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IF YOU HAVE ONLY A BRIEF TIME, MAKE EVERY ROMAN MINUTE COUNT BY HIRING A TOUR GUIDE One of Rome highlights you must-see Trevi Fountain has been drained and fenced off, and a $3 million bridge project financed by Fendi, the big name fashion house, is underway with a renovation project to allow visitors to view the famed fountain from above! The Colosseum is of Rome's highlights you must-see. A private guide will give you time to enjoy it, ask questions and never be rushed. Motorcycles are a part of Rome culture. Cookie and expert guide Lucilla Favino pause near the Commons of Old Rome. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" WE ALL KNOW the cliche, "Rome wasn't built in a day." But if you only have a day or two in one of the great cities of the world, you can pack a lot of wallop into your time, with planning and a private guide. To get the most of Rome highlights you must-see We recommend hiring a guide, and you won't find any better than Lucilla Favino, a native Roman who loves her city and knows its history as well as any university professor. That's because she has passed the rigorous five-hour guide test and has a doctorate in archeology. "Old Rome" features ruins where Plato and others strolled, conversed and lectured. Monuments, plazas, history at every turn is yours when you visit Rome. We've spent times on three different trips with Lucilla, including one six-hour personalized tour which brought us into parts of Rome we'd not seen on a half-dozen previous visits. It also included the standard "big attractions" -- which never bore. Rome highlights you must-see LUCILLA'S BRILLIANCE in her chosen profession she is a true expert in Roman history is steeped in versatility and depth got us to Rome highlights you must-see with ease and efficiency. Besides her vast knowledge and engaging storytelling ability, she has a gift for time management. We never felt rushed under her touring of the Eternal City, but we saw more in each of our three days with her than we'd seen in days of touring by ourselves. A good guide knows the history of every piazza in Rome. Instead of being crammed in a long bus, or walking with a dangling earphone with the guide a block ahead, you'll stroll arm-in-arm with her, walking where Caesar and Aristotle strolled, staring up at the ceiling Michaelangelo painted on his back high atop a ladder, listening to your guide's commentary. Picture the shouts of the crowd as lions roared at the doomed prisoners in the Colosseum. Lucilla had stories! Remember to visit the famed Trevi Fountain, with the coin toss so you are sure to return. Keller captured this classic Roman look on our recent trip to a favorite city. NO CITY on earth can compare to Rome. And no guide can compare to Lucilla. Her love of history is enhanced by her devotion to Rome's art. She points out architectural details one might miss, and she stops at the shops to indulge her penchant for chocolate, which we share! Romans love their sweets -- here a shop window of wonders! With our private guide, Lucilla, we tried some samples. With her pleasant and engaging commentary, you'll walk the same streets the ancients walked and view some streets of ancient Rome several layers beneath today's streets. Our visit to "Old Rome" truly captured the feeling of life then! With Lucilla, we also visited and toured the Vatican, the smallest independent nation on earth, then we walked the stylish shopping streets to see how modern Romans live alongside all the historic splendor. AS YOU STROLL the one-time epicenter of the Roman Empire, gazing over the largest Roman amphitheater, you might decide to book Lucilla to see the Pope give his weekly address in St. Peter’s Square. She'll set it up! She'll also help you test your resolve at the Mouth of Truth, learn to fight like a gladiator, and sample a pizza to see what sets Roman pizza apart from the other pizza of the world. Few cities entertain as Rome does but a good guide helps keep Rome from being overwhelming. Lucilla knows how to navigate its fast-paced, varied options. She gives time to ponder - and takes breaks to sample the city’s famous wine, coffee and gelato. "I love my city," she says. "I love to answer the questions, to stop when someone shows particular