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The bridge climbing group wends its way carefully above the waters of Sydney, Australia's, world famous harbor. RECOVERING COWARD TICKS A BIG ONE OFF HER LARGE BUCKET LIST WITH TWO BRIDGE CLIMBS At the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Keller and Cookie celebrate with a wave and a victory cheer. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER I MUST HAVE  been dream walking the morning I went on line to book two tickets to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.  I sent a text to tell Keller I'd done it. He knew I'd been to Australia four times before, and declined the daring climb every time.  Now, with our trip days away, I'd committed to the adventure. No more avoidance. Like Bert Lahr in "The Wizard of Oz," I was dancing down the Yellow Brick Road, determined to find courage. "Wow" was the total of Keller's text back. He knew it was a daunting undertaking for me, a lifelong vertigo victim with a paralyzing fear of heights. The Great Wall made me dizzy. The views from the Eiffel Tower leave me short of breath. A tenth story hotel room window makes my head spin. So what was I thinking? IT WAS ALMOST year's end. I was tired of being a sissy, of sitting on the sports sideline. Climbing the Auckland Bridge was a dream, much gentler than Sydney's climb, with gorgeous views of  the pretty harbor. Growing up in a family of dare devils -- skiers, swimmers, divers, high-jumpers -- I was the actor, musician, bookworm. I took my novel into the warming hut while a clan of expert skiers zipped by.  I learned play lines by the pool when everyone else went surfing. But the year was ending. I would conquer old fears, defy demons. I FELT SAFE  once underway. Climb leaders are highly trained and your belt is fastened to the bridge as you move. On both climbs, I admitted my fear and was cheered on by the leaders and an international mix of friends. We spent a day recently at the Sydney Opera House, touring the many theaters, dining on salmon and caviar, and savoring the building's history. THERE   ARE  three major bridge climbs in Australia.  We've reveled in the Sydney and Auckland climbs.  Both left us thrilled with the views.  We have the Brisbane bridge yet to climb, so that's up next when we return to the land Down Under. Meanwhile, I'm living proof that you can  teach an old reporter new tricks.  With the new year upon us, why not do something you've never done, or challenge a cliche about yourself -- and change it! ( www.bridgeclimb.com and www.bungy.co.nz/auckland-bridge . ) You can even bungy off Auckland's bridge.... next trip??? NEXT UP : The building of the gorgeous Sydney Opera House is a story as unlikely as the building itself. We've got the scoop about the Danish architect who won the design contest and the Aussie lottery that funded it.  Read us Wednesdays and weekends at: www.whereiscookie.com .  Please tell your friends!

Kateri, a gorgeous golden eagle, was injured while feeding on a dead deer near Gilette, Wyo. She cannot fly. She was named by a young Cody girl.  Kateri honors the patron saint of people who love nature and preserve the environment. Volunteer and raptor aficionado Patrick Pitet, a retired attorney, visits the raptors and helps with the birds. Here he is with Suli, a turkey vulture beloved by the staff., . ENRAPTURED BY RAPTORS AT THE BUFFALO BILL CENTER OF THE WEST IN CODY, WYOMING STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS HOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A BIRD IN THE HAND, as the old saw goes, is worth two in the bush. In the case of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, there are several hectic "handsful" of gorgeous raptors. Birds of prey at the museum include eagles, kestrels, falcons, hawks and owls. You can get up close and personal with a half-dozen of these beautiful creatures, named raptors because they kill and eat other animals for sustenance. Eagles, hawks, falcons, kestrels and owls fit this category, and the Center has built a small, classy raptor house to hold them. None of the birds could be successfully returned to the wild. MOST ARE  victims of accident, but one -- the turkey vulture -- is a victim of human imprinting. Suli hatched in a haystack in Kansas in 2011 where ranchers discovered her and thought her an orphan.  They took her to a nature center where she grew up with people not other vultures.  Thus Suli failed to learn bird behavior or survival in the wild. Teasdale, a great-horned owl, came to the Center with a broken wing. Her name derives from the Utah town near which a hiker found her. Known as an important member of "nature's clean-up crew," the vulture is respected for its disposal of waste and rotting meat.  Its unique digestive system is impervious to bacteria and most disease. THIS FACT  and others are imparted during a lively half-hour show twice daily at the Buffalo Bill.  It's a wonderful outdoor option when visiting the five spectacular indoor museums in this world-class facility. The Draper Museum's"Raptor Experience" shares these spectacular wild birds with visitors while staff commentary encourages conservation, bird watching and feeding and proper protocol for handling injured birds. Frozen quail, mice and other raptor delicacies are kept in the storeroom. A red-tailed hawk, Isham, arrived at the raptor program from New Mexico.  He was likely hit by a car when only a few years old. His eyes were damaged. Visitors to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West often spend two days visiting the five world-class museums.  More on that next time. OUR CODY FRIENDS , Patrick and Lynn Pitet, are museum devotees -- she as staff and he as a volunteer. When they invited us to the outreach program, we "flew" at the opportunity and went behind the scenes in the raptor house, then watched the well done show. Here's the schedule, next time you're at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West (it's included in the admission): 11:30 a.m. "Raptors: Superheroes of Nature,"  Braun Garden, at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. “Relaxing with Raptors” can be enjoyed, too, at announced times. The raptors do school visits in winter, traveling to Red Lodge and other nearby Montana and Wyoming towns. Email Melissa Hill or call 307 578-4111 for information. COMING UP : whereiscookie spends the day at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, known worldwide. Remember to explore, learn and live and check us out weekends and Wednesdays.

