Cinema's beloved Hobbit journey began in New Zealand's picturesque forest The homes of the Hobbits are small, befitting the tiny, magical people made famous by writer J.R.R. Tolkien. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Hobbiton beckons visitors to New Zealand's South Island. The new Hobbit movie is out, and here's where it was filmed. I COULD almost see Gandalf coming around the corner. Frodo is waiting for him. "A wizard is never late," Gandalf says. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.” And so did we! We arrived in Hobbiton precisely as planned on a recent morning after leaving lovely Wellington, New Zealand, for the journey to Middle Earth. We'd driven along New Zealand's gorgeous south coast where Frodo and Sam reached the Gate of Mordor in the beloved J.R.R. Tolkein "Lord of the Rings" books. Now that the Hobbit movie is out ("The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies," opened in theaters we'd like to take you to where the movie version started. Tourists, including Cookie and Keller, stroll through the pristine and well maintained grounds of the Alexander farm in New Zealand, where Sir Peter Jackson filmed the "Hobbit" movies, including the current release. WALK WITH US through a beautiful forest into a world of movie magic. Tiny houses, built into the hillside, well tended gardens and picket fences adorn the lovely acreage of Hobbiton, near Matamata, N.Z., about an hour's drive from Wellington. Enter The Shire, with many a hobbit hole, and you'll be mesmerized by Middle Earth's ethereal splendors. Director Sir Peter Jackson spied the "Lord of the Rings" location from his private airplane in 1998, when he was scouting locations for his adaptation of the classic 1937 Tolkien works. Lord Peter Jackson made many friends during his filming of the "Hobbit" movies. JACKSON is known as a nice guy, easy to work with, amiable, friendly to all, considerate and well mannered. He is respected for his tender care of the environment, and his desire to make things look real and natural. He hired gardeners and landscapers, who continue to keep Hobbiton lovely, right down to the vegetable and flower gardens which are tended and pruned daily. "We get to eat the produce," our guide told us. "It's all organically grown and very delicious!" Bruce Keller finds himself invited to tea in a Hobbit home. COMING UP: Find out how Kiwi born, Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson enticed the farm family named Alexander to give him the rights to film on their pristine land. (Hint: he sweetened the pot with a three-month paid vacation.) He had to finesse the project, though, since he would be using earth movers to create a road, and building a huge set. Remember to enjoy, learn and live, and visit us Wednesdays and weekends at: www.whereiscookie.com COMING UP: The Maori people of New Zealand have their own magic -- in music, stories, weapons, dance and their intricate tattoos. Come with us to two Maori villages, where Cookie gets a tat and we sing, play games and touch noses and foreheads with the school children. The journey doesn’t stop here follow along for more adventures and travel inspiration at WhereIsCookie.com

A journey on Alaska Railroad offers ringside seats to striking landscape and a pleasant experience in comfortable seats, with dining options from full meals to snacks among ever changing views. RIDING THE RAILS ALASKA STYLE MEANS COMFORT AS WELL AS BEAUTY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Views from your coach are spectacular because Alaska Railroad cars hug the scenery. Conductor Wanda Robinson has been with the company 30 years. Here she greets "Keller and Cookie." PICTURE YOURSELF relaxing in a comfy train car, beverage of choice in hand, watching the world's most spectacular scenery glide by. You've got a front-row sea to nature's wonders with a spectacular adventure on Alaska Railroad. The popular rail offers a variety of day trip adventures to some of the state's iconic sights -- from snow-capped mountains to picturesque villages and the ever changing landscape of the sea. WE BEGAN our adventure in Anchorage, after a relaxing week exploring this lively corner of the state. Our destination was Seward, 114 miles or about 4.5 leisurely train hours away. A PEACEFUL yet exciting ride is guaranteed from Anchorage and many other cities because the train routes assure passengers are surrounded by inspiring scenery at every turn. Cheerful attendants welcome passengers and make sure they are comfortable. They offer complimentary literature on the colorful history of the railroad. Announcements are made to remind where one may enjoy a leisurely meal or grab a light snack during the trip. Train passengers boarding in Anchorage have breakfast on the train, arriving in Seward after a lovely trip in time for lunch. A VARIETY of routes offer enticing options to choose from. National Geographic Traveler ranked our route among the Top Ten Train Rides in North America. Routes feature wildlife and quaint, historic towns, so there are plenty of options. We arose early to board our train in Anchorage and were off by 6:45 a.m. to wind along beautiful Turnagain Arm. We traveled past snowy peaks of Chugach Range as the sea churned below, then emerged into verdant wilderness. The variety of landscape was striking. We arrived late morning in Seward, in time for lunch, checked our bags at the hotel and were off to explore a sea life center. Near the Anchorage train station, a young fisherman shows off his morning catch in Anchorage, caught from a city bridge. THE OPERATION has depots in Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, Girdwood, Portage, Seward, Talkeetna, Wasilla and Whittier. First, find the location that most interests you and go from there. Many of the journeys are designed for cruise travelers because savvy sea lovers often complement their cruise with a rail trip as we did before boarding our ship for an Inside Passage trip to Vancouver. It's a marvelous state -- best savored when someone else is doing the driving. Alaska by rail is tops! Watching the tracks from the caboose is a pleasant option as passengers are free to explore around the cars. More on train travel in Alaska, click here AlaskaRailroad.com; 800 544-0552; 907 265-2494 The Alaska Native Heritage Center offers live performance, and a walk through history with indigenous homes and art. UP NEXT: Alaska offers colorful history in a variety of cities and towns, with something for everyone -- from the Northern Lights to trolley tours, salmon lore, fascinating cultural museums detailing life among the indigenous people. If you're in Anchorage, here's a "don't miss." A visit to Alaska Native Heritage Center offers a treasure trove of folklore, crafts and history, plus live performances of traditional dance and games. You'll likely see salmon and bears in your Alaska travels and you may meet a sled dog and hear about the famed Iditarod Trail Sled Dog race. Meanwhile, explore, learn and live, and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, the arts, nature, family and more. Please share the links of stories that interest you: www.whereiscookie.com