interest in a place. If someone is tired, I can sense it. Then we go sit and have a cappuccino and I answer a question or tell a story." WE RECOMMEND Lucilla, for a guide with intelligence, a sense of fun and a love of her native city. Her contact information is: Lucilla Paola Favino, (+39)338.9221760 (Rome phone), or lucilla.euroacademy@gmail.com COMING UP: From Rome to Red Lodge! What makes this picturesque little mountain town in www.whereiscookie.com Red Lodge, Montana, is a picturesque mountain town, with beauty in all four seasons. Montana so darned much fun? Whether you're looking forward to ski season or planning a trip to Yellowstone Park next summer, have a look at Red Lodge with its lively eateries, fine lodging, shops, wildlife and more. Remember to explore, learn and live and check us out Wednesdays and weekends for a fresh look at arts, travel and life: www.whereiscookie.com New travel stories, tips & unforgettable experiences Follow our journeys at WhereIsCookie.com #Travel Blog #Travel #Adventure #Culture #Music n theater #WhereIsCookie

Photographers from all over the world are drawn to the colors of the colorful cottages and sweeping sea views of Cinque Terre, visited from Porto Venere, a province of La Spezia, Italy SPEND A DAY TRAVERSING PICTURESQUE VILLAGES BELOVED BY POETS ON ITALY'S ALLURING COAST Cookie and Keller, happy in Porto Venere, Italy, near a famed Gothic church, stunning beaches, caves, rocky promontories and a clifftop fortress. Seafood is one of the draws of the exotic ports of Cinque Terre. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" UNFORGETTABLE VIEWS of the bay inspired English poets more than a century ago, and continue to draw visitors from around the globe to the magic of Cinque Terre. Lunch al fresco, featuring calamari, clams, octopus and local greens in Monterosso. Cultural Travel Experiences Five picturesque townships bursting with color and charm look out on the Ligurian Sea, an alluring arm of the Mediterranean. WE SPENT a few delightful days here, on the northwest edge of Italy's boot," recharging after a week of hectic touring. We jumped ship after a rejuvenating Royal Caribbean sail aboard Brilliance of the Seas, and returned to Monterosso al Mare. Cinque Terre is nestled between the Italian Riviera (Liguria) and the island of Corsica, this quintet of enticing hamlets may be accessed by train or boat from La Spezia. The castle of Porto Venere draws hikers to a stunning view. We motored to Cinque Terre from the Brilliance, tracing the route Napoleon developed when he was assembling his navy in the late 18th Century. We motored from La Spezia, also famous as an entree to Tuscany. We'd explored the wonders of Florence and its magnificent Uffizi Gallery many times so searched for a new discovery: enter Cinque Terre. Winding streets with fun shops featuring handmade crafts are part of Cinque Terre's charm. WE BOARDED our boat in the village of Porto Venere, known for its Regional Natural Park, a lovely protected area with trails and dive sites. The park encompasses Palmaria Island, dotted with beaches and caves. We walked past colorful shops and hotels to the Gothic-style Church of St. Peter, which sits atop a rocky headland. Nearby is the centuries-old Castello Doria, an imposing clifftop fortress with views of the Gulf of Poets. The wonders continue to entertain the senses -- grottos, tower-like houses, riots of bougainvillea, delectable seafood, beautiful handmade linens and pottery, and romantic footpaths dating back to the Middle Ages. Our favorite walk was the Via dell'Amore, dedicated to lovers. More info: www.cinqueterre.eu.com/ Fishing is an important career for many locals. We watched the owners of these boats repair nets one afternoon. UP NEXT: What do you know about Malta? This small but interesting Mediterranean country is less than 100 kilometers from Sicily. Nearly everyone speaks Italian, but Maltese is the major language, a pleasing blend of several languages, including Arabic, because of the proximity to Africa. Other languages spoken are French and English, But its closeness to Africa inspires not only language, but Malta's art, architecture, food and temperament.. Join us each Friday to explore, learn and live as we offer a fresh approach to travel, nature and the arts.

