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Depoe Bay's small, beautiful harbor leads the way to an exciting time with resident whales. Keller and "Cookie" pose on the beutiful Big Sur coastline and enjoyed four days with the whales of Depoe Bay. They're called "residents'' because they stay several months during migration. UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH RESIDENT WHALES IN THE BAY WITH A LOVELY INN TO RELAX AND WATCH THE WORLD GO BY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Carrie Newell's passion for whales is apparent in her enthusiastic introduction to whale watching in Depoe Bay. FIRST, THERE is the irresistible lure of  whale watching in Depoe Bay. It's not to be ignored, and one brilliant and dedicated woman makes sure you understand that. She's Carrie Newell, distinguished marine biologist who has spent her impressive 35-year career researching the whales in this quiet and peaceful cove on the Oregon coast.  Depoe Bay is a marine biologist's dream. So it's no surprise that it has attracted the likes of Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of famed oceanographer and naturalist, the late Jacques Cousteau.  The younger Cousteau and colleagues have visited Newell and benefited from her expertise and research, joining her on multiple expeditions. BETWEEN outings with our whale watching expert, we relaxed and hiked at Inn at Arch Rock. It's a perfect place to unwind between whale watches and fine dining, which is abundant in Depoe Bay.  Whale watching in this magical corner on the Oregon coast in the world's smallest natural navigable harbor is breath taking. The harbor covers six acres, with a 50-foot wide, 100-foot long rockbound, dog-legged channel connecting to the Pacific Ocean. A great place to go for exciting and fun whale watching. Carrie Newel, center, returns with happy whale watchers. A grey whale spout is a stinky exhale which Carrie's dog Koda is trained to smell, react and track to visitors' delight. Whale watching in Depoe Bay is enhanced by her remarkable dog, Koda, whom she trained from an early age to spot and respond to whales. They're named and called "residents" because they hang around several months -- May to November -- feeding and enjoying the warmer waters while others move on north to Alaska.   Koda was trained from her early puppy days to smell the blow of whales and recognize that as a sign to bark. It is a clever way to alert whale watchers to a nearby whale. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers, and behind them, Carrie Newell, on the trail of the grey whales in Depoe Bay. Carrie coached Koda to get excited about whales when the dog was a pup. The instruction included taking Koda along with a small boatload of whale watchers, downwind of a gray whale. Once Carrie spotted the critters with her "eagle eye" for whales, she  encouraged the dog to smell the blow. It's an aroma like bad gas or hard-boiled eggs, a sulphury blast to the nostrils. The dog learned that the blow meant the whale was near.  Koda heard and smelled the blow and alerted passengers. Soon, all could see the whale and watch for another blow. Koda's watch continued with Carrie's encouraging “Whale, whale, whale.” Koda connects the dots and responds, all without treats, just praise. "Koda's pay is lotsa love!” says Newell. BACK ON LAND, Carrie's museum is a trip in itself, a wondrous exhibit of sea treasures, lovingly collected and curated by Carrie herself.  Her lifelong love of all things ocean-connected is evident in the array of shells, nautical photos. artwork and other memorabilia -- an   amazing amount of information, displayed in a compact, efficient and eye-catching way.  RETURNING TO  the inn, you'll find yourself on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean , relaxing in one of 19 comfy units. They range from quaint and cozy rooms for two, to grand and spacious two-bedroom suites for up to six guests. Each room is individually appointed and all but one have spectacular ocean views. Trails to the ocean and a private beach are a stone's throw away. We saw whales from the balcony, and reveled in that during our too brief three-night and four-day stay. Inn at Arch Rock offers stunning views of the ocean, and often whale spouts and flukes. It's a lovely retreat. THE HOSTS are Nate and Polly Neet,  a genial couple devoted to service and the pleasure of guests. The Neets are proud, hard-working innkeepers, with a love of hospitality and a dedication to the place they've nurtured and improved with meticulous but natural looking landscaping and other loving touches. They are fonts of