Honolulu is aglow with city lights, and Waikiki Trolley takes holiday revelers to the highlights. Bruce Keller enjoys a visit with Frosty the Snowman in Honolulu. FROM PAGAN BONFIRES TO MODERN TIMES, LIGHTS SHINE! CITIES AROUND THE WORLD DECK BUILDINGS, TREES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This piece was updated and verified in 2026 PAGANS REVERED mistletoe. My Norse ancestors thought it protected them from lightning and thunder. Druids believed that fire encouraged the gods to speed spring. So lights and mistletoe have a long history on Earth. Homo erectus didn't have holiday lights a million years ago, but that's when the first fire were likely built, for warmth, cooking and later to ward off wolves and demons, real or imagined. Today, holiday lights shine in Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens and the Galeries Lafayette in Paris. Lights shine across the globe from Tokyo to Rio, Arkansas to Oregon, Virginia to Los Angeles, Hong Kong to London. In Washington, D.C., Phoenix and San Diego, the U.S. is "lit" for the holidays. Nowhere is the spectacle more appreciated than in Hawaii, where Honolulu's lights take center stage. We admired this oddly shaped mistletoe, a festive parasite, during the Honolulu lights trolley tour. One of the stops on Waikiki Trolley visits Santa's sleigh where this visiting family takes a selfie. WE MET travelers from Asia, Australia and the mainland on a recent Honolulu tour. All were enjoying the spectacle via Waikiki Trolley's Holiday Lights Tour. It's a family oriented, fun tour that takes riders to see the Christmas illuminations in downtown Honolulu. Highlights are the Christmas tree and Christmas decorations at Honolulu Hale -- city hall. Christmas music is played on the trolley, encouraging a happy holiday mood. The much loved Waikiki Trolley is aglow with its own lights as it transports locals and visitors around to city lights. NOT ALL the lights on this page today are part of the Honolulu trolley's tour. We've added a few of our favorite lights photos from other cities. Here's what's in store, if you've booked the Honolulu tour. First, while waiting to board the bus -- at the 7 p.m. 8 p.m., or 9 p.m. tour options, we recommend you check out the food trucks nearby. Great variety of ethnic fare. We had a difficult decision deciding between Thai and Mexican and opted for a fabulous meal of several kinds of tacos. Trees are beautifully lit throughout the country, here in Washington D.C. It was tasty Mexican street food -- delicious, freshly prepared tacos -- chicken, fish and beef. Friendly service and tasty fare put us in the holiday spirit and we recommend Tacos de Cacheton for a reasonably priced treat, cooked to order, served with a smile. While Honolulu's Christmas trees and outdoor displays are surrounded by lights, other cities offer carnival rides, street fairs, seasonal food specialties and hot spiced drinks. In the UK, expect roasted chestnuts. In Colombia, try roasted corn. THE TRADITION of yuletide lights in Honolulu dates to 1987 when a month-long holiday event was named “Honolulu City Lights.” The City Holiday tree was originally decorated with strings of colored lights and a traffic signal control box was used to change the colors. The trolley became a natural part of the fun, with its cheerful clang, and decorations to attract passengers and spread cheer. Rockefeller Center's lavish display in New York is one of the city's most visited holiday exhibits. It took years for the holiday light tradition to cross the Pacific. On the mainland, it began in Menlo Park, New Jersey, when Edward H. Johnson assembled the first string of electric Christmas tree lights together in 1882. Johnson was a friend of inventor Thomas Edison in Edison's Illumination Company. He hand-wired 80 red, white and blue light bulbs and wound them around his Christmas tree. He gilded the lily, creating a revolving mechanism so the tree was both illuminated and moving. Tacos de Cacheton on Ala Moana Blvd., offers delicious fare before or after a trolley lights tour. So get in the holiday mood. From Maine to Arkansas, Arizona to Louisiana, Colorado to Maryland, Texas to Virginia, city lights are awaiting you. You can join an organized city lights tour or if there isn't one, create your own. Get three or four families together, have a potluck first or plan a gathering for cookies and Christmas carols, with toddies and punch. Then embark on your own tour. Newspapers feature the most colorful city lights, so you know where to go. www.waikikitrolley.com to book or for more information on City Lights Tour. The holy candelabrum, the menorah, adorns hundreds of Honolulu homes, reflecting the culture of the 10,000 Jewish residents in the city. In other spots around Oahu, Kaneohe transforms its Namoku Street into "Christmas Tree Lane" and revelers can also find lights in Kaimuki, Waikele, Waipahu and Mililani, considered Kaneohe's holiday hot spot. House Beautiful magazine each year lists the best city lights in America. The lights of Honolulu made the magazine's top ten again. Here's the link. A menorah shines a light of hope on downtown Honolulu. Jewish culture revolves in the city around services at Temple Emanu-el. So trees everywhere are aglow, and Santa's sleigh is loaded for kids of all ages. If you're vacationing in a city, or relaxing in your own town, a holiday lights tour wherever you are will put you in the proper yuletide spirit -- guaranteed. To book or more information: waikikitrolley.com Paris at night during the yule is a sight to behold. UP NEXT: Christmas is celebrated in tandem with Hanukkah in many households around the world, where a Christmas tree and menorah co-exist in harmony in thousands of living rooms. We take readers on a tour of some of our favorite holiday sights and displays through years of spending holidays abroad. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live -- holiday time and all year long. Be generous, forgiving and kind and let's make it a memorable and peaceful 2024. Catch us weekly for fresh spins on travel, performance, family, nature and more. Please share the links: www.whereiscookie.com

The views from the top floor of "Hop on and Hop Off" buses are usually splendid. Here, on the wide, tree-lined streets of Barcelona, bus tour fans enjoy informative and lively commentary in many languages. Here, the bus passes under a beautiful ceiling of trees on Las Ramblas in Barcelona. Malaga and many other cities offer these popular tours. Check it out next visit! CONVENIENT, EDUCATIONAL, FUN BUS TOURS OFFER THE OPTION OF STAYING AT A STOP OR ENJOYING A CIRCLE TOUR STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This piece was reviewed and updated July of 2026. Exploring an unfamiliar city can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Hop-on, hop-off buses offer a convenient way to get your bearings while visiting many of the city's top attractions at your own pace. Whether you're spending just one day in port or enjoying a longer vacation, these sightseeing buses can help you maximize your time, reduce transportation hassles, and discover places you might otherwise miss. Hop on and off tourists enjoy a beautiful, sunny afternoon in a new town. IF YOU'RE new in town and want to get a good, basic overview of your host city, you can't beat a hop on and hop off bus tour. We try to do one in every city, usually on the first full day of our visit. It's a terrific way to get to know your new town, making notes of museums, plazas, cafes or parks you want to spend more time with. It's also a great way to remind yourself of why you've returned to a particular city. USUALLY, a taped narration in many languages allows you to learn in your favorite language. Sometimes, there's a live guide -- even better. Always engaging. Particularly if you're on a limited time schedule, the hop on and off bus tour gives a great overview so you can feel as if you've learned something about your new town, even in a few hours. THE HOP ON AND off feature also allows one to budget time for return visits to particular spots if you're staying longer. Most day tours hit a few major attractions within the allotted hours. But if you take a hop on and off bus tour, you are free to do just what the tour says -- hop on and off and roam the city all day. A "bus top view" here in Funchal, Madeira, is a lovely way to see the sights of a new town on a sunny day. IF YOU ARE a bus aficionado, the first bus tour you take in the new city will give you a clear concept of how the routes work, what places are near to the hotel where you are staying, what's going on in the street culture and how you can get around in case you want to rent a car or use public transportation. WE LOVE TO roam without feeling time constraints. But if time is short and you want to get the best bang for your dollar or euro, and make optimum use of your time, we recommend the hop on and off tours. Consider them an introduction. You'll learn a lot. A bus tour gives a crash course of information, much more than a stroll through town can glean. Convenience, education and a variety of sights are three major plusses of hop on and off tours. Barcelona's is one of the best! Just moments off their flight to Lisbon, Keller and Cookie booked a hop on and hop off tour for the next morning. Great way to get