Above: Once at the top, Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller pause for a victory pose. The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is world famous for its challenge and spectacle. Below: Dwarfed by massive steel, climbers at far right make their way up the side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Directly in front of the first climber are the steep ladders one climbs to the top SENSORY OVERLOAD CLIMBING WORLD'S MOST ICONIC BRIDGE IN SYDNEY "It's like climbing a majestic erector set assembled by dozens of three-man rivet teams" -- Bruce Keller STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" ONCE YOU'VE climbed the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, you'll feel as if you've won an Olympic medal. Ascending the world-renowned bridge (spelled Harbor to us Yanks) is a test of one's will, determination and courage. Our group prepares for the climb, having passed the breath test, climbed the practice ladders, filled out mounds of paperwork. Daring the fates, we climbed it a second time a couple weeks ago. It's a fun option if you're cruising. We'd just enjoyed a Celebrity cruise, and could look upon our handsome ship from hundreds of feet on high. Scared of heights and a lifelong sports neophyte, I had extreme trepidations. Why bother when I could safely sit on my, er, laurels? Because I simply had to do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. I've suffered from vertigo since childhood. I quiver and tremble on high-floor hotel balconies. I have a chart-topping fear of balconies or viewing platforms. Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb not once, but twice, was an accomplishment I'm proud of. Forgive my hubris. SURE I HAVE other talents. I play piano, sing, conduct an orchestra, arrange a medley, jam on my saxophone and offer up a passable second violin in a string quartet. But climbing a bridge! "who, me?" I'd never considered it. Not until my partner and travel mate Keller suggested it eight years ago. From the bridge at night, the city's splendors unfold far below. "OK. You're afraid of heights, fine," he said. "I get that. But why not challenge yourself? You're so confident about other things, time to expand your horizons." In 2015, we were planning a return to Australia, a country we both love, had visited several times before, but never together. It would be a special time on so many counts, so I surprised him one day with a booking. No turning back. THE DAY of the climb, I gazed at the imposing bridge as our walk brought us closer. I was fascinated and terrified by the ant-size figures climbing over its top. That would be us in a few hours. (Pulse acceleration. Slight dizziness.) The famous Sydney Opera House is far below happy climbers. Soon we were filling out papers and taking a breath test. Every climber must have a blood-alcohol reading below 0.05. Otherwise, you're rejected from the climb and forfeit your fee. The "Climb" staff of 100-plus is knowledgeable, amiable and accommodating. Media and marketing director Brock put us at ease when our taxi from the hotel took three times longer than anticipated. He and the able staff kindly rebooked us, thanks to a cancellation. The protocol included safety videos, then trading our clothes for special light-weight climbing suits, stepping into our harnesses and straps and heading out the door and up, up and away. Emphasis on "up." Earlier, we'd proved we could climb by going up two practice ladders in the preparation room. WE HAD ALSO learned how to fasten and use our lanyards, sliding them along a practice cable. So once on the bridge, we felt secure because we were literally hooked to it. And, as patient, daring Keller reminded me, "You've already done this once, Cookster. Piece of cake." The Sydney Harbour Bridge is bathed in the colors of the rainbow. Special lighting celebrates Gay Pride. The tours are kept small to encourage a congenial feeling. We introduced ourselves with a brief "who and where from" to encourage conversation and camaraderie. Our group included a couple from Manchester, England, a father-son from New Zealand, a honeymooning couple from Japan and two enthusiastic Swiss travelers who -- like the two of us -- had tackled the bridge before. Our pleasant and encouraging guide, April, offered commentary and pep talks as we climbed --stories about the bridge, previous climbers and Sydney's grand history. The enterprise offers various packages: romance packages are popular as is a first-nations people tour with Aboriginal landmarks and native history told by indigenous storytellers. There are climbs geared to photographers, and others for students. There's a sunset-night time climb and the famous “Coathanger” which traverses the bridge from South to North, and back again and is considered the most challenging. I