knowledge about the area they love, and suggested we hook up with Carrie's unique and thrilling enterprise. We did that on the first afternoon and loved it so much we made return visits each day of our stay. A bountiful breakfast is part of the room fee, and the Neets' genteel hospitality combines with a genuine affection for people and their bird's eye knowledge of the area's attractions. They'll help with restaurants, hikes, shopping or whatever's your pleasure. Their appreciative clientele spans the globe. Carrie Newell and her expertly trained colleagues navigate boats in and out of the narrow, rocky switchback. The  dramatic harbor is one of the world's smallest. OUR SECOND -floor room was spacious, modern and smartly appointed with whaling and sea life decor. Add those spectacular views of the whales from the balcony, and a pair of binoculars to enhance sightings and you're a happy visitor. A lavish breakfast of fruit, eggs, muffins, biscuits, bacon and yogurt awaits. You'll enjoy the inn's own coffee label. At day's end, comfy beds point the way to sweet dreams of whales, an enterprising marine biologist and that endearing retriever.  MORE INFO:    Carrie Newell's spectacular Whale Research EcoExcursions:  www.oregonwhales.com Inn at Arch Rock Nate and Polly Neet and their welcoming inn :  www.innatarchrock.com     UP NEXT: We're blasting off for Kennedy Center. Reaping the "labors" of the ambitious U.S. space endeavor,  we offer a two-part look at Orlando, Florida, and its wonders. The booming area attracts visitors 12 months of the year with Epcot, Universal Studios and Disney World. We explore internationally known Kennedy Space Center, take a delectable food tour, and a foray into the swamps on the trail of alligators and we take a look at a top-ranked zoo. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, family, performance, the arts and more.  Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers blast off for Kennedy Space Center, where they enjoy the exhibits and take fascinating tours of the internationally known center of space research and enterprise.

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. With Lisboa Card the official tourist card in our carry-on, we sail 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 to the country's explorers, royals and navigators who set out to explore the new world. Nearby the imposing Belem Tower stands guard on the river's bank as it has done since built as a fort in the 16th Century when Portugal was king of the seas. The Tower and Monument reveal the layers of Portugal's long seafaring history. We admire Prince Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, men who did the near impossible in the day: found the sea route to India, discovered the Azores and Madeira, and circumnavigated the globe. Somewhere over the rainbow is the delightful city of Lisbon, Lisboa in Portuguese, awaiting your discovery. The Lisboa Card includes free admission to many of the buildings reflecting the city's rich history -- the Jerónimos Monastery, Saint Jorge Castle, and many more. The Lisboa Card the official tourist card also includes transport to and from Lisbon Airport via metro THE TAGUS River meanders through the Alfama, or old quarter, urging walkers to follow it, and soak up the sights, sounds and smells of centuries of progress and some remarkable disasters. A horrible earthquake is etched into the city's memory, and Portugal has sent off more explorers per capita than any other small country. We always enjoy a tuk-tuk ride with our friend Tomas, who knows and loves the city of his birth. Highly recommended, a leisurely way to meander and learn where to catch a concert, shop for tiles or book a side trip to Sintra and its hillside palaces., Old and sturdy, with exciting new buildings going up, Portugal is proud of its maritime tradition and its knowledge of the sea. Exploring Lisbon by tuk tuk is a fun way to get around. Here Tomas, center, takes Keller, Jane, Cookie and Rick around the city's winding streets. The museums of Lisbon celebrate the rich history and culture of this Portuguese capital city. Many are free with the Lisbon card the official tourist card. Appreciate Lisbon's dramatic stone architecture, take a guided walking tour. Use Lisboa Card the official tourist card to visit the fascinating Maritime Museum, one of the most important in Europe, evoking Portugal's domination of the seas. It's perfect for families or anyone who adores all things nautical. The city's many other museums focus on everything from Lisbon's rich maritime past to decorative Portuguese tiles, and everything in between. Fado