an overview. We recently took wonderful "hop on" tours in Barcelona, Malaga, Porto, Lisbon, Amsterdam, London and Paris. It's fun to sit back, listen and learn, make new friends and leave the driving to others. If you see something you like, hop off. You'll be picked up at the same spot, usually an hour or two hours later. Malaga is known for beautiful beaches, stately buildings, a fine Picasso museum, palm trees, friendly people, flamenco, fun food. TOURS ARE not for everyone, and not all tours are created equal. But a "hop on and off" experience gives an excellent grounding. Perhaps you're interested in art museums or classic architecture. You might prefer a wine tasting or brewery tour. We've taken dozens of "hop on and off" bus tours. One of the best is in Malaga, that appealing southern Spain city known for stunning beaches, lively culture and fabulous food. It's also the birthplace of Picasso and boasts a wonderful museum devoted to him. Our last visit was brief but the hop on-off tour was a great "capsule," a reminder of all we love about Malaga. It made the best use of our time in this popular Andalusian city, with a return to Museo Picasso Malaga. This portly gentleman was photographed from one of our recent hop on and off tours in Madrid, Spain, on a sunny autumn day. WE SUGGEST securing a top-floor seat on your "hop on-off" bus so you get a good overview and can make notes on places you'd like to revisit or see more of. That’s the beauty of hop on and hop off tours. You see highlights and can return to the places that interest you most. Check out options. You can often book a "hop on and off" tour from the airport when you arrive in Lisbon, London, Malaga, Amsterdam, Munich, Porto, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Paris or most major cities around the world, including many in the United States. TRUE, THE HOP on and off bus tour is not the only way to discover a city, but there are few better or more economical ways to explore a new or familiar destination. If you're touring more than a single day, you can buy two or three-day packages which save money. Figure $30 to $40 a day and as little as $89 for a three-day pass. Each city is different. We enjoy the way we "tune out" the rest of the world on a hop on and off bus tour. We turn off our phones and simply relax into the rhythm of our new town. It’s lovely to make notes of what you and your partner, friends, family or tour group might enjoy more of. Drivers are helpful and knowledgeable, too, eager to share the delights of the cities they call home. bigbustours.com www.barcelonaturisme.com www.visitbarcelona.com www.barcelonaturisme.com www.visita.malaga.eu www.yellowbustours.com www.iamsterdam.com/en/tickets/i-amsterdam-city-card www.getyourguide.com www.viator.com PLEASE check out individual cities tourist bureaus. That's a fine way to begin research. Northern Portugal is a wonderful place to visit for a few days or a week. This charming village, Valenca, is a picturesque town which boasts centuries old architecture and nice people. STORIES ON TAP: Some fun features await from our recent global wanderings: Playing tourist in Los Angeles, charms of a small Portuguese village called Valenca, a perfect day in Malaga, whether to take a ship's tour or not, munching your way through Las Vegas with a delightful food tour, and much more. We're always looking for new ideas so please email us your suggestions, or comment on this page. Enjoy the holidays and please remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin and insights on travel, the arts, family, nature and more. As always, we welcome sharing of the stories and links: www.whereiscookie.com

AMID CITY LIFE, BUILDINGS AND BUSTLE, FLORIDA'S UNIQUE WILDLIFE THRIVES IN BIRD PARKS, EVERGLADES AND HISTORIC HOUSE Flamingo Gardens Botanical Collection. Flamingos frolic and show their lovely pastel coral shades during a recent visit to Fort Lauderdale. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Fort Lauderdale offers much more than beautiful beaches. Our itinerary combines natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and comfortable accommodations for a memorable South Florida escape. From strolling through the tropical landscapes of Flamingo Gardens to discovering rescued animals at the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary and unwinding at the Hyatt, this itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of nature, relaxation, and local experiences. Flamingos share the spotlight with this peacock at Flamingo Park. Flamingo Gardens Botanical Collection THREE THOUSAND years ago, the Tequesta Indians fished the winding intracoastal waterways of Fort Lauderdale, probably enjoying the beauty of the waterlilies and living off the bounty of the agricultural land the waters nourished. Perhaps they glided on their kayaks past flamingos and peacocks. Maybe they harvested or tangled with a fresh-water crocodile or two! They could have enjoyed the friendly presence of the manatee, who still gives birth in the waters that are now part of Fort Lauderdale. Hyatt Pier 66 is a landmark in Fort Lauderdale, with easy water access. OUR BASE for a four-day sight seeing extravaganza was the lovely Hyatt Regency Pier 66, which gives new meaning to "room with a view." This elegant hotel in Fort Lauderdale is world renowned for dazzling views, resort-style amenities, enticing dining venues and on-site activities. We also love it because it's on the Water Taxi route we've written about. It offers its own oasis, set amid 22 acres of gorgeous landscaping flanked with dozens of royal palms and a huge, Disneyland-style chess set. The Flamingo Sanctuary provides sanctuary for Yosh and Shula Wickman, left, Cookie and Keller, right. THE HYATT'S WORLD-class marina provides the ideal getaway in the yachting capital of the world and we sampled several of its five restaurants. Fort Lauderdale Itinerary We were just a quick cab ride to Flamingo Gardens Botanical Collection and Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary, where we spent a relaxing day with friends who'd flown from Israel the week before. The lovely Botanical Gardens are a showcase for over 3,000 species of rare and exotic, tropical, subtropical and native plants. The Arboretum contains some of the largest trees in the state of Florida. Hyatt Pier 66 offers dining, rooms with gorgeous views. WE ENJOYED a ride in a small open-air trolley that took us around the gardens, under imposing banyan trees and through carefully tended groupings of various Florida flowers. Then it was time for the wildlife lecture and show, featuring an on-site naturalist who introduced us to several critters in stages of rehabilitation. This was a wonderful half hour, enjoyed by families whose children were attentive as the owl, raccoon, snake and others were shown and discussed to their wonderment. Florida's moist, warm climate provides an abundance of lovely flowers. THE 60-ACRE Flamingo Gardens is a showcase for over 3,000 species of rare and exotic, tropical, subtropical, and native plants. The Arboretum through which we drove boasts some of the largest trees in the state of Florida. The Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary within the expanse gives residence to permanently injured and non-releasable birds and animals, and is home to the largest collection of Florida native wildlife- including alligators, bear, bobcats, eagles, otters, panthers, peacocks and flamingos. The crocodile, directly above, and the alligator, above him, co-exist in southern Florida. THE EVERGLADES Wildlife Sanctuary gives residence to permanently injured and non-releasable birds and animals, and is home to the largest collection of Florida native wildlife- including alligators, bear, bobcats, eagles, otters, panthers, peacocks and flamingos. Birds are part of the wonderful landscape at the Flamingo Gardens. You will also want to dip over to the Florida Everglades with its complex eco-system. Its myriad rivers, canals and lakes range from the Florida panhandle to South Florida, and several tours from Fort Lauderdale will take you there. THE UNUSUAL merging of salt and freshwater is the only location in America where both alligators and crocodiles live together! You can take an airboat trip in the Everglades, and see an alligator wrestling demonstration -- free with your airboat ticket. Big husky fellas looking like extras in "Deliverance" wrestle down the gators, with techniques they supposedly learned from the Seminole Indians. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or adding Fort Lauderdale to a longer Florida road trip, this itinerary showcases some of the region's most rewarding attractions. From tropical gardens and native wildlife to a relaxing stay at the Hyatt, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for South Florida's natural beauty and unforgettable experiences. UP NEXT: We take you to the extraordinary artistic wonders of Fort Lauderdale's Bonnet House, with its gorgeous gardens and art galleries. The 1920 home and acreage sit in the middle of Fort Lauderdale, a soothing surprise much like a country estate, right in the middle of a bustling city, and nestled below a skyline of condos and mansions. Artist Frederic Clay Bartlett designed the unique home. We're all about exploration, adventure and learning, always with a sense of fun. Remember to explore, learn and live, and visit us weekly at: www.whereiscookie.com

