Bruce Keller has sailed all his life, as a native San Diegan with a love of the sea. He taught sailing to Christene "Cookie" Meyers. She learned sailing and he learned to ballroom dance. Here they are at San Diego Maritime Museum, a world renowned museum with vessels, exhibits and much more. AHOY MATIES, SET SAIL FOR A DAY OF ADVENTURE, DISCOVERY, MAYBE A PIRATE STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" SHIPS, HISTORY, EXHIBITS, Keller is in his element on the Star of India, one of several vessels at the museum which visitors can board and admire. MOVIE LORE, SAILING, MEMORABILIA & MORE Ships and nautical history are front and center, here a view of several of the boats. From various vantage points at the museum and out on the sea, one can enjoy splendid views of San Diego and the skyline. IF YOU WANT a taste of the sea, with the vessels which explored the world, you won't find a better place to indulge your secret sailor than the San Diego Maritime Museum. The excitement, lore and lure of the sea are represented in myriad vessels and carefully designed displays. You're in for treats galore at San Diego Maritime Museum. The collection of boats is a focal point on San Diego's waterfront, a treasure trove of all things nautical. A knowledgeable, sea loving staff and an equally enthusiastic volunteer force have spent thousands of hours, days and months developing a rare collection of vessels. So expansive and well curated is its collection of vessels and exhibition space that the facility enjoys a worldwide reputation. Named one of three top worldwide maritime museums, this one needs to be on your bucket list! The beautifully kept Berkley is moored along the waterfront on the Embarcadero, one of the museum's delights. The beloved Berkeley was moved from northern California to its home in San Diego. Notice the beautifully preserved wooden tables and elegant stained glass windows. The museum sports more than a dozen boats and ships, including a submarine you can explore, and expertly curated and researched maps and nautical paraphernalia. Visitors get a double treat: a traditional indoor museum and an opportunity to board and inspect the vessels. Sometimes there is action and entertainment as "pirates" stroll and strut. And there are always workers doing endless repair and maintenance, all eager to share their knowledge with ship loving visitors. A favorite part of the exhibit is the stately Star of India, built in 1863. This graceful ship is the oldest active merchant sailing ship in the world. From time to time, the museum takes her out. We enjoyed a sail on her many years ago, and have our fingers crossed for an encore as plans are firmed for an outing in a year or two. A delightful pilot boat takes museum guests on the bay and harbor, pointing out spots of interest. We've had wonderful guides, including Kiki. Why Take Visitors to San Diego Maritime Museum We took our British friends aboard the Star, with its elegant wooden decks and English-related stories of her sailing days of yore. Fun to see her rooms and picture life in her difficult sailing times. Star of India began life during the Civil War, in November of 1863. Her first voyages took her to India, where she supplied badly needed jute to England. This replaced cotton, which because of the war was unavailable from the U.S. Two crew exercise lashing and unfurling the sails during a lively four-hour sail on the Californian. This adventure is highly recommended for fun seekers. SAN DIEGO'S fine staff and devoted volunteers are constantly restoring and maintaining the Star and other historic vessels to insure that future generations may come aboard to learn and enjoy. Restoration excellence makes the museum unique. Our sail on the Californian was a delightful one. As our state's official tall ship, she was built from the ground up in 1984 at Spanish Landing in San Diego Bay, Californian was launched with great fanfare for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. In July 2003, she was officially designated the tall ship of the State of California, the only vessel to hold this prestigious title. Since her launch, Californian has hosted thousands of adventure seekers, sailing enthusiasts, students, and history buffs along the West Coast. She has embarked on voyages to Hawaii, Mexico, and the East Coast, becoming one of the most recognizable and celebrated tall ships in America. We highly recommend a trip on her. From the stern of the Berkeley, Keller and Cookie are framed by the San Salvador, rear right. THE FERRY Berkeley is another treat, the first ship you'll see after you leave the ticket booth and approach the museum. She is full of lore from her days as a ferry in the Bay Area. Among her surprises: a vintage upright piano, donated by a local music lover and ship aficionado and lovingly cared for. The Berkeley has beautiful stained glass windows, polished wooden tables and original sturdy floors. The San Salvador has movie lore and offers pirate adventure. Berkeley also hosts a delightful concert series, "Music at the Maritime." It features concerts Sept. 14 and Nov. 9, with the Hausmann Quartet presenting "Haydn Voyages." The concerts finish the 2025 season series. So you see the variety of experiences -- from elegant to rustic, all for those who love maritime lore. More about the museum: #sdmaritime @sdmaritime www.sdmaritime.org www.sdmaritime.org/visit/on-the-water-adventures/tall-ship-adventure-aboard-californian/ Dive into an aquarium visit and enrich your view of the world's important oceans and their sealife. ON TAP: While we're diving into the wonders of maritime museums and exploring our beautiful Pacific Ocean, come with us to two world class aquariums. First, we visit Newport, California's extraordinary Aquarium of the Pacific. The award winning facility is dedicated to instilling "a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems." Then we take readers inside another fine aquarium. Maui's Ocean Center, a great spot to view our oceans' residents, including an octopus. You'll also see a research lab where coral is grown. Both offer fine arrays of exhibits, surprises and delights -- with an education bent. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, the nature, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Owner Jay Garnett of Surfing Goat Dairy in Maui has his hands full. After decades in the corporate world in his native Canada, he took over the enterprise in 2023. He is involved in all aspects of the growing operation -- from customer service to tours, goat health, cheese manufacturing and more. CREATIVE ENDEAVOR WITH GOATS IS PERFECT FIT FOR ALBERTA BORN ENTREPRENEUR STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Bruce Keller smiles as a young goat tries to munch on his colorful Hawaiian shirt. IF YOU LOVE goats, you will be in billy goat heaven at Maui's lively Surfing Goat Dairy. It's an appealing place to spend a few hours. We toured with manager-owner Jay Garnett, who bought the business from a German couple in 2023. They retired, leaving a legacy of goats, surf boards, and a successful dairy which Garnett is expanding in creative ways. The project came together as Garnett was recovering from a polo accident and had time to research his plan to make a life change. Doing his homework, he found the Maui place for sale and began negotiations. The rest is history. GARNETT IS hands on literally. Running Maui Surfing Goat Dairy, he feeds the goats, delivers their babies, arranges tours, caters lunches and tastings, sweeps, milks, shovels poop and repairs what needs fixing. He is an idea man, people oriented and constantly expanding the business. He works with the dairy's veterinarian to give the guys and gals their vaccinations. His intuition and eagle eye -- call it goat ESP -- can detect if one of the herd needs attention, doctoring or other special care. He has assisted in delivering hundreds of kids -- including several sets of twins and even triplets. He also acts as chief marketer for the dairy's fabulous goat cheese and goat truffles. Check out turtles, wildlife in Hawaii Maui goats are delightful tourist attractions. HOW DID the place its catchy name? "The German couple who started it in 1999 shared two interests -- goats and wind surfing. The name was catchy and it fits