STILL TREMBLE when I think about it. But I'm so grateful to have summoned the courage again. The main draws for me were twofold: conquering my fear, and being part of a famous and historic enterprise. We learned that the bridge was built in 1932 in the height of the great worldwide depression, providing work for hundreds and boosting national pride. It cost 10 million to build --1.5 billion Aussie dollars today. The architect lived in a home below where he monitored progress. Unnerving to me during the steep 8-ladder climb was the roar and rumble of trains and cars. They shake the steel as they pass by the thousands (160,000 cars per day and dozens of trains.) One thinks of this bridge as solid and steady. It moves! I am still recovering. Safely grounded after nearly four hours together, our excellent guide April presented us with certificates congratulating us on our climb. YES, IT WAS a spectacular day. Keller is ready for a third climb. We joined 5,000 couples who have proposed on her, 40 wedding couples and more than 4 million of us slightly crazy climbers. 1,400 helped build her and a remarkably low number -- 16 -- died during the 8-year construction. One worker fell the 462 feet when his drill kicked back. He was an experienced diver and survived by going in feet first. He suffered shattered legs and broke every rib but he survived to return to his job! I recommend this to fellow cowards, and all of you who wish to do something you've never done. Why not challenge a cliche about yourself? Carpe diem. For the time of your life: bridgeclimb.com To book a Celebrity cruise to New Zealand or Australia ports: www.celebritycruises.com UP NEXT: While we're Down Under, we're exploring the wonders of both Australia and New Zealand. Come aboard two distinctive Kiwi trains, one out of Picton, the other from Dunedin. Come with us aboard the Marlborough Flyer and Taieri Gorge Railway, both show-stopping train excursions. Let these two distinctive trains whisk you away to beautiful farm land, sheep pastures, mountains, ravines, canyons and more in handsomely maintained cars. Enjoy the beauty aboard a pair of trains, then visit a koala sanctuary and rest in the spectacular mountain town of Katoomba. Dunedin Railways cars take train lovers and nature buffs deep into a corner of southern New Zealand that most folks never see. We highly recommend this Taieri Gorge trip. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, the arts, nature, family and more. Do share the link: www.whereiscookie.com

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.

Get the cruise travel media kit: ship reviews, insider upgrades, destination ports and expert commentary from Cookie & Keller. CRUISING MEDIA KIT Our story and media kits about global adventures! For inquiries please contact us here From new flashy cruise ships to stately trans‑Atlantic liners, thrilling America’s Cup yachts to sedate harbor tours, exciting whale watches and the canals of Venice and Amsterdam — we cover the waterfront. Our cruise travel media kit offers expert tips on finding the perfect cruise, discovering a new city by boat, or stretching your comfort zone on a high‑speed yacht, delivering compelling stories of the world’s famous and obscure waterways. DOWNLOAD MEDIA KIT Body Glove Hawaii fits like a charm for Kona Coast ocean activity and sightseeing pleasures Body Glove Hawaii offers Kona Coast ocean activities, sightseeing pleasures Cookie & Keller Jan 26 4 min read Ships sail California's southern shores for education, entertainment American Pride tall ship Long Beach Christene Meyers Jun 12, 2025 6 min read City Cruises North America: For Best Sightseeing, Dining & Harbor Experiences Discover why City Cruises is one of North America’s top travel experiences. From sightseeing tours to sunset sails and dining cruises, there’s something for every traveler. Cookie & Keller Jun 5, 2025 4 min read 1 2 3 4 5

Recommended Travel Resources & Trusted Affiliates Explore our curated travel recommendations — a directory of trusted tour guides, local experts, travel companies, and service providers we’ve personally vetted from years on the road. Whether you’re planning a cultural city tour, a nature adventure, or a specialized excursion, these resources help make your trip easier and more memorable. North Coast Repertory Theatre From its modest beginning over 30 years ago, the North Coast Repertory Theatre, a non-profit organization, has evolved into one of the area's leading performing arts organizations, recognized for the quality of its work and its commitment to excellence. Visit their website here. Big Bus Tours Discover the great cities of the world with Big Bus Tours. Big Bus Tours provide the perfect introduction to the city and the best photo opportunities of iconic landmarks from the top deck. Visit their website here.