Search Results

Ahoy, maties! A re-enactor tells tales of a sailor's life, impersonating explorer Juan Cabrillo, aboard San Salvador at Maritime Museum of San Diego.  GO DOWN TO THE SEA IN SHIPS AT A WORLD CLASS CALIFORNIA MUSEUM Christene "Cookie" Meyers and her brother Rick Cosgriffe aboard Pilot, which takes visitors on a fun harbor tour. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IF  YOU WANT a taste of the sea, with the vessels which explored the world, you won't find a better place to indulge your sailor side than the San Diego Maritime Museum. The collection of boats, on San Diego's waterfront, is a treasure trove of all things nautical. The museum's enthusiastic volunteer force has spent thousands of hours developing a rare collection of vessels. So expansive and well curated is its collection that the facility enjoys a worldwide reputation.  Named one of the worldwide top three maritime museums, this one needs to be on your bucket list! Bruce Keller, lifelong sailor, and his first mate, Christene "Cookie" Meyers, delight in coming aboard Star of India. Moored along the waterfront on the Embarcadero, it is one of the delights of the city. The museum sports more than a dozen boats and ships and a nicely researched and well curated array of nautical paraphernalia in a traditional indoor museum. Then outdoors, there's action and entertainment as "pirates" stroll and repairmen do their endless work. San Diego's fine staff and volunteers are constantly restoring, maintaining and operating these historic vessels to insure that generations to come learn and enjoy. WE'VE MADE two visits in the last month -- showing off the wonders to family from Montana and friends from England. Both sets of visitors were impressed with the beautifully maintained collection of historic ships, including the world’s oldest active ship, the majestic Star of India. Venturing onto some of these ships and exhibits is part of the admission, and tactually stepping inside the vessels is the best way to actually understand the important role ships played in the settling of the world -- not just California. A handsome view of San Diego awaits in the 45-minute tour aboard Pilot, built in 1914, after exploring the museum. We always head first for Star of India, built in 1863. This stately ship -- aptly named -- is the oldest active merchant sailing ship in the world. The museum takes her out on fundraisers from time to time, and we enjoyed a sail on her many years ago -- fingers crossed for an encore as plans are announced. We took our British friends aboard the Star, with its beautiful wooden decks and English-related stories from her sailing days of yore. Star of India began life during the Civil War, in November of 1863. and her first voyages took her to India where she helped supply to England badly needed jute -- cotton being unavailable from the U.S. because of the war.  All aboard! The ferry Berkeley has many lovely appointments, including stained glass windows, a beautiful bar, and nicely done displays of marine history. THE FERRY Berkeley is another treat, the first ship you'll enter after you leave the ticket booth. It's full of lore from those who spent time aboard this beautifully restored ferry, brought from the Bay Area. Among Berkeley's surprises: a vintage upright piano, lovingly cared for and donated by a local family.  A painter works on a wall inside the 1898 ferry, Berkeley, which was moved from the Bay Area. We enjoyed a chocolate festival aboard the gorgeous ferryboat Berkeley on one visit.  Another time, we toured the Dolphin submarine (interesting for its design but too claustrophobic for this reporter), watched repairmen working on the tall ship Star of India, and the HMS Surprise, replica of a sturdy British frigate. She has starred in several films, including one of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series and "Master and Commander."   DON'T FORGET the Californian, available for an actual sailing.  Built in 1984, she is crafted in the style of the famous cutters which patrolled California's coast during the 1849 era gold rush. Going aboard her is a real sailing adventure, an additional ticket. My sailor beau, child of the sea since birth, encouraged our Californian's sail, a four-hour journey aboard the ship he's admired since it was built. I was thoroughly entertained -- as close as I'll get to "going down to the sea in ships." Fortunately, we went "down" in the best sense of the word: out into the Pacific and safely back.  Cookie found the submarine claustrophobic . Others love it. FOR THIS reporter-sailor -- with hundreds of hours on small sailing vessels and more than 125 journeys aboard cruise ships -- a visit to San   Diego's Maritime Museum feels like the real sailing deal. We highly endorse a day of touring this gem.   Bruce Keller loves to talk about sailing, and major films shot at his hometown San Diego's fine Maritime Museum. BESIDES THE schooner Californian and historic Star of India, this world class museum offers other vessels to climb aboard or sail at specific times.   The San Salvador is a replica of a 1542 Spanish Galleon like the first European vessel to reach America's west coast.  The Californian goes out on weekly, delightful sails which we've enjoyed and will be writing about again. She's a gorgeous, 145-foot long vessel and the state's official tall ship, a must-do sail for anyone grounded, like my partner, in maritime history and life on the water.    Although built fairly recently, in 1984, she is designed in the style of the famous cutters which patrolled California's coast during the 1849 era gold rush.   If you have a sailor in the family, a pair of tickets to the museum, or a Saturday sail on the Californian would be a  wonderful gift. More information: www.sdmaritime.org ; midway.org   ******************************************************************************************** Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers explore aircraft on the USS Midway Museum downtown San Diego . That story is next up. UP NEXT : While we're in the neighborhood, the USS Midway Museum is right down the waterfront of San Diego. The enormous, historical naval aircraft carrier museum is also in downtown San Diego, at Navy Pier. The aircraft carrier has a proud history -- in the Gulf War and other conflicts --  and is worth a day's visit. way museum consists of the aircraft carrier Midway. The ship houses an extensive collection of aircraft, many of which were built in Southern California. It also has informative and fascinating tours, narrations, exhibits and an impressive outreach and education program which extends into the community and schools. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, theater, nature, family and more:  www.whereiscookie.com