the spirit of island life," says Garnett, who owns and manages the place with a small group of Canadian investors. He took over the enterprise a few years ago, with high hopes. He admits to a sentimental attachment to Maui, where he was married 30 years ago. Moving to the verdant slopes of this beautiful part of Hawaii, he has made it grow by goat leaps and bounds. The original owners retired nearby and Thomas and Eva Kafsack, occasionally come to visit and keep an eye on their pet project, Garnett says. Eva considers the goats her children, staff agree. Eva, like Garnett, likes to hand-feeds the goats, and Garnett has learned as Eva did, to be midwife, helping deliver newborns in birthing frenzies when females go into labor en masse. "They tend to give birth at the same time, so the place can be really jumping," Garnett says. He recalls one birthing period when he delivered more than two dozen kids over a period of just a few hectic, demanding hours. Garnett, 53, is a man of broad and varied interests. He has had his hand in myriad businesses -- coffee growing, online grocery operations and liquor imports. He once helped a cannabis company go public. The subtle flavors of the Surfing Goat Dairy cheeses have won acclaim and awards. He got into the goat business because it interested him. "It has so many facets," he said. "I like doing whatever needs to be done on the farm. Every day is new Jay Garnett is always on the go, here making sure tourists are entertained as he plays with the goats. -- always something different. He demonstrates this by excusing himself from the goat pens to step behind the counter and arrange catering plates for a reception. SURFING GOAT Dairy is nestled near Kula, on the slopes of Haleakala in what is called "Maui’s Upcountry." Maui’s largest commercial dairy is known throughout the islands. "We are a culinary and ag-tourism haven where visitors are welcome to experience the magic of cheese-making," says Garnett. We joined a couple tours, part of the interactive goat experience. Our trek around the grounds included watching workers in the dairy, visiting the truffle counter, sampling delectable goat cheeses, playing with the kids. The dairy has won awards for its gourmet goat cheeses, always in high demand. "And we're proud of our gourmet truffles," says Garnett. "We're committed to quality, flavor, and the spirit of aloha." The subtle flavors, he says, are developed from the combination of uncommon breeds and the rich land that nourishes them. Surfing Goat Dairy offers appealing, entertaining tours, award winning cheese and delightful viewing. GARNETT IS also making structural changes to improve the place, expanding the existing store, increasing its offerings and building space for new products. The unique goat cheeses are popular all around the area, with much of the business going to restaurants and eateries. "We're always looking at new products, new markets," he says. Maui aquarium one of world's finest MORE THAN 25,000 tourists came to the farm last year. We also visited nearby attractions -- the Aliʻi Kula Lavender farm and Ocean Vodka. The changes Garnett is making will increase tourism for his enterprise, he hopes, adding a tasting area and sprucing up the reception space. He combines An impressive array of truffles awaits visitors. his sharp eye and creative instincts with a love of nature, all of which add appeal. His busy staff is on the go and he supervises. Someone is always planting flowers, tidying up the space. The intention is to pump up the user friendly angle. "I'm people oriented. I think what I would like to see if I were visiting a place for the first time," he says, between wrestling a playful goat into a pen and instructing tourists on the proper way to pick up a young kid." (Use both arms and always support the critter's frame.) It's a magical place, sure to open your heart and mind to the wonderful world of goats. Click here for more on the dairy Fireworks on Oahu, a Fourth of July tradition. Waikiki Beach is aglow. UP NEXT: Fourth of July fun is on tap. Celebrations, parades, barbecues, reunions, shenanigans, fireworks and more are planned next week as our country -- and Americans in other parts of the world -- celebrate the Fourth of July week. Tourists hit the road, families gather and people relax and celebrate our country's official birthday. Pride in the heritage of our great nation can be felt and seen and the USA is not the only place where fireworks celebrate our Fourth of July. Ex-pat enclaves, like the one in Paris, have fireworks celebrations, too. We'll take you to some of them as we live, laugh and learn. Check us out for a fresh weekly spin on travel, nature, performance and the arts. Please share our links with like minded people: Click here for more whereiscookie.com

The drama of Madeira is partly because it rises from sea level to 6,000 feet. One can drive it in less than an hour, experiencing the beauty in a gradual climb for splendid viewing. EXOTIC ISLAND OFFERS VARIETY OF CLIMATE, TERRAIN, AND LURES A war memorial reminds that Madeira prefers peace. The people are welcoming and friendly. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This post was updated in July of 2026 FEW CRUISE ports make such an impressive first impression as Funchal, the capital of Madeira. Surrounded by lush green mountains that rise dramatically from the sea, this welcoming city blends centuries of Portuguese history with breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you spend your day wandering the cobblestone streets of Old Town, sampling local specialties at the market, riding the cable car into the hills, or just enjoying the waterfront promenade, Madeira rewards with unforgettable scenery and a relaxed island atmosphere. BEGIN YOUR Madeira outing in Funchal with its gorgeous flora and fauna. Climb from sea level to 6,000 feet and peer down at the ocean below. Stop for a beer or glass of wine and watch the ocean. Make time for the war memorials and a stroll through lush botanical gardens. But don't miss a chance to drive up that splendid coastline, with views to stagger. Bruce Keller and Christene Meyers above the Funchal coastline, enjoying the view. IT'S EASY to fall in love with Madeira for its variety: ragged forests, pretty beachfront, fine art, culture of many kinds including music and fine food. You'll also be struck by an awareness of the island's stormy past. MADEIRA tried to remain neutral in the great world wars, but because of Portugal's proximity, and the island's strategic location, the people have lived with a sense of fear, and determination to preserve their safe haven. To secure international support for its authority in Africa, Portugal entered the war in 1914 on the side of Britain and the Allies. Our guide described an incident of more than 100 years ago which people still recount and pass on to their children. On December 1916 during World War I, a German U-boat entered Funchal harbor on Madeira; it torpedoed and sank, creating havoc for days. Today's population includes thousands of Gibraltarians whose ancestors were shipped to Madeira in 1940 when it was feared Gibraltar would be attacked. Time for a beer with a view of beautiful beaches. BRITISH PEOPLE have long loved Madeira, stemming from Britain's occupation after the Napoleonic Wars, a friendly occupation ending in 1814 when the island was returned to Portugal. Brits and many others are attracted to the dramatic landscape created by volcanic eruptions from the Atlantic seafloor. The layers of lava eventually reached the sea surface and created the Madeira Archipelago -- beginning a mere 20 million years ago. More recently -- about two million years ago -- the volcanic eruptions ended and seeds washed ashore. Birds followed and dined on the first plant growth, now beautiful, old-growth forests. We enjoy the island for those forests and dramatic mountains, balmy climate, and flowers of every shade. A fine old hotel, Reid's, is a fun splurge for a couple days. Reid's Palace, a stately hotel, reigns as beloved by British people and other international travelers. The people of Madeira enjoy plants and are expert cooks. Some restaurants have their own gardens. UNTIL RECENTLY, exploring the island was arduous, but millions of dollars of infrastructure and road work