. Our lively stories and photo essays often include: 20+ cruise lines and boat tour offerings (and counting) More than 150 cities across 119 countries Travel by plane, train, ship, and car — always with an eye for cultural discovery Each destination is approached with artistic insight, emphasizing unique local experiences, meaningful encounters, and practical travel advice for seasoned and first-time travelers alike. Our Background Christene “Cookie” Meyers is an award-winning journalist and accomplished musician, novelist, poet, and musical arranger with a lifelong passion for the arts and cultural storytelling. Her partner, Bruce Keller, is an award-winning photographer, sailor, and deep-sea diver who draws on a long career in engineering and building to create striking, artfully composed images that bring their stories to life. Together, Cookie and Keller form a creative team — both professionally and personally — whose work blends vivid travel writing, cultural insight, and world-class photography. Their features spotlight theater, parks, gardens, nature preserves, adventure destinations, and family-friendly attractions across the globe. They have traveled to 111 countries, and toured 11 U.S. states and 9 countries with their historical novel, Lilian’s Last Dance , available on Kindle and Amazon. A memoir chronicling a life of travel, learning, and surprise is currently in progress. When not traveling, Cookie and Keller split their time between Southern California and Montana’s Beartooth Mountains — finding inspiration both at home and abroad. Kudos Cookie and Keller have been internationally published as travel and arts journalists for decades. Their bylines appear in: San Francisco Examiner Chicago Tribune Big Sky Journal Western Art and Architecture Airline magazines Museum and gallery publications Many leading travel guides They have also been recognized as featured speakers, writing coaches, and cultural ambassadors — known for blending their storytelling with humor, history, and heart. Want to collaborate, feature your destination, or hire us as travel consultants? Contact us at whereiscookienow@gmail.com or click here to reach out.