Search Results

All aboard! North Yorkshire Moors Railway pulls out of the station with a full complement of passengers.  York's National Railway Museum has won national awards for its expansive telling of the country's rail history. MERRY OLDE ENGLAND NURTURES A DEEP AFFECTION FOR RAIL TRAVEL STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER TRAINS ARE  as much a part of English life today as ships were centuries ago. The National Railway Museum in York is the largest and most expansive in the country, known for its variety, welcoming layout and detailed exhibits.  We recently explored several rail venues in Northeast England and are anxious to expand our rail travel to other parts of the United Kingdom. Since the country's first steam locomotives chugged out of Stockton and Darlington in 1825, that pastoral corner of England has held rail travel close to its heart. People in all parts of the UK enjoy relaxing, soaking up views. Nowhere is the rail experience more rewarding than in the North York Moors. With lovely scenery, a beverage and perhaps a pleasant lunch, tea or dinner, train travel here combines three things the British love: countryside, history and sharing a bite, a cuppa or a pint. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway offers splendid scenery and a chance to relax and visit over a beverage or snack. QUEENS, SOLDIERS  and school children enjoyed rail travel dating back to the golden age of steam. We began our "train fix" with a history lesson at York's fine National Railway Museum, part of the extensive Science Museum Group. Admission is by donation and upon entering the expansive halls, wonders unfold: iconic locomotives, Queen Victoria's plush car, a detailed rail ambulance which saved lives during wartime, a magical mail car with a Eurail pass beckons fascinating film of workers tossing and collecting bags of post from moving trains. The Royal Scotsman, Orient Express --  trains, from antique to sleek-contemporary. BRITISH RAIL travel, much like train travel in the U.S., developed during the railway boom of the 1840s, with dozens of competing companies.  Through the 19th and early 20th centuries, these consolidated or were bought up  by competitors until only a few companies remained Miss Eastwood serves beverages aboard an old-fashioned steam train. . One enterprise that flourishes is the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. We joined 100-plus fellow train lovers for a pleasant journey from Whitby to Pickering.  Our hosts, John and Sue, arranged the trip -- she dropped us off via auto and John joined us in our red velvet car. We traveled through lush woodlands and picturesque villages, much as they were 100 years ago. We visited, relaxed and sipped beverages served by a smiling stewardess then Sue kindly met us to motor us home. We've trained around the UK through England, Scotland and Wales in past visits, and recommend it for its "no hassle" ease, speed and convenience. As passengers departed their trains in York, we headed for ours, in a lovely car taking us to London for six days.   SINCE THEY "do the driving," rail travel is a stress-free, comfortable way to travel, even on short notice.  A spontaneous trip can easily be arranged. Visiting BritRail's website is a good place to start.  You'll find passes for extended travel, sleeping cars and even package tours. The expansive BritRail train system offers a variety of excellent passes to suit every desire for travel in the UK. This trip, we experienced only a small part of BritRail's destination bonanza. Our York-London trip was a comfy two-hour journey to central London, then just a 10-minute taxi to our hotel. THOUSANDS MAKE  use of BritRail passes for the flexibility in using the UK's expansive national rail network to historic places. All major cities are served, including London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Brighton, Glasgow, Liverpool, Birmingham and many more.    Here are a few of the impressive variety of passes BritRail offers: Cookie and Keller visit York's famous Rail Museum which features all manner of train-related transportation, antique to contemporary.  The museum asks only a donation. BritRail England Pass  - travel the whole of England. BritRail London Plus Pass - travel Southeast England to Stratford Upon Avon, Bristol, Bath and Cambridge. BritRail Spirit of Scotland Pass - travel all over Scotland including ferry routes to the islands. BritRail Central Scotland Pass  - travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh via historical towns such as Stirling, Linlithgow and Dunblane. BritRail Scottish Highlands Pass - travel around the Scottish Highlands by rail with some ferry routes. BritRail Southwest Pass - travel from London (including busy Heathrow Airport) to Southwest England, to visit  the beaches of Cornwall or have a cream tea in Devon.   TO GET YOU  in a train state of mind, the York museum is planning fun holiday displays, including one featuring the original Stephenson's Rocket, which changed rail travel in 1829.  Another exhibit features "The Age of Innovation" when vicars, lace-makers and miners brought their own miniature locomotives to life. We recommend rail travel over renting a car in Britain, particularly for our fellow Yanks. To avoid driving "the wrong side of the road," why not ride the rails instead? nymr.co.uk ;   railwaymuseum.org.uk ;  britrail.com Bruce Keller, aka "Keller" and Christene "Cookie" Meyers on board the Madaket, on a cruise around Humboldt Bay. UP NEXT:  Did you know that there exists in  northern California, the country's oldest still operational ferry boat.  The Madaket proudly patrols the waters of Humboldt Bay, with a skipper who knows her business and shares information about the wildlife, economy, waterways, history and purpose of the charming ferry, which among other attributes boasts the smallest licensed bar in the state.  More next week.  Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn, laugh and live and catch us Fridays for a fresh look at travel, nature, the arts, family and more:  www.whereiscookie.com   Please share the links and tell your friends. We have a global readership of which we are very proud.