MULTIPLE VISITS NEVER DISAPPOINT AT WORLD CLASS CODY, WYOMING MUSEUM The Buffalo Bill Center of the West draws an international clientele to Cody, Wyo.  It houses five  fine museums. A painting of  Wild Bill Hickock and Buffalo Bill Cody is one of the most admired and talked about in the Whitney Western Art Museum. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER FOR DECADES  now, I've enjoyed the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. It's a road trip highlight with family, friends or visitors from other states and countries.. For years, this stunning complex of five museums, was known as the Buffalo Bill Museum.  In our nearby town of Cody, Wyoming, One doesn't have to be a gun aficionado to appreciate Cody's Firearms Museum. IF YOU'RE  a fan of art of the West, you'll enjoy my favorite of the quintet of museums, the Whitney Western Art Museum. You'll see a majestic Deborah Butterfield bronze horse, a stunning collection of western paintings ranging from Albert Bierstadt to N.C. Wyeth, with everything in between.  There are fun, recent paintings and sculpture, too, besides the time honored portfolio of artists who joined in and promoted the western expansion effort, or who simply came to know and love the west through visits as tourists. I ALWAYS  discover something new, and revisit favorite pieces. The famous painting of the Custer Battle, whose anniversary is this week, always has people around it.   Did you know that painter Edgar  Samuel Paxson arrived in Montana in 1877, the year after the Battle of the Little Bighorn, to begin his prodigious research? The painter's interest in the battle -- almost an obsession -- would become a defining element in his artistic career, culminating in his major work, "Custer’s Last Stand." You may not realize that the Center of the West contains five museums plus a world renowned research library. The Plains Indian Museum has a world-class collection of artifacts. Edgar Paxson's famously detailed  painting of the Custer Battle Besides the Whitney, the Draper Natural History Museum showcases the rich life, power and beauty of the natural world of the Yellowstone region.  The Plains Indian Museum's elegant and elaborate collection depicts in beautifully curated displays the lives and legends of the Plains Indian people, and the Buffalo Bill Museum explores the world of the man after whom the town of Cody, and the museum, are named. THE CODY   Firearms Museum is a must for anyone interested in guns, the lore of firearms and their importance in history.  Cody's shoot-out  attracts those looking for corny but entertaining, old-west fun, each night by the Irma Hotel. The museum houses the world's most comprehensive collection of American firearms. In 1975, the Winchester Arms Collection, the heart of this museum, came to Cody on loan from the Olin Corporation. It was hugely received and gifted in 1988, enjoyed by thousands since. The museum houses 7,000 firearms with 30,000 firearms-related artifacts. A gun lover's paradise to be sure. IF YOU'RE  planning a trip to Cody, Wyo., take note of these upcoming special museum events: Buffalo Bill Invitational Shootout , Aug. 6-8; Rendezvous Royale , Sept. 21-26,;  Patrons Ball , Sept.26;  Holiday Open House , Dec. 5. The Fishtail General Store is an institution in the tiny town of Fishtail, Montana. COMING UP : Grab the gang and head for Fishtail Family Fun Days, a real kick in the pants. It's this Saturday, June 27, in Fishtail, Montana. We preview it, plus examine just what makes Cody, Wyo., such a fun town? The Buffalo Bill Center of the West, of course, is the centerpiece, but there's much more -- including the nightly "shoot-out" at the Irma, a fantastic restaurant, The Local, and 90 straight nights of rodeo. Plus horses, horses, horses, fun shopping and a plush library. Meanwhile, if you're anywhere near Fishtail Saturday, stop by the Fishtail General Store, headquarters for fun, food and a two-mile long, parade. Not bad for a one-block town. Plus bakery, crafts, kids events and more. Check us out Wednesdays and weekends at www.whereiscookie.com :

The Louvre Museum stands proud into the centuries, photographed from the Seine on a recent trip. And don't  miss our favorite Musee d"orsay nearby.  Housed in the former Gare d'Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900, it houses many well known works of a more contemporary vein.  The Pont Alexandre is one of the world's most lavish bridges, and a much photographed Paris icon. MONUMENTS, MUSEUMS, MUSIC AND MEMORIES LURE LOVERS BACK TO THE LORE, ROMANCE, HISTORY, CUISINE OF THE CITY OF LIGHTS “There is but one Paris......the French air clears the brain and does a world of good.”  ― Vincent van Gogh STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IF YOU HAVE  never been to Paris, you must make at least one pilgrimage. Even into March, Paris can be brisk, so Keller bundles up for a stroll with Notre Dame behind him. If you have been, it's likely you've returned -- or plan to make an encore call. For Paris casts a spell on the visitor, more than any of the  wonderful cities we've visited. Paris is as intoxicating as a cocktail or a brothel on a Saturday night, as sophisticated as the best-dressed dandy at  opera's opening night.  It assails the senses like no other city, beckoning one to sip of the elixir, stay a while and let Paris cast its spell. The intricate detail of many of the famous Paris buildings draws repeat examinations -- favorites of these travelers are Opera Garnier, also known as the Academie National de Musique, Paris Opera and other names. The Arc de Triomphe is one of the world's most photographed monuments to the fallen.  We recommend a full or half-day city tour to get started. Keller surveys the street from a doorway of one of the fine specialty food shops he and Cookie frequented each day.   COLE PORTER  was smitten by Paris and even lived there for a time during World War I. He wrote a musical, "Paris," which debuted on Broadway in 1928 and was his first huge hit.  Porter's fondness for Paris embraced all 12 months of the year:  "I love Paris in the spring time, I love Paris in the fall, I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles, I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles...." He called it a "timeless town" and it truly is. Take a cue from Cookie and Keller for at least one night on the town.   Even on a recent drizzly grey rainy day, Paris is lovely.  Here the Eiffel Tower. There's something for every taste in Paris -- world class museums, the planet's finest restaurants, jazz clubs, a lively night life, opera, fashionably dressed folks walking  nicely groomed doggies, dapper old gents with canes, lovers, quiet little cafes, parks and graveyards to contemplate the wonders. ONE CAN wander into a cemetery and find monuments to Molière, Delacroix, Bizet, Chopin, Balzac and Proust. You might come across the graves of Georges Seurat, Oscar Wilde, Sarah Bernhardt, Isadora Duncan, Colette, Edith Piaf or Marcel Marceau. Ex-pat writers Gertrude Stein and Richard Wright made Paris their final stop, too. You can shop for souvenirs of all kinds -- whether a box of fine chocolates or something more adventuresome.   Take in the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile,  commissioned by Napoleon in 1805. It stands at the western end of the Champs-Élysées at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle.   Between museums, take in a show at either the famed Moulin Rouge or Folies Bergere. HITLER surveyed the Eiffel Tower and  Arc de Triomphe after the city fell in June of 1940, but the clever French cut the lift cables to the Tower as he arrived in the city. Troops climbed the tower to hoist their swastika flag -- so large it blew away and was replaced by a smaller version. Our guide proudly told us this story, adding, "The elevators magically began to work after the city was liberated on Aug. 25, 1944. The next day, General de Gaulle led a joyous liberation march down the Champs d'Elysees to the Arc." EVEN FOR  multi-time return visitors, we recommend a city tour.  We bought the Paris '"Hop On, Hop Off" package this last trip and thoroughly enjoyed meandering the city with a lively narrative and an international complement of fellow travelers. Once you've tasted of the delights of Paris, you'll be back for more. ********************************************************************************* Actors Lisa Gorell-Getz and Kevin Hafso Koppman are part of a terrific ensemble in North Coast Rep's thoughtful current production, "This Random World." BEST BETS:  A new feature this week is our bet for a  fabulous outing -- perhaps a hike, restaurant, boat trip or, as we offer today, a play you won't want to miss. North Coast Repertory Theatre's "This Random World" wittily examines the ways in which our lives intersect, parallel and misconnect. Play-wright Steven Dietz examines the notion of co-incidence, and apparently "random" ways in which we meet people, form associations, make decisions. Masterfully acted, this funny, fast- paced, touching play features David Ellenstein's nuanced direction. Catch it through March 18 in Solana Beach.  northcoastrep.org ************************************** A visit to Dublin's Temple Bar was on Ellen Cosgriffe's bucket list. NEXT UP :  A memorable trip to Ireland with her late mother makes Cookie glad she and her mum followed their dreams. When her flamboyant mother expressed interest in a trip to Ireland -- and a desire to play piano in a Dublin pub -- Cookie helped make that happen. The moral of this St. Patrick's Day story is "carpe diem." At Dublin's famous Temple Bar, both Cookie and her mother Ellen played piano. Remember to explore, learn and live -- and catch us Fridays for a fresh look at travel, nature and the arts.