is a national art in Portugal, where singers and musicians convey the emotion of stories. A FADO MUSEUM pays tribute to the national musical form, with concerts and tips on where to hear fado, highly recommended. Fado is deeply imbedded in the culture soulful, melancholic, and expressive. The word fado means fate or destiny. Other museums offer gems ranging from colorfully rendered miniatures of Portugal's famous doors to well preserved artifacts from the vast Portuguese empire. The city is also mecca of lively restaurants and inviting squares to relax and chat. Lisbon is a mix: stately, new, ancient and contemporary, fun and full of fascinating surprises. It is an enduring city, glistening and inviting through the centuries as a prime seaport and welcoming and economical tourist destination. Lisbon's gothic and Romanesque cathedral features many tombs, including Vasco da Gama's. One of Europe's most unsung and least visited cultural capitals, Lisbon is often overlooked in favor of Paris, Rome and the Scandinavian capitals. We have found it to be welcoming, a bit cheaper than other European capitals. Can't beat the food, music and charming people. And the Lisboa Card savings and discounts on monuments, museums, shops and services saves time and money to get the most of this fascinating, ancient and varied city. To order a Lisboa Card the official tourist card : Visitlisboa.com More information, click here Park Guell's Dragon Stairway invites visitors to climb into the magical world created by Lisbon's famed architect Antoni Gaudi, whose name is synonymous with the captivating city of Barcelona. UP NEXT: We return to another favorite southern Europe city, Barcelona. With fascinating masterpieces created by genius designer Antoni Gaudi, it is replete with eye-catching architecture. Buildings reflect the Catalan modernist movement, giving Catalan architecture worldwide recognition. Barcelona blends art nouveau, neo-gothic, and oriental styles in a unique architectural potpourri not seen anywhere else. Come along won't you?

Enjoying a tuk tuk ride in Lisbon, from left, Bruce Keller, Jane Milder, driver Tomas Neves, Christene "Cookie" Meyers, Rick Cosgriffe.  All aboard for a fun tour of this lovely Portuguese city. TOURING LISBON BY TUK TUK YIELDS HISTORY, STORIES, FRESH AIR, FUN TIME STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Lisbon's seven hills stretch from the city center to the sea, with architecture typical of one of the world's great cities. WE LOVE LISBON!  It's a favorite European city. So we wanted to show off "our town" to my brother Rick and his partner Jane during our two weeks together in southern Europe. We did it in style, by tuk-tuk, that time honored transportation mode invented in 1879 and offering close-up views along with a few fun bumps. LISBON OFFERS  a wealth of architectural wonders and sea views making it a perfect city to explore by this three-wheeled cart, originally pulled by a person. My dad told lively stories of traveling by  rickshaw during his Army days in post WWII China.  He became fast friends with his trusty driver, as we have with Tomas Neves, who has shown us around his native city several times. Miradouro das PortaMiradouro das Portas do Sol is Lisbon's most  photographed wiewpoint, a central location near the cathedral and castle. Here Rick and Jane enjoy the view as we photograph them.s do Sol is Lisbon's most  photographed wiewpoint, a central location near the cathedral and castle. Here Rick and Jane enjoy the view as we photograph them. OUR FAVORITE  Lisbon tuk-tuk is electric and driven -- not pulled -- by the amiable Tomas. It is  manufactured in an Amsterdam factory, where most licensed electric auto-tuk tuks or rickshaws originate. There are many types of tuk-tuk treks offered by Tomas and a host of other outfits.  With over 500 tuk-tuks in Lisbon, tours range from gardens to restaurants, churches and museums.  Enthusiasts may concentrate on the oldest part of the city, the Alfama, or the narrow lanes of  residential districts. One may also "tuk-tuk" to Lisbon Castle and other popular destinations including Lisbon's famous Cathedral,  the Convento da Graça, the National Pantheon, Jardim São Pedro de Alcântara and the lively Thieves' Market.  