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 Waverley Station, an easy hop to Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle, many cafes and shops. The two and a Yorkshire friend met with Scottish family. A visit to Hampshire's Highclere Castle, where "Downton Abbey" was filmed, makes a pleasant train  trip. A package includes a trip on a classic British Pullman, a lovely brunch and castle tour. We visit England often, and had grown tired of renting cars.  This time, we let BritRail do the "driving" to make the best use of our brief time in a favorite destination. THE BRITISH  rail system is time honored. Our UK cousins really know how to run their trains. Theirs is one of the oldest rail networks in the world.  In the early 19th Century when most people traveled by horse, ships or carriages, those clever Brits were already riding the rails!    On this most recent UK visit, rather than the stress of renting a car and the confusion of driving on the other side of the road, we chose to travel by British Railway. We had several places to go, after crossing the Atlantic on Queen Mary 2. Our BritRail passes made it possible to combine historic landmarks, cities, castles we'd admired on TV, and family visitations.  In the same UK visit, it is possible to travel from Southampton Visiting old friend, well known Oxford scholar David Howlett, was a treat. He pointed out historic buildings, Bill  Clinton's student digs, some of the famed university's many colleges and favorite spots on quaint streets. A delightful day trip from London's Paddington Station. to see friends in Yorkshire, from London to connect with  Oxford friends, spend a day with family in Edinburgh, and  tour an English castle or manor house. "BritRail," as it is affectionately called, makes it possible to organize smooth train travel between whatever points your itinerary includes. It just takes a bit of planning. THE COUNTRY'S extensive rail network offers a variety of passes for various amounts of time. Do your homework because there are multiple choices for travel across England, Scotland and Wales. There are some discounts for youth and seniors and watch for promotions which can stretch your pounds with a bit of research and homework.  Over 20 Train Operating Companies (TOCs) make up the National Rail network of Great Britain. BritRail sells the passes and other companies operate the trains. Our passes were issued through ACP Rail, one of BritRail's star partners. So ACP Rail is where you need to get your BritRail passes, particularly if you are seeking a mobile pass. Passengers may use selected BritRail passes on all National Rail trains. Just know the boundary of your specific pass zone.   The ease of UK train travel made a family reunion possible.  Bruce Keller, Margaret Ganner, Christene Meyers, Gerrard Ganner, Jane Brodie and Sue Speight met  for a day in Scotland. The Ganner party took the train into Edinburgh from their nearby town, while Cookie Keller and Sue came by train from Yorkshire. THE HUGE VARIETY of passes and tours allows one to custom design a specific itinerary. Because there are so many choices, you'll have to narrow the field. First, determine what places you really want to see and how many days you have. Then review the options at the website. What's your pleasure? Do you want a scenic trip through Scotland, cultural delights of village life and rural England, a visit to an abbey or castle where a favorite PBS program was filmed? We truly enjoyed seeing where PBS productions were filmed. Access to the famed "Downton Abbey" and "Brideshead Revisited" sites are easily arranged. Perhaps you wish to visit the town of your ancestors to look for family roots and records. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal in Yorkshire are the largest of its kind in Europe, a vast ruin  open to the sky, popular with locals and tourists. A train trip from King's Cross to York then a short taxi ride make a lovely day trip.   TO MAKE the most of your time, arrange your itinerary before and don't be unnerved if your favorite abbey or castle is a few kilometers from the nearest train stop. If you want to see Fountains Abbey, for example, take the train from London to York, then take a taxi or hitch a ride with a friend to see the abbey.  An amiable steward offers beverages and snacks. WITH OUR  Yorkshire friend, Sue, we booked a train to Edinburgh using our passes. She purchased a single roundtrip ticket from Darlington to Edinburgh, arranging to sit with us.  This enabled us to spend the day with our Scottish relatives. They were eager to show us highlights of Scotland’s magnificent capital city,  treating us to a Scottish meal at a delightful restaurant, regaling us with the city's Cookie relaxes on BritRail with a splendid view, comfy seat to see the picturesque English country. history while we strolled Princes Street, bought souvenirs and stopped for a bagpipe trill at Scott Monument, the world's largest monument to a writer. On another trip, we toured the Royal Yacht Britannia and heard the mid-day gun salute from Edinburgh Castle. To do that would have meant overnighting, but we accomplished a lot in a single day's journey. We're forever fans of BritRail and the variety of passes which save time, money and nerves. If you want a pass, ACP Rail is the only distributor for BritRail pass especially on the Mobile-Pass. More information or to book: www.acprail.com/ www.britrail.com/britrail-passes/britrail-pass/ www.visitbritainshop.com/au/en/uk-travel-passes-and-transport-tickets/britrail-passes Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers in front of the intriguing Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach. COMING UP:  A treasure trove of Latin American art, by both famous and emerging artists awaits in the fascinating, user friendly and beautifully curated Museum of Latin American Art. The metal sculpture in front of the Long Beach museum is typical of the work at this extraordinary museum which is the only facility in the United States dedicated to both modern and contemporary Latin American art.  A unique sculpture garden is part of the pleasures of this intriguing and imaginatively curated museum.  We step inside to reflect on the diversity of sculpture, paintings and more.  Meanwhile remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on art, nature, performance, family and more. Thanks for sharing the link, too: www.whereiscookie.com

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS You  have to love a city that in a few week's time offers vocal jazz with Manhattan Transfer in the historic Balboa Theatre and classics played with vintage instruments by Bach Collegium in the The art deco charms of the 1924 Balboa Theater are thanks to careful restoration. It is the grand dame of downtown, adjacent to Horton Plaza and the Lyceum. imposing venue of Balboa Park's History Center. Add a world-class Puerto Rican brother-sister chamber concert and klezmer tunes with knishes, both at the Lyceum Theatre downtown in colorful Horton Plaza. The always inventive San Diego Repertory Theatre is hosting the 20th annual Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival. We were part of a rousing opening night Tuesday, for Guillermo and Ivonne Figueroa's "standing O" recital. The talented violinist and pianist kicked off the festival's lively slate of performances with Fritz Kreisler, Felix Mendelssohn and photos of their extraordinary musical family in the intimate Lyceum space. The fest continues in San Diego and other at North County venues with more spellbinding music, theater and plenty of Jewish soul. Kudos to curator, organizer and director Todd Salovey, associate artistic director of the Rep, for tackling daunting booking and scheduling challenges. On tap are free events and reasonably priced concerts and  performances. The fest runs through June 18    San Diego Repertory Theatre makes its home in the Lyceum. Other intriguing highlights are “Chagall,” a new theatrical musical with dance presented by John Malashock and Yale Strom; Soulfarm, a Mediterranean flavored band from Israel, featuring Grammy-winner C. Lanzbom; and the popular Klezmer Summit featuring "Jews in Jazz" with ensemble Hot Pstromi and the remarkable talents of lively 94-year old cellist Fred Katz. The Summit is June 3, complete with complimentary kosher knishes sponsored by Schmoozers.  We've booked that and "Steal Heaven," the story of controversial activist Abbie Hoffman. He's still raising Cain, raising the Pentagon and raising the next generation of social game-changers. San Diego Rep's artist-in-residence Herbert Siguenza depicts Hoffman nestled in a Jewish home for the aged, plotting the course of America's future. The  lively Lipinsky Family Jewish Arts Festival offers reasons to visit the Lyceum Theatre and Horton Plaza.  The one-night performance takes place in the Lyceum Space on Thursday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. An excuse to revisit the charms of Horton Plaza. Looking for something in Oceanside --  an impromptu event tonight? One of the festival’s most popular musicians returns with a joyful selection of Jewish and Klezmer classics. Alexander Gourevitch was born in the Soviet Union and trained as a classical clarinetist.  He is a principle musician with Tijuana’s Orquesta de Baja and plays klezmer to express his Jewish soul. Gourevitch will be joined by his band Freilachs, featuring  Ara Ghukasyan, violin, Oxana Bulgakova, piano, and Carlos Maria, percussion. The concert is tonight (Wednesday, May 22) at 7:30 p.m. at the Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, Calif. Tickets are $5. Call (760) 435-3720. Check out the rest of the festival's impressive list of performers and venues, survey the complete line-up of stellar events and book tickcts at   http://www.sdrep.org or call (619) 544-1000. Variety. Quality. Venues. San Diego is southern California's city with musical soul and a remarkable performing arts docket.  San Diego Opera produced "Aida" last month, we've heard classical music, Manhattan Transfer still has it! Smooth harmonies, delightful jazz arrangements and a brilliant accompanist. Tim Hauser, right, is the only original member and makes his home in San Diego. jazz and Broadway tunes within the month.  We just booked a tango show for next week. That range is typical of the lively musical arts scene here. We were thrilled to obtain last-minute tickets to Manhattan Transfer, favorites or ours since the early 1970s. This enduring quartet, with a stellar pianist, includes Alan Paul, Cheryl Bentyne, Janis Siegel and Tim Hauser, who makes his home in the San Diego area. "I'm delighted to be playing here," he said, "because tonight I don't have to sleep in a hotel." We had delightful seats in first-row balcony of the beautiful Balboa Theatre downtown. A perfect setting with its glorious art deco arches and brocade wall paper and hints of velvet, for our trip down memory lane. The quartet delivered all its hits, changing coats, adding hats and costume props from a wardrobe on   stage. Fun stuff! "Boy From New York City" and "Chanson d'Amour" showed off two very different The Balboa Theatre is the cornerstone of Horton Plaza. styles -- be-bop and romantic ballad -- no problem. The quartet does it all.  "Java Jive" and "Operator" were precisely but swingingly sung, in the smooth, close harmonies which identify the group.  There have been two major manifestations of Manhattan Transfer; Hauser is the only person to be part of both. They take their name from the 1925 novel, "Manhattan Transfer," by John Dos Passos, and pays tribute to the quartet's New York ties. Their much honored pianist and arranger Yaron Gershovsky is a hugely important component.  His talent in many ways make him the star of the show. And the venues in San Diego play more than supporting parts.  Balboa Theater is 1924 gem, surviving decay and neglect and a 20-year closure to return in 2008 with a $26 million restoration. On the Balboa's docket are the Canadian Tenors May 31 and Mainly Yaron Gershovsky's genius as pianist-arranger makes him an integral part of the show, here in the Balboa Theatre. Mozart Festival June 13. Check out the summer schedule at SDBalboa.org or call 619 570-1100. COMING UP:  We take to the ocean -- beyond the two bays --  in a 27-foot sloop,sailing out of Harbor Yacht Club. Then we're off to Las Vegas, answering the call of gambling with all its glory. Remember to  explore, learn and live. www.whereiscookie.com posts each Wednesday and Saturday. Tell like minded people and join the fun.