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.

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 (817) 817 posts Adventure (463) 463 posts Buses (5) 5 posts Culture (20) 20 posts Cruising (137) 137 posts Destinations (102) 102 posts Family (6) 6 posts Food (193) 193 posts Holidays (4) 4 posts Hotels (77) 77 posts Museums (32) 32 posts Music (17) 17 posts Personal History (20) 20 posts Theater (175) 175 posts Trains (16) 16 posts Travel (424) 424 posts Tours (28) 28 posts Cookie's latest Lillian (8) 8 posts Book, Poetry, Love Stories (6) 6 posts No place like London for mixing new and old: history, food, theater, architecture, excitement 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 Destinations Keller Keller 4 days ago 3 min read Barcelona beckons with its architectural charm STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Fanciful balconies of Antoni Gaudi's Casa Batllo are made of... Adventure Keller Keller Nov 20 2 min read LITTLE BIG HORN SEMINAR DRAWS SCHOLARS, EXTRAS AND HISTORY BUFFS TO PONDER CLASSIC FILM Chief Dan George played the character of Old Lodge Skins, in "Little Big Man," starring Dustin Hoffman. Despite his second billing, the actor won awards for his convincing portrayal of the wise chief who names Hoffman's Jack Crabb character Editor's note: Christene Meyers covered the making of "Little Big Man" as a young reporter and was among panel participants discussing the Montana made movie. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and courtesy Cinema Center Culture Keller Keller Nov 16 5 min read Explore Lisbon's delights: Ancient seaport offers music, monuments, tuk-tuk tours STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids " The Monument to the Discoveries is a magnificent tribute to Portugal's power on the seas. It juts upward to depict the country's explorers, rulers and sailors who made history in their explorations of the world. SAILING INTO Lisbon on the majestic Tagus River, two imposing architectural wonders catch our eye. We see the stunning limestone Monument to the Discoveries. Intricately carved, it pays homage Destinations Keller Keller Nov 13 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

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.

Subscribe for travel tips, blog updates, cruise reviews, and cultural stories from Cookie & Keller. Join 2M+ readers exploring 119+ global destinations. SUBSCRIBE Love travel, arts, and culture? Subscribe to receive new blog posts, global travel tips, cruise reviews, destination features, and behind-the-scenes updates—delivered straight to your inbox. Join a worldwide community of readers following Cookie & Keller's award-winning adventures across 100+ countries. First Name Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. * Subscribe Now