Tomas took us to the Graça Viewpoint at the Igreja, where Rick and Jane enjoyed the view and took selfies. Most tuk tuks accommodate two to four people but some such as this one are larger and can accommodate six or seven. OUR TWO-HOUR tour focused on Lisbon highlights, with Tomas providing entertaining commentary and stopping wherever we saw a photo opportunity. Because it's a city built on seven hills, its neighborhoods spread out from the city's historic center, blending into one another, to the Belém area near the water. Some tours focus on history, others on architecture, others on food. So you can tailor your tour to your interests. Lisbon's famous Cathedral, the Se de Lisboa, is one of the stops driver Tomas always includes. The tuk tuk is a wonderful way to savor a city. On an earlier tuk tuk tour, we sampled flavors of Portugal, with typical sweets and chocolate cups. Lisbon's sights are muted and lovely on a sunset cruise. A tuk tuk tour then a relaxing cruise are a fine pair. Typically, the two-hour tuk tuk tours focus on a specific area of the city, usually the Alfama and historic area. A half-day tour allows one to see more of the city and get more detailed information about the main attractions. A full-day tuk tuk tour will cover most of the major attractions, most likely taking passengers to Belem which is a bit outside the center. The longer tours also give time to go inside museums, churches and gardens rather than just driving by, which we did this last time. Lisbon is a city of majestic architecture and many fountains. During themed tuk tuk tours, you’ll visit the main landmarks of the city but with a special focus. Passengers can choose from desserts to art to national heroes, museums and more. WHETHER YOU  see Lisbon by tuk tuk or walking tour, or taxi ride, you won't want to miss Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. As one of Lisbon’s must-see sights, it is Belem's undisputed architectural showstopper, an impressive honey-stone Manueline cloisters inside a UNESCO-listed 1495 monastery. On the nearby riverfront, another famous sight is the tower, or torre of Belem. It's an imposing fortress which epitomizes the excess of the Age of Discovery. We climbed to the top for splendid views over the Tagus River.   Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers took a tuk-tuk tour then hopped on a sunset cruise,  framed by Lisbon architecture. OUR GUIDE Tomas knows where to find the best views for photos. He drove us to historic places, waiting patiently and helping us plan the next stop.  As one of the oldest cities in western Europe, there are more stops than possible in a single tour. So Tomas helps narrow the field, describing how his city has evolved through various occupations, wars and conquests, asking which aspects interest us most.  HE EXPLAINED that the region was home to the Celts -- founded by well traveled Phoenicians around 1200 BC, making it 400 years older than Rome. These educated people established a settlement called Ulissipo, and became successful merchants, traders and colonizers until they were conquered by the Greeks and Carthaginians.  TOMAS IS rightly   proud of Lisbon.  As Portugal's thriving capital city it maintains its strategic geographical position at the mouth of the Tagus, the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. After a tuk tuk ride, we recommend Tagus Cruises, which takes it name from the famous river. Consider Lisbon by boat and tuk-tuk. For tuk-tuks, contact Tomas Neves: tomasneves95@gmail.com TripAdvisor offers many tuk-tuk tours. Or contact Lisbon's tourism office at: www.visitlisboa.com/ For a fun cruise:   taguscruises.com   UP NEXT:  We continue our look at Puerto Rico, where the government has stepped up its tourism in the last year and is spending millions to attract us. It's more than coffee, casinos, rum and beaches. After leaving Ponce recently, we headed into the El Yunque rain forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Then, a visit to seductive San Juan, with adventure, night life, fine dining and an inviting old town and gorgeous hotels and resorts.

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. Trusted Travel Insights for Millions of Travelers Around the Globe 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. VIEW FULL BLOG About Our 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. 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 Heads Up! We’re currently updating our website, so some older content might be temporarily unavailable. Thanks for your patience and support! - Cookie & Keller We're based in sunny San Diego and Montana but we spend months each year flitting about the world, chasing great food and migrating whales, with tips on cruises, theater, cultural events. WhereisCookie.com brings our travel curiosity to readers from our SoCal and Montana roots to everywhere else on the planet. Check often for travel tips and suggestions on how and where to get the best bang for your hard-earned buck.