What do a bell, a wheel and a pendulum have in common?  You'll find out at the Exploratorium. Sights and sounds merge and dance as Steve Ganner shares the wonders with his mesmerized daughter Penelope.  KIDS OF ALL AGES ENJOY EXPERIMENTATION, DISCOVERY AT UNIQUE INTERACTIVE MUSEUM ON SAN FRANCISCO'S WATERFRONT   James Brian Ganner and sister Penelope Margaret  have fun with a magical spinning cloud chamber. Bruce Keller has fun with invisible forces and spinning  effects in one of the museum's interesting  exhibits. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IF YOU NEVER  completely "grew up," San Francisco's Exploratorium is designed with you in mind.  It's the classic "children of all ages" activity if you're looking for something to entertain several generations. We spent a happy day with our niece, her husband and their two youngsters. Good time had by all. The Exploratorium is an inventive, state-of-the-art public learning laboratory in San Francisco exploring the world through science, art, and human perception. Its mission is to create inquiry-based experiences that transform learning worldwide.  Its eye-popping, mind-boggling experiments boldly go... THE DAY  we visited, a veritable United Nations of tourists wandered through, eyes wide with wonder. Mirror magic: children, parents and grandparents smile, touch and gaze at mirror images of themselves. Wide-ranging Exploratorium offerings, demonstrations and exhibits range from cooking to toothpick art, crepe paper to celestial viewing, transportation and gravity. Adults get sucked into the pleasure of discovery; with each turn a new inter-active exhibit invites touch. Here, from left, Steve, Cookie and Amarylla play with static electricity. Keller's, Cookie's Exploratorium wish: may the Force be with you!  The Exploratorium has six main galleries, each focusing on a different area of exploration. Common to all are interactive exhibits that reward attention and provoke thought and wonder. Tying the galleries together is that each exhibit encourages questions -- "how did they do that?" -- so as you play with displays and experiment with moving parts and mysterious forces, you discover new ways to understand how the world works. Thousands of toothpicks create iconic San Francisco imagery. ONE INTRIGUING aspect to this museum lover was the huge variety of people who wandered through, prepared to be amazed. Art museum patrons have, well, an "artsy" look about them. High-powered science based museums seem to attract "nerdy types" -- in the word's best sense. There was no obvious profile to our crowd. Young, old, scholarly, laid back, white collar, working class -- a pleasant mix of ethnicity, families. Sport clothes, flip-flops, dressed for a night on the town. An exhilarating melange! THE EXPLORATORIUM  is an offering on the great CityPASS attractions ticket, which allows entree into must-see attractions at a bargain price in many of the country's major cities. In San Francisco, CityPASS also includes unlimited rides on the city's fabled cable cars. www.exploratorium.edu ;  www.citypass.com Phil Johnson, left, and Omri Schein take on 14 characters in the delightful "Withering Heights" at Diversionary Theatre, a clever, affectionate send-up of the Bronte novel. ***DON'T MISS THESE PLAYS ENDING JULY 9!  A pair of productions stands out this week in the fertile San Diego theater scene. "Withering Heights" is a non-stop laugh fest, a brilliantly written, impeccably performed and cleverly directed send-up of the gloomy and intricate Bronte novel "Wuthering Heights." North Coast Rep's accomplished artistic director David Ellenstein directs two versatile actors in a cross-dressed, fast paced tribute to the raft of characters we meet in the novel -- each parody elevated to melodrama, holding the line at mockery, managing to pay tribute to Bronte's convoluted plot. Standing O our night for Phil Johnson and Omri Schein, who both wrote and perform the inventive piece. They duck, dance, romance and prance as hero, heroine, bad boy, tyrant, ingenue, father, son, daughter, betrothed, mother-to-be, inebriate, virgin and more, each with distinct physicality and voice, mannerisms and hair pieces worthy of a Restoration comedy. "Withering Heights" at Diversionary Theatre delivers a hilarious incarnation of Heathcliff, Hindley, Cathy et al as their travails - - remembered by a housekeeper -- are told to James Olmstead's clever music. Understated lighting and minimal props do what the best theater always does: focus our attentions on fine acting. See for yourself, while supporting this fresh, daring new company, whose debut production, "Margin of Error," was also brilliant. Roustabouts is two for two! Encore, s'il vous plait.   www.theroustabouts.org   At La Jolla Playhouse, treat your favorite Parrot Head to "Escape to Margaritaville," which is welcome as a summer beverage on a hot day. It's a freshly conceived yet old-fashioned musical with LJ Playhouse's usual high-tech, no expense spared set, and gorgeous lighting, props and costumes. Besides Jimmy Buffett's classic tunes, he wrote some new songs for the Broadway-bound show, snazzily directed by Tony winning Christopher Ashley. The ensemble's high energy connects with the audience, delivering a poignancy to the partying. The run has been twice extended and is virtually sold out but you might luck out -- give it a try. There's not a bad chair in this beautifully designed and artful Mandell Weiss Theatre.  www.lajollaplayhouse.org NEXT UP:  Fabulous ''Buddy Holly Story'' rocks out in pair of daring San Diego theaters.   EXPLORE, LEARN, LIVE -- and catch us each Friday evening when we post a fresh look at travel, the arts and the natural world at www.whereiscookie.com Next week's feature describes a unique and first-ever collaboration between two San Diego theaters. "The Buddy Holly" story combines the talents and organizational chutzpah of Intrepid Theatre and New Village Arts, two daring and innovative Southern California companies who brought their talents together to dazzle audiences in both venues.