Cookie and Keller take time for a quick cocktail during their guided tour of The Royal Suite on Serenade of the Seas. Would Queen Elizabeth and President Obama join Cookie? WHAT DO THE SIMPLE FOLK DO? LET'S BOOKA ROYAL SUITE TODAY Top penthouses offer luxury.  Cookie covets the "Royal" suites. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS,  PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and archives WHY CAN'T  I stay in the presidential suite every time I cruise? (Or at least in the palatial owner's suite or the spacious royal suite.) Cookie and Keller play during a visit to the Royal Suite on Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas. I'd appreciate my lavish surroundings, making certain to use every drawer and chair (and each of the several bathrooms!)  I'd play the piano.  I'd tip the butler well when he organized an intimate, little party for 50 of my closest new cruise-loving friends. Special suites and penthouses on ships are large as many peoples' homes. I'D INVITE  Queen Elizabeth and President Obama. Perhaps they'd be in the neighborhood and could drop in.  I picture us in a lovely port, surrounded by yachts and elegantly clad folks, dressed up for a Cole Porter kind of evening. Perhaps Monte Carlo...... SO WHAT  am I waiting for? For my financial ship to come in. Alas, with three or four cruises a year, I'd be beyond bankrupt if I traveled in only top penthouse accommodations. BUT I CAN DREAM. Years ago, in one of my 13 voyages on the beloved Queen Elizabeth 2, we splurged for Queens Grill class and dined one evening with a pair of British gentlemen who had booked the Presidential Suite for a two-week journey up the Norwegian fjords then a crossing from Southampton. A Queens Grill suite aboard the new Queen Elizabeth features 2,249 square feet of space. It's yours for $7,299. They remarked that their digs had a beautiful grand piano and the two lamented that neither of them played. I entertained many nights to high praise. Some people cruise months and some even live on ships. IF YOU  book the best rooms on any of the higher-end ships, you can expect to pay tens of thousands of dollars. A 10-nighter from Venice on Regent Seven Seas is $14,249 for the penthouse. Seabourn's 10-day Mediterranean Isles penthouse is $8,999. Silverseas's silver suite is $9,250 for nine nights. Crystal's Baltic 10-dayer is $9,780 for the penthouse. For now, Cookie and Keller visit Presidential suites, play piano on ships, and look forward to winning the lotto. THE FUN  and pleasure of having actual "home-size" rooms while you're afloat is so appealing that one enterprising ship, The World, was designed to appeal to cruise lovers with deeper pockets than mine. The World's suites compare to the finest presidential or owner's suites on luxury cruise lines.  But you own your own floating home. Owner's suites offer all the comforts of home. RETIREMENT  living aboard an ocean liner  can be   interesting.  A friend bought into The World and traveled   the globe for years, renting out her home when she went ashore.   TWO WEALTHY  Florida friends retired on ships, spending 40 weeks a year cruising, and the other three months visiting friends and family around the world. They cruised out of Cookie played piano on a recent cruise, as a guest in the Royal Suite. Stockholm, Barcelona, Lisbon, Athens, Ft. Lauderdale, San Diego, Southampton and wherever their adventures took them.  They choreographed their schedules so that they could sail into a port one morning and leave that afternoon, sometimes back-to-back on the same ship, sometimes on another ship, another itinerary. This contemporary presidential suite, left, offers a work table, spacious dining and living areas,  bedrooms and a butler's pantry for party preparation.  Above, right, a more classic owner's suite. YOU CAN spend $50,000 to $100,000 or more if you have deep pockets, to sail for a month on the best digs on the world's top cruise lines.  Presidential penthouse, royal suite or owners suite prices vary, depending on the lavishness of the digs. This video lovers' penthouse suite  features a large flat-screen TV. WE LOVE  the loyalty program at Royal Caribbean and would adore to cruise in the Presidential Family Suites aboard Freedom of the Seas. We'd book if we could engineer a trip with a few other couples. We'd share four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a private balcony and a living area with sofa bed. I predict a musical party at sea! THERE ARE  spacious living areas with comfy sofa beds and dining table, private balcony with another dining area, lounge chairs aplenty.  Up to 14 guests can be accommodated.  We know one couple who booked it for their party of four: themselves, their daughter and grandson! What do the simple folk do? Juan Cabrillo was the first Anglo in San Diego. COMING UP:  From the "cream of the crop" suites shipboard, to creamy cheese at the historic Rogue Creamery and Cheese Shop with the "world's best blue cheese." It's in Central Point, Oregon.  But first, we take a look at explorer Juan Cabrillo and the discovery of southern California.  At  www.whereiscookie.com   We'll continue our adventures in ancient Ephesus with its wonders, and have a look at Jerusalem at Easter time. Please share our blog link with your friends. Remember to explore, learn and live!