Discover the train travel media kit: scenic rail journeys, historic trains and rail‑culture stories from around the world by Cookie & Keller. TRAINS MEDIA KIT Our story and media kits about global adventures For inquiries please contact us here We love train travel and log countless scenic miles across the globe—whether riding Japan’s sleek bullet trains, unwinding aboard a vintage steam train in rural Yorkshire, admiring New Zealand’s landscapes, journeying through Alaska’s rugged terrain, crossing Australia by rail or taking a desert ride in Arizona. From a formal dinner aboard the famed Orient Express to sleeper cars in Patagonia, Melbourne, Tokyo, Dunedin, Seward, and the Oregon Coast, we specialize in rail‑journey storytelling and the time‑honored, educational magic of moving through the world by train. DOWNLOAD MEDIA KIT Alaska Railroad features close-up views of nature's vast and magnificent scenery A journey on Alaska Railroad offers ringside seats to striking landscape and a pleasant experience in comfortable seats, with dining... Christene Meyers Sep 11, 2025 3 min read British trains offer organized, relaxing way to see the UK your way Bruce Keller poses by one of the UK's many efficient and comfortable trains. By using a BritRail pass, we were able to visit several cities during a brief trip, making the most of our time. TRY A TRAIN ON BRITRAIL FOR YOUR NEXT UK VISIT STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IF A VISIT to the United Kingdom is on your bucket list, you might be overwhelmed by the variety of historic places vying for attention. Bruce Keller and Christene Meyers in Edinburgh's Waverle Christene Meyers Apr 30, 2025 5 min read Bernina Express takes adventurers to the sun; trains take travelers to the top of the world In late spring and into summer, temperatures in the Alps can dip to 15 °C (59 F), and there can still be snow on the mountain tops, as Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers discovered recently during a ride on the famed Bernina Express. HISTORIC RAIL TRIP OFFERS SPLENDID VIEWS ON BERNINA EXPRESS The viaduct outside Tirano offers spectacular Alps viewing. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IT'S BEEN OUR dream for 17 years to take a train trip through the Christene Meyers Aug 8, 2024 3 min read 1 2 3 4 5

Explore the theater & performing arts travel media kit: global performances, opera, ballet and arts‑focused venue features by Cookie & Keller. THEATER & MUSIC MEDIA KIT Our story and media kits about global adventures For inquiries please contact us here Explore our theater travel media kit and take a front‑row seat in the world of performance. From the Metropolitan Opera to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, from Sydney Wharf Theatre to jazz clubs and country bars, our tastes are broad and eclectic. Cookie — an accomplished musician — and Keller cover everything: a Vivaldi string quartet in Venice, Broadway hits at Radio City Music Hall, Lady Gaga on New Year’s Eve, and the Tippet Rise Art Center, a multi‑million‑dollar venue founded by the Grey Goose barons. From subway buskers to world‑famous performers, we offer musical insights and theatrical travel tips for fans of the lively arts and our treasured readers. DOWNLOAD MEDIA KIT Exploring the Passion of Flamenco as it comes alive in Barcelona Story By Christene Meyers Photos By Bruce Keller Flamenco has us hooked. This showy, emotional art form is more than a dance or musical style. It is a cultural expression -- full of emotion. Nowhere is it more alive than in southern Spain, and in a favorite city, Barcelona. For here, flamenco has found a vibrant home. A flamenco dancer performs with passion and precision in a Barcelona venue. Singers, dancers and musicians blend in flamenco, rich in tradition and a cultura Keller Keller Jan 15 4 min read 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 Keller Keller Dec 4, 2025 3 min read '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. Christene Meyers Nov 10, 2025 3 min read 1 2 3 4 5