The harbor at Avalon, the major village in Catalina, is a colorful place to park your boat. California island offers restful, scenic time out-- the tune that made it famous lives on! STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "Twenty six miles across the sea, Santa Catalina is awaitin' for me, Santa Catalina, the island of romance, romance, romance, romance." Set sail for easy-going Catalina and you won't be sorry. THE FOUR PREPS' hit song of 1957 was inspired by singer Bruce Belland's teenage affection for Santa Catalina and spring baseball training. Living through a chilly Chicago winter as a kid, he was mesmerized by newsreels of his beloved Chicago Cubs practicing under the swaying palms of a place he longed to visit. Many years later, the song came to him. He was recovering from a broken limb and still fantasizing about "the island of romance, romance, romance." HIS SONG made him -- and the island -- famous, inspiring Jimmy Buffet and many other singers with its comforting, tropical tone. Relaxation seekers board a Point Dana boat for Catalina. The pretty little island is only 21 miles long and eight miles wide, and the principal town is the picturesque Avalon, on Catalina's southeast corner. The smaller settlement of Two Harbors is on the other end, at Catalina's isthmus, northwest end. IT'S ACTUALLY closer to 80 miles from San Diego, but whether you sail from Los Angeles, or farther south, be prepared for a beautiful look at the sea and a charming experience once you're there. You can reach Catalina by sea or air and crossing time by boat ranges from an hour or 90 minutes, to eight or 10 hours, depending from where you depart, and by what mode of transportation. You can go by sea or air and the Catalina Express is the most popular mode of transportation, departing from Dana Point, a lovely coastal town between San Diego and Los Angeles. Catalina's town of Avalon is tucked against the hills. Many people take their private boats between the mainland and the island, which was likely settled about 2,500 years ago by the Gabrielino Indians. Historians believe they came there centuries ago, as early as 5000 B.C. Europeans didn't discover it until 1542, about 50 years after Columbus, when Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo found it during his quest for the mythical passage between the Atlantic and Pacific. "Water all around it everywhere Tropical trees and the salty air But for me the thing that's a-waitin' there -- romance" Young people from the mainland enjoy a weekend Catalina get-away. Today,Catalina is a get-away for families and couples. It's pace is slower than the mainland's, and it's much closer than Hawaii, with several nice hotels and B&Bs, and a half-dozen or more excellent restaurants, ranging from nautical-themed pizza and chicken joints, to cocktail lounges, to steak and seafood places, and Italian complete with homemade pesto and extensive seafood and veal entrees. AS THE song suggests, it is romantic, with fine beaches, inviting tennis courts, and places to hike, camp, golf and deep-sea fish. Bikes can be rented and everyone who lives there gets around in golf carts, helping maintain balance in the fragile environment. Cars are mostly not allowed on most of Catalina, so the locals and visitors use golf carts primarily. There is also a variety of adventure, undersea and glass-bottom boat options developed by Catalina Adventure Tours . IF YOU'RE a history buff and are interested in steamships, you'll enjoy the Catalina Island Museum in Avalon, with its interactive exhibit chronicling the history of steamship transportation. And our songwriting Mr. Belland would be happy to see that his beloved Chicago Cubs are immortalized in a part of the exhibi which focuses on their spring training. The William Wrigley family, of the chewing gum fortune, was responsible for much of the island's development as a resort and sport fishing paradise. The Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden, two miles south of Avalon, honors Wrigley Jr., who was It's possible to truly get away in Catalina, especially off season! instrumental in the island's development and garden plans. The beautiful garden features an extensive succulent collection. The Santa Catalina Island Conservancy helps preserve the island's native flora and fauna and now owns 88 per cent of the island. IT'S NOT widely known, but it's a fact that bison inhabit Catalina, too. The Conservancy helps keep the herd to about 200 -- optimum for best survival -- down from the 400 that once grazed here. The bison history dates back to the 1920s when a half-dozen were brought here for a movie that was never made. They've been in the news lately, because of a progressive birth control program introduced by the Conservancy, involving dart gun and effective birth control. "Forty kilometers in a leaky old boat Any old thing that'll stay afloat When we arrive we'll all promote romance, romance, romance, romance." This pretty building reflects the island's Mediterranean architecture. TODAY's BOATS are mostly yachts -- no leaks now -- and only tour buses and cars with permit stickers are allowed outside the Avalon area. If you want to see the bison, or go on a boat for fishing, snorkeling or pleasure, you'll need to go through Catalina Adventure Tours or Santa Catalina Island Company Discovery Tours. You can google the island for accommodations and find the range of hotels and eateries. The lovely Seacrest Inn, El Terado Terrace and Hotel Metropole caught our eyes while we were staying with friends. The Catalina Courtyard Garden Wing has dog friendly digs in its pretty dozen A pelican stretches in the sun of Catalina Island. units. Next time, we'll check that out with our Yorkies, Nick and Nora. The Villa Portofino is on the ocean right in Avalon. And several smaller properties, including Hotel St. Lauren, MacRae and Atwater, look picturesque and welcoming, too. Check with the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and enjoy. Just remember to "stay afloat" -- which you'll need to do in your pursuit of romance, romance, romance, romance! COMING NEXT Next up, a two-part feature on Montana -- splendid in its summer glory. First, on Saturday, we spotlight a popular eatery in the little town of Dean. Montana Jack's Bar and Grill and the Stillwater Saloon draw crowds in a rural setting with an "uptown" menu and eel to it. Then we take a look next time at the splendors under the Big Sky. Then we're on to a bit of history on the Alberta Bair Museum, the largest performing arts complex in the northern Rockies. Remember to explore, learn and live. And keep reading us Wednesdays and Saturdays at: www.whereiscookie.com

This tiny hummingbird weighs less than a penny. We found him wounded on our patio and helped him fly again this week. He's returned to his box to visit a couple times. Happy news! This hummingbird is probably a broad-tailed variety; Keller caught him in flight near one of our Montana feeders. BIRD RESCUE PROMPTS RESEARCH OF THIS TWO MILLION-YEAR OLD SURVIVOR'S HISTORY Editor's Note: Our rescue of an injured hummingbird found on our patio prompted several hundred replies to our Facebook post and a request for more on the hummingbird. Here's to this beautiful bird! STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" This hummingbird in flight was outside our San Diego townhouse in the courtyard garden. I'VE LONG loved the hummingbird, that tiny, delicate, but tenacious creature. When I was a child, my grandmother let me help her boil sugar water then fill the feeders. (Four parts water to one part sugar, a pinch more sugar; boil gently for three minutes and change the water every few days.) I've rescued hummingbirds from cats' paws and Yorkies' jaws. I gently directed one from the rear of the garage when he flew in then couldn't find his way out. (I used a large red silk scarf to guide him.) This week, we helped a hummer recover from a patio fall. We fixed a wing he had dislocated, fed him, nursed him until he could fly. He's been back twice that we know of. This hummingbird was enjoying geraniums at our Montana place, in early July. I'VE WATCHED with fascination as hummingbirds compete for the feeder. I've been dive-bombed by hummers while gardening with a red or pink scarf on my red hair. "Why do they like red?" I asked my grandmother. She explained that the bird's sense of color has to do with its dense concentration of cones in its retina. Amazing to me is the fact that the cones contain pigments and oil droplets in shades of yellow to red. Scientists say those drops act like filters, serving to heighten color sensitivity in red, yellow and orange, while muting colors such as blue, brown and green. We photographed this little guy at rest at an Idaho rest stop. I TIP MY hat to hummers; they are small but mighty. They've also been around millions of years. The first hummingbirds developed 22 million years ago, arriving in South America from Asia. They spread through that continent, then migrated to Central America, the Caribbean and eventually North America. We've admired them on several continents, always marveling at their endurance and beautiful colors. We've logged five varieties in California, four in Montana. To make a day's rounds of 25 miles, the hummer must beat its wings two million times. They must carry enough "fuel" to make a 24-hour flight and can travel as much as 645 miles in a single haul. (That's about twice our car trip driving limit of 325 miles a day.) They've been known to migrate several thousand miles with only a few stops. Our little friend has been back twice to the box in which he recovered from his accident earlier this week. HUMMERS HAVE predators, particularly free-roaming domestic cats. Their other enemies are windows, buildings, stationary objects. Sometimes, they're hit by cars, and they can encounter problems during migration and lousy weather. Like all of us, they also succumb to disease. Hummingbirds do return to a favorite feeder year after year, and can live three to five seasons. A few live long enough to die of old age. I WAS DISHEARTENED to discover that the male has little to do with the female or the young, once he mates. But no species is perfect. Keller defends the male hummer's actions, saying, "He's doing a lot. He's carrying on the species." We hope our little visitor lives long and prospers, and that he continues to visit us again and again. He worked his way into our hearts in these few days, and we treasure the gift of his magical presence. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for tips on hotels, tours, cruises, performance and more at: whereiscookie.com. Please share the link with like minded people. Ready for your next adventure? Discover more travel guides, tips, and hidden gems on WhereIsCookie.com

The Bishop Museum's several buildings range from historic to contemporary and house millions of priceless items. It represents the world's largest collection of Hawaiian and Pacific cultural artifacts and natural history specimens. Its many collections contribute to global research. MUSEUM SHINES ARTFUL SPOTLIGHT ON HISTORY OF SOUTH PACIFIC IN STATELY HONOLULU COMPLEX STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: this piece was reviewed and updated July 2026 THE BISHOP Museum in Honolulu is a treasure trove. You'll go down the rabbit hole of Pacific Island discovery when you visit. Plan to spend a day to truly savor and appreciate its marvelous, eye-popping contents. SHOWCASING AN extensive collection of Hawaiian objects and royal family heirlooms owned by a princess, the museum includes millions of objects, documents and photographs about Hawai'i and other Pacific island cultures -- from massive whale sculptures to elaborate ceremonial headdresses worn by royalty. The Bishop Museum's extensive nature related exhibits include striking mobiles of a whales, sharks and more., Sculpture, tapestries, feathers and elaborate wall hangings are displayed artfully throughout the museum. Above, one of many intriguing pieces made of stones, shells and other materials. "The Bishop," as it is known worldwide, was founded in 1889 by Charles R. Bishop, the American husband of Hawaiian Princess Bernice Pauahi, who died in 1884. Because she was the last direct descendant of King Kamehameha, Bishop wanted to honor her legacy as well as celebrating Hawaii's cultural richness. Imagine 25 million items -- it's mind boggling. Each piece tells a story of the Pacific Islands rich and diverse history and culture. Here Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers survey the splendid collection. THE MUSEUM has gained an international reputation for its breadth and excellence. As the state's largest museum, it is the Pacific region's premier natural and cultural history institution. It is recognized worldwide for its cultural collections, research projects, consulting services and public educational programs. Feathers are part of the culture. Here, Keller admires a creation made of thousands of them, carefully plucked so the birds were not injured, but released to grow more feathers and continue life. At left, Bishop and his wife, Pauahi. The museum showcases her extensive collection acquired in her royal life Bishop Museum Exhibit Highlights WE SPENT an enlightening afternoon enjoying the exhibits -- from photographs of famous surfers to hands-on drums, to weavings, tapestries, pottery, mobiles, sculpture, murals, and intriguing diagrams. In 1961 a planetarium and an observatory were added to emphasize the role of astronomy in the cultural history of Pacific Island peoples. BISHOP CREATED the museum as an enduring memorial to his beloved wife. Pauahi was a well known philanthropist and member of Hawaii's ali'i, or royalty. She inherited many irreplaceable heirlooms from her royal family including her prestigious parents and her cousin Ruth Keʻelikōlani. She died at age 52, living only from 1831to 1884. But she was a shrewd businesswoman. At her death, her estate was the largest private land ownership in the Hawaiian Islands, comprising an astonishing nine per cent of Hawaii's total area. The revenues from these lands are used to operate the Kamehameha Schools, established in 1887 according to Pauahi's will. Her marriage to Bishop was one of like minded philanthropists who appreciated and shared their wealth. The Hawaiian Hall at the Bishop Museum contains the world's largest collection of Polynesian artifacts. Millions of pieces of historic art and memorabilia are housed within the museum complex, a world class operation. WE ADMIRED many of their treasures, including stone and bone implements and containers, gorgeous feather lei and capes and stunning kihili, those distinctive long poles decorated on one end with a cluster of thousands of feather plumes. These, and many of the other museum items, were used as ceremonial emblems by the native Hawaiian people. Bishop's mission was to honor both his wife's legacy and celebrate the rich culture of South Pacific. Well done. As our Hawaiian friends say: hele mai e ao, or "come in and learn." https://www.bishopmuseum.org/ The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, is world famous, offering a visual feast of treasures, including art, beautiful user-friendly exhibits and animal studies. It's free, and a wonderful place for families. UP NEXT: While we're in a museum mood, we visit one of the world's finest. The centerpiece of Wellington is the remarkable Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa which offers a cultural feast and is the focal complex in the city's unusual and popular "free museum" system. Te Papa Museum is one of many no-admission museums in Wellington, and is a much loved, user friendly place often visited by locals, school groups and by thousands of grateful visitors from all over the world. Te Papa means "container of treasures" and the museum lives up to its name. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, the arts, family, nature and more. 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Exploring the ruins of Iximche, Guatemala, provides a fascinating look into the ancient Mayan culture. Volcan de Fuego steams, smokes and hisses as the tourist drives by. GUATEMALA HAS IT ALL: CULTURE, NATURE, SPORTS, HISTORY AND A PROUD PAST STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" THE MAYAN people were expert architects, scientists, artists and farmers who developed a sophisticated culture. Volcan de Fuego forms a background as farmers and workers tend their crops and ship their wares. Guatemala's ruins are user friendly Guatemala offers access to the Mayan culture's spectacular archeological sites, where one can actually walk through (and surprisingly "on") some beautiful monuments and ruins. We were astonished to be able to climb an ancient stairway to an altar on a recent trip to Iximche, due north of Puerto Quetzal on the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador, Guatemala is larger than its Central American neighbors, and touches both the Pacific and the Caribbean Sea. BESIDES extraordinary ruins, the country of 16 million people is home to 33 volcanoes and more than 300 protected areas with stunning diversity including 300 micro-climates. Mountain biking, climbing and even rafting are among celebrated diversions and the diversity of flora and fauna attracts nature lovers from all over the world. The volcanoes were active the day we drove from Puerto Quetzal -- named after the country's showy national bird. We saw two smoking, including Volcan de Fuego, which did serious damage in 2018. Teenagers await a school bus, while older folks are going to work Our cordial driver told us he'd advised the volcanoes not to blow that day. His admonition was heeded by the volcano, which smoked and rumbled but didn't blow, as our mini-van cautiously passed by. A catastrophic eruption of de Fuego on June 3, 2018, took lives and we saw rubble still these months later. The death toll stood at 165 people, with 260 missing in Guatemala's most severe volcanic eruption in 45 years. Colonial architecture abounds even in Guatemala's villages where much repair is happening, post-volcano. WE WERE thankful to be spared, as only days before the volcanic island Whakaari on New Zealand's White Island's northeastern Bay of Plenty blew, killing tourists who, like us, were on a day tour. Putting that out of our mind, we were off to soak up the colorful culture that is Guatemala: 23 ethnic groups, all with rituals and folk festivals. Each of the country's 23 ethnic groups has its own language and the country's colonial past is evident in the architecture of the villages and the beautiful city of Antigua. The Guatemalan town of Antigua is a highlight for a visit to Guatemala, a well preserved Colonial masterpiece. We captured a close-up of this quetzal. We found the people friendly and welcoming on this, our third visit. Antigua is a highlight for most travelers to Guatemala. The town has gorgeous streetscapes at every turn, fine restaurants and a lively nightlife. Students come from Europe, Britain and the U.S. to study Spanish and hike the looming volcanoes. One may climb the ruins of Iximche, a pre-Columbian site. Iximcheʼ is a Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican archaeological site in the western highlands of Guatemala. Iximche, meaning "the city," was capital of the Kaqchikel Maya kingdom from 1470 until its abandonment in 1524. The site included pyramid-temples, palaces and Mesoamerican ballcourts. WE LOVED seeing families and generations strolling, admiring the ruins. Few people have cell phones. It's nice to see teen-agers taking time to visit and greet one another. This is a pattern we observe in relatively poor countries, a lesson perhaps. We saw happy people, in a country struggling with development, trying desperately to improve infant, child and maternal health, malnutrition, literacy, and contraceptive awareness. Catholicism is the major religion and volunteers are teaching birth control. A young, pretty Guatemalan girl awaits her school bus. THE PEOPLE of today mirror their ancestors of long ago in many ways: strong, capable, friendly, smart. They cultivate fields and farm in ancient ways, and greet the modern visitor with kindness, sharing their remarkable heritage. visitguatemala.com Color, class and character mark Palm Springs, where Hollywood stars flocked in the day. Now, a diverse group of people live and visit this lovely desert town. UP NEXT: Tucked neatly beneath the San Bernardino Mountain Range in the beautiful Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, California, offers world class art museums, fabulous entertainment including Oscar's, a lively female impersonator venue, a wide array of fine eateries, casinos, 100-plus golf courses and plenty of indoor and outdoor activity. A two-part series begins next Friday. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn, live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on art, music, nature, travel, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Ricardo Breceda's whimsical sculptures include desert wildlife and this fetching sea serpent, a dragon whose tail intriguingly goes under the road and emerges on the other side of the highway. DESERT DELIGHTS: INTRIGUING SCULPTURE, FLOWERS, FRESH AIR ASSAIL THE SENSES Story by Christene Meyers Photos by Bruce Keller "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's note: This piece was reviewed and updated July 2026 A daughter's infatuation with movie creatures inspired sculptor Ricardo Breceda's success. Recent rains have brought out the blooms on cacti, a major draw to the desert along with whimsical sculptures. Imagine driving through a sun-baked California valley when a 350-foot metal sea serpent suddenly breaches the sand, undulating directly across the road. Welcome to Borrego Springs, a surreal desert outpost where the rules of nature take a back seat to pure imagination. It's remarkable all year, but each springs, this seemingly barren landscape pulls off a stunning double-feature: a vibrant superbloom of purple sand verbena and yellow desert sunflowers collides with Ricardo Breceda's 130 colossal scrap-metal sculptures. From a mother camel and her calf frozen in time to a blanket of fragile neon petals spreading across the valley floor, this is our guide to exploring Southern California's most bizarre and beautiful open-air playground. Remarkable art pieces -- sometimes whimsical, sometimes haunting -- are one of a kind works. Some of Breceda's creatures are ambitious fantasies. They bring a smile. One can imagine Breceda winking as he playfully places his serpent on both sides of the road -- suggesting in a clever arc that the critter's tail dips under the playa, emerging on the other side. Head east and slightly north of San Diego to find a bonanza of art and flowers. Our search is for blooms bursting from cacti. As we walk, drive or bike, we listen to bird song as sweet as the morning air and happily happen upon a bonus of unusual sculpture. Borrego Springs Guide Highlights, Sculpture Back Story Galleta Meadows Estate (often referred to as the Sky Art Desert Sculpture Garden) located in Borrego Springs, California BUT WE QUICKLY discover that nature's bounty isn't the only attraction. Dozens of art pieces by Durango, Mexico, native and California transplant Breceda draw us in, too. His free-ranging art isn't limited to dinosaurs and prehistoric mammals. It runs the gamut -- to historical characters, native people, western figures and wildlife from around the