Wyoming's Wild West fun in vintage theater tells of Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley and more Dancing, singing, storytelling and a lively pace keep the audience entertained in Cody, Wyoming,at the popular Wild West Spectacular.  The show just ended a successful run, based on the life of showman, soldier and entrepreneur "Buffalo Bill" Cody, after whom the town of Cody is named.   A cast including college students and graduates, theater majors  and professional dancers and singers entertains to applause. The 1936 Cody Theatre is the venue for a rousing spectacular about Buffalo Bill and more. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WE WITNESSED THE OLD  West in glorious, boisterous entertainment at "Wild West Spectacular, the Musical," a rip-roaring show in Cody, Wyoming. Rocky Mountain Dance Theater produces this visual treat to raves each summer.  It took its final spirited bow for the 2022 season last weekend. If you were fortunate enough to book tickets, you were delighted, amused and perhaps even surprised at the high quality of the extravaganza, produced with a cast of 30 since late June with an ambitious docket of both evening shows and matinees.  A new season will debut in early summer of 2023, and tickets go on sale in January. THE HIGH CALIBER of the show has garnered accolades and favorable reviews since its 2016 inception from True West Magazine  and TripAdvisor. Cast members come from across the country. Most have theater degrees or background on the stage.   Tourists are lamenting the end of the show's run, while Yellowstone National Park and other attractions are still attracting crowds to Cody, but marketing director Jennifer Kaelberer explains. "We have a shorter summer season than other attractions because our actors have commitments." Members of the talented 30-person cast takes a bow at show's  end. Additional behind-the-scenes workers include lighting and technical staff, marketers, costumers, choreographers and more. Many of the professionals contracted are college students from across the country who must return to campus. Some have contracts with other companies or must satisfy a commitment to a job elsewhere. THE SHOW has a fresh feeling, boasting both an original script and choreography.  Some of the music is from Broadway's treasure chest of western lore ("Annie Get Your Gun," for instance). Set and lighting are imaginative, augmented by additional original musical pieces. The legend of Buffalo Bill Cody comes to life as snippets from Cody's colorful life are woven into the action. The international showman had a town named after him and the show pays tribute to his talents and energy with a non-stop dancing, singing, music and storytelling yarn. It's laced with good-natured humor, colorful costumes, tap dancing, ballet and audience interaction. We joined a crowd in the vintage Cody Theatre, in downtown Cody on the main street, Sheridan Avenue. If you don't know Cody, look for the famous Irma Hotel -- named after Buffalo Bill's beloved daughter. The theater is right across the street. Clem's Canteen and Creamery offers light refreshments and sweets, including ice cream. THE FULL , two-hour production ended its run with hoots, hollers and an ovation after a seven-week stint beginning in late June. The venue is the 1936 art deco theater in downtown Cody Theatre, across the street from the Irma Hotel, which is the jewel on Sheridan Avenue, the main venue in town. Actor Evan Wambeke takes a bow as Buffalo Bill, surrounded by other capable cast members. Families, couples and young and old joined in the merriment of the two-hour show, popcorn, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in hand, purchased at Clem's outside the auditorium. The show is the brainchild of director and Cody native Elizabeth Fernandez assisted by Kaelberer, director of public relations and marketing.  Kaelberer also    runs the front of house and ticketing, and observes each production from the tech deck, taking notes for the director. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers in the house. A VERSATILE cast of singers, dancers and actors is headed by Evan Wambeke, in his seventh season as Buffalo Bill. Other colorful characters dart in and out of the story -- headliner Annie Oakley, Wild Bill Hickok, Frank Butler and a top-drawer dance ensemble, whose numbers are show highlights, particularly a poignant homage to the buffalo. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR and choreographer Fernandez long dreamed of producing a show about the Wild West and its colorful characters. In 2016, the show debuted -- a full-fledged musical incorporating both original and Broadway tunes, imaginative dancing, vintage film and a lively narrative. A large cast of 30 includes a partial "split cast" -- several "doubles" for the two youngest characters. Each show, though, features 18 energetic performers on stage. Buffalo Bill's daughter, Irma, as a young woman, is played by Willow Fernandez. Other actors play Irma as a child. Here she sings a wistful ballad, missing her touring father. Tickets for the summer 2023 season go on sale Jan. 1, 2023 and next summer's season will run the last week of June through the first week of August at the historic Cody Theatre. More info or for next season's ticket information:  Social media platforms: Instagram and Facebook @codywildwestshow; codywildwestshow.com ;  rockymountaindancetheatre.org ; 307 527-9973.   Zion National Park is known to travelers worldwide, and treasured by residents of the United States who visit Utah's first national park in all its summer glory. UP NEXT: ZION! Our splendid national parks are a priceless treasure in the United States, enjoyed by a worldwide clientele. We're attempting to visit all of them. Our latest discovery is Zion, Utah's first national park with massive sandstone cliffs of gold, cream, pink and red. The sky is a brilliant blue and golden with extraordinary sunsets over the canyons. We'll take you there.  Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on nature, the arts, family, travel and more: www.whereiscookie.com

"Rouge" is an extraordinary show combining fabulous dance, acrobatics, stories and humor with a cast of perfectly proportioned men and women in scanty but tasteful costumes.   Delightful dancing with performers in lights makes "iLuminate" a hit with audiences looking for a unique show. BE PREPARED TO BE WOWED! VEGAS SHOWS LIGHT UP THE STAGE WITH IMAGINATION,DARING, DANCE, SEXY HUMOR,  FAMILY FUN Showgirls dazzle and delight in "Extravaganza" which has an old-fashioned Vegas show vibe with beautiful girls, spectacular sets and all the feathers and head gear of yore. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER LAS VEGAS is always lit up and ready for action -- no more so than during the holidays. Then the nation's showiest city rolls out more lights. And lights are what the latest shows in Vegas are all about. Many visitors come to Sin City -- population nearly 3 million -- expressly to see shows. Others come to gamble, drink and misbehave. Many come to view  millions of lights -- three million of them alone at Las Vegas Motor Speedway when its Glittering Lights show showcases 170 lit up trees. NEW SHOWS  kick things up a notch with fantastic lighting and extra  pizzazz for the holidays. From Caesar's to the Bellagio, Paris to the Venetian, Mirage to Rio, look for holiday lights, blinking trees and dozens of  Vegas style Santas. A stroll down the famous Strip yields everything from naughtily dressed showgirls in blinking costumes to classic nativity scenes with a Vegas twist, elegant Christmas trees and spectacular lights. More is always more in Las Vegas but during the holidays more is expected and brightly delivered. THIS TOWN  is about performance, so don't miss a show or two. The city's stages offer plenty of "enlightening" reasons to visit, with many shows suitable for families.  