For this couple, the world's great cruise ship lines offer opportunity to perform magic, dancing, and other treats. SINGERS, HOOFERS, MAGICIANS ANSWER SEA'S SIREN CALL TO ENTERTAIN PASSENGERS Gowns, boas, beautifully pressed and stored, await their time  in the spotlight.  A stage hand does inventory. An actor's life for talented singers and dancers aboard Royal Caribbean.   STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER SPACE IS SMALL , but spirits  soar  for thousands of Broadway babies singing and dancing their way around the world on top cruise ships. For these talented hoofers, jugglers, comics, singers and actors -- would-be Broadway babies --  production values are large aboard the best ships, including  Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas. Full-scale but shortened versions of Broadway hits such as "Chicago" are produced to the delight of audiences as the ship moves through the waters...... Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas is a floating palace with delightful venues and showcases. Additional entertainment on upscale cruise lines ranges from classical guitar, jazz piano and versatile duos,  to acrobats and even ice skating. BACKSTAGE  on a moving ship, there is truly a place for everything.  On a multi-thousand-ton vessel filled to capacity with passengers and crew, the entertainment is a huge draw.  Cruisers -- especially those who've logged many miles on the world's oceans and around her ports -- expect and desire top shows. We want sets that sparkle, special effects that dazzle, costumes that convince and a fine orchestra. Violinist dazzles her audiences with classical, jazz tunes. That happens aboard today's top-ranked ships. They audition around the world, rehearse usually in Florida or California, then set sail to engage and enthrall us while we're enjoying our holidays on the water. WE RECENTLY  spent an entertaining morning with the dancers, singers, instrumentalists, magicians and comics aboard Serenade of the Seas, in the Royal Caribbean International fleet. Feathers for a fancy headdress await performance time backstage. She was in the last few days of a splendid Atlantic crossing from Barcelona, to Cadiz (with a land tour into Seville), through the Canary Islands and into the Caribbean, finally docking at the port of New Orleans. THE SHIP-SHAPE , energetic ensemble came from Atlanta, Los Angeles, Tampa, Chicago and other U.S. cities -- with a few Brits and Aussies thrown in the mix. The Centrum on Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas is used for fancy acrobatics, to the delight of the audience. Most had been with the company for several years -- one for 14 -- and all described with animation and enthusiasm their at-sea adventures. THEY WERE FULL  of fascinating anecdotes.  One daughter of a Royal Caribbean seamstress described her "family affair" with the sea, and her mother's talents at letting costumes in or making them larger, depending on the size of the performer. A passion for percussion and foreign ports led this drum set's owner to a touring life. WHILE THE  production rigors call for shapely and fit performers, the bodies range from small and short to tall and thin, and a few of the specialty singers are not necessarily tiny.  Thus the expensive costumes must be able to be let out or taken in as the performer's size dictates. Costumes are mended and laundered on a regular basis, to keep them shiny and sparkling.  And an inventory is taken after each show to make certain everything has been returned to its place. THE DAY  we toured the backstage area, we walked past gleaming percussion instruments and behind the stage curtains to a well organized world of hats and shoes, gowns and sequins, and a veritable steamer trunk of props. COMING SOON: Tips on the intricacies of renting a car abroad, inside Oregon's internationally famous Shakespeare Festival, a traveling musician's life, explorer Cabrillo and his legacy and monuments in San Diego, Ashland Oregon's lively cabaret, plus a view from the bridge and a visit to the venerable Queen Mary, now a Long Beach hotel. Remember to explore, learn and live, and please tell your friends to visit us Wednesdays and weekends at: www.whereiscookie.com

The view from our balcony at Hotel Mas La Boella: tranquil, at sunset, welcoming, quiet, serene and beautiful. The resort sports a noted restaurant and convention center, with an imposing 12th Century home as its centerpiece. The estate's thoughtful design incorporates elements of the 12th Century home and mill, honoring southern Spain's  legacy of producing some of the world's finest olive oil.   STORY BY CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and courtesy Hotel Mas La Boella ONLY AN HOUR-PLUS  drive from bustling Barcelona, an oasis of calm and pleasure awaits. Hotel Mas La Boella is a beautifully designed boutique hotel with 13 elegant suites -- each distinct and artfully decorated -- named after the estate's bountiful variety of grapes and olives. We discovered this paradise while researching unusual places to stay, a tradition in our ten years of visiting southern Spain with its enticing array of boutique hotels and paradors. DRAWN TO  picturesque and historic Tarragona province, we were intrigued by the allure of La Boella. Foodies and olive fanciers, we loved that we'd douse our bread with oil made from the estate's own trees.  We appreciated that one of southern Spain's famed chefs creates the restaurant's delicacies.  Fragrant Tarragona wines and 300 other global offerings complement Manuel Ramirez' beautifully presented plates. A simple, delicious appetizer olive begins the feast at Espai Fortuny. BEAUTY AWAITS  the beholder everywhere.  Various elements are at play, all enhanced by nature.  The place has history -- a 12th Century country house is equipped with the latest technology.  So the hotel is pampering and serene, yet completely modern.  Our balcony offered stunning views of the olive groves, gardens and vineyards.  Our suite was beautifully enhanced with pleasing paintings evoking nearby nature. Yet we could be on line, catching up on work. La Boella's stunning beauty extends inside and outside the estate. Everything is constructed with the highest standards in the estate, popular for weddings, parties, luxurious events and conferences. We strolled the grounds, admiring the mill where La Boella's famous extra virgin olive oil is made -- and we toured the factory, enjoying a tasting after.  Olive oil is serious business in  Mediterranean countries, each believing its product is superior.  We'd be hard pressed (no pun intended) to  find more delicious olive oil than that produced at La Boella.  We poured it over our beautifully cooked eggs.  We dipped our bread in it.  We became olive oil junkies in our several days there.  And we came home with bottles which we proudly and sparingly use, remembering a special time in a peaceful place. Lauded Catalan chef, Manuel Ramirez, sets the tone for exquisite meals,  artfully prepared with quality ingredients, including the estate's own olive oil. THE LOVELY HOTEL  is recently constructed, but has the feeling of  age -- with lacquered wood, huge windows, gorgeous giant beds ("more for dreaming than sleeping," they say. And it's true.) Breakfast at La Boella features freshly made muffins and rosquilla (donuts.) Service is an art at a La Boella meal. Here, Cookie chooses cheeses for dessert. WE ENJOYED  leisurely meals at the resort's highly regarded restaurant, which even in late autumn was frequented by locals as well as other lucky travelers. Service is an art form at restaurant Espai Fortuny, where we capped the day with elegant, tasty lamb and fish, handsomely presented, accented with the resort's greens.  Olive oils, made on the estate's mill, and other condiments await guests. La Boella's fine wines and extra virgin olive oils are sold in a lovely shop. Stairway to the stars (and our suite) with a leather covered hand rail. For more information: website: laboella.com ; email: info@laboella.com   Keller took this photo on our last night at one of our most memorable resorts:  peaceful, beautiful, satisfying. OUR HOME on the Costa Daurada was as fragrant as it was picturesque.  Orange trees, lavender, magnolia, rosemary and soothing sounds of a fountain all beckon us back. . A bighorn sheep waits out the winter near Nye, Montana. UP NEXT: Taking a break from winter, Montana is truly a state for all seasons and reasons, but our favorite times are when the sun shines brightly so we can look for birds, the leaves aren't yet on the trees (or have just been shed) and we don't need three layers of clothing to fend off the freeze.  Coming up: a look at Montana in all its seasonal splendors -- including the transition from autumn to winter, for many, the favorite time to view birds and wildlife, and truly feel the change of seasons. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each Friday for a fresh look travel, art, nature, family and whatever strikes our fancy.