world. Beneath the desert hillside, surrounded by cholla, an elephant by Ricardo Breceda awaits inspection. Once you find Borrego Springs Road, you're on a path to both nature's wonders and those made by the imaginative Breceda. His sculptures delight: graceful elephants and sabre-tooth cats, ancient camels, raptors and big horn sheep coming down to graze. Several striking human figures complement the artist's wide ranging critter kingdom. One, of an early priest who settled in the area, is a bit off the road, a short walk, well worth it to make the extra effort. People drive by, hike and bike the area to see Breceda's work. KNOWN AS the "Accidental artist," he began creating his metal animal kingdom in 2007 when his daughter Lianna, then six, requested a T-Rex dinosaur for Christmas, after being captivated by the film "Jurassic Park III." At the time, Breceda was selling cowboy boots for a living, so he traded a pair of those for a welding machine. (One could say his boots were made for sculpting!) After a few weeks of labor, he unveiled his first sculpture, a 20-foot tall tyrannosaurus rex. The hobby grew into a passion as he created a series of life-like works, quickly becoming a sought after sculptor. A bounty of blooms can be found in Anza Borrego desert certain times of the year, if one is willing to spend time and patience. It's a natural complement to Ricardo Breceda's art. GOOD FORTUNE continued when he met Dennis Avery, of the well known label maker Avery Dennison Corporation. Avery owned Galleta Meadows Estates and nurtured a vision of a giant free-standing gallery on his property. The dream flourished to include more than 130 pieces peppering the landscape, including the fetching 350 foot sea serpent featured in this article's top photo by our team's own travel-nature fan and artistic visionary, Bruce Keller. One of Ricardo Breceda's wonderfully crafted bighorn sheep awaits roadside viewing in the Anza Borrego desert. BOTH ART MADE by man and that of the natural world delight and surprise drivers if you follow our Borrego Springs guide. Look for the pairing of metal and petals and don't overlook the Anza Borrego State Park Visitor Center, where at certain times of year, you'll find poppies, visalia, and brittlebush blooming. North of Borrego Springs proper, along Henderson Canyon Road, Canyon Road is where you'll want to be for fields of delicate purples and golds, and unique sculpture found nowhere else. We recommend taking your time for this treasure hunt. Bring water and a protein bar to keep hydrated and nourished. Bruce Keller and Christene"Cookie" Meyers hike and take bikes to the desert in search of art, blooms. BRECEDA'S ART brings life to the desert all year. It is reliable, while blooms are not guaranteed. Lack of consistent moisture results in fewer blooms some years, relying on rain to bring the cactus and wildflowers out. Flower finding can take a bit more looking than in the "super bloom" years when one sees bursts of color even from a car. We try to visit when the ocotillo begin to bud and wild flowers show first color. If you don't time your flower search right, enjoy the sculpture -- always a treat whether nature comes through or not. A miner's faithful companion is loaded with gear. Some of the sculptures may be seen from the road. Others require a bit of a short walk to view up close. WE RECOMMEND a few days in the desert. You'll return to your world refreshed and invigorated at the sights and sounds. And if you wonder, as we did, what the name "Anza Borrego" means, the park takes its moniker from the 18th century Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and the word borrego, Spanish for sheep. Looking for a place to stay, steps away from the action? The Palms at Indian Head and La Casa del Zorro are two favorites, very different from one another and each with its charms and much to recommend. parks.ca.gov/ lacasadelzorro.com/ thepalmsatindianhead.com/ Director Francis Ford Coppola is immortalized in a sculpture in Savoca, Italy, which he has visited multiple times since the filming of "The Godfather," nearly a half-century ago. UP NEXT: Next week marks the 49th anniversary of the premier of "The Godfather," a movie that people still talk about and watch again and again. It raked in the big bucks at the box office in 1972, winning Oscars for its stars and director Francis Ford Coppola. It also made a star of the quiet little village of Savoca in Sicily. Come with us to celebrate what many consider one of the best films of all time -- and the sleepy village which became a star in its own right. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature and more. 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We boarded Celebrity's Eclipse for an exciting 15-day cruise from Buenos Aires to the Antarctic. Here, we joined fellow cruisers to board our bus for a shore excursion and spectacular wildlife. CELEBRITY'S FLEET SPANS THE GLOBE, WITH CLASSY STATE OF THE ART SHIPS Celebrity's handsome ships are easily recognized by the line's distinctive trademark "X" logo. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" THE GREEKS have long been good travelers. So it's no surprise that Celebrity Cruises owes its heritage to the Greece based Chandris Group, which launched the company in 1988-89. We're Celebrity fans, dating back to its founding by the Greece-based Chandris Group whose first ships were Mercury and Meridian. These elegant vessels quickly established Chandris as an appealing, up-market big-ship operator. Celebrity shore excursions include a wide range. Here "Cookie and Keller" enjoy a bike ride in Vietnam. ONE CAN easily spot a Celebrity ship with the line's signature "X," displayed on the funnel. It's the Greek letter chi for "Chandris." If Chandris sounds familiar, you're old enough to remember Chandris Line, a Greek shipping company founded in 1960 by popular ship builder and developer Antonios Chandris. His began operating ocean liners between his native Greece, to Europe, Bermuda and Australia. Chandris initiated the "X" tradition on its funnels, paying homage to the first letter of Chandris in Greek: Χανδρή. The chi was the logo for Chandris then continued with its successor, Celebrity Cruises. CELEBRITY IS rightly proud of its ships "bells and whistles'' and modern venues, including state-of-the-art cabins, restaurants, bars and attractions geared towards R&R. Its Edge, for example, is touted as "revolutionary -- designed to raise the bar of cruising." It features a trend-setting outward facing design encouraging guests to feel connected to the sea. A terrace pool deck provides spectacular views as the ship sails between ports. We explored Antarctica aboard Celebrity for a thrilling wildlife adventure. Close-up communion with king penguins was a highlight of our Equinox cruise from Argentina, a wondrous 15-day voyage. The resort deck offers a beautifully tended rooftop garden with an urban “playscape,” unique to Celebrity. An asymmetrical pool also faces the sea. Comfy seating encourages a picnic while watching a movie in the garden. Celebrity doesn't rest on its laurels, coming out with a new ship every two years. It keeps vessels for around 20 to 30 years before retiring them. Celebrity Cruises operates 15 vessels. We've cruised on 7 of those, including several voyages on the line's dowager ship, Celebrity Millennium, which is a quarter-century old old and still a favorite. Another highlight of our 155 cruises was a spectacular Celebrity itinerary through Asia, with Bali's breathtaking landscapes and sails into Hong Kong and Singapore. MILLENNIUM also goes to India and South Korea and smaller ports in Malaysia. Our cruising friends enjoy glass blowing classes and demonstrations on Celebrity cruise's Solstice class ships. We were fans in the line's busy period between 2000 and 2002, when Celebrity launched four ships: Millennium, Infinity, Summit and Constellation -- carefully chosen names carrying on the sentimental naming tradition of Chandris, whose Romantica was an early ship. Writer Christene "Cookie" Meyers gives a reading aboard Celebrity Millennium. These larger, modern Celebrity ships carry 2,200-plus passengers -- still reasonable compared to today's largest ship, Icon of the Seas, with 7,600 passengers. We like Celebrity's sizes and its all-glass elevator banks, lively art lectures, stunning onboard art collections, variety of inviting, relaxing areas and a focus on culinary experiences. Celebrity also initiated a series of programs and enhancements designed to improve onboard experience, including glass blowing among the expanded adult enrichment program, afternoon tea and a spa cafe dinner option. This is Blu, open exclusively to passengers staying in AquaClass cabins. Cookie and Keller on Celebrity, enjoying the scenery in Halong Bay off the coast of Vietnam We've also sampled Celebrity's 48-passenger Celebrity Xpedition (a delightful 24 staterooms) which gives a wonderful close-up view of the creatures and landscape of the Galapagos. The ship, in fact, helped put Celebrity -- and Darwin's famous islands -- on the map. . For Celebrity's itineraries, discounts and more: celebritycruises.com ON TAP: We cruise to Lisbon where we photograph dolphins, enjoy fado clubs and try a tuk-tuk tour. Then we cruise to Gibraltar's famous bay which offers a view of two continents and splendid sea life. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, cruising, performance, nature and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Highlights of New York include a visit to Tower One, the Empire State Building, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, holding her torch high in this montage for the Fourth of July. SALUTING JULY 4 WITH A PHOTO ESSAY ON LADY LIBERTY, TOWER ONE AND ELLIS ISLAND IMMIGRATION MUSEUM Tower One in the World Trade Center viewed from the water near sunset, shows the single tower standing where the Twin Towers once stood. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This post was reviewed and updated July 4, 2026 Key places to visit for the Best of New York city: New York Harbor is one of them. Standing beneath the towering Statue of Liberty, walking through the immigration stories at Ellis Island The 9/11 Memorial & Museum creates a day that's equal parts inspiring and unforgettable. Even better, using a New York CityPASS makes visiting these world-famous attractions easier and more affordable, leaving more time to soak in the history and spectacular views of Manhattan. NO MONUMENT in the country better represents American independence than the Statue of Liberty. Did you know that the tablet she holds in her left hand is symbolic? On it, in Roman numerals, is inscribed: July 4, 1776. The statue a gift from the French people -- commemorates the alliance of France and the United States during the American Revolution. IN A VERY different way, the World Trade Center Memorial represents unity, too. Its striking architecture speaks to our desire for world peace and understanding. Its tranquil and stirring architectural theme make one ponder, remember and give thanks for all that is good about America. A TRIP TO New York is not complete without a visit to these places that symbolize life, talent, loss, endurance and values of the United States. Our visits often include a return to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island Museum and One World Trade Center. Each one symbolizes America's resilience and endurance, its strength, universality and global reach. In trips since 9-11, we never fail to be moved by the beauty of One World Trade Center. Built in the grounds of the Twin Towers' destruction on that dark day 23 years ago, water creates a soothing ambience for visitors. Architect Michael Arad, describes his unique pools as representing “absence made visible.” Although water flows into the voids, they can never be filled, he says. The sound of cascading water makes the pools a place of tranquility and contemplation away from the noise of a bustling city. We linger with others to pay our respects to the victims representing “absence made visible.” Although water flows into the voids, they can never be filled, he says. The sound of cascading water makes the pools a place of tranquility and contemplation away from the noise of a bustling city. We linger with others to pay our respects to the victims. The National Immigration Museum offers an insightful look at the challenges and protocol of our ancestors' entry into the U.S. THE WORLD Trade Center complex includes the National September 11 Memorial and Museum is both memorial and museum -- part of the World Trade Center complex -- created to remember the Sept. 11 attacks of 2001, which killed 2,977 people, The approach to the Statue of Liberty at dawn is a moving experience. YOU MIGHT find it too emotional to visit World Trade Center, Lady Liberty and the immigration museum on the same day. We broke it up, spending one day at the Trade Center and museum then buying a roundtrip ticket on the historic ferry to visit both Ellis Island and the Liberty Island, home of the Statue of Liberty. To get to either of the islands you need to purchase a ferry ticket. It will include stops at both Liberty Island for Lady Liberty, and Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. THE MUSEUM is in the former immigration complex's Main Building. It is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. A piece of history itself, both memorial and museum. Visitors approach Ellis Island on Circle Line, with a CityPASS ticket that stops at the Statue of Liberty, too. Ferry stops between the two islands are staggered to give passengers time to take photos and visit both, returning at nicely spaced intervals for both brief and leisurely stays. SAILING TIME to each island is about 15 minutes. If you take the ride only without visiting either monument, you'll be gone one hour and fifteen minutes. If you visit both islands, time depends on the length of each visit. Since we are all immigrants, we found Ellis Island an insightful look at the American dream. From the massive entrance hall, to the medical stations, video and digital exhibits, the experience is both interesting and emotional. The 9/11 Memorial is a moving place to visit, where family and friends of those lost place flowers on etched names. WE RECOMMEND a bird's eye view of both Lady Liberty and the immigration museum with CityPASS for the Best of New York city You'll have a bird's eye view of both Lady Liberty and the immigration museum from a Circle Line tour, part of CityPASS and its New York ticket book. A Circle Line ride is a fun money saving way to see highlights of one of the world's great cities, including Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building, plus other world class museums and attractions. You can visit One World Trade Center and the 9/11 museum on your own, or book a guided tour. And don't forget the July 4 celebration on Washington, D.C., mall, broadcast live on PBS. MORE INFORMATION: We recommend visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with CityPASS, which offers a Circle Line tour stopping at both historic places. Jump to CityPASS www.citypass.com Or go to: www.statueoflibertytickets.com For tours of the 9/11 Memorial and tickets for the 9/11 Museum and One World Observatory. www.911groundzero.com Casapueblo intrigues, looking like a Moorish village, but it's in South America, and awaits your visitation. UP NEXT: Come with us to explore lesser known yet equally fascinating villages near Montevideo. Although the country's capital is the largest and most visited city, it takes just two hours to drive the interesting road to artful Casapueblo in Punta Ballena, and sunny Punta del Este, worlds away from the busy city. Casapueblo's museum, art colony and luxury hotel make fascinating touring. Nearby, an intriguing beach town awaits -- internationally famed for its shopping, glamorous nightlife, and dining for every budget. There's plenty to do in Punta del Este while the sun shines and more when the sun sets. During the day, we found people dozing on the beach, browsing high-end shopping streets, visiting museums, and enjoying some of South America's finest restaurants. If this destination sparked your wanderlust, there’s plenty more waiting for you explore more travel stories and inspiration over at WhereIsCookie.com Explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh slant on travel, nature, the arts, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com