New and recently introduced productions sparkle with enticement for a visit. We saw eight top ones in a week's marathon and recommend these: :  * Wow! This is a "see it to believe it" must, transporting astonished viewers into a world of water, wonder and fantasy. It combines all that Vegas does best -- dazzling dancing, amazing acrobatics, international talent in the form of 30 gifted artists.  Plus 3D multi-media projections, holograms, and a memorable musical score.   Terrific for family with its jugglers and humor.  At the Rio showroom. Rouge: beautiful bodies in unusual positions with extraordinary muscle control, grace and flexibility.   * iLuminate. This is a complete Vegas original, designed by a woman whose pair of passions are dance and software design. The show fuses technology and dance when glow-in-the dark costumes light up a darkened stage. The musical mix -- from rap tunes to jazz and Folies Bergère favorites -- produces an engaging, unique show with expert dancers delighting in their flashy and flashing LED suits. At the Strat (formerly Stratosphere.) * Extravaganza.   This fun, family show has the feel of an old-fashioned Vegas revue. It showcases the dazzling talent of 30 artists including dancers, acrobats, skaters, aerialists and comedians. A world champion crossbow expert shoots an apple off her own head -- just one of the show's startling feats of strength, flexibility and derring-do. We sat next to a completely  mesmerized family.  At Bally's Jubilee showroom. A glowing Las Vegas attraction, the High Roller. * Rouge.   This was the last of the octet of shows we saw. So glad not to have missed because it's our favorite. Fabulous dancers, aerialists, contortionists and one of the funniest emcees on the Strip present what's billed as "a journey of seduction and adult adventure." A jaw-dropping ensemble of beautiful bodies -- men and women -- perform a captivating series of sketches in settings ranging from the 16th Century French court to the Roman forum. Gorgeous costumes, terrific dancing, laughs, thrills. Adult slant. At the Strat.    "Immersive Nutcracker" brings the action to the  audience, with floor to ceiling imagery and lights .  * Immersive Nutcracker. " This holiday classic gets a contemporary,  kaleidoscopic spin through music and "surround" imagery. The Tchaikovsky holiday favorite is reinvented to jazz up the title character, Sugar Plum Fairy and dancing company. Like all immersive works, it breaks through that "fourth wall" that traditionally separates audience from performers. There's no "stage" in the literal sense, but the imagination of its creators shines through in flash, dazzle, lights and larger than life imagery to tell the tale of the magical toy's awakening. The creators of "Immersive Van Gogh" endow this "Nutcracker" with that same magical feel. At the Shops at Crystals, Lighthouse Art Space . We also recommend any of the spectacular "Cirque du Soleil" shows. Each has the trademark energy and excellence that mark this Canadian born enterprise. Our favorite remains "The Beatles LOVE" at the Mirage,  which we've seen many times. "Ka," "Michael Jackson,' "Mystere," "O," and the newest Cirque show, "Mad Apple," are all winning choices. The latter showcases Cirque's unique combination of acrobatics, music, dance and comedy with a New York twist at -- where else? -- New York, New York.  RuPaul's Drag Race is glitzy fun at the Flamingo, and "All Motown" is an excellent production at Alexis Park Resort, with a fine five-woman cast.  If you haven't been to Vegas in a while, now's the time to let its lights shine on you! Happy holiday viewing! An homage to New York is the new Cirque du Soleil show, with fabulous acrobatics, music, dance and comedy. A Vegas show girl (or is it a guy?) Fun shows. www.illuminate.com ; www.wow-vegas.com ; www.rouge-vegas.com   www.immersive-nutcracker.com/las-vegas ;  www.allmotown.com www.cirquedusoleil.com/las-vegas-shows www.get.rupaulsdragracelive.com ; www.vegas.com Check out this website for discounts, coupons, family fun: www.capturetheatlas.com/christmas-in-las-vegas   Actor-director Sean Murray gives Scrooge depth and humanity in a touching, beautifully directed version of "A Christmas Carol" on stage at Cygnet Theatre . www.cygnettheatre.com BEST BET: One of San Diego's most versatile actors, Sean Murray, breathes new life into a classic. Cygnet Theatre's "A Christmas Carol," is a holiday heart warmer. Murray, who also directs the time honored Dickens tale, endows his Scrooge with an engaging stage presence and expressive gestures. Watching Scrooge's transformation from miser to philanthropist is sheer delight. The imaginative production is enhanced by original music with a nod to familiar carols, elegant Victorian costumes, creative stagecraft, charming puppets and beguiling visits from Marley and the trio of ghosts. A crack cast expertly plays multiple roles. Treat yourself or a loved one to a theatrical jewel.   www.cygnettheatre.com ; boxoffice@cygnettheatre.com ;  619 337-1525 The "attic" at La Pedrera, has more character and charm than any other room in all of Gaudi's imaginative work. STORIES ON TAP : With the holidays underway, we're celebrating genius, cathedrals, show biz and houses of "worship." Next up is a trip inside the imagination of famed Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudi.  He celebrated life and nature every day, with his eclectic masterpiece, Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona.  He also celebrated nature and man's connection to it, making that his personal artistic crusade.  We take you to southern Spain as we segue from Las Vegas with its glitz and glamour, to a favorite showy city. Then to Portugal, where Clerigos Tower's spectacular "Spiritus" multi-media show celebrates life and the beauty surrounding us. Remember to explore, learn and live.  Catch us weekly, for a fresh spin on the arts, nature, travel, family and more:  www.whereiscookie.com

North Coast Repertory Theatre ends its 35th season with a bang. "At This Evening's Performance" is a thoroughly likeable tale about a troupe of actors in a Soviet bloc-like police state, struggling to make magic on stage. Cygnet Theatre's acclaimed production of "Animal Crackers" offers unadulterated fun. DELICIOUSLY FUNNY, FAST-PACED TREATS KEEP US ON OUR TOES AND ENJOYING A LAVISH GLUT OF THEATER  CONFECTIONS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and theater marketing departments NOTHING LIKE  a couple hours in an air-conditioned theater, with plenty of laughs and revelry to beat the heat and tickle the funny bone. We've seen a satisfying medley of prize-winners this week, so we sing the praises of tasty theatrical confections here in southern California. For me, theater is not just an idle pastime.  It is my life blood.  Since I harmonized with my late sister, Peny, in "Count Your Blessings" as a three-year-old in a small Montana town, I was hooked. When I was a teen-ager, our family re-enacted the Covent Garden scene in "My Fair Lady," -- the scene in which Professor Higgins first lays ears on Eliza. ("Buy a fl'aar off a poor gil.") Never mind that my mother cast me as Col. Pickering. My sister Peny, tall and willowy and a lyric soprano, made a lovely Eliza and brother Rick was the eccentric Henry Higgins. "At This Evening's Performance" is held over at NorthCoast Repertory Theatre in Solano Beach, north of  San Diego. As the hilarious Captain Spaulding, Josh Odsess-Rubin brings down the house in Cygnet Theatre's rollicking performance of "Animal Crackers." THIS WEEK'S  theatrical outings took us to a refreshing North Coast Rep production of "At this Evening's Performance," by Nagle Jackson. A crackerjack cast play the denizens of a touring theater troupe in a corrupt 1970s Soviet-era police state. We've never seen a less than stellar performance at this North County gem, and the tradition continues with this delightful, fast-paced production, set in "Strevia," in two dressing rooms. The acting is top drawer, the set delightfully detailed (as always in this charming, small venue). It's a play for theater goers, who know the language and can recognize and appreciate the spoofing yet reverential nature allusions to the stage. The play is held over through Aug. 13. Terrific acting and deft direction keep the laughs coming in North Coast Repertory's "At This Evening's Performance." IN SAN DIEGO'S  Old Town, Cygnet Theatre, get ready for wickedly witty, magnificently costumed Marx Bros humor with "Animal Crackers," loosely based on the laugh-a-minute Broadway musical and film with the Marx Bros and Margaret Dumont. Sean Murray's talented stable of actors delivers brilliantly.  