Story by Christene Meyers Photos by Bruce Keller       Cookie and Keller  enjoy sunset.       IF THE  airlines awarded miles for doggie travel, Nick and Nora would have logged over 50,000 miles each in their action-packed seven years. Mostly, they go where we go, by plane or car. They're happy little road-trippers. So we've started keeping track of the best of the "dog friendly" hotels we've visited recently.     We estimate that Nick and Nora have bedded down with us in at least 50 hotels, motels and inns, besides their relatives' homes and their auntie and uncle's place in Georgia. Here are a half-dozen places we endorse and recommend, for their personality, dog welcoming spirit and proximity to fun events, scenery and history. Nick and Nora give them paws up! Nick and Nora at Vagabond's House Inn in Carmel which loves its pet guests. * Vagabond's House Inn, Carmel by the Sea, Calif. www.vagabondshouseinn.com Doggies and humans enjoy spectacular Santa Barbara coastline.      This artfully designed country inn is dog friendly from the get-go.  The charming hostess offers a little neckerchief and a doggie treat for your pet, and there are plenty of other enticements, including sherry or wine in the afternoon on the patio, and wonderful proximity to the village.  In fact, Vagabond's House is right in the center of things, but provides a peaceful oasis with plush and private rooms and a welcoming courtyard.  Thank dog lover Doris Day, longtime Carmel resident, who pioneered the "dogs welcome" spirit.  The lifelong dog advocate and defender lives in Carmel and co-owns a popular inn and eatery, Cypress Inn and Terry's.  Locals credit the "Que Sera" Queen for embuing the town with its contagious, pet-friendly atmosphere.  All throughout Carmel and its marvelous eateries are convenient doggie water bowls, doggie gifts and signs welcoming your pet.  We dined at several excellent eateries and the dogs were welcome to come in and sit under or beside the tables.  We kept ours leashed, and brought a cushion. Some places provide beds or blankets! Good idea to call ahead to make sure your dining choice is indeed dog friendly, but we'd be surprised if not.  Meanwhile, Vagabond's is peaceful, prettily appointed and immaculately bedecked with pots of flowers and well manicured trees.  A fine choice for dog lovers.  All the dogs we encountered during a several-day stay were well behaved and polite (and so were their owners!)       * OMNI LOS ANGELES  Hotel, Los Angeles, Calif. www.omnilosangeles.com Nick enjoys the calming balm of the Omni's grounds and pools in Los Angeles. It's a haven for arts-minded travelers, close to theaters and museums.      This elegant hotel at California Plaza is in the heart of bustling downtown Los Angeles.  So you're right in the middle of the cultural action.  The Omni provides a restful and distinguished four-plus-star diamond resort with plush and serene guest rooms, fine restaurants, a state of the art fitness facility and beautiful landscaping, pool and spa.  We like its proximity and its quiet -- it's just steps from the Music Center and Ahmanson Theatre -- both just a couple blocks away. To sit in one of the many quiet spots to enjoy wine or tea, you'd never know you were in central L.A.  The Omni puts its own spin on "dog friendly" as a cheery hotel host knocks on your door and delivers a little package of treats to your pup!  THE HOTEL  has all the bells, whistles and amenities of any fine upscale hotel but many such hotels still do not welcome doggies.  So bravo, Omni! You're set the barre high!  Nick and Nora love the grounds, which include carefully tended landscaping and a long, relaxing water sculpture with a soothing sound as you stroll by or walk your pup. The Contemporary Art Museum is out the door, too, another enticement.  * Ashland Springs Hotel, Ashland, Oregon. www.AshlandSpringshotel.com Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort offers ocean views and a pet friendly ambience.      This 1925 property is the crown jewel of lodging in southern Oregon.  The former Mark Antony has been beautifully transformed into a small European-style boutique hotel with a friendly staff, Waterstone Spa and Salon and a lovely restaurant, Larks, which specializes in Oregon's bounty of produce -- vegetables, fruits, wine.  All entrees are served with "from scratch" aplomb and a lovely breakfast is included in the room charge.  The Ashland Springs exudes charm, from the display cases of sea shells and stuffed birds as well as world-class drawings of plants and birds.  Ashland is a foodie's town -- from Pangea to Sesame and Martino's. But its greatest pleasures for us are two-fold:  the dog friendly feature and the proximity to Oregon Shakespeare Festival.     Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort features artwork and homage to the late actor's career. He lived in Santa Barbara many years and his hotel celebrates a beautiful setting and welcomes pet lovers. A winery and inn are nearby. Santa Barbara's glorious scenery is one enticement to Fess Parker's. * FESS PARKER'S  Doubletree Resort, Santa Barbara. www.fessparkersantabarbarahotel.com                                                                           www.doubletreehotels.com .      Fine restaurants, ocean view, museums, history and gardens, this place has it all. Named after the "Daniel Boone" actor who lived in Santa Barbara for many years, the Parker family created a gorgeous first-class hotel which embodies the Doubletree themes: pleasant and beautiful rooms, attentive service and full-service offerings from spa to fitness to dining and special events.  We have stayed several times and are always welcomed with a warm chocolate chip cookie and a pet-friendly room.  The Fess Parker Winery, Inn and Spa are worth a drive.  You'll learn more about the actor, who is lovingly remembered throughout the town known as the "American Riviera."  You can also spend a fun afternoon on a wine-tasting tour of the town, or whale watching.  Santa Barbara meets all of our "must haves" -- chardonnay, pinot noir, beauty and pet-friendliness.  And tip your hat to the actor who made this Doubletree Resort unique.   * Harrah's Rincon, Valley Center, Calif. www.HarrahsRincon.com Harrah's Rincon near Valley Center is a hop, skip and jump from San Diego and has a lovely, convenient dog-friendly wing. The Garden Villa wing of this pretty hotel, about an hour from San Diego, welcomes pets and you can enjoy the restaurants and gaming plus fun hiking and driving options nearby.  We ventured out one afternoon and with help from the concierge, found Hellhole Canyon Preserve. Harrah's is undergoing a major addition and the new tower is going up.  Despite that ambitious construction project, the grounds are kept clean, well landscaped and free of dust.  The Garden wing is prettily kept and you'll run into other dog lovers who have discovered that pup can come along while you play the tables or machines.  The concierge is also helpful in directing you a few miles down the road to beautiful produce stands or Hellhole Canyon Preserve, with its hiking trails and botanical wonders. Ocean Beach's Ocean Villa Inn welcomes pets and has special doggie runs with ocean views and Dog Beach.       * Ocean Villa Inn, San Diego, Calif. www.oceanvillainn.com This hotel is well known in San Diego's Ocean Beach and beyond for its proximity to Dog Beach, where people have come for years to play with and walk their pets.  The Inn's patio rooms face right on the ocean and beach, and there are little doggie runs in each "back yard" so you can sip a cocktail of coffee, watch the waves and let your pet enjoy.  It's an older, well established part of town and a fascinating cactus garden is among the delightful surprises.  You can take a pleasant palm-tree lined walk and socialize with your pet and other pets and dog owners -- lots of doggies in the area -- or you can just enjoy your own little patio and run by yourself, whatever's your pleasure.  Located on Point Loma Blvd., the motel is walking distance or a short drive to several of the legendary eateries and fish places in Ocean Beach. One of our favorites is Nick's at the Pier.      This motel is a favorite of my Arizona "Zoni" friends who escape the sweltering heat of the, pardon the pun, dog days! Stearns Wharf in lovely Santa Barbara welcomes Nick and Nora. At all of these diverse and pet-welcoming venues, it goes without saying to leash your pet while promenading, and bring a stash of "doggie bags." Savvy dog lovers also rely upon Eileen Barish's wonderful dog friendly books, including "Doin' California with your Pooch." You'll find that some hotels have designated areas and rooms for pups. In other properties, dogs have greater freedom.  It is also common practice to walk your pup frequently and not leave him unattended in the room for long.      Finally, our doggie carry-along bag includes their toys, treats, sweaters, food and water bowl.   Enjoy your travels with pup. A weekend road trip yielded this amazing sculpture garden. Read all about it and its creator this coming Saturday.   Coming March 16: If you've never experienced Queen Califia's Magical Circle Garden in Kit Karson Park in Escondido, you are in for a mind-blowing treat! We post our adventures Wednesdays and Saturdays. Don't forget to tell your fun-loving friends about: whereiscookie.com

On a half-dozen visits since 2010, we've found Lake Tahoe's scenery some of the most beautiful in the western United States. Dixie II offers a fun night on the lake, even on a recent rainy evening. "It is a vast oval, and one would have to use up eighty or a hundred good miles in traveling around it. As it lay there with the shadows of the mountains brilliantly photographed upon its still surface, I thought it must surely be the fairest picture the whole world affords.” --  Mark Twain, describing Lake Tahoe in 1871 LAKE TAHOE TOWN BOASTS OLD-FASHIONED CHARM WITH INN BY THE LAKE, LAID BACK FEEL, FLOWERS AND DIXIE II  DINNER CRUISE Inn by the Lake offers location and friendly hospitality. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER SOUTH LAKE TAHOE has an authentic feel. Despite being "discovered" by trendy businesses and shops, and hosting seasonal residents from large American cities, it has a laid-back, country feel. We like that.  Visiting Keller's daughter and her partner enhanced the notion that we were "at home" in this lovely corner of the world. Cookie and Keller kicked up their heels on Dixie II. Dixie II was our choice for an evening out with the kids.  The four of us enjoyed the scenery around Lake Tahoe, a tasty meal and dancing. South Lake Tahoe natives claim the sun shines on them more than 300 days a year.  Our visit hit on a rainy weekend (which natives welcome because of the fire danger.) Still, we had a sunny-side-up time. THE KIDS  picked us up at our comfy Inn by the Lake base. The Inn personifies the welcoming feel of the town.  We enjoyed a driving tour past a range of accommodations, eateries, entertainment, museums and galleries.  Since they're outdoorsy types, they love the skiing and snowboarding for which South Lake Tahoe is famous. On deck of Dixie II, from left: Cookie, Keller, Kristen and Zack. WE'D BOOKED A dinner cruise on M.S. Dixie II, a pleasant drive from our Inn by the Lake. We wound through the town and over to the lake to Zephyr Cover and the boat. The food was nicely presented and we danced to a fun three-piece band. The award-winning Lake Tahoe cruiser is the largest cruising vessel in South Lake Tahoe and a local favorite. All her cruises depart from Zephyr Cove Resort and Marina, including daytime cruises and charters for up to 300.  Friends hosted their daughter's wedding rehearsal dinner there last fall and raved about it! Lake Tahoe's scenery is still pristine in most places. INN BY  the Lake is known for its hospitality, tucked in the picturesque mountains with a view of the lake.  We chose the inn because it is pet friend, ideal for families and fun for visiting couples, with flowers and proximity to the lake. Our Tahoe visit combined the pleasures of this pleasant, dog-friendly motel with the lake trip and experience of Dixie II. We also enjoyed Bear Beach Cafe, near our Inn by the Lake base.  One of its specialties is the hamburger.  We can recommend the "black n' bleu" with cajun spices and blue cheese. The quesadilla appetizer was pleasantly spicy and we give thumbs up to the Beach Bear's satisfying, old-fashioned breakfast. Jonquils were blooming during our visit. Inn by the Lake is beautifully landscaped. LONG BEFORE  Zephyr Cove and South Lake Tahoe became favorite play time destinations of tourists and locals, the Native American Washoe people lived on the lake's tranquil shores. In 1844, American explorers Kit Carson and John Fremont "discovered" the area. Soon after, in the 1860s, silver was discovered in the Sierra Nevada.  That changed everything, as prospectors flocked in to seek their fortunes. BUT FOR A TIME  on the boat, or strolling the flower-bedecked grounds of Inn by the Lake, one feels the peace and beauty Mark Twain and the native people cherished so long ago. COMING UP : We're savoring the fabulous red rocks of  Nevada. Come with us to a beautiful, unspoiled part of the West, just a half hour from the famous Las Vegas Strip. Then, a preview of a wonderfully directed production, "Hollywood"  on the boards at San Diego's renowned La Jolla Playhouse. Based on a real-life unsolved murder, this imaginative, superbly acted work is an homage to the noir thriller films of Hollywood's golden era. It's accompanied by a brilliant on-stage pianist.  Remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us Fridays when we post for the weekend. Terrific actors play the parts, here Mary Miles Minter, portrayed by Talene Monahon. "Hollywood" runs through June 12 at the internationally known La Jolla Playhouse.

Escape to a world of dreams, moonlight and indulgence on a barge trip or cruise. We celebrated our 100th cruise on Carnival Miracle. Try a relaxing week on the water for a rejuvenating break I have sailed the world, beheld its wonders, from the Dardanelles to the mountains of Peru..... --from "Sweeney Todd" and the song, "No Place Like London" STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER One of the world/s prettiest harbors is in St. Thomas. LIKE  Anthony in "Sweeney Todd," we have sailed the world, beheld its wonders. If we had to pick a favorite destination, it would be difficult. Ocean crossings, canal cruises, fjord trips, wine tasting our way through the Loire Valley, a barge-and-hike trek through Picardy.... a river cruise to marvel at the cathedrals of Eastern Europe and the Danube, drinking in Holland's springtime in a blaze of tulips. BARGING OUT  of London beneath Tower Bridge on the Thames. Biking and imbibing through Burgundy.  All so wonderful, so glorious, so exotic in their ability to transport one to other worlds. Dance, romance, dine, enjoy on the water. GIVE ME  a week on the water and I'm a new girl: refreshed, rested, excited for the next adventure.  I love cruising and barging for myriad reasons: music, reading, gourmet fare, nature viewing, long evenings of Broadway revues, star gazing, lazing with the world passing by. Dancing, romancing, cuddling, cavorting! Whether on a thousand-person cruise ship or an eight-passenger barge such as the classic Anjodi or La Belle Epoque, a trip on the water is guaranteed to cure what ails you. WHILE MY  recent 100th cruise is a landmark, it was never a goal. It just happened, year by year, traveling since the 1960s, a couple or three cruises or barge trips a year. The ship's attention to service is a part of the appeal. Cruising is a balm in times of heartbreak and loss. After each of  my husbands died, I took to the sea.  It is equally satisfying to take to water in times of joy -- to European Waterways offers delightful barge cruises. celebrate anniversaries,  toast a parent's birthday, gather the clan for a reunion, or simply escape to indulgence with your partner, enjoying your ship's superb service. KELLER AND  I celebrated my "Cruise Centennial" in Alaska, combining a toast to my own August birthday and his September natal day. The Alaska cruise, aboard Carnival's Miracle, marked mid-point between our two birthdays. My eternal wanderlust will never be satisfied. I'll always have a ticket in the drawer. The Norway, formerly the SS France, a true liner. Aboard Carnival, Captain Luca Lazzarino hosted the writer and photographer on the bridge for "cruise 100."  I've cruised, sailed and barged into exotic ports and rivers in Vietnam and China.  I've cruised into New Zealand's south island and fished for trout the size of salmon. Cruise ships, yachts and barges have taken me exploring --  to the wonders of India and Turkey, the splendors of St. Petersburg, the glory of chateaux country and champagne cellars in France. Barge cruising has taken me through the Loire valley, sipping and supping in Champagne and Burgundy, traversing Holland at tulip time and enjoying a marathon of plays in Stratford Upon Avon, departing the barge for a quick walk to the theater. The Queen Elizabeth II ranks as the writer's favorite. My sisters and I have cruised Holland America to the breathtaking Alaskan fjords, and deep into the Dutch Antilles on Princess, Royal Caribbean and the lovely Odyssey.  I twice cruised on the splendid Norway, formerly the SS France, one of the day's great liners. Cookie has her cake and eats it, too -- two cakes  courtesy Carnival's Captain Lazzarino. The QEII may be my favorite all time ship -- for I've crossed the Atlantic on her many times, both east- and west-bound.  Ah, such memories, such advantages to water travel: you pack and unpack once, see a new port or village each day, make lively friends, dine on delicious, custom-prepared fare. My 100th cruise is history now, but as with all cruises, memories linger. During our recent odyssey from Seattle to the splendid southeast Alaskan coast, we were welcomed aboard Carnival's Miracle with fanfare from our charming Italian captain, Luca Lazzarino. He presented us with a handsome "100th cruise" poster congratulating us on the landmark. He had the chef craft two splendid cakes in honor of the cruising centenary. He honored us at a cocktail party for the guest naturalist, officers and the "Miracle team." Crystal's Symphony at sea, ranked one of the world's top mid-sized cruise ships. Cookie sometimes combines her two favorite pursuits -- cruising and playing the piano! Fellow seamen asked what attracted us to cruising and where future cruises will take us.  We're enjoying the perks of "Diamond Plus status" with Royal Caribbean, crossing the Atlantic again in late fall, sailing out of Barcelona. And we'll transit the newly enlarged Panama Canal in April. Beyond then? BROCHURES ARE  piling up: Crystal, Oceania, Celebrity, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America, Carnival, Disney, Windstar.  We may A rainbow is a good omen for our cruisers, here from their suite on Tagus River harbor at the elegant Altis Belem in Lisbon, Portugal. revisit favorite barge and canal cruises on smaller enterprises such as the elegant European Waterways and its beautiful retinue. Part of water travel is savoring each port, taking side trips to wondrous sights. My goal is to  take a "round the world" cruise -- around 60 to 85 days. I'd love to book an owner's suite complete with a grand piano.  I've played in many ship lounges and cocktail venues, always with permission when friends  approached the hotel director for approval. But a piano in my penthouse? Sign me up now. www.carvival.com Keller and Cookie at the Monument to the Discoveries in Lisbon. COMING UP:  Travel with us to the picturesque harbor and the view from the Altis Belém Hotel and Spa, a five-star design hotel in Lisbon.  Located in Belém overlooking the Tagus River, the Altis Belem offers a contemporary view of the Golden Age of Discovery. Portugal's proud nautical history is reflected in wall panels transporting pampered guests to exotic places: Mauritania on Africa's West coast, Arabia, India, Siam, Osaka and across the ocean to Brazil. We cruised there in comfort of a Royal Caribbean suite. Remember to explore, learn, live and visit us Wednesdays and Saturdays at: www.whereiscookie.com

CRUISE FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD TAKES HUGE EFFORT, METICULOUS PLANNING Dozens of cheese plates in the Serenade's galley will be paired with nuts, crackers and veggies for pretty appetizers. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER These edible appetizers were created for a special party on board. This happy worker prepares peppers for shipboard stir fry. WHEN THE  waiter delivers your dinner to a beautifully set cruise table, or the room steward presents you with a special dessert, you enjoy it. The lights are low, the champagne is chilled, romance is in the air. You admire the presentation, toast the chef and company, dine with relish. You appreciate the ritual of being served and surprised in an exotic setting, moving smoothly through the water. All is calm.  All is right. Ah bliss. You're on holiday. But behind the scenes, a world of meticulous planning and expertly choreographed preparation is unfolding.  It involves dozens of workers who arise in the dark to prepare your feasts long before you arise -- even before your ship sets sail.  The planning continues 24-7. Hundreds of rolls are freshly baked each day aboard ship. WE WERE  treated to an inside look at the planning, shopping, chopping, baking, freezing, peeling, marinating, whipping, dicing, browning, stuffing, broasting, frying, roasting. Freshness and eye appeal are huge on the criteria list of a successful cruise line. We've toured galleys on Crystal, Cunard, Oceania, Princess, Holland America, Carnival, Disney and many other lines.  Our recent Royal Caribbean galley tour, aboard the Serenade, was   eye-opening, informative and entertaining. IN ITS  most simple definition, a galley is simply a kitchen aboard a moving vessel -- or ship.  The Roman ships had galleys. Ancient Greek sailors cooked food on stone over a fire at midships. The ship's galley is time-honored, tradition, but today's sailing clientele wants chateaubriand and creme brule, not a hunk of meat or a bowl of gruel. Keller and Cookie are dressed up and heading to dinner. Teamwork is crucial in the galley with hundreds of meals served several times a day.  Food is constantly being prepared for the formal dining rooms, specialty restaurants, snack bars, VIP parties, private functions and room service. Among the hundreds of staff on a cruise ship galley are anywhere from five to 15 chefs de cuisine, as many as 100 or more cooks, 25-50 galley stewards to keep the prep areas clean, and another team in the dish cleaning area. There is often a fish prep room and there are always section heads to oversee each area: veggies, fish, meat, sauces, desserts. Ship's galleys thrive on efficient use of space.   A SHIP'S GALLEY  is laid out in an efficient, space conscious style with long storage units and overhead cabinets. The design makes maximum use of limited space and anticipates the rolling and heaving nature of ships, making them more resistant to movement and jerking. An efficient system in the ship's galley makes certain that each course looks unique, even though hundreds are dining. Our tour director aboard the Serenade explained that galley stoves are usually gimballed, so that the liquid in pans does not spill out. They are also commonly equipped with bars, preventing the cook from falling against the hot stove if the ship hits a rogue wave or swell. BEFORE YOU b ite, a bit more trivia about the history of ships' galleys. Centuries ago, a small kitchen on deck was called a caboose or camboose, originating from the Dutch word kombuis which is still in use today. In English it is a defunct term used occasionally for a cooking area above decks on a small vessel. COMING UP :  Take a look at the "Suite Life" --  it couldn't be sweeter, when our veteran travelers have a look at a few presidential suites and owners' quarters aboard ship. Remember to explore, learn and live.  Visit us Wednesdays and weekends and tell your friends, please! www.whereiscookie.com

An engineer steps into the train to begin the four-hour journey. ALL ABOARD FOR RELAXING TRAIN TRIP INTO ARIZONA'S HIGH DESERT STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Cooke and Keller riding the rails. WE LOVE TRAINS. We've traveled by rail on Japan's bullet trains, crossed Australia's deserts by rail, followed in Paul Thoreaux's path on the Old Patagonian Express. In Europe, we're huge Eurail fans, traversing from country to country in comfort, sipping a nicely served cafe au lait or glass of wine while each new landscape unfolds. The Verde Canyon Railroad cars are nicely kept and named after various landmarks and towns. Fields of lavender in Provence, vibrant yellow rape seed, vineyards of Tuscany golden in sunset glory. It's all glorious from inside a well tended train car with its deep windows and comfy seats. SO WE WERE  thrilled to discover Arizona's Verde Canyon Railroad while researching Sedona and what to do during a week of work and play. The popular four-hour trip takes the passenger on a relaxing journey into wilderness thick with willow, juniper, oak and the shrubs of chaparral country, all framed by towering pinnacles of red  rock, synonymous with this part of Arizona.   The journey begins in historic Clarkdale, where the Box Car Gift Store and Whistlestop Shop offer souvenirs and sundries.  The John Bell Museum awaits, with vintage artifacts artfully arranged.  Storyboards tell the tale of the railroad, and show the route. Copper Spike Cafe offers patio seating so you can view the cars you'll soon board. Century-old switch locks and sturdy railroad lanterns take the traveler back in time, then a stroll past detailed storyboards tells Verde Canyon Railroad history. Soon, it's all aboard.   WE ENJOYED  a soundtrack of railroad songs, a nostalgic musical trip in time from the 1930s and '40s to modern day --  Woody Guthrie, Johnny Cash, Judy Collins, and a host of other singers. A lively taped commentary sprinkled with insights from real-life hosts add color and personality to the trip. An outdoor car offers a chance to change venues from your comfy vintage car, and get a close-up look at the terrain. You'll learn about local history, the importance of the river, the discoveries among the rock, the life of the native people and miners who lived in this remote but beautiful area. We enjoyed the open-air viewing car, which offers fresh air and a bird's eye view as nature's grandeur unfolds. Our first-class car was comfy, with champagne as we took off and a lovely appetizer tray of cheese, meats, strawberries and brownies. As the landscape changed, we learned of animal residents, the native people and settlers. Our guide pointed out birds of prey looking for lunch. All fascinating and in leisurely fashion. A tunnel, some wide turns and a chance to see the other cars in your train await on the Verde Canyon Railroad. Said one passenger, "It's a great feeling to sit comfortably in a train and listen and look.  I loved the cars and their excellent condition.  It's a wonderful way of preserving history.  Traveling in a train through these ancient rocks and valleys made me feel like I was part of history -- if only for a few hours." AFTER SURVIVING the pandemic, the train excursions are back in business with a special event returning as well --  to the delight of regulars. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers enjoy a relaxing time in their vintage car, with bar. “Rhythm on the Rails,” a rotating concert of several musical acts, adds a musical show to the syncopation and clickety-clack of the train's steel wheels on the track. This musical train event will be offered on May 29, June 26, July 24, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18 at 5:30 p.m. The afternoon train trip unfolds at 1 p.m. A fall foliage trip, "Ales on Rails," and Christmas Journey are also planned, along with a chocolate lovers' train trip and eagle watch. While you're in a train frame of mind, here are a few other favorite rail rides in other places: Rocky Mountaineer's First Passage to the West – Canada; Glacier Express – Switzerland; TranzAlpine – New Zealand; West Highland Line, Glasgow to Mallaig – Scotland; The Ghan – Australia; Trans-Siberian Railway – Russia, and Norway's famous Flåm Railway. More information or booking: info@VerdeCanyonRR.com ; 1 800 293-7245 Up, up and away, as Sedona Air Tours takes us over the glorious red rocks and canyons that make Sedona famous. UP NEXT: Sedona by air. Come with us for a helicopter lover's delight.  We'll enjoy an airborne extravaganza over Sedona's famous red rocks and canyons. It's wonders   are world famous -- popular with naturalists, geologists and students of history. In recent years, Sedona has also become known as a haven for spiritual wellness. The helicopter ride pleases any taste -- as the guide points out energy vortexes and well known formations, honed through millions of years.  Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each week for a fresh look at travel, the arts, nature, family and more: whereiscookie.com

Magistic Cruises' sleek catamaran glides past iconic sights of Sydney. FABULOUS FOOD IN A GLORIOUS VENUE, PLUS TOP TALENT, VIEWS     Artfully prepared salads and side dishes await diners, with beautiful appetizers, main course entrees and decadent desserts as well. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER GLORIOUS FOOD , fine champagne, terrific entertainment, and, of yes, the views. You're gliding through the water in a quiet boat. You're in luxury's lap, enjoying views from the glorious waters of the famous harbor of Sydney, Australia. To match your stunning views, you're sampling fine fare in a city known for quality dining.  We tried shrimp and crab by day, chops and filet by evening. The sights, sounds and other boats typical of a busy harbor make the Magistic cruises a delightful way to view Sydney. The champagne flowed and for a break, we strolled on deck, glasses in hand. YOU FEEL  you're in heaven -- in a luxurious catamaran, dining elegantly, sipping not quite judiciously, reveling in first-class style. Stroll back inside the plush dining area, as elegant as any of the popular seaside restaurants for which Sydney is renowned. Sydney natives love the Magistic ships for celebrations. The performance begins, with delightful dancers, show tunes, comedy sketches and a bang-up variety act. WE JOINED  60 pampered lunch-goers, and 75 contented dinner guests, to see why this is Sydney's most popular cruise operation. Magistic Cruises, the top-ranked Sydney Harbour operation, does everything expertly. It offers gourmet food, top staff, great views. Since its $5 million luxury catamaran was introduced to Sydney Harbour, Magistic has enjoyed rousing success as the most impressive charter vessel on the harbor, hosting locals, dignitaries, movie stars and tourists. The vessel was designed by leading marine Australian architects and built by Austal Ships in Fremantle, Western Australia. Its sleek nautical design features a contemporary decor. The Magistic Cruise experience was majestic. We've enjoyed more than 100 dinner, show and sightseeing cruises -- on oceans and rivers. In the U.S., we love our Hornblower vessels, and we always book a harbor or river cruise in Hong Kong, Oslo, An artfully presented show with top talent follows a leisurely dinner. Amsterdam or Paris. "Sydneysiders" we met on our two Magistic outings said that the venue has become the  preferred outing for locals. Our groups were about half-local, half-tourist -- both delighted, satisfied. Customer service is expert, the meals are exceptional, the atmosphere welcoming. Everything inside the boat -- and outside -- is beautiful and dream-like. The food is exceptional aboard the sleek Magistic vessels. If you're headed "Down Under" and enjoy fine food and drink in a unique setting, live it up, mates! You won't be sorry. We loved the fact that the chef came out personally to chat up diners and inspect the tables.  Everything is prepared onboard! http://www.magisticcruises . com.au/sightseeing-cruises.php Hobbit fans will enjoy a trip to the magical setting for the series of films about Bilbo, Frodo, Gandalf and friends. COMING UP:  If you're a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien and "Lord of the Rings," come visit Middle Earth with us. We're off next to the beautiful south coast of New Zealand where "The Hobbit" films were made. It's a magical place, as you'll see. Remember to explore, learn and live and visit us Wednesdays and weekends at:  www.whereiscookie.com And don't miss "Steal Heaven," at San Diego Repertory Theatre, downtown in the Lyceum Theater, Horton Plaza. Gifted actor and writer Herbert Siguenza stars as activist Abbie Hoffman (in heaven) in a tour de force about politics, social change, responsibility, life, death -- and more. Two fabulous actors join him. Terrific theatrical treat. Last few days.