have made its mountainous land and rugged coasts accessible. But Madeira has long been sought after for its fruit, flowers and temperate climate. Its rough terrain didn't stop sailors of yore. Phoenician, Roman and North African explorers all reached the island, likely landing near the seaside town of Calheta on the southwest coast. There, we visited an impressive memorial bound to touch the heart of every viewer. A stone wall reveals the outline of a soldier holding a child's hand with one hand and a gun in the other. Each of the figures is holding a rose and hundreds of small faces cover the remaining space. The memorial commemorates the "Overseas War," fought from 1961 to 1975. We were curious about this strange moniker. The war has several other names, too, all elaborate. Among those are: Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers on the trail of food, history, art and music in Madeira. The Portuguese Colonial War; the War of Liberation; the Angolan, Guinea-Bissau and Mozambican War of Independence. Our guide described it as "clashes between the Portuguese armed forces and the liberation movements of the colonies." These happened during Estado Novo, the Portuguese authoritarian regime 1933-1974. THE PEOPLE seem happy to be free of the yoke of a dictatorship and welcome tourists. Flights to Madeira can be found for as cheap as $219 from Europe and $900 from the U.S. Ferries from the mainland are a great alternative, and one can take a car or bicycle on board and cross the sea in hours. More information: visitmadeira.com Although our visit to Madeira lasted only a few hours, it left us wanting to return for a longer stay. The island's stunning landscapes, friendly locals, beautiful gardens, and unique culture make it far more than just another cruise stop. If your itinerary includes Funchal, take the opportunity to explore beyond the pier you'll quickly discover why so many travelers consider Madeira one of the highlights of any Atlantic or European cruise. "Keller and Cookie" wear leis presented to them by hosts at Hilton Waikoloa Village on The Big Island of Hawaii. UP NEXT : Lore of the lei. When one visits Hawaii, it is customary to wear a lei at some point during the visit. You might even be greeted by your host with a lei, or find one in your hotel room. It symbolizes love and welcome, and is a friendly way to express love, friendship, celebration, sympathy, honor or greeting. Hawaiians consider the lei the symbol of Hawaii and the aloha spirit. In ancient Hawaii, wearing a lei represented wealth, royalty and rank. More about that soon. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly at: www.whereiscookie.com

Honolulu Museum of Art's extensive collection includes significant holdings in Asian art, American and European painting and decorative arts. The Asian collection is among the Pacific's finest. HONOLULU MUSEUM OF ART OFFERS 50,000 WORKS SPANNING 5,000 YEARS, A WISE COLLECTOR'S GIFT THAT GREW "Lobster," a work by Hawaiian artist Noah Harders, is among eye-catching pieces on view at the magnificent Honolulu Museum of Art in Hawaii. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This piece was reviewed and updated July, 2026 The Honolulu Museum of Art is one of Hawaii's cultural treasures, offering visitors a remarkable collection of artwork spanning thousands of years and diverse cultures. Located just minutes from Waikiki, the museum blends Asian, European, American, African, and Pacific art within a series of beautiful open-air courtyards and galleries. Whether you're an avid art enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the beaches and bustling streets, the Honolulu Museum of Art provides an enriching experience that showcases the artistic heritage of Hawaii and the world A MUSEUM should draw the viewer in, stimulate the mind, recharge the brain and conjure thoughts of life in other cultures. The splendid Honolulu Museum of Art does all that and more. From the Bronze Age to contemporary times, including dozens of countries and cultures, this fascinating museum opens the eye to a world of change and creativity. Founder Anna Rice Cooke had a vision. Born into a prominent missionary family in Oahu, she grew up in a home that nurtured an appreciation for the arts. The design of the building incorporates architectural touches from many cultures, reflecting Hawaii's mix of influences. As a young woman in the 1880s, she began the collection that would become Hawaii's first visual arts museum, reflecting the islands' intriguing cultural mélange. THE MUSEUM is a treasure trove of stunning art from around the globe. Cooke's philanthropy encouraged other donors, as she might have hoped. The museum's African art, for example, includes 230 unusual objects which began with a gift of textiles from Mrs. Charles R. Hyde in 1931. Since then, the African collection has grown to include impressive sculptures. O, mostly from the 19th and 20th centuries. Other pieces include a terra cotta kneeling figure from the 5th Century BC culture of present-day Nigeria to a centuries later piece created in the 1800s, a beautiful carved wood female fertility figure from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. An installation by British artist Rebecca Louise Law provides an enchanting walkway for Bruce Keller. ANOTHER stand-out piece in this wide-ranging museum is a stunning "wearable art" work, "Lobster," of found organic materials. Artist Noah Harders says he "reimagines" flora, fauna and found objects through his passion and "crazy progression in finding myself." His Hawaiian ancestry and study at Chicago's famous Art Institute complement one another in his bold organic inspirations. The piece on this page uses flowers, leaves, molted crustacean shells, and fishbones, an intriguing work of art. THE MUSEUM promotes beauty, harmony, learning, self-awareness, and connection with nature, with its continent-spanning holdings in Asian art, American and European painting and decorative arts. Add to that 19th- and 20th-century art, an extensive collection of works on paper, Asian textiles, and revolving installations such as a lyrical display of leaves and blossoms by Rebecca Louise Law of Britain. ALL THIS beauty stems from the generosity and curiosity of Cooke and her daughter Alice Spalding, who by the 1920s were cataloguing and researching dozens of art pieces. They obtained a charter for the museum from the Territory of Hawaii in 1922 and the family donated their Beretania Street land and $25,000 for the museum's 500 works. Their home was torn down to make way for the building whose unique design is the creation of New York architect Resort collection showcases remarkable work A Deborah Butterfield horse frames Christene "Cookie" Meyers in one of the museum's corridors. Both women -- the internationally known sculptor and writer -- have Montana roots and Cookie has photographed Butterfield's magnificent horses in various settings around the world. Bertram Goodhue. He used natural light and Hawaii's temperate climate as his inspiration. When Goodhue died before the project was completed, his colleague Hardie Phillip finished the job. Over the years, the museum’s architectural style grew, incorporating Hawaiian, Chinese, and Spanish influences. This appealing blend has been imitated in many buildings throughout the state. Mrs. Cooke's desire was “That our children of many nationalities and races, born far from the centers of art, may receive an intimation of their own cultural legacy." She wanted people of all persuasions "to wake to the ideals embodied in the arts of their neighbors." The Honolulu Museum of Art's extensive collection begins in the yard. It began when the Cooke family's collection outgrew its home more than a century ago. Its collection is highly regarded internationally. Museum family's home is treasure In a lovely statement delivered at the museum's dedication on April 8, of 1927, she expressed her hope "that Hawaiians, Americans, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Filipinos, Northern Europeans, South Europeans, and all other people living here... would perceive a foundation on which a new culture, enriched by all the old strains may be built..." The museum also offers workshops, school tours and many other outreach programs to involve and educate the community. MORE INFO or to book tickets: honolulumuseum.org We recommend a fun way to get there, the "hop on and off" Waikiki Trolley: waikikitrolley.com Whale watching is a passion worldwide for Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers. Next up, a whale watch with resident whales in Depoe Bay, Oregon. UP NEXT: Whales are a passion for both of us -- writer and photographer of this weekly endeavor. One of our most exciting whale watching adventures is in Depoe Bay, Oregon, where resident humpback whales spend a few months frolicking and enjoying the beautiful warm waters. We whale-watched four days with one of the country's best guides, and report back next week. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live --always respecting nature -- and checking out our weekly blogs on travel, nature, the arts, family and more at: www.whereiscookie.com