Not a weak link in this stellar cast, with cameo numbers for each actor, from the fabulous "straight woman" Dumont character, to a wonderfully rendered Harpo, a sterling pair of scheming social climbers and several multiple-role scene stealers. YOU'LL BE  amused at Mrs. Rittenhouse's posturing, and Captain Spaulding is superb -- all in fabulous costumes.  Harpo's delightful miming and Zeppo's stooge exhibit the troupe's tremendous energy. This tap dancing kid was thrilled at the impeccable specialty numbers and there are sight gags, generous ad libs and athletically rendered physical bits. Top it off with Groucho's insured ad libs and you'll be engagingly entertained. The production is light on its feet -- and the ensemble work cohesive and admirable. As veterans of many performances -- on both sides of the footlights -- we salute the Sunday matinee production, the first of two that same day. The play runs through Aug. 13. AT THE OLD  Globe, "Guys and Dolls" is selling out its smashing production of this mid-century American classic. The can't-miss score of Frank Loesser songs includes “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “Sue Me” and more. A top-drawer ensemble tells the sassy Runyon stories. in a whiz-bang production. The Old Globe's "Guys and Dolls" is delightfully rendered with snappy choreography and lavish costumes. "Evita" comes soon to San Diego Repertory Theatre. Sam Woodhouse, Rep founder, directs a much heralded production. COMING NEXT: Summertime and the living is easy. These lines from another famous musical, are perfectly tuned for our photo essay of an easy-going summer idyll in the Beartooth Mountains of Montana.  Join us for a serene look at life along the West Fork of the Stillwater River in Big Sky Country. AND DON'T NEGLECT San Diego Musical Theatre, for lively productions of mostly vintage works. SDMT's "Damn Yankees" in May was a stellar production   and you'll enjoy sitting in the historic Spreckels Theatre, or the inviting house at Horton Grand. Always a treat to visit the best of Broadway in top-notch SDMT shows. THERE'S MORE:  If you have yet to see "Buddy:  The Buddy Holly Story"....at New Village Arts in Carlsbad, it is as high energy treat. And coming soon to downtown San Diego, a much heralded production of "Evita." Plus don't overlook the brilliant and caring works at Intrepid and Diversionary theaters.

The Bluewater Boathouse, near Hotel del Coronado stands stately on a recent rainy evening.  The restaurant mimics the beautiful Hotel Del architecture, lovely by day or night. Hornblower Cruises offers a lovely dinner cruise, passing under the majestic Coronado Bridge with a view of  The Del and the Boathouse. Consider Hornblower for its popular Sights and Sips. 'THE ISLAND' HAS CHARM, EXCITING DINING, GREAT THEATER, A CLASSIC CALIFORNIA HOTEL STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The Coronado Bridge, opened in 1969, is becoming a symbol of San Diego, much like the Golden Gate to San Francisco. A Hornblower Cruise goes under it. Coronado has the feel of a small town, with fine food, plays, fun shopping, a relaxed environment, bicyclers and the beach. Lamb's Players Theatre offers delightful, professional plays, including the current hit production of  the farce "Noises Off!" WE'D SAILED UNDER  the impressive Coronado Bridge many times with our favorite Hornblower Cruises.  Finally, I drove across it, viewing Coronado from land rather than sea. The occasion was a play at the famous Lamb's Players Theatre on Orange Street. My husband, a San Diego native son, had long raved about the theater and its prime location on Orange Street, the main artery. He loves theater and the bridge and said the Hotel del Coronado was a must. As theater junkies, bridge climbers and vintage hotel fans, a visit was a fine way to satisfy those interests. "Coronado has the feeling of a village," Keller said as we parked. He was right. SITUATED JUST  across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado has maintained its "small town" feel with a lovely beach, charming shops and attractive restaurants. It's a walkable town, where locals and tourists mingle -- a pleasant blend of stollers, bicyclers, dog walkers and vacationers enjoying cocktails or a leisurely meal. We joined other play-goers on Orange Avenue for a drink and supper after an excellent matinee at Lamb's Players Theatre. ITS PERFECT BEACH  is often voted "best in the U.S." My surfer husband says its waves are gentle and appealing. The stately Hotel del Coronado is an easy walk from the beach, Lamb's Players Theatre, a choice of fun restaurants and colorful galleries and shops. We're fans of fine old hotels and  Hotel del Coronado is that and more. Built in 1888 it is beloved by Hollywood stars, dating back to Charlie Chaplin, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. "The Del" has 25 films and TV shows to its credit. At least a dozen presidents have visited and "The Wizard of Oz" author L. Frank Baum stayed at the hotel for years, writing his Oz series there from 1904 to 1910.  Marilyn Monroe's "Some Like It Hot" was filmed at The Del.  FOUNDERS ELISHA  Babcock Sailboats dot the bay on a recent sunny day, viewed from the Coronado bridge. and Hampton L. Story would be pleased. They dreamed their seaside resort would be “the talk of the Western world.” They designed the slope of the charming main street and laid out the village for family homes, shops,  and romantic inns and cafes to appeal to vacationers. CORONADO WAS   a baby when "The Del" was built -- just a few families.  Now it is home to over 25,000 people.  Coronado isn't exactly an island, connected to the mainland as it is.  The architecture and easy-going feeling are part of the allure. Its  lively appeal includes Mexican influence, old-world military personnel, beach culture, Hollywood glamour and its unique local history. For my money, the best way to enjoy a view of the spectacular Coronado Bridge and Coronado is to take a Hornblower cruise -- dinner cruise is ideal -- and watch Coronado light up. lambsplayers.org ;  hornblower.com ; hoteldel.com BEST BET : "South Pacific" opens at Horton Grand Theater in San Diego.  As a youngster, I saw Mary Martin "Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair" and love this grand old musical. It's not only a stirring love story, but a lesson on tolerance. San Diego Musical Theater opens the beloved musical this weekend,  through May 27. The famed Cannes Film Festival opens soon, and we'll take you there. ****************************NEXT UP : Cannes. Long the most famous of festivals, it's time for the Cannes Film Festival in southern France.  We take you to the Cote d'Azur, one of the first modern resort areas of Europe, to look at the stately architecture, sail boats, casinos and restaurants. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each week when we post a fresh take on travel, the arts, nature, family and more.

The Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles is the perfect venue for a beautifully staged "Bright Star," with a bluegrass band on stage, and a full pit orchestra in the traditional place below.  The show is spectacularly staged. MUSICAL EARNS BRAVOS, STANDING OVATIONS IN ITS TOE-TAPPING REINCARNATION  Carmen Cusack's lovely leading lady role makes the audience laugh -- and cry -- in "Bright Star." The actress played the role of Alice on Broadway. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and courtesy Ahmanson Theatre IF THERE IS anything Steve Martin can't do, he has yet to reveal it. Cookie and Keller enjoy opening weekend at the Ahmanson for "Bright Star."  Writers-composers Steve Martin, Edie Brickell and director Walter Bobbie. Fans of "Bright Star" arrange their own photo shoot with the billboard in front of Los Angeles' Ahmanson Theatre. Versatile California born a ctor, writer, juggler, comic, musician and composer, Martin , and his friend and collaborator  Edie Brickell  are delighted to bring their musical, “ Bright Star ,” back to the West Coast. It opened here years ago in our part-time stomping grounds, at San Diego's Old Globe. After revising and reworking parts of the musical's storyline, Martin and Brickell took their project to Broadway.  In 2016, it picked up a half-dozen Tony nominations then went back to the drawing board. NOW IT it is finely tuned, a wonderful, rapturous production,  reaping standing ovations at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, where we have happily booked season tickets for years. The production is stellar, just holding the line at melodrama, avoiding cliche because of Martin's clever turns of phrase, subtle direction  and fabulous actors including many of the Broadway cast. Eugene Lee’s inventive scenic design puts bluegrass musicians front and center in a beautifully lit movable wooden cabin. THAT SETS the tone for banjo player Martin's musical, set in North Carolina. Lighting design by Japhy Weideman enhances the magical realism of the story. Martin first made a name for himself as an irreverent comic -- he told me years ago that his mediocre juggling at Knotts Berry Farm brought him into comedy. "My boss said, 'Kid, you're not much of a juggler, but you're very funny." Ahmanson Theatre goers are reveling in the reincarnated "Bright Star," by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. After several reworkings, Martin says the musical's time has come. He shows another side of his talent in musical theater, with the bluegrass music of "Bright Star." “Love Has Come for You,” the Grammy-winning album he collaborated on with Brickell,  stops the show and fabulous banjo, mandolin, bass and fiddle music have the audience tapping its collective toe. Cusack is mesmerizing in the lead, reprising her Tony-nominated performance as Alice Murphy, whose bittersweet tale the musical tells.  SHE CRACKS WISE , breaks hearts and exudes charm and wit, with a gorgeous voice. Backing her is a top-notch cast, all dancers and singers in rare form and believable spanning the story's 25-year sweep. We wouldn't have missed last weekend's opening.  The show is touring, so see it when you can. Said Martin in an interview, “I’m excited, because since we did it in San Diego, which played very well, we have significantly changed the show,” Martin said. “Things going in, things coming out." He says he has a "secret belief that the time is now ripe for ‘ Bright Star ’ in Los Angeles." "What's it about?" my sisters asked. "Love, loss and redemption," I said.  "Is there anything else?" Lake Sioux Charley in summer glory on a hike before the leaves began to turn this past summer UP NEXT:   We take you to Sioux Charley in Montana.....splendors on the Stillwater in Montana's Beartooth Mountains. Come visit, near our home on the range, as we climb a spectacular gorge by the source of the Stillwater River, near Nye, Montana. Here, the skies are (almost) not cloudy all day. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays for each weekend's post, a fresh look at nature, the arts, travel and family.

DANISH ARCHITECT UTZON'S VISIONARY BUILDING IS A TRUE MASTERPIECE Tourists from around the globe tour Sydney Opera House, enjoy tastings and see plays, dance and concerts in many venues. After the tour, enjoy dumplings, oysters,  shrimp; Below, the "sails" from under them. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IT RANKS  with the architectural wonders of the world. The Sydney Opera House is like no other building. Famous for its gorgeous shells -- resembling the ship sails which skirt and shift in the ocean below -- the building is far  more than an opera house, although grand opera is performed there. It's actually a complex of theaters, rehearsal halls and more than 1,000 rooms of varying shapes and sizes. Built on 4.5 acres for $103 million over a period of decades, the grand building is the product of a design competition in 1957.  The winner was Danish architect Jorn Utzon, who imagined a "living sculpture" that could be viewed from any angle, by land, sea or air -- with the roofs as a "fifth facade." A windy day didn't stop Cookie and Keller. Here, to the right of the Sydney Opera House, you can see the arc of the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. The story is that the bold and controversial concept came to Utzon while he was peeling an orange, because its "sections" resemble pieces of the fruit.  This may be only myth, but it makes a good story. Red steps lead to the Joan Sutherland Theater, one of the great opera houses in the world, named after the great diva who was born in Sydney in 1926. The famed soprano died in 2010.   WHAT IS  true is that Utzon labored for years to bring the project to fruition, resigned in frustration, then after many more years was coaxed back. Other facts: * An Aussie design team finished the interior,  The completion of the pre-cast roof panels and "sails" was difficult to master. * The opera theater, one of several performance halls, has had horses, donkeys and chickens on the stage.  The "Aida" production, however, used cut-out elephants. (A veteran guide told us that a chicken fell into the orchestra pit once, during "Boris Gudonov." The violinist shrieked but soon resumed playing.) * Wedding receptions and parties can be staged in the complex. * Australian born Joan Sutherland, a globally famous soprano, loved the venue and was honored a couple years after her 2010 death in the renaming of the opera house. * This reporter saw the great tenor Luciano Pavarotti perform there in the 1990s.  Such memories. WE LOVED  our two tours, which included a stroll around the set for "Switzerland," a hit mystery play.  We marveled at the vaulted ceilings and pillar-free chambers. We felt elegant in the custom-made white birch chairs. And we feasted on sushi, prawns, dumplings and salmon as the sun set over Sydney Harbor. NEXT UP: Jeffrey Rockwell plays lively piano, Kevin Bailey is the hard-drinking private eye, and Sharon Reitkerk is "The Blonde" in "Gunmetal Blues" at North Coast Repertory Theatre. The latest hit at North Coast Repertory Theatre is a sultry, slinky, fast-paced and amusing musical.  "Gun Metal Blues" lovingly spoofs the 1940s film noir classics we watch again and again.  Three gifted actors play out the action in the seedy Red Eye Lounge, where a jaded piano player, Buddy, guides us through the convoluted action with plenty of laughs and some beautiful tunes. See why we say "bravo," for this fresh, funny production.  Enjoy, learn and live! Please visit us Wednesdays and weekends and tell your friends about www.whereiscookie.com

RIGHT ON THE LAS VEGAS STRIP, LEGENDARY HOTEL HOSTS PARADISE FOR FEATHERED FRIENDS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A flightless pelican -- wounded by fishing line and unable to fly -- is among pampered guests at the Flamingo's wildlife habitat. These unusual Asian white-faced  ducks whistle not quack. You'll see flamingos in the art at the legendary hotel -- and in the bird habitat. THE BEST KEPT secret on the Las Vegas strip is not the view from a fancy hotel. It's not a fabulous meal in a little known bistro. It's not a two-for-one show ticket or a $3 blackjack table. It's a fantastic wildlife habitat in the Flamingo Hotel. The famed Las Vegas strip is just steps away from the Flamingo's wildlife habitat -- and the fabled, much newer High Roller wheel.  The charming hotel -- our favorite through many years of staying in Sin City, a town we love -- is the one with the familiar flamingo motif.  It was founded by the legendary Bugsy Siegel -- gambler, ladies man and improviser.  He's known as the man who invented Las Vegas, and he loved flamingos. "WE DIDN'T  build on the strip," a veteran bartender told us. "The strip was created around the Flamingo." It's true.  Siegel, the visionary entrepreneur who lit up the desert with his casino concept, is memorialized on a bronze plaque near the hotel's charming little chapel. The remembrance is surrounded by flamingos, rare Asian and South American waterfowl and even a pelican who can no longer fly and is fed and pampered by the habitat's staff. Both a morning and afternoon feeding and talk are offered free to the public.  We chose an afternoon session and thoroughly enjoyed it. AFTERWARDS, WE caught up to congenial and devoted naturalist Lori Miller while she continued feeding the birds. She and two other bird tenders talks to guests, answers questions and explain feeding and care of the exotic and beautiful creatures in their care. Naturalist Lori Miller is one of three trained professionals caring for the birds and fish at the Flamingo Hotel's unique and lovely Habitat. One of the city's most unique and beloved attractions, the Flamingo's Wildlife Habitat even has a wing in the hotel named after it:  We always ask for the Habitat wing, and that's where we stay. WE ENJOY IT  because we can view the lush habitat from our 15th or 20th story room.  We also love the hotel's dog friendly atmosphere. Well behaved pets are welcome and fellow guests are also animal lovers.  They clean up after their pets and use the pet run area, which like all of the hotel is nicely landscaped. ON THE HIGH  Roller wheel, we loved gazing down at the habitat -- an oasis of calm among the skyscrapers and busy streets. Parents bring their children to enjoy the waterfowl, and to stroll around lushly landscaped gardens, pools and ponds. In a city where price tags can get exorbitant, the habitat is free. No admission charge. People come from other nearby hotels to enjoy it, as it is open to the public and draws from the nearby Linq, Mirage, Harrah's, Caesar's, Planet Hollywood, Bally's and other top Vegas hotels. WE MET  guests from Germany, Italy and Australia  during our recent four days, and from a dozen U.S. states. Nestled on the Flamingo's lush 15-acre grounds, the habitat is stocked with exotic birds, fish and sunbathing turtles. Flamingos gave the Flamingo Hotel its name and live on a lush island in the habitat. A highlight of the habitat is "Flamingo Island," home to an impressive flock of Chilean flamingos.  The long-necked coral colored bird is the hotel's signature bird and inspiration for the name of the 1947 property. The flamingos' supporting cast is a colorful collection of other feathered friends from around the world, including ring-tealed ducks and sacred ibis.  Guests of all ages stand and sit in fascination, watching the birds.  Seeing people and birds peacefully co-existing is a singular pleasure to staying in perhaps the most tranquil spot in Las Vegas.   WHILE THE FLAMINGOS  preen on a single leg during the changing sunlight,  across the way, you'll enjoy black-necked swans, many kinds of ducks, koi and carp. For theater, movies, and a fun new book: click on lilianslastdance.com Miller told us that some of the carp weigh in at 50 and 60 pounds.  They're huge. The Flamingo at night is a blaze of glorious color. Migrating birds are also frequent visitors at the habitat, as well as four kinds of hummingbirds, attracted by the feeders kept in pristine condition by the naturalists. A beautiful b rown pelican -- unable to fly because of injuries -- joined the hotel's habitat three years ago, rescued in 2012 from a tangle of fishing line and hooks on a nearby bay. We savored the  hummingbirds zipping to their feeders, took photos of the signature flamingos and watched the water animals at feeding time. The habitat is an idyllic stop among the buzzing city boulevard and Linq district  steps away. The habitat's black-necked swan has a distinctive red growth on his bill. MILLER SAID that all animals are carefully maintained.  A group of lively, squawking parrots is kept in another area, not far from the habitat.  Guests are welcome to enjoy them, pose for photos with them and contribute to the habitat by purchasing the photos. What charmed us most about the place is the artful integration of landscaping and critters -- birds fly in and out and putz around in the water, enjoying elegant little  islands, streams and waterfalls.  The birds seem to know they live in hallowed ground, just yards from the asphalt, neon and high rise hotels of Vegas fame. IT'S A MUCH  loved place to slow down after a session of gambling, drinking, dining or otherwise carousing and over-indulging in one of our favorite towns. For theater, movies, and a fun new book: click on lilianslastdance.com   Melbourne's alleys, streets are artfully adorned by residents.   COMING UP:  We find hidden secrets, stunning artwork and surprising talent in the alleys and secret corners of Melbourne, Australia.  In a unique tradition encouraged by city officials, artists are welcome to paint, improvise, create in this delightful city Down Under. Remember to explore, learn and live, and check us out here Wednesdays for travel tips, hotels, restaurants, cruising and nature pieces:   www.whereiscookie.com