STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" TAKE A TASTY BITE . SAVE MONEY, TOO, WITH THE PASS THAT MAKES THE MOST OF MANHATTAN TIME Action-packed CityPASS maximizes precious time, gives options that show off sights, landmarks in many of the world's most lively cities The new World Trade Center Tower One is a magnificent memorial to a tragic event. Times Square is ablaze at night. CityPASS offers money-saving admissions and you skip the lines. IF YOU HAVE only five or fewer days in New York, and want to savor a large, tasty bite of The Big Apple, we recommend CityPASS. Enroute back from Europe recently, we decided to enjoy New York with this nationally known money-saving booklet. A trip to Ellis Island is a must for many visitors to New York, and a trip and visit are offered through CityPASS, or you can choose a river cruise. Thoughtfully chosen, the tickets include the best New York has to offer -- from world famous museums to historic buildings and monuments. A dozen cities and regions -- 11 in the U.S., and Toronto -- offer bargains on their town's best and most popular attractions. Bruce Keller and Christene Meyers www.whereiscookie.com enjoyed both day and nighttime visits to the Empire State Building, and the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. We loved it, not just because of the savings, but because once purchased, CityPASS offers a psychological advantage: You've invested in the city, paid your money, have your ticket book, so you don't want to waste it. You get out of the hotel rather than squandering half the day lounging and drinking coffee (a temptation I succumb to, when I have a lovely hotel room with a view of one of the world's most amazing cities.) You can visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, or have a bird's eye view of both Liberty and the immigration museum from a Circle Line tour, part of your CityPASS options. WE WERE NOT newcomers to New York City, but even seasoned Manhattan travelers can find the options for touring overwhelming. CityPASS helps you sort, taking confusion out of the equation. Experienced travelers and consultants who have lived in the cities pick the best attractions and present them in a user-friendly ticket booklet. YOU HAVE six admission tickets, with entries good for nine consecutive days. From the Empire State Building to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a Circle Line cruise and a visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, you will get your money's worth and more. Adults save 42 per cent by paying $114 (rather than $196 if you purchased tickets individually) or $89 for kids 6-17, compared to $171 over-counter price if you just walked in and purchased tickets. The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers antiquities and a splendid collection of art through the ages. AND INSTEAD OF rushing about, spending money on taxis from Midtown to The Village, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Ellis Island or the Empire State Building, you can plan your time, set your own pace by lining up attractions in a sensible fashion. CityPASS makes the best use of time by subway, taxi or on foot, also referencing which way is best to get you there. BESIDES CityPASS, we had tickets to five Broadway plays, in a 30-block area, ranging from Midtown Manhattan's theater district to Lincoln Center, where we saw a fabulous production of "The King and I" at the Vivian Beaumont. We tied in the play with a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, with time for a stroll and cocktails at Central Park's Tavern on the Green. We loved seeing the city that never sleeps at our own pace, by-passing queues and making the most of our Manhattan time. If you're sandwiching plays in, CityPASS is great, too. Having 2 p.m. matinees on a couple days -- and curtains at 7 and 8 p.m. each evening made us exercise discipline with CityPASS options. We planned at least one activity in the morning and one in the afternoon or evening, depending on our theater commitments. On the same day, we visited the magnificent Empire State Building in the morning, then returned in the evening after our play, for the delightful 360-degree open-air view of the city lit up. The nighttime entrance is an exclusive CityPASS bonus. You can also hook up with CityPASS in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Southern California, Tampa Bay and Toronto. Last Best News features our bear break-in story www.citypass.com Large pool offers comfort to mourners and beauty and tranquility as international visitors pay homage to those lost in the tragedy of September 11, 2001. UP NEXT: A visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum left us sad and awed. We'll share our morning there in the next blog. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us each Wednesday as we enter our fourth year of global arts and travel with photos and adventures at www.whereiscookie.com

QUINTESSENTIAL ANDALUSIAN CITY THRILLS WITH GORGEOUS BUILDINGS, ROMANCE, STIMULI AT EVERY TURN Cookie and Keller in Seville, enjoying the lovely grounds of Seville's Plaza de Espana built for an international exhibition. Below, Seville's grand cathedral is one of the world's largest. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Seville Spain's grand cathedral is one of the world's largest. Editor's Note: This piece was reviewed and updated July 26, 2026 Seville Spain, the sun-drenched capital of Andalusia, is a city where centuries of history blend seamlessly with a lively, modern spirit. Its winding streets, ornate palaces, and vibrant plazas create a setting that feels both timeless and electric. Whether you're exploring the charming Barrio Santa Cruz, savoring authentic tapas, or losing yourself in the emotion of a flamenco performance, Seville invites you to slow down, soak it in, and experience Spain at its most captivating. IF PARADISE is a garden, as Islamic belief would have it, then the Spanish city of Seville is a bit of heaven on Earth. This beautiful city merges Islamic splendor and Catholic extravagance. Add olive oil, orange blossoms, tapas and flamenco. This recipe for "city success" is served up in tourist friendly Seville, Spain, a quintessentially Spanish city. The colorful streets of Seville, Spain, are not far from the port city of Cadiz, which makes a nice side trip, Shops offer an array of flamenco dresses, pottery and sherry. Seville is the jewel of western Andalusia. It's the birthplace of flamenco and some think tapas. These bite-size edibles are served with cocktails, or as a satisfying meal. HERE ARE a few highlights of our recent visit -- easily accomplished in a couple full days: A pause in early afternoon is an excuse for a beer and tapas for these two gentlemen. * The Plaza de Espana, built for an international exhibition, is huge, welcoming and a favorite place for locals to stroll. Seville is a city of stately buildings, welcoming plazas, ancient churches, manicured parks and friendly folk. * The famous Alcazar, built in the 1300s, is one of Europe's architectural masterpieces. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers sunken gardens, intricate tile and plaster decor. The Hall of Justice with its lovely gardens, houses the stunning Palacio de Don Pedro, a Moorish masterpiece. The fabulous throne rooms and reception halls include one in which Columbus was received upon his return. Horses are part of Seville's culture, here at the cathedral. * SPEAKING OF Columbus, Seville's Cathedral stands on the sight of a huge mosque, used as a church for a time after Seville fell to the Christians in 1248. The cathedral was built after the mosque was mostly demolished. Inside one of its opulent chapels stands the monumental tomb of the explorer in which his bones are supposedly housed, brought from Cuba in 1898. THE LARGEST altarpiece in the world is part of the cathedral. The belfry, once the minaret of the mosque, is home to a 16th century bronze weather vane, symbol of Seville's faith. * Seasoned tourists spend a half-day at the Alcazar and another at the Cathedral. There's lots to take in, so visit on separate days, with time for a park, picnic or a relaxing tapas stop. Two dancers, left and right, perform flamenco on a street near the Alcazar. Here tourists pose with them for a memorable trip photo. * This city of believers is also home to many delightful tapas bars, and flamenco abounds -- on a grand scale in expensive nightclubs and on street corners where locals pass the hat or scarf for Euros. * SEVILLE's museums vie for attention -- contemporary and classical art and even a flamenco museum, Museo del Baile Flamenco. * Beautiful hotels, exciting paradors and B&Bs and a hotel with pianos in the rooms offer a satisfying range. Hotel Amadeus on Calle Farnesio is run by an eccentric music-loving family. Upright pianos in the soundproofed rooms allow for practicing on holiday. A tempting tea selection is available in Seville's outdoor shops. * YOU'RE CLOSE to Andalucia's enticing hill towns, and Jerez de la Frontera, home of two Spanish symbols: rich delicious sherry and prancing, dancing horses. Seville is also famous for its orange trees and graceful pink flamingos. * Friends sipped their way from Seville to Cordoba recently, describing in a postcard the delights of sherry, flamenco, tapas and flower sprinkled white washed patios. "Electrified our senses," they said. www.sevillecityguide.com

Malaga's seafaring history dates back centuries and modern Malaga is an attractive tourist destination. Experience the ultimate Andalucía road trip by staying in Spain's iconic Paradores, where centuries of history meet modern luxury. From the breathtaking views at Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro to the cultural treasures of Málaga and Andalusia, this unforgettable journey showcases the best of southern Spain STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: this piece was reviewed and updated July 26, 2026 High above the sun-drenched streets of Málaga, where the Mediterranean sparkles in the distance and history rises from every hillside, an Andalusia road trip features the charms of Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro. Here, guests experience a stay that feels both elevated and timeless. This is not just a hotel stop -- it’s a destination in itself, where road trippers are rewarded with sweeping views, warm Andalusian light and a deep sense of place. Every great Spain road trip deserves a moment to pause, reset, and take it all in -- and few places deliver that feeling better than the Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro. Located just above the historic center of Málaga and steps from Gibralfaro Castle, this iconic hillside retreat blends panoramic coastal views with easy access to the cultural heartbeat of the city and a splendid view of central Malaga, including the splendid bull ring. Malagueta Bullring is a 19th-century architectural landmark and a symbol of Andalusian heritage. Inaugurated in 1876, it showcases traditional Neo-Mudéjar style and remains an important cultural site. Whether you’re exploring Malaga for a week or heading down the coast in a day, the parador transforms a stay into a chapter of your journey through southern Spain. Parador Gibralfaro is our latest find, a true hotel gem in a city replete with gardens, museums, plazas and charming neighborhoods. Oh yes, and the sea. FORGET merely passing through. Malaga deserves her own visit of several days. Málaga charms with her magical mix, as a dazzling Andalusian diva. She makes you stop, sip sweet wine, and stay to discover her secrets -- a dazzling collision of sun-drenched Moorish fortresses, Picasso-inspired art, fine food at tapas bars and those sultry, salty sea breezes, OUR VIEW from the top of the city was chief among Malaga's charms. Parador Gibralfaro was our choice, a gem in a city of gardens, museums, plazas and neighborhoods with a stunning harbor view. We watched cruise ships come and go -- including the one that we would soon board for the Canary Islands, north Africa and an Atlantic crossing. We admired the energy and grace of would-be bull fighters having a lesson in the ring below us. We visited the marvelous Alcazaba, best preserved fortress in Spain, dating to the 12th Century Moors. The bull fight ring is empty of audience, but a pair of apprentice matadors in Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta is taking a lesson from the master. The scent of autumn foliage complemented our tasty olives and goat cheese from a nearby village. We'd shopped at the local market -- a tradition for us in a new city -- to buy happy hour appetizers and snacks unique to the region. WE ENJOYED the user-friendly "Hop On, Hop Off" red buses to avoid renting a car, and found they took us everywhere we desired to go -- museums, cathedral, parks, gardens, restaurants, plazas. Our week in Malaga was relaxing -- yet one of our most active holidays. Castillo de Gibralfaro is among the oldest remaining citadels and fortresses in Spain. It is above the Parador Gibralfaro which is named after the fortress. Malaga invites both of those essential elements for the vacationer. One can hike in the morning, tour a museum in the afternoon, enjoy a flamenco concert, tapas or late meal at night. There are lively restaurants everywhere. Ask your hotel or B&B. You can't go wrong. Malaga's paella is delicious, made differently by each restaurant but always with seafood. Malaga's bountiful paella is world class. We had it several nights at various cafes. The birthplace of Picasso is rich with history and has been claimed and enjoyed by several great civilizations. The Romans created the marvelous Teatro Romano, in the first century B.C., in the time of Augustus I. It has been carefully restored and is used as a concert space. Keller poses in a geranium patch at the Alcazaba. MUSIC IS as much a part of Malaga as the ancient walls of the fortresses, its love of nature and affection for the cafe life. Gifted street musicians abound on the streets of Malaga. Guitarists play for tips -- brilliant musicians, who could be on concert stages. We met one professional musician, who plays viola with the symphony. He entertains for extra cash because he loves music and the chance to meet people from around the globe. Buskers abound everywhere, but especially around the city's museums and public places. One can sip a sangria while listening to these first-rate musicians, the best we've encountered anywhere. A busker plays Andalusian music on his guitar. We dined on shellfish and anchovies while listening to Bach chaconnes. Malaga is a shopper's delight. Keller found his favorite N/A beer, while in the next aisle, I shopped for olives, picking them with a scoop from a large barrel. Within walking distance are lovely cafes and bars, all beautifully flower bedecked. Nature loving Malaguenos revel in the outdoors and even in November, we found them enjoying coffee, lunch and cocktails. On warmer nights dinner is al fresco. Keller shops for wine for Cookie and non-alcohol beer in a Malaga store The attractive southern European port played host to the Phoenicians who positioned themselves on the side of the mount of Gibralfaro, from which our elegant and welcoming Parador takes its name. Moors built their fortress Alcazaba upon the remains of Phoenician digs, constructing a grand palace with gardens, pools and running water over a period spanning the 11th to 13th Centuries when Muslim governors and royals called Malaga home. Cookie enjoys a moment with Pablo Picasso in Merced Square near the home, in the background, where he was born and raised. MUSEUMS WERE a big part of our draw to this picturesque city. From Chagall paintings at the Russian Museum, to the beautiful primary-colored "cube" called Pompidou Center with its 20th and 21st Century works. Malaga boasts museums devoted to saints, bullfighting, flamenco and wine, and airplanes, so we could easily have spent another week. The city's automobile museum is one of the finest in the world, a sleek and engaging blend of cars and fashion. Malaga has more than two dozen museums to nourish the curious soul. WE VIEWED splendid Chagalls at the Russian Museum and enjoyed memorabilia at the fine Picasso Museum which offers a fascinating illustrated history of his life with drawings, letters, commentary and even his favorite cape in the "Natal" museum in which he was born. Outside in the Plaza Merced, we even sat with the master. He is memorialized in a handsome lifesize bronze, sketchbook and pencil in hand, patina on his head where thousands have rubbed it. We rode in a horse drawn carriage, noticing carriage, driver and steed meticulously groomed and cared for. We climbed a pretty walkway to the Alcazaba we had admired for days, delighting in this thousand-plus year old marvel of art and architecture. For ease and grounding on your Andalucía road trip, we recommend the Hop On, Hop Off bus pass, a bargain way to navigate the city. So much did we enjoy the two loops that we made two forays, enjoying a well written commentary. MALAGA'S PARKS and boulevards are second to none. Its tourist bureau ranks among the best we've visited, with dozens of helpful maps, brochures and cheerful staff. A perfect holiday, our Malaga week. http://www.malagaturismo.com/ UP NEXT: Do something special for Valentine's Day. Ideas to please you beloved, and a range of options for every budget. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh look at travel, performance, nature family and more. Cruising New York's famous harbor may not be in your budget -- but perhaps a dinner cruise in a closer town is. Be imaginative this Valentine's Day. Ready for your next adventure? Discover more travel guides, tips, and hidden gems on WhereIsCookie.com

Late autumn is a delectable time to enjoy the hospitality, light, architecture of Catalonia A field glows in the mid-day sun near the beautifully preserved Catalan village of Peratallada, in eastern Spain. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This piece was reviewed and updated, July 26, 2026 If you’re mapping out a road trip through northeastern Spain, skip the rush of the coastline and consider a Costa Brava Medieval road trip -- a least for a day. Head inland toward one of Catalonia’s best-preserved secrets. Peratallada, located just 22 kilometers from Girona, is a storybook medieval village where fortified walls, carved stone homes, and flower-filled courtyards create a setting that feels almost cinematic. Unlike the more crowded hotspots along the Costa Brava, Peratallada offers something quieter, more intimate -- and arguably more memorable. Tucked into the rolling countryside just east of Girona, the honey-stone village of Peratallada feels like a place time forgot. Narrow cobblestone streets wind past ivy-draped archways, candlelit restaurants hum quietly behind centuries-old walls, and the rhythm of modern life fades into something slower, softer, and undeniably magical. This is the Spain you didn’t know you were missing. The Church of Sant Esteve is open for services but was quiet on our visit. PULL OFF the major highways anywhere an hour northeast of Barcelona and begin your “Costa Brava medieval road trip.” You won't be sorry. For here, Spain's pleasures include thousand-year-old villages, eye-popping scenery and even a hardware store! You can't really make a "wrong" turn in this lovely stretch of land. Furrowed fields await spring planting, beautiful gardens sport huge cabbages in late autumn, and beets and carrots are still to be harvested. The beautifully preserved Catalan village of Peratallada is virtually empty of tourists off season, perfect for a visit. DOZENS OF little villages welcome the traveler and fall is a fine time to take it all in. The gorgeous 12th and 13th-century village of Peratallada is bustling with tourists in summer, but in December, we walked through the town by ourselves, followed for a time by a friendly old mutt who sat down at the cafe with us and warmed himself in the sun. A French couple eventually materialized, offering to take our photo. We were comfy in our light jackets and joined the dog in soaking up the rays. THEN WE wandered through the village on our “Costa Brava medieval road trip” with its warm stone houses, beautifully preserved. Long a favorite of Catalans, this delightful ancient village is known by few Americans. Europeans flock here in summer, flying in to bustling Barcelona and driving a couple hours. The delights of Peratallada are enjoyed off-season in near solitude. SUNNY Peratallada, in the municipality of Forallac, county of Baix Empordà, is one of several proud, immaculate villages in Catalonia, about 22 km east of the larger and better known Girona, north Catalonia's largest city. On the approach to town, only the occasional tractor, car or combine suggests contemporary life -- otherwise, one goes back in time nearly 1,000 years. THE VILLAGE'S lovely name is derived from pedra tallada, meaning "carved stone" and you'll see plenty of stone in this charming, cohesive town. B&Bs and hotels in Catalonia are quiet in late autumn and offer good value Keller examines hammers in a Spanish hardware store' while searching for an electronic adapter. The store fascinated this veteran engineer and contractor with its myriad offerings. WE LITERALLY did not see another person for nearly an hour -- rare in usually crowded Europe. But visiting in late November and into early December has proved to be our favorite time for travel in southern Europe. IT'S STILL warm enough to enjoy the sun, the hotel rates are reduced, the crowds are gone and the native people take time to fully display the subtleties of hospitality. Here in Catalan country, we've found the people are welcoming and helpful in any season. Our hotel concierge went out of his way to find us a "ferreteria" or hardware store in a nearby larger town. We'd forgotten all three of our transformers, a necessity for using a computer in a rural part of Europe (because Spain's voltage is 220 and our American computers and other devices operate on 110.) OFF WE went with a picnic, to Palafrugell, making a day trip of our search for the transformer. Time for enjoyment, in the Catalan tradition, as Cookie and Keller await a coffee in Peratallada. Keller, a master building contractor in San Diego, was in his element wandering around the tiny store, looking for electronics for our cell phones and finding other interesting items. "It's like an Ace Hardware Store on Spanish steroids," he exclaimed, examining with glee a compact but extensive display of wrenches, hammers, and every household gadget and accessory he could imagine. WE HEADED back to our parador, just in time for sunset and flavorful Spanish red wine, savoring tapas, new friends, gorgeous sights. We cherish the memory of shopping in a foreign land, using basic Spanish and actually being understood by the gracious people we encountered! Nestled in mountains, above the sea, Parador de Aiguablava is a gorgeous, inspiring escape. COMING UP: The parador is a time honored means of receiving guests. "Paradores of Spain" are gorgeous properties, top-rated hotels, sometimes in castles and palaces, each unique and historic. Come with us to the lovely Parador Aiguablava, where hospitality and nature, plus gourmet food with a Catalan twist are offered. Here, the atmosphere is sumptuous as the sun gently warms the rocky cliffs high above the Mediterranean. Ole! Remember to explore, learn and live, and visit us weekly for fresh tips on travel, performance, nature and more at: www.whereiscookie.com www.whereiscookie.com

"Paradores Spain" include lovely Aiguablava, overlooking the Mediterranean. Steps lead to the sea, with stunning sunset views. SPECTACULAR SETTING, LOVELY ARTWORK COMBINE WITH FINE DINING, ELEGANT TOUCHES Spectacular rooms with a view: Parador Aiguablava's elegant suites overlook the sea. Editor's note, 2026: We first discovered this charming parador 15 years ago. It has undergone a thorough, multi-year renovation and is now reopened. The refurbishment updated the 1960s clifftop hotel with a modern, avant-garde style, including new services and dining options, enlarged rooms with expanded sea views and additional regional art. STORY by CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS by BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" OLD WORLD hospitality meets contemporary design and artful flair in Spain's Parador Aiguablava on the spectacular Costa Brava. Elegant outdoor areas offer splendid sea views. The parador sits atop a cliff. Nature is ever present. Guests are welcome to stroll the grounds and relax. Nature is integrated into the classy design of the parador to stimulate the senses at Aiguablava, where hospitality, beauty and art combine This splendid hotel is a jewel in the crown of Costa Brava. Many natives think their nearby village of Begur is the prettiest of Girona and its galaxy of eccentric, welcoming east coast villages. Other nearby, charming towns include Pals and Regencós. We enjoyed them all. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers hit the "Dali Triangle" from the parador, here in Pubol, a castle which Dali bought for his lover Gala, who entertained her paramours there. The spirit of Salvador Dali gives an artful personality to the place, and the Aiguablava shows its pride in this son of Catalonia, displaying his art along with that of Miro and other well known artists of the late 20th Century. The parador is conveniently located near the "Dalí Triangle" (Figueres, Púbol, and Port Lligat) and showcases an artistic atmosphere inspired by the eccentric surrealist artist born in Figueres Parador Aiguablava on Costa Brava stands on a majestic corner of land, with mountains and a winding pine-lined road on one side and the cliffs above the Mediterranean on the other. Aiguablava's waters are a piercing aqua-blue color, a hue of almost hypnotic appeal. The water below the Aiguablava vies for attention with the parador's artful touches The architecture of the parador expertly and with great subtlety integrates the outdoor beauty with the indoor artwork and furnishing. The result is a constantly pleasant infusion of relaxation and stimulation -- an enviable means of complement. OUR FIVE DAYS were not long enough, so quickly did we immerse ourselves in the ocean views, the fabulous food, the hospitality extended with both ease and sincerity. The parador is a time-honored method of enjoying Spain. Its history dates from 1926, when the government introduced them to promote tourism. Pretty Parador Aiguablava stands atop a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, one of Spain's stunning views. The parador concept is delightful: You can rest your head and dine in castles where art was created, conspiracies hatched and kingdoms won and lost. THE CONCEPT -- similar to Britain's National Trust -- allows owners to restore but not radically alter castles, monasteries and mansions, thus providing inns in beautiful, natural surroundings. The Aiguablava, our hotel, is near the village of Begur, 50k north of Barcelona and one of the Costa Brava's prettiest medieval towns. It's perched high on a hilltop and is a lovely little town to wander. It is also within a couple hours' drive of the trio of Salvador Dali museums and houses, and within easy reach of Tamariu Beach, Sant Sebastia Lighthouse, Llafranc Harbour and other attractions. Breakfast is being readied, for diners to find an array of pate, fruits, cheeses, meats, juices, pastries, eggs to order and more. The dining room overlooks both the large pool and the Mediterranean. WHILE AIGUABLAVA is relatively new, many older parador hotels are sprinkled through Spain -- from Galicia in the North to Andalusia in the South, to Spain's Canary Islands as well as in Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish cities in North Africa. The parador often reflects the heritage of historic Spain. Paella is one of the parador's gourmet dinner choices, along with lobster stew, sea urchins and baked snails. A sumptuous breakfast buffet also entices guests to linger and savor. MODERN HOTELS, such as our treasured Aiguablava, were built in spectacular and romantic locations. Since the state maintains the buildings, it tries to locate paradors in areas where they don't compete with the private sector. Many, including Aiguablava, are in or near medieval towns and villages first inhabited long ago. www.reservasaparador.es www.parador.es The interior of the Aiguablava features glass and wood, which vie for attention with nature's outdoor art. COMING NEXT: We look at the ritual of Spanish dining - elevated to an art form. Remember to explore, learn and live, and check us out weekly for travel tips on worldwide adventures, money saving ideas and our picks for cruising, train travel, family trips, exotic destinations and more. Ready for your next adventure? Discover more travel guides, tips, and hidden gems on WhereIsCookie.com Remember to explore, learn and live and share the links, please.

Singer Tony Bennett with Lady Gaga, on their "Cheek to Cheek" world tour, photographed during a New Year's Eve concert in 2014. Bennett's memory had not yet begun to fail him and when it did a year later, his concerts kept him sharp and engaged. He continues to rehearse twice weekly despite Alzheimer's. --Bruce Keller photo DESPITE ALZHEIMER'S, EACH DAY IS A GIFT TO LEGENDARY SINGER Some day, when I'm awfully low When the world is cold I will feel a glow just thinking of you And the way you look tonight...Jerome Kern Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga jazz it up on stage in "The Lady Is a Tramp," in a 2015 concert. The singer still rehearses in his New York apartment and credits music with keeping his mind sharp despite challenges. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This piece was reviewed and stands July 25, 2026. Check out our piece on Bennett's concert with Lady Gaga, at his Radio City Music Hall farewell concert WE'VE HAD MANY magical nights in our life. Those "pinch yourself" times when we float through the evening in a fog of hold-handing contentment. A play. A concert. Celebration. To life! New Year's Eve, 2014, goes to the top of our "hit parade" list. Tony and wife Susan stroll each day despite his struggles with Alzheimer's. We were in Las Vegas to see Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga. Securing the tickets -- the most we've ever paid for any performance anywhere -- was like participating in a feeding frenzy. I was poised at the computer when the show went on sale one fall morning at 6 a.m. The concert sold out in 11 minutes and my shaky hands were rewarded with a pair of second-row orchestra center seats. THE SHOW was spectacular, 90 minutes of non-stop, first-rate wonder. Tony Bennett at his Las Vegas concert, before Covid cancelled the rest of his tour, March 2020. Only years later did we learn he began to experience memory lapses the next year. We saw him several times since that memorable New Year's Eve. His shows were flawless, introductions of his band precise and unhesitating. That's because he works at his memory, despite being diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He rehearses twice a week, takes daily walks with wife Susan and has not ruled out another concert when the pandemic eases. His family, Gaga, his band and others in his circle knew about the diagnosis and a few weeks ago the public knew, through his sharing of his condition with the national AARP magazine. WE NOTICED Gaga's loving touches on stage, in the three concerts with the two of them. She was spirited but careful in their dance sequences. Their affection for one another showed as they twirled about the stage. Tony Bennett began painting decades ago, and still paints in his Manhattan studio. This photo is a decade-plus old, but the lower one is current. He was in top form, riding high on the success of the pair's "Cheek to Cheek" album. The two met ten years ago in 2011 when Gaga was still in her 20s, a 60-year age spread. Now Bennett is 94 and Gaga turned 35 in March. Their meeting was at a benefit for the Robin Hood Foundation, and Bennett approached Gaga after her performance, to compliment her jazzy, bluesy style. He compares her to the great female vocalists of his early career -- Ella Fitzgerald and Rosemary Clooney and considers her a natural born jazz singer. Famous for collaborations, he asked if she wanted to record a jazz duet album and the rest is history. Their Grammy winning "Cheek to Cheek" launched a world tour and their friendship remains solid. Gaga says she's still "getting over" Bennett's compliments, and his seeking her out as a partner. WE FOLLOWED the tour to two other cities and still listen to our "Cheek to Cheek" CD and its delightful tunes, all of which they sang in concert. "I Won't Dance," "The Lady Is a Tramp" and "It Don't Mean a Thing" are our favorites, besides the title song. A recent photo of Tony Bennett in his New York home. He says he tries to paint daily and still sings and rehearses to combat his memory loss. Tony Bennett's Career Began in Queens FRIENDS SAY the pandemic has been difficult for him, but he still paints and sings a set twice a week. They confirm that the cancellation of concerts and absence of the life-enhancing stimuli of audience and fellow musicians has set him back. Born in Queens, the acclaimed artist has lived in several cities but has come full circle back to the Big Apple where he and his wife, Susan Crow, live in a luxurious condo in Central Park West. Bennett continues to practice, rehearsing a 90-minute set twice a week with Lee Musiker, his longtime pianist. Although the grim circumstances of his illness and the pandemic have impacted Bennett's memory and ability to communicate, friends say his recollection of lyrics and melodies remains remarkable. The healing power of art and music! Hilton Hawaiian Village offers a stunning mix of trees, flowers, sculpture, relaxing hotels, pools and a lagoon. UP NEXT: A tropical wonderland awaits in Honolulu at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. The beautiful Honolulu property boasts gorgeous grounds with several artfully designed pools, a complex of plush hotels of varying styles, restaurants both lavish and casual, a nightly luau, inviting lagoon for snorkeling. Set on 22 acres of prime, tranquilizing, bird-friendly Honolulu landscaping, the property offers many boating options. Entertainment ranges from lei making to hula classes and ukulele lessons. It's waiting for you. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each week for a refreshing take on the arts, nature, travel, family and more: whereiscookie.com

The Museo Picasso Malaga, above, opened in 2003 and features nearly 300 of the great artist's paintings. The great artist's legacy lives on in lively Malaga in two contrasting museums, nicely complementing one another. Bruce Keller hams it up to a stoic Pablo Picasso, asking for directions from the master, who didn't reply. Below, Cookie gives the master a hug. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This piece was reviewed and updated July 24, 2026. FATHER OF MODERN ART IS MEMORIALIZED IN HIS NATIVE SPANISH CITY Discover Picasso's Malaga where the legendary artist was born and where two fine museums celebrate his life, creativity, and lasting influence. ALTHOUGH HE LEFT home town for good after only two decades, Pablo Picasso is proudly claimed as Malaga's native son. Before he changed the art world forever, he was a young boy growing up in this vibrant Mediterranean city. Today, visitors can trace his remarkable journey through two outstanding museums, reflecting the influence of his birthplace and its charming streets that inspired his earliest years. Whether you're a lifelong admirer of his work or simply curious about one of history's greatest artists, Málaga offers a remarkable blend of world-class art, Spanish culture, fine cuisine and sunshine that makes every visit a masterpiece. Picasso's birth home is now one of two museums celebrating the master's life and contributions. Exploring Picasso and Málaga: A Journey Through Art and Culture A visit to the artist's home town reveals much more than the sunny gateway to Costa del Sol of travel brochures. Malaga houses remarkable artwork, historic streets and the vibrant Andalusian culture that shaped one of history's greatest artists. We spent an enlightening day at a pair of museums which explore the evolution of a genius. Picasso was born into a patrician Malaga family, studied art there then answered his calling and left for Paris. Our first stop was the Casa Natal Picasso, Picasso's birthplace museum. After a breakfast snack on a bench with the master's bronze, we headed inside. We spent the morning there, before visiting the fine Picasso Museum Malaga. The Picasso Birthplace Museum sells attractive souvenirs, like these lighters or cases showing Picasso-style art: black Picasso text on one, IN THE birthplace home gallery, or "Natal Museum," we reveled in a fascinating illustrated history of his life with drawings, letters, commentary and even his favorite cape. The property is just off the popular Plaza Merced, surrounded by bistros and shops. Inside, a treasure trove of engravings, sketches and personal effects of the master awaits inspection. Photographs of his childhood, parents and family are a fascinating record of the fashions and privileged lives of the gentry, which his parents obviously were. Outside again in the Plaza Merced, we lunched under the master's watchful eye. He is strikingly memorialized in a handsome life size bronze, sketchbook and pencil in hand, patina on his head where thousands have rubbed it. The Picasso Museum -- Museo Picasso Malaga houses many of Malaga's native son's works. The controversial "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" by Picasso. The painting revolutionized modern art. CONSIDERED BY most experts and art aficionados to be the most important painter of the Twentieth Century, Picasso was born in 1881 at number 15 Plaza de la Merced. A Historic-Artistic Monument of National Interest since 1983, Picasso's Birthplace Museum began on the first floor; it now includes the whole building. Picasso looking intensely at the camera in his Paris salon, 15 years before he died in 1973. Visiting the birthplace museum first is recommended. It prepares one for the painting museum's extensive repertoire. AFTER SEVERAL HOURS at the birth place museum, which also houses ceramic pieces, we paused mid-day to picnic with the master's bronze in the plaza. At Picasso's birth house, now a museum supported by the Picasso Foundation, fans of contemporary art will find a wealth of fascinating history. We watched as tourists -- including the two of us -- posed with Pablo, shared stories with him, put arms around him, even offered him a sandwich. Then on to the splendid if austere Museo Picasso Málaga, which pays homage to Andalusia's most famous son. It opened in 2003 in the Buenavista Palace, and is devoted to Picasso's dramatic paintings, 285 of which were donated by Picasso's family. Picasso and sister, Lola, photographed in their Malaga home, one of many photos in his birthplace museum, full of memorabilia. THE TWO museums are an absorbing point-counterpoint, with the natal museum's emphasis on Picasso's art and scholarship, his preparation for a career and personal effects. The more traditional museum offers an artfully curated, more modern homage to his paintings. A wonderful library and ambitious program of temporary exhibitions and cultural activities also enrich Picasso's Birthplace Museum. Fans of Miro, Chagall, Max Ernst, Georges Braque and other influential artists will enjoy illustrated books donated by the painter's family. And fans of art history will appreciate the birthplace museum's fascinating notebooks of preparatory drawings for the famous work "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" (The Young Ladies of Avignon). This landmark painting of five splintered faces of prostitutes with masks marked the beginning of Picasso's "African Period," which inspired the artistic movement of cubism. Ironically, the master's most famous painting -- created in 1907 -- is housed not in Spain, but in New York's Museum of Modern Art. https://picasso-museum.tickets-malaga.com/ https://www.tiqets.com/en/picasso-birthplace-museum-tickets-l145929/ As the hilarious Captain Spaulding, Josh Odsess-Rubin brings down the house in Cygnet Theatre's rollicking performance of "Animal Crackers." NEXT UP: If you've always wanted to visit San Diego in the summertime, and if you love old-fashioned well delivered musicals and comedy, you can laugh yourself into a happy stupor with the offerings in southern California right now. From "Guys and Dolls" to "Animal Crackers," and "The Buddy Holly Story," you can see a play a day. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly when we post another lively look at the arts, nature and travel with a twist. Check out our home page for more destinations,

A thrill to see a humpback whale breach in Alaskan waters with mountains and clouds framing the wonder. Story By Christene Meyers Photos By Bruce Keller "The Carpe Diem Kids" There’s something magical about waking up to snow-capped mountains rising from the sea, watching bald eagles soar and breathing the crisp air of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Each morning aboard an Alaska cruise brings new adventures, but three iconic ports -- Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan -- capture the heart. Each place offers its own unique blend of stunning scenery, fascinating history and memorable wildlife encounters. From close-up views of ancient glaciers to riding a historic railroad through remote mountain passes and strolling colorful waterfront boardwalks where ladies of the evening plied their trade to lonely gold rush miners, these Alaska cruise ports deliver memories to treasure. If you're planning an Alaska cruise, here's what makes these three ports stars of the Inside Passage. Tips for Exploring Alaska's Big Three Cruise Ports There are few moments quite like standing on the deck of a cruise ship as towering mountains emerge through the morning mist. Every port along Alaska's Inside Passage has its own charm, but three destinations consistently steal the spotlight, but our "big three" tells colorful chapters of Alaska's story, from ancient glaciers and rugged wilderness to colorful frontier towns and rich Native heritage. Make certain your cruise includes these iconic ports, an adventure that blends spectacular scenery with unforgettable experiences. The stunning scenery of Ketchikan is one of the draws to this spectacular part of the world. No Alaska cruise is complete without experiencing shore in our "big three" -- Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. In Juneau, marvel at the stunning Mendenhall Glacier, search for humpback whales, or ride the Mount Roberts Tramway for panoramic views of Alaska's capital. Skagway transports visitors back to the Gold Rush era, with its charming historic downtown and world-famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, where dramatic mountain scenery unfolds around every curve. In Ketchikan, wander the colorful boardwalks of Creek Street with its cafes and onetime bordellos. Watch log cutting, admire centuries-old totem poles, sample fresh-caught seafood, and discover why this charming town is known as Alaska's Salmon Capital. Together, these three iconic Alaska cruise ports offer the perfect mix of wildlife, history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Juneau: Alaska's Wild Capital Accessible only by air or sea, Juneau feels wonderfully remote. Surrounded by mountains and the Gastineau Channel, the city offers visitors the chance to stand beside the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, watch humpback whales feeding in icy waters, or ride the Mount Roberts Tramway for breathtaking panoramic views. Downtown Juneau is easy to explore on foot, with local seafood restaurants, unique shops, and fascinating museums all within walking distance of the cruise docks. The scenery around Skagway is a rush of color in summer, here with a blanket of pink wildflowers against a lake and grand mountains. Alaska's spectacular and varied scenery is a huge draw. Skagway: Where the Gold Rush Lives On Stepping into Skagway feels like walking onto the set of an old Western movie. Wooden boardwalks, restored storefronts, and historic buildings transport visitors back to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. One of the highlights is riding the famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. The historic narrow-gauge train climbs steep mountain passes, crosses dramatic trestles, and delivers some of the most spectacular scenery in Alaska. It's easy to see why this excursion consistently ranks among the best cruise experiences in the world. Ketchikan: Alaska's First Port of Call Known as Alaska's Salmon Capital, Ketchikan welcomes many cruise passengers as their first stop in the state. The picturesque waterfront, colorful Creek Street, and abundant Native Alaskan culture make it one of the most enjoyable towns to explore on foot. Don't miss the impressive collection of totem poles found throughout the area, fresh-caught seafood served in local restaurants, and the chance to spot bald eagles soaring overhead. If you're lucky, you may even catch salmon making their incredible upstream journey. A black bear stands in a marsh near Ketchikan, gripping salmon amid grassy wetland. The town is also a favorite destination for human fishermen. Which Alaska Cruise Port Is Your Favorite? Each of Alaska's big three cruise ports offers something completely different. Juneau amazes with glaciers and wildlife. Skagway captures the adventurous spirit of the Gold Rush. Ketchikan celebrates Alaska's coastal culture, fishing heritage, and Native traditions. Rather than rushing from excursion to excursion, take time to wander the streets, chat with locals, and simply soak in the scenery. Those unplanned moments often become the memories you'll treasure long after your Alaska cruise comes to an end. Helena's delightful trolley passes in front of the city's cathedral, with riders enjoying the cathedral's towering red spires and beautiful trees, UP NEXT: We offer a two-part series on Helena, Montana's capital city and a great escape with culture, outdoor activities, nearby attractions for exploring and a charming trolley to take visitors around this historic central-Montana town. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live, catch us weekly and check our dozens of destinations worldwide for insights, money saving tips and more: www.whereiscookie.com Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly. Please comment!

Viewing the New York skyline from the water aboard City Cruises makes for a splendid evening. Lady Liberty aglow viewed from a Hornblower cruise. NIGHTTIME MAGIC UNFOLDS ABOARD CITY CRUISES AND IN WEE HOURS NIGHT SPOTS Editor's Note This story was originally published: Aug 2019 updated July 23, 2026 STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" "I want to wake up in that city that doesn't sleep And find I'm king of the hill -- top of the heap." --"New York, New York," by Fred Ebb & John Kander NO OTHER city in the world offers the nighttime magic that New York does. There has never been a better time to visit New York City. As America prepares to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026, the city that helped shape U.S. history is taking center stage with special events, waterfront celebrations, iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and unforgettable views. From the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to Times Square and Central Park, New York offers visitors a chance to experience the energy, culture, and history of America in one of the world's most exciting destinations Vegas is a close second, but it doesn't have the water. Nor does it boast the history. After all, President George Washington first took office in New York City. From left, Bruce Keller, Cookie Meyers, Misha and David Minesinger about to board Hornblower's New York evening dinner cruise. It's no prettier than from inside a cozy boat, transiting the waterways at night. New York city's lights and the water's beauty make a Hornblower evening cruise a spectacular way to see one of the world's great cities. Sister time: Misha and Cookie pause to reminisce before joining others on deck. WE BOARDED Hornblower's City Lights Dinner Cruise with my sister and her husband, celebrating our reunion and a Broadway binge. The evening marked the 55th anniversary of a fondly remembered family trip to New York to witness the 1964 World's Fair. In honor of that my show-biz sister Misha dressed us alike, as our mother had over a half-century ago. Our husbands were gracious good sports, donning look-alike shirts to match our blouses and jeans. For free: strolling New York at night, to admire its classic and new buildings. New York's Brooklyn Bridge, a treat to pass under. The company formerly known as Hornblower Cruises is now City Cruises, part of the City Experiences brand. The rebranding took place in 2021, but it offers the same sightseeing and dining cruises in New York City City Cruises operates dining and sightseeing cruises in many destinations, including: New York City Boston Chicago San Francisco San Diego Newport Beach Marina del Rey (Los Angeles) Sacramento Norfolk Philadelphia Washington, D.C. Niagara Falls (Canada) London, England It also operates in several additional U.S., Canadian, and U.K. destinations through the City Experiences network. GO TO THEIR WEBSITE, CLICK BELOW: https://www.cityexperiences.com/city-cruises It's a sentimental favorite at reunions on both coasts. We've toasted birthdays and anniversaries aboard Hornblower vessels in San Francisco, San Diego, Newport and New York with festive brunches, dinners and whale watching treks. This trip we booked a delightful three-course meal surrounded by other happy cruisers from around the globe. An Indian couple was celebrating their 20th anniversary. A family from Boston was celebrating with their recent Columbia Medical School graduate. Guantanamera serves up spicy Cuban fare late, with live music. New York's "The Imbible" is a fast-paced history of the evolution of drinking. BARTENDERS served up artisan cocktails so we could stroll out on deck to admire the city's architectural mix -- from Art Deco to modern. Breathtaking. As our amiable DJ announced our approach to Lady Liberty, champagne was delivered and our international group toasted the statue. City Cruises offers a leisurely way to admire famous New York landmarks -- the Chrysler Building with its ornate spire, the World Trade Center standing proudly rebuilt, Rockefeller Center and the Empire State building. We picked out these landmarks as we dined to soft background jazz. A perfect evening's afterglow. Dawn breaks over the bridges and skyline. OFF THE boat, it was still prime time for New York, although it isn't exactly true that the city never sleeps. However, a good reporter can find intimate bars and neighborhood restaurants that stay open into the wee hours. As in Europe, diners often don't take a table until 9 or 10 p.m., and some joints offer live music and dining until 3, even 4 a.m. One of my favorites was the popular French diner, Florent, which closed, sadly, in 2008. It was "the" destination for those who had too much medicine, serving up legendary goat-cheese omelets and black coffee in a noisy "New York" after hours atmosphere. Near Times Square, the action is lit up and lively all night long, providing great strolling UPHOLDING the Florent standard for the hangover crowd are Taco Mix, at East 116th St., with fabulous spicy fare; the Penrose on East 82nd Street with smoked gouda on its mac and cheese; Guantanamera on 8th Avenue, with delicious calamari, magnificent Cuban sandwiches and live music; Vida Verde between Hell's Kitchen and the Theater District, with tasty nachos and fish tacos. WE DISCOVERED a delightful play, "The Imbible," a spirited musical comedy tracing the history of alcohol from the cave man to modern times. A little science, a lot musical theater, the show is clever, quick-paced and includes several drinks and another evening option. If you're in the mood for a walk, nothing is prettier than the historic buildings and new skyscrapers of Manhattan's mid-town. Take a walk -- it's free -- then taxi back to your hotel. New York's Bryant Park provides chairs, tables and a lovely green expanse for residents and tourists to enjoy. UP NEXT: A pair to draw to. New Yorkers love their parks and there are dozens of them -- from large, welcoming and expansive public spaces to small neighborhood parks accessible only to residents. Then there are lovely alcoves within museums and businesses. We take you to our two favorites -- Central Park and Bryant Park, much beloved by tourists and native New Yorkers alike. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a novel look at the arts, travel, nature, family and more. www.whereiscookie.com

One World Trade Center is a remarkable homage to those whose lives were lost in the "9/11" terrorist attacks. A museum and a beautiful reflecting pool with victims' names honor their memory. HAVE A BANG-UP FOURTH OF JULY AS WE SALUTE NEW YORK CITY, HER ENDURING SPIRIT, HEROIC PEOPLE AND OUR FRIENDS ABROAD STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" AS WE come together for the Fourth of July 2026 in New York to enjoy feasting, fireworks, and the company of family and friends, we honor the international spirit of New York City, which was instrumental in the founding of the United States. We also commend the city's resilience and ability to recover from the horrors of Sept. 11, 2001. Our Fourth of July last year included a trip to New York and a bus tour of the city, something we've done before but always enjoy for a new take. Fun to do on July Fourth This bustling berg traces its origins to a trading post founded on the southern tip of Manhattan Island by Dutch colonists in 1624. They named their settlement New Amsterdam in 1626, long before the Founding Fathers came along. New Amsterdam was chartered as a city in 1653. VIEWING FIREWORKS over the Statue of Liberty is an uplifting way to affirm all that's good about America. We've welcome immigrants since our beginnings, and our countrymen celebrate the diversity that makes the USA so appealing. The melting pot of New York City is evident and full of energy near Times Square. Our own circle includes friends from all over the world who share our fondness for American enterprise, humor, spirit of adventure, generosity and good will. From 1776 to today, the holiday is celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities and reunions, rodeos, fireworks, parades and concerts. But between family gatherings and barbecues, let's ponder what really makes America -- and New York -- great -- politics aside, please. One World Trade Center stands where the Twin Towers were. WHAT TO ME best describes our country is a double-card strong suit that trumps all others: our resilience and compassion. We've got spirit in spades, and we are proud of our ability to leaven even the murkiest challenges with humor. We are known worldwide for our capacity to recover from difficulties, for our toughness and resolve. And we're known for our kindness. In dozens of visits to New York, I've always been graciously accommodated when I ask help with directions. I've even had New Yorkers guide me to the museum, the restaurant, the park. "Here, I'm going that way, I'll take you there." That's New York, and one of the reasons I love it. New York welcomes visitors from all over the world, as this Indian woman illustrates. Here she poses as her husband did earlier, in Midtown. WEBSTER DEFINES resilience as "the ability.....to spring back into shape; elasticity." No where is that more evident than in the reimagined One World Trade Center. People from all over the world come to meditate, to ponder, to appreciate the way in which New Yorkers rebounded from tragedy and created a beautiful space from death and destruction. A guide there told me that she's seen not only relatives of 9/11 victims, but veterans of war, people recovering from health issues and car accidents, parents struggling for peace after losing a child to gun violence. Patrick Harry Cosgriffe fishing the Stillwater River in early spring, happy in his Montana home. THIS FOURTH of July is also the anniversary of our family's celebration of life for our brother Patrick Harry Cosgriffe. He accomplished a great deal in his too brief life. Although he never particularly liked school, he graduated from college with honors. He did this while raising a handicapped child with his devoted partner after the birth mother abrogated responsibility. He was a gifted artist and fisherman, beloved brother, uncle, cousin, friend. So next time I visit Ground Zero and the beautiful 9/11 memorial, I'll say a prayer for Patrick. Many visitors remember their departed loved ones at this scene of calm and reflection. I think of the thousands of lives altered by the 2001 terrorist attacks on New York, Washington, D.C., and in the fields of Pennsylvania, where a heroic group of passengers brought down a third suicide plane headed for the White House. A visit to New York has always been healing for me, with my life long love of theater. So I'll again give my regards to Broadway, honor a city with a rich history, and remember my hero Patrick and his huge heart. Totems in Skagway, Alaska, tell stories, often about mythical creatures and sometimes featuring the crow, known for his quick thinking and his ability to trick. This one is a favorite of our able guide, Cruin. UP NEXT: We sail up the beautiful coast of California, past Oregon and Washington, to cruise Alaska's rich waters. We'll share this unique state's wonders in a three-part series. First, we take you to Ketchikan, where totem poles are revered and continually being restored, displayed and created. Our guide is a transplanted Scotsman with tales to tell. Then Skagway with its splendid rail trip to the Yukon, for stunning scenery and breathtaking views of the wilderness. Finally, we're on the whale trail in Juneau. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on the arts, nature, family and travel: New travel stories, tips and unforgettable experiences -- Follow our journeys at WhereIsCookie.com

Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers are all smiles at the iconic Roosevelt Arch in Yellowstone. NATION'S OLDEST PARK GREETS INTERNATIONAL CROWDS Tips on Yellowstone Trek and reserving a room to enjoy the park in a busy season Bison graze peacefully in the park, awaiting thousands of views. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This piece was reviewed and updated July 22, 2026 As the world's first national park, Yellowstone is a must-visit, unparalleled "natural wonderland". It features iconic geothermal wonders like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest concentration of geysers on Earth. Visitors can explore the breathtaking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, witness free-roaming bison herds, and experience a unique, steaming winter landscape A Yellowstone trek through the first American national parks yields pleasures and surprises with each visit. I've visited the park annually for years. One of my favorite places is Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. Located in Yellowstone National Park's Midway Geyser Basin, it is famous for its massive size -- stretching roughly 370 feet in diameter -- and its vibrant, rainbow-like rings. In my years on the planet, I've never missed an annual gambol through this eye-popping treasure, established in by President Theodore Roosevelt. Yellowstone was christened 151 years ago by the ardent conservationist, who is honored in a famous arch near Mammoth. THE WONDERS OF "our Yellowstone Trek" unfold in glorious hues summer or winter and despite the crowds, it's a trip we never tire of taking. Yellowstone is enormous -- 3,472 square miles. At first, it seems a daunting undertaking to try to see it all. There are dozens of "main attractions" and hundreds of lesser known treasures. There is much to see and do, depending on your energy and interest. The majesty of our national parks is displayed in dramatic jagged peaks. It's best to plan at least four days in Yellowstone. If you have less time, you can see highlights in two or three days. If you travel the park top to bottom, you'll be in three states. While the park is mostly in Wyoming, it spreads into Montana and Idaho. You'll be keeping company with tourists from all over the world, and hundreds of animal species, including the famous bison and bears. Wolves in the northern Lamar Valley are making a comeback and elk and antelope roam, too, along with thousands of birds. You'll traverse lush forests, hot springs and gushing geysers, including the famous Old Faithful, the park's most crowded spot. It's possible to see wildlife from the road, here bison grazing near the river. Figure a full week if you want to include Grand Teton National Park to the south. Well worth a visit if you've time for two stunning parks. Their wonders are different in many ways. YELLOWSTONE HAS nine lodges with more than 2,000 rooms. Bookings are made early and many people reserve rooms a year ahead. That's possible because on the fifth of each month, rooms go on sale for that same month in the following year, making it possible to book ahead nearly 13 months. The park's lodges are open from late spring through fall, but only two are open in the winter. A cow elk meanders close to the Roosevelt Arch. Yellowstone's wildflowers abound after heavy rains this year. STAYING INSIDE Yellowstone is more convenient for sightseeing, but hotel rooms are more expensive and often unavailable. We have stayed outside the park the last few visits -- it means a bit more driving, but lodging is cheaper outside the park and nearby towns have better restaurant selections and other attractions. A few road trip ideas to try are West Yellowstone, right at the west entrance; Cody, Wyo., a pleasant drive to the east entrance; Gardiner, at the north entrance; Big Sky, a beautiful 50-mile drive to West Yellowstone, along the west fork of the Gallatin River; and several places in Idaho, including a lodge we discovered last year, Sawtelle Mountain Resort. It's a family friendly place, considerably cheaper than the closer motels and rentals, and a beautiful drive into West Yellowstone. More information to help you plan a park visit, even on short notice: nps.gov yellowstonenationalparklodges.com vrbo.com bigskyresort.com expedia.com sawtellemountainresort.com A packed house in Fishtail enjoys "The Three Musketeers," a lively touring production by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. The troupe tours the Rockies with two full, free shows from June into mid-September. UP NEXT: Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is underway this summer. Check for your local schedule. This ambitious endeavor has been entertaining audiences in the Rocky Mountains for 51 years. This season's tour transits all of Montana and hits parts of Idaho, Wyoming and Washington states. On tap are two productions, "The Three Musketeers," adapted from the Dumas novel, and William Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure." The popular annual tradition is funded by grants and donations and is always met with a lively and grateful response. For the schedule, go to: ShakespeareInTheParks.org

Big Sky Country on the Stillwater River looking from our friends' home, John and Laurie Beers, toward our place up the road a bit, called High Chaparral. BIG SKY COUNTRY OFFERS MULTITUDE OF GORGEOUS SIGHTS, MEMORABLE VIEWS, WILDLIFE, NATURE, CALM A prairie grouse poses out our front door, enjoying the late summer sun. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: this piece was reviewed and updated July 22, 2026 Montana's nickname, Big Sky Country, captures the feeling of endless horizons, majestic mountains, winding rivers and wide-open spaces of my childhood. Whether I'm driving a scenic highway, hiking through alpine wilderness, photographing wildlife or watching the sun set over rolling plains, every turn reveals another memorable view. My memories showcase why Montana remains one of the most spectacular destinations for outdoor adventure, relaxation and nature photography. Come see for yourself. MUCH HAS been written about our famous sky and mountains. The state Highway Department used the phrase "Big Sky Country" in a 1960s promotion, but the moniker traces back to writer A.B. Guthrie's 1947 novel. His book, "The Big Sky," is considered by the late fellow writer and critic, Wallace Stegner, to be "the best" of Guthrie's six novels dealing with the Oregon Trail and the development of Montana from 1830 to the 1880s. The Fishtail Store is an institution in Stillwater County. The sweeping saga spans the time of the Mountain Men to the cattle empire of the 1880s to the time of the book's writing, post World War II. Up the draw toward the artesian well, High Chap as the autumn colors begin to appear on the aspen. Beautiful Montana and Her Mountains MY NATIVE state offers a bounty of beautiful sights: the aspen trees are beginning to turn. Big Sky Country is not just a wondrous place, it's a feeling. A beautiful Big Sky sunset with reds and golden tones in Stillwater County near Nye, Montana. Birds are loading up on berries. The sunsets are a glorious blend of crimson, orange, pale blue and golden hues, accentuated by smoke from 19 wild fires surrounding us. Tourists and natives alike also love Montana's mountains. Writer John Steinbeck said they were the kind of mountains he'd make if mountains were ever put on his agenda. RETURNING to the mountains this year, to our beloved Big Sky Country Home on the Range, has special meaning for us. When we left nearly 13 months ago, for our winter base in San Diego, we were climbing slowly up the list for Keller's liver transplantation. We did not know if we would be back this year, so even the sometimes smoky view at the Beartooths is a blessing. High Chap's mountain at the "top of the prop" provides a setting for an annual picnic and saxophone serenade. We're reveling in reunions with our dear friends here -- some locals and others summer people such as are we. We crossed paths by only days with the "Georgia contingent," a group of Atlanta based sojourners and like-minded friends, who closed up their places just after we all met by the river for a "no labor Labor Day party." Gooseberries, chokecherries and elderberries are favorites with deer. OUR FRIENDS are an eclectic group -- well traveled, well educated, avid readers, activists, thinkers, global in their politics. It took us a while to find them. The party hosts, for instance, recently built on the Stillwater and sold their home in St. Croix. Others are from Pennsylvania, Washington state, California and many other parts of the world. We met a couple recently who live in Spain and visit Montana a couple times a year. Sandhill cranes greeted us on our drive up the valley to home. Wild flowers are still blooming, albeit only a few are left. They are glorious. WE'RE thankful to celebrate our return with these friends who have had their own losses, illness and accidents during our absence and challenges with the transplant. We're planning an encore climb up the hill behind our home, to the "top of the prop" as we call it, for me to offer a picnic serenade with my saxophone. And while little things are frustrating -- a few trees lost to winter -- we feel the same love we always feel when we land in Montana with its beauty and staunch pals. There's no place like it. As Steinbeck put it, "For other states, I have admiration, respect, recognition, even affection. But with Montana it is love. And it's difficult to analyze love." The Ariel String Quartet thrills a sell-out crowd at an earlier Tippet Rise event. NEXT UP: Tippet Rise, that magical art and concert venue near Fishtail, Montana, is in its second fantastic season. On tap this weekend are world renowned pianist Anne-Marie McDermott and the St. Lawrence String Quartet. Each weekend, world class musicians thrill crowds in a unique setting, always a sold-out venue, with tickets kept cheap to encourage a wide audience range. Join us at Tippet Rise, remembering to explore, learn and live. We post our novel look at nature, the arts, health and travel each Friday, for the weekend.