Photographer and Big Bus fans, Bruce Keller and Christene Meyers enjoy a return to Sydney, Australia. They used Big Bus Tours to reacquaint themselves with the city's top stops and architectural wonders. BIG BUS TOURS FILL THE BILL WHEN YOU WANT TO SEE A FAMILIAR OR NEW CITY Tokyo's splendid cherry blossoms, on a hop on-hop off Big Bus expedition. Easy hop off for photos STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER BIG BUS means large fun, wherever in the world you step aboard. We enjoy this inventive tour option in many cities around the globe and heartily recommend it. It's great for both newcomers to a place and those returning to a familiar town and simply wanting a refresher course on its high points. Either way, it's enjoyable and you're sure to learn something new. THE MEETING places to board are always near familiar landmarks-- hotels, parks and gardens, markets, museums, government buildings, cruise terminals, stadiums, castles, cathedrals, concert halls. These are determined by careful research of the places tourists frequent. Barcelona is a beautiful city served by Big Bus The tours can help you tick off your bucket list -- whether it's Barcelona's Sagrada Familia cathedral you want to see, Big Ben in London or the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Tall buildings, centuries old castles and monuments, modern shopping centers, famed concert halls, museums -- Big Bus hits them all. ONE HOPS on to the bus -- always in a central location in many major cities worldwide. Keep the ticket for future boardings. There are several pass options; the two-day ticket is our favorite. We've walked a couple short blocks from our hotels to board Big Bus in Sydney, Singapore, New York, Paris, Barcelona and London-- favorite familiar cities. Big Bus covers the world-- from Darwin, Dubai and Dublin to Las Vegas, Prague and San Francisco. Radio City from the second story of Big Bus. If you love a city and are returning, it's a great option. If you're new to a city, Big Bus is even more important in giving you grounding. It is a wonderful tool to help orient you so you can decide where you want to spend time or return. If you have only a couple days, Big Bus helps you hit the high spots. DRIVERS ARE courteous and helpful, the buses are kept clean, WiFi is free, and a lively narrative unfolds in many languages. Just plug in your complimentary headphones or bring your own, select the language channel and you're in business. The buses wind through a city, stopping at a variety of well known places. A map allows passengers to hop on and off, see the nearby attractions, grab a bite or a beverage to recharge and reboard from the same stop at specific intervals. Usually, we've waited less than 15 minutes. Keller and his nephew, James Ganner, hop off to enjoy San Francisco's Vaillancourt Fountain, and a stroll around the Embarcadero. Big Bus in Singapore, we hop off at the magnificent Botanic Gardens. In Sydney, we hop off at Bondi Beach and the Opera House, or in San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf and the Embarcadero. However, you don't have to hop off at all. Many people simply stay on the bus and enjoy the loop -- usually a couple fun hours. Often there are two loops -- distinguished by different colors. Well designed maps help you make choices for your hopping off. It's a great way to people watch, and enjoy the city's neighborhoods, landscape, shops. You'll cross major bridges, glide past government buildings, explore ethnic neighborhoods and learn colorful detail. Big Bus Tours officially goes back more than 13 years to 2011. But its history in tourism dates back further than its founding. The merger of two popular companies resulted in worldwide expansion as Big Bus Company of London and Les Cars Rouges of Paris blended. Both are proud of their longer histories: Les Cars Rouges dates to the late 20th Century and Big Bus has decades of history in the bus and sightseeing tour business. BESIDES THE CITIES mentioned here, many more cities are served by Big Bus Tours, including such diverse tourist destinations as Abu Dhabi, Chicago and Vienna. Tourists hop off Big Bus to see Marina Bay Sands, a Singapore landmark-- casino, parkway and more. How Big Bus Tours works Hop-on hop-off access: Your ticket lets you ride the route and stop anywhere along the line. Guided commentary: Audio guides or live guides share information about the city’s history, culture, and landmarks. Flexible sightseeing: Most tickets are valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, making it easy to explore at your own pace. Where Big Bus operates The company runs tours in many major travel destinations, including cities such as: London Paris New York City Las Vegas Dubai Vancouver Why travelers use it For first-time visitors, a Big Bus tour is often an easy introduction to a city, because you can see the major highlights in a short time while learning about the destination. It's user friendly, comprehensive, reliable, and you're sure to meet like minded fellow travelers. Big Bus Tours operates hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tours in major tourist cities across several world regions, mainly where visitor demand is high and attractions are concentrated. North America United States – tours in cities like New York City, Las Vegas, and Miami Canada – including Vancouver Europe United Kingdom – especially London France – Paris Italy – Rome Middle East United Arab Emirates – Dubai and Abu Dhabi Asia-Pacific Singapore – Singapore Hong Kong – Hong Kong Typical tourist areas they cover Big Bus routes usually pass through: Historic city centers Waterfront districts Major museums and landmarks Shopping and entertainment areas Famous parks or scenic viewpoints We've met folks on Big Bus who've become longtime friends, and fellow travelers. www.bigbustours.com/ To book a tour or for more, click here: UP NEXT: Goats galore in Maui. We explore a unique and fascinating enterprise, the Surfing Goat Dairy. Meet the charming kids, the elderly lady goats, the big daddy who has dozens of girlfriends. Learn how a Canadian man's desire to do something different developed into a flourishing enterprise. And check out the fabulous goat cheese and truffles created by the milk of these healthy, adorable and affectionate creatures. In the coming weeks, we'll explore a delectable food tour in Brisbane, and mingle with koalas and kangaroos in more rural parts of Australia. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature, family and more at www.whereiscookie.com Photographer Bruce Keller smiles as a young kid munches on the flowers of his shirt. Hard to resist. For a taste of the goat story, here's a link: Preview of Maui's goat dairy, click here

Our lively "Taste Porto food tour" guide, Ines, walks us through a colorful market, pointing out a bounty of fruits grown near the city, and offering bits of history, architecture and favorite dishes. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers explore the streets of Porto in a pleasant food and walking tour with top-ranked "Taste Porto." Porto Food Tour - GLORIOUS FOOD! TOUR INCLUDES TASTINGS, HISTORY, WALKING, SHOPPING, SIPPING A GOOD FOOD tour includes small bites and tasty samples of the city's culinary offerings. It also stimulates conversation about local customs and culture, and answers foodie questions. Cookie purchases a bag of warm, freshly roasted peanuts at a market. Food tours are a fun, tasty way to glean bits of history and color about the place you're visiting. You'll glean tips on where to dine and shop and your guide will recommend favorite hang-outs frequented by locals. He or she will even make you a reservation for dinner during your stay. OUR FOOD TOUR in Porto, Portugal, delved into the country's connection to its former colony, Brazil, and its use of fish, pork and beans -- staples in northern Portugal. We learned why Taste Porto is top-ranked by Lonely Planet guides, and has hosted both Rick Steves and the late Anthony Bourdain. The tastings were well chosen and the commentary was delivered by a smart, well informed, friendly guide. Portuguese pastries are many and varied. One is filled with savory minced veal, the other with warm chocolate. We've tried a dozen food tours around the world -- from Tokyo to Victoria, Rio to Key West - and are sold on this enjoyable way to spend a few hours, visit historic areas and stop five or six times for refreshments. Our Porto Food Tour was less hectic than strictly walking tours. We often partake of these, too, because they provide a wonderful, two or three-hour immersion. But they can be exhausting if you're into a slower approach to touring. Bruce Keller tucks into a Portuguese draft beer. FOOD TOURS offer welcome breaks where you visit with fellow foodies, taste the country's offerings, use the facilities and revive for the next foray to a new cafe, market, bakery or bar. Our Taste Porto tour began with pastels -- pastries -- at A Loja dos Pasteis de Chaves. We sampled both sweet and savory varieties of this favorite flaky treat. On to Bolhao Wine House, in a colorful market, for samples of fish and vinho verde branco -- the country's delicious dry white wine. Portugal is famous for its delectable stews and dried, salted cod -- bacalhau -- as well as smoked ham and tender, slow-cooked pork, which we sampled in a small sandwich, in Flor dos Congregados. Cookie entertains at Flor dos Congregados: roasted pork, ham, sparkling red wine and piano. TASTE PORTO promises its participants feel like they're taking a walking-talking-tasting tour with a local friend. We agree. Our lively, well informed guide even found a piano for me to play in one of the city's oldest eateries, while guiding us through her artfully designed tour. She shared history, architecture, culture, and cuisine with our group of 10 from Paris, Belfast, San Francisco, Munich, Idaho and Montana. Ines also kindly made a reservation for us at a fado club the next night. We really "tasted" Porto, capping the tour with cod fritters and "naughty rice," espresso and chocolate. The pauses were nicely choreographed as Ines pointed out monuments, parks and historic buildings. For food and wine aficionados, we recommend Taste Porto for its mini master class of classic Portuguese food and drink. Its three kilometers of history, culture and food filled stops. Portuguese bean and meat stew is served in many variations. Cooks can add meats and veggies, but pork, sausage, beans and carrots are a must. Here's a tasty recipe for Portuguese Bean Stew This traditional, hearty stew of red beans with pork and sausage is popular in both Portugal and its largest former colony, Brazil. In rural areas, the meat is slow-cooked pig’s feet and pig’s ears. A Porto friend adapted this recipe in his home in the mountainous region in Northeastern Portugal where the Douro flows in from Spain. Ingredients: 2 to 4 garlic cloves, 2 medium sweet onions, 2 tbsp olive oil, a pound of boneless pork shoulder or butt cut into one-inch cubes, 2 carrots cut into thick "coins," one large sausage, sliced into thick rounds. (Chouriço and linguiça sausages make an authentic version, but smoked sausage or Polish sausage are fine.) 4 oz bacon, cut or torn into shreds,2 large ripe tomatoes, chopped, or one One14-ounce can chopped tomatoes, 1/2 cup red wine, water, as needed salt and pepper, to taste 1/2 lb cabbage, chopped 1 - 14.5-oz can kidney or red beans Peel and mince garlic cloves and onion, and cook over medium-high heat in olive oil in deep iron skillet or Dutch oven until they brown. Add cubed pork. stir, brown. Add carrot, sausage rounds and shredded bacon. Cook until bacon begins to brown and render its fat. Mix in chopped tomatoes, pour in red wine, stirring to blend. Increase heat. When stew is bubbling again, add enough water to cover. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Lower heat. Cook 10 more minutes. Stir in chopped cabbage, cover pot, cook another 15 minutes. Add red beans, bring back to a boil; cook to heat through and blend flavors. Check seasoning. Serve with crusty bread or rice and favorite wine. Cod fritters with "naughty rice" (tomato rice) at Popina, where boiled eggs and red onion complement the flavors. Porto's winding streets and classic buildings are described in the fun food tour stroll. www.tasteporto.com www.portocvb.com www.citypasses.eu/en/citytrip-porto/porto-card/ Porto's Arrabida Bridge Climb is world famous and we did it! UP NEXT: We're climbing another bridge. Only five bridges in the world allow climbing and we'll ascend the fifth soon, in Brisbane, Australia. Now, though, we climb our fourth bridge, in Porto, Portugal. The Porto Bridge Climb on the beautiful Ponte da Arrabida is a challenging adventure for the two of us sightseers and amateur bridge climbers. On the trail of exploration, we climb in a small group to view Porto's historic sights from on high. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, the arts, family, nature and more: www.whereiscookie.com Please share the links.

End of summer blue -- not blues -- as we embrace the autumn, and cherished friends and family around the globe. Fishing time was minimal this year on the West Fork, but catch-and-release was popular with our friends who came from several states to enjoy. BIRDS, BIRTHDAY, BARBECUE AND A CHANCE TO RECHARGE STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER AS AUGUST runs its sunny course, with Labor Day around the corner, we say au revoir to one venue, and bonjour to another. Cookie is in her element -- saying so long to the Stillwater and hello to southern California, with beauty in both venues. Whether we are relishing bird life and flowers along our favorite Stillwater River in Montana, or savoring the salty sea vapors at our southern California digs, we appreciate nature's gifts and our ability to enjoy them. Our hearts are always heavy to leave one venue -- we cherish both our little corners of paradise, embracing the future with eagerness and energy. Sculptures -- some musically inspired -- are by world class artists. Tippet Rise brought international performers and audience to the unique art center near Fishtail, Montana. NONE OF US knows what's around the corner -- or how long we have on this treasured Earth. Thus we must continue to try, if we have any sense at all, to roll with the punches, be thankful, relish each day. We're thankful to be surrounded by the wit, wisdom, music, good wishes. We've had a wonderful summer -- albeit brief. Another stop on your road trip in Montana, Tippet Rise Art Center near us brought national attention to our little corner of Stillwater County, and provided great material for magazine features. Keller had engaging work, using his architectural, engineering and construction skills to help friends and Cookie's "60-something" is her new 50. Here's Keller's lemon birthday pie. neighbors with projects in the valley. Cookie gave five more readings on "Lilian's Last Dance," and we are plugging ahead on the musical. We had wonderful gatherings and dinners with friends and family. We read, walked, rode our bikes, harvested our first apples on the Honeycrisp and Harelson apple trees. We hosted raccoons, squirrels, bears, deer and even an elk in the yard. And a record number of birds of many colors. A beautiful fox gave birth near the artesian well, and raised her kits on the property. Such a gift. High Chaparral is a beloved family gathering spot, with a wealth of bird life, dozens of mature trees, hiking trails and a chance to recharge in nature. WITH LABOR Day just days away, the nights are getting shorter, temperatures dropping, and hummingbirds heading south. We recall this wise quote from Dr. Seuss (who lived not far from our winter digs, in La Jolla, Calif.) Theodor Seuss Geisel honored summer's end with this thought: Keller and Cookie the adventure continues. 'DON'T CRY because it's over, smile because it happened." And when you make your next birthday cake, or pie, don't worry about the number of candles. Just open the candle drawer, put a couple on, call it a day and blow! UP NEXT: In the shadow of Montana's Beartooth Mountains in the Northern Rockies, a small, inviting restaurant beckons. Piney Dell holds dear childhood memories for Cookie, and she and Keller visit Red Lodge to see if its wonders have been sustained. They sample the fare, tour the grounds of Rock Creek Resort and wonders and determine that Old Piney Dell still holds up! Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us with a new post each week whereiscookie.com Ready for your next adventure? Discover more travel guides, tips, and hidden gems on WhereIsCookie.com

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER One of the most meaningful experiences in New Zealand isn't found in its mountains or beaches—it's found in its people. A Māori cultural tour invites you to step into a living tradition that has shaped New Zealand for centuries. Whether you visit a traditional village in Rotorua, witness the stirring haka, enjoy a hāngī meal cooked beneath the earth, or hear stories passed down through generations, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for the history, culture, and warm hospitality of the Māori people. For travelers seeking an authentic cultural connection, this is an experience you won't want to miss THE MAORI people are a proud and noble race, descending from warriors, farmers, healers, astronomers and explorers. The people go back as far as known New Zealand history. In fact, the first settlers of New Zealand were the Polynesian forebears of today's proud Maori people. Expressive hands of a Maori elder welcome visitors and enhance a story in a village on a Waimaramamaori.com tour. Our guide, Denise, ponders a question in a pensive and reflective moment before a musical show. TRAVELERS LEARN OF ANCIENT CULTURE, ENJOY MUSIC, GAMES, TATTOOS, ART, TALES No one is certain where they came from or precisely when they arrived. Some think they originated on the Cook Islands, others think Tahiti or the Marquesas. Denise and her cousin, and now a nephew, above, lead demonstrations and illustrate Maori games for tourists. The tattoo is an art for the Maori people. Eels are cultivated as a crop in the Maori culture. TODAY'S Maori carry on the cultural traditions of music, family loyalty, crafts and gardening. Group singing and dancing, or "kapa haka," has real power. The gentle people can sound fierce in their chants, but soft as singers of the lullaby in their Polynesian sounding story-songs. Māori cultural experience New Zealand IN VISITS to two separate villages, we felt a closeness to the people we hadn't expected in just brief forays into their lives. Young Maori students learn the art of music and dancing from the generations before. Their elaborately carved war canoes are respected globally. Their artful tattoos are passed on through generations, telling vivid stories of family, loss and accomplishment. Our two brief days with the Maori are treasured memories, highlights of our New Zealand time. The hours with these families -- generous hosts, good cooks, with wry humor and musical talent -- will stay with us forever. OUR FIRST guide, Denise, exhibited a warm humor and sly wit that we found typical of the Maori people. Dressed in a beautiful fur robe -- which some day will go to the next world with a revered ancestor -- Denise told us of her people's evolution, and the most devastating thing the Europeans brought to an ancient culture. "The musket," said Denise, "changed everything." For while Europeans brought pigs, potatoes and other welcome critters and crops, they also brought unwelcome muskets and disease. After a presentation which earned school credit, Maori students say farewell to their guests with a handshake followed by forehead and nose touching. More than 20,000 Maori were killed during the explorations and whaling excursions of the English and French explorers from 1769 to 1840. The "Musket Wars" and disease killed more than 20 per cent of the Maori population. But things are looking up for this ancient culture. NEXT UP at www.whereiscookie: Cookie gets a New Zealand tattoo, visits a world class Maori museum and a Maori village and language station. She and friends learn to say hello and good-bye with her forehead and nose. Remember to explore, learn and live and visit us Wednesdays and weekends at www.whereiscookie.com

WESTERN HEMISPHERE'S OLDEST FULL-SCALE ELIZABETHAN STAGE HAS HIDDEN LIFE The Allen Elizabethan Theatre opens for summer shows, this year two by Shakespeare, one by Sondheim. Editor's Note This story was originally published: June 2014, and was updated July 6, 2026 STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Kiem Kids" The magic of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival doesn't begin when the curtain rises—it starts long before the audience takes their seats. A Behind the Curtain Tour gives visitors an insider's look at the workshops, theaters, costumes, props, and technical wizardry that transform scripts into unforgettable performances. Whether you're a lifelong theater fan or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this guided experience adds an entirely new appreciation for one of America's premier regional theaters. The lobby of the Angus Bowmer Theatre is warm, welcoming. WHAT'S AN ACTOR TO DO? Oregon Shakespeare Theater Backstage It's a sweltering day on stage, he's loaded down with an elaborate costume. The temperature is climbing. He's sweating. It's still act one and the temperature is climbing. But wait. The actor has a brief moment off stage and gets relief from tiny ice packs dropped into his garb. Thanks to clever costumers and seamstresses, the show goes on. The actor is much cooler. This is only one of the little known facts revealed by actor Jeffrey King, who took a couple dozen theater lovers backstage for a show as enjoyable as a regular production. Why You Should Take the Oregon Shakespeare Theater Backstage Experience areas of the festival most visitors never see. Learn how costumes, scenery, lighting, and sound work together to create each production. Meet knowledgeable guides who explain the creative process behind live theater. Great for families, students, aspiring actors, and anyone interested in the performing arts. You'll enjoy performances even more after seeing the craftsmanship behind every scene WE WERE privileged to gain insight into the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's behind-the-scene workings. Actor Jeffrey King gives a lively backstage tour. Cost and What's Included (2026) The public Behind the Curtain Summer Tour lasts approximately 60 minutes and is designed for individuals, families, and groups. Adults: $17 Youth (ages 6–17): $15 The tour includes behind-the-scenes access to festival spaces and an interactive look at the technical and artistic elements that make live theater possible. It's especially engaging for younger visitors because it incorporates hands-on learning about stagecraft and theatrical magic. For organized adult and student groups, special "Behind the Curtain" tour pricing is also available, generally starting around $15 per person, with discounts for larger student groups King has acted with the OSF company for 15 seasons, with an impressive range of roles in works -- from "A Streetcar Named Desire" to "Hamlet." He also derives pleasure from his role offstage as one of the able backstage tour directors, answering questions about the festival, which presents Greek tragedy, new work and everything in between. He is a master of explaining the curious and little known facts about the festival, considered the oldest and largest professional regional repertory theater company in the country. Established in 1935, OSF has garnered many honors and remains the oldest existing full-scale Elizabethan stage in the Western Hemisphere. KING DESCRIBED the yeomen's effort of mounting nearly 800 performances a season, operating on a budget of $33 million and reaching an audience of more than 400,000 in three very different theaters. For me, a return to the OSF's Ashland, Oregon, base, is going home. I've logged decades of seasons with this Tony winning company of 600 theater professionals and an impressive 700 volunteers. An ambitious student program is an Oregon Shakespeare Festival rule. KING TOOK us to all three of the theaters which make up the festival venues: the 600-seat Bowmer, the 1,190-seat Elizabethan and the 280-seat Thomas whose seating can be arranged in a variety of formats to accommodate up to 360. We learned: * That understudies have understudies. When an understudy takes over, the domino theory reigns -- someone steps in for the understudy. That's all smoothly arranged, and happened the night we saw "The Comedy of Errors." Entertaining and illuminating bits were gleaned by an enthusiastic group on an OSF backstage tour. * That the OSF has a "describer" so that the blind can "see" the play. Just as the OSF offers audio enhancement for hard of hearing play lovers, the describer helps the blind, explaining the action from a booth. * THAT THE Bowmer's green room is shared by two sets of actors -- one from the Bowmer production upstairs and the other from the nearby Elizabethan Theatre. Each production has its own monitor. One season, the actors from the period piece, "Henry IV," Part I, chatted between scenes with the actors from "She Loves Me." * That there is a point in every June when all 11 shows on the annual playbill are either being rehearsed or performed. * That most of the actors participate in at least two plays with three to five performances a week, usually a major role in one production and a supporting role in another. The Allen Elizabethan Theater as viewed from lovely Lithia Park in Ashland. * We also learned the reason for the happy presence of many young people at all the performances we saw: the OSF's school visit program sends actors to more than 100 schools, presenting performances and workshops in Shakespeare and modern literature to more than 70,000 students in California, Kansas, Oregon and Washington. Its outreach program and courting of students is one of the most successful and ambitious programs in the U.S. A performance at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is unforgettable, but stepping behind the curtain reveals the incredible teamwork, creativity, and craftsmanship that make every production possible. The Behind the Curtain Tour is affordable, informative, and entertaining, making it one of the best values in Ashland. If you're planning a visit to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, be sure to reserve a backstage tour you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for the artistry that brings every show to life COMING UP: From backstage at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival to backstage shipboard, behind the giant kitchen on Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas. Cruising is dear to the hearts of Cookie and Keller and they learned a few shipshape tricks from the chefs. Remember to explore, learn and live. There's much backstage activity aboard a cruise ship, too! Let us know what you'd like us to write about in our Wednesdays and weekends posts. Tell your friends about www.whereiscookie.com

In the title role of Marjorie is Dee Maaske, whom we've followed in two decades at Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The versatile Maaske moves skillfully in OSF's Repertory format from contemporary drama and comedy to the classics. It is a treat to have this globe-trotting talent in California for the run of "Marjorie Prime" through Feb. 5. Actors Dee Maaske and Steve Froehlich form a charming couple -- with a futuristic theme -- in "Marjorie Prime." BRILLIANT WRITING, EMPATHIC DIRECTING, FINE ACTING COMBINEAT CHARMING VENUE North Coast Repertory Theatre offers a small welcoming theater venue with pretty places to stroll or sit and sip between acts or before the show. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and theater marketing departments WE SEE hundreds of plays each year, many of them terrific. Every now and then, though, one comes along and the result is magic. "Marjorie Prime" is such a play. It is a true jewel -- to be admired and shared for its sparkle and staying power. To be returned to, savored. The flawless production at North Coast Repertory Theatre north of San Diego is worth planning a trip to San Diego. As Marjorie's daughter and son-in-law, terrific acting is delivered by Elaine Rivkin and Gergory North. This smart and tender play, is everything good theater should be -- provocative, troubling, ultimately reassuring and with moments of lightness and levity. Provocative because, like all good art -- whether symphony, story, photo, dance or poem -- it demands more than a single exposure. Troubling because it offers the possibility that our increasing interaction with technology can produce unsettling consequences. Reassuring, because it poses hopeful answers to the questions we all have about the future. It considers the possibility that all future technology will not necessarily improve human relationships, but that somehow love and human connections will continue to have importance. WE WERE introduced to the play last year at the Mark Taper in Los Angeles and were thrilled when playwright Jordan Harrison was named a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize. The young talented talent gets credit for beautiful writing, but other critical elements must coalesce to make a production magical. The "Marjorie Prime" poster and graphic hints at the theme -- that artificial intelligence might produce a human looking creation to keep the bereaved company. Veteran director Matthew Wiener creates a believable future in this story of "primes" -- humanoid lifelike robots who speak with patients in the form of lost loved ones thus providing comfort and companionship. COMPLEMENTING Wiener's deft and subtle direction is a terrific ensemble. Playing the title role is one of our favorite actors, Dee Maaske. We've followed her career for two decades at Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where she is in top form whether in Shakespearean tragedy, contemporary drama or slapstick. (Her Marjorie has a humorous, ironic edge.) Among our other favorite Maaske roles are "All's Well That Ends Well," "The Trip to Bountiful" and "Noises Off." This versatile actor commands attention. Her Marjorie is poignantly drawn, yet funny and flirtatious. She makes us think, reflect. Supporting her are three fine actors who capably convey the plays shifts and subtleties. NORTHCOAST REP is a lovely venue. We enjoy time at the outdoor tables with a glass or cuppa, and always sample a warm fund-raising chocolate chip cookie (one is $4 and ample to treat two or three.) Shaina Knox, left, as Eliza, and Lance Arthur Smith are backed by an all-aces cast in this royal flush of a revival of the Lerner and Loewe classic. Without theater in my life, I'd surely wither. "Marjorie Prime" is a bouquet of delights, a play-lover's play with grace, beauty and intelligence. northcoastrep.org/season/marjorie * Wherever in the world you see theater, don't overlook the smaller venues -- Intrepid Theatre and Diversionary Theatre present fresh, new and original work, cutting edge, intriguing, in intimate settings. intrepidtheatre.orghttp://diversionary.org Mary Tyler Moore's fictional character Mary Richards broke ground for real-life journalists and other career women. UP NEXT: With the death of Mary Tyler Moore this week, our Friday post features a tribute by Cookie (Christene Meyers). She interviewed Moore in 1980 and was a faithful fan of her groundbreaking 1970s Mary Tyler Moore Show. Meyers was forging her own newsroom career during the show's Emmy winning run, and she reflects on the ways in which Moore changed the world for working women. Next week, we'll feature Malaga, an inviting city on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol. It lured us for eight magical days. Come with us to the Alcazaba -- remembering to explore, learn and live and follow us Fridays when we post for the weekend. We hope you're enjoying our original take on travel, the arts, nature and occasionally, breaking news in the entertainment world.

TRAVELING TROUPE BRINGS SHAKESPEARE TO THE MASSES IN AMBITIOUS MONTANA PROGRAM STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER As "Hamlet," Riley O'Toole delivers the famous "alas poor Yorick" speech. It is one of the Bard's most famous speeches, reflecting on the brevity of life. The skull is his jester's. A wide-ranging group of several hundred people watched a spectacular "Hamlet" in Fishtail Family Park. All ages make up the audience which offered a standing ovation at play's end. FOR MORE than a half-century, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks has produced top theater across Big Sky Country, and in our neighboring states. The program, based in Bozeman at Montana State University, offers free high caliber entertainment by a gifted company from many U.S. states. Donations are encouraged because audience support is necessary to supplement funding from Montana Cultural Trust. Packed parks and other venues in 65 communities and 110 schools experience live classic theater. Many have never seen a play, much less professional Shakespearean drama. As a mother said at a recent "Hamlet" in Fishtail, "This is priceless: educational, enriching, unique. My kids love it." Bruce keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers at Fishtail Family Park for a terrific "Hamlet." EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kevin Asselin applauds the program's longstanding tradition of collaboration with communities. "It is inspiring to witness how people unite through the power of storytelling." All ages come together to enjoy the company's efforts, both in schools and park performances. Longtime director Joel Jahnke directed the successful program for 36 years, building friendship and support across a daunting demographic area. His tireless efforts continue in the energy of the 2024 company, with fine actors such as Riley O'Toole, whose "Hamlet" fascinates and thrills audiences. Gender bending is part of the fun, too. Justine Ryan, for instance, plays Hamlet's friend Guildenstern. It's a terrific, talented company with no weak links. A play within the play: Hamlet has arranged for a troupe of actors to present a sketch in which the king is poisoned. Avery Johnson pretends to commit the deed. PEOPLE BRING their lawn chairs and blankets early, and set up their places. It's fine to bring a cooler or picnic basket, as people often do. Children are amazingly quiet and attentive, and families are welcome to this popular event. Joel Jahnke was director of the successful touring program for 36 years. The troupe of seasoned actors doubles as costumers, technicians, designers and fund-raisers for one of the state's most enterprising organizations. The troupe tours the Rockies each year to the delight of playgoers from eastern Washington to northern Wyoming, Montana and even North Dakota With a schedule that would challenge most actors, the young, limber company presents two plays in repertory fashion. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks was started in 1973 by the late Bruce Jacobsen. Jahnke came to MSU in 1976, when the company was only three years old. The company has always shown remarkable energy, but the schedule was shorter then -- touring to Executive-artistic director Kevin Asselin sustains the vision and directs "Hamlet." only 22 communities, up from seven. WHAT MAKES the endeavor noteworthy is that in a single day, the company transforms an empty space into a believable theatrical stage -- complete with balcony, set, costumes and technical enhancements. The feat is remarkable when one considers it is done day after day with little time off and in unpredictable weather. In the foreground are Jamie Herb as Ophelia and Riley O'Toole as Hamlet. Seated are Calvin Adams as the plotting Claudius and Emily Michelle Walton as his new wife Gertrude. Besides "Hamlet," the company features "The Winter's Tale," which also deals with themes of jealousy and infidelity. Redemption and forgiveness are at the heart of this lighter, more lyrical play, while "Hamlet" is a revenge play, perhaps one of history's most famous and intense theatrical works. An extensive outreach program includes the popular school programs and other fund-raisers and presentations. A tender moment in "The Three Musketeers" from the 2023 tour. The season began in hometown Bozeman for a week. Stops are mostly a single night, or occasionally two. The troupe always performs in Bozeman for Sweet Pea Festival, and during the summer visits Butte, Big Sky, Glendive, Lewistown, Roundup, Big Timber, Columbus, Gardiner, Red Lodge, and many other towns. The production visits Pocatello, Idaho; Beach, North Dakota; Liberty Lake, Washington, and several Wyoming towns. The August docket finds the company in Salmon, Idaho, Dillon, Deer Lodge, Helena, Great Falls, Polson, Missoula, Anaconda, and more. The tour ends in September, with performances in Townsend, Butte, Boulder, White Sulphur Springs, Livingston, Pony, Whitehall, Twin Bridges and back to hometown Bozeman, for the Sept. 10 finale of "Hamlet." For more information, to find a date near you, or to donate: shakespeareintheparks.org Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers high in the Swiss Alps aboard Bernina Express, passing through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rhaetian Railway. UP NEXT: Bernina Express offers a thrilling way to observe some of the world's most spectacular mountain scenery. We hopped aboard to transit the Alps, passing through a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stopping several times to soak up the view. Even in summer, it's cool up here! Come with us to enjoy this panoramic train which connects the north of Europe to its south – passing by glaciers and dense forests. Meanwhile, enjoy, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, family, nature, performance and more: www.whereiscookie.com

The audience begins to assemble for a Big Timber production by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. The company undertakes an arduous schedule through the West, offering two works for free. THE PLAY'S THE THING BUT HARD WORK GOES INTO PRODUCING A RIGOROUS TOUR STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This story appeared in 2025 during Montana Shakespeare in the Parks 53rd season. The company's 54th season, 2026, features “Much Ado About Nothing” and “The Merchant of Venice.” Performances are free and open to the public as the company of 11 actors takes its 12-week tour across the West, visiting 64 communities. All ages are welcome to attend and enjoy the performances. A donation of any amount is asked. "Perseverance... keeps honor bright" from Shakespeare's "All's Well That Ends Well" Actor Avery offers programs, either an old-fashioned paper playbill or if preferred, a code to scan with your device. MONTANA SHAKESPEARE in the Parks has been happily persevering for 53 years. That's how long a dedicated company of talented actors and technical wizards has been sharing Shakespeare's magic with rural communities in an impressive five-state region. Through rain, wind, heat, cold and occasional hail, the show goes on. The West's notorious weather swings do not prevent the company from performing in 60 towns across five states, June through September. THE ENSEMBLE schlepps set, costumes and equipment to parks, fairgrounds, school yards and other venues, packing the collapsible set in a tidy truck. With free performances held under open skies and only donations to attend, this treasured summer tradition invites audiences of all ages to gather for an evening of storytelling, connection, and culture. Dressed in period costumes, from left: Calvin Adams, Sam Cheeseman and Nadja Simmonds check messages on phones before going on stage. THE DIRECTORS choose two works -- usually a comedy and a tragedy. This year's romantic comedy, “As You Like It” speaks to the joy and complexity of love, identity and the transformative power of nature. Fans know it features Rosalind, a complex female character, as she ventures into the Forest of Arden with a colorful cast of characters. Artistic director Kevin Asselin promises the high quality production values grateful audiences have come to expect. He also thinks "Henry V" will have modern meaning as it grapples with leadership, moral complexity and power. "Henry must listen, reflect and learn while inspiring, persuading and unifying," says Asselin. "All timely considerations." The ensemble charms wherever it tours, including educational outreach programs. Here, they gather for a production at internationally known Tippet Rise Art Center near Fishtail, Montana. Asselin explains the Bozeman based company’s mission as "bringing togetherness and unity to rural communities." The actors come to our Montana State University base from across the U.S., and are always eager to visit, share their knowledge and act as vehicles to unite folks. "Together, we do a much greater thing," Asselin says. He emphasized that recent political events have cut into federal funding, and usual grants are imperiled. Thus, private and corporate contributions are vital to the program's survival, he said. Several of the stops involve towns close to one another, enabling people to see both plays on the docket, one in each venue. "It's great in towns where we can pair -- like Lewistown and Utica." An audience in Fishtail Family Park last season. The 2025 Fishtail performance is "As You Like It" July 11. "The Merchant of Venice plays for the 2026 season on July 10. For your town's date, check shakespeareintheparks.org The two venues are only 36 miles apart, "so residents can easily see both shows. In that respect, we bring locals together,” he said, "to get to know one another's communities." The 2025 tour includes venues from Beach, North Dakota, to Afton, Cody and Powell, Wyoming, Driggs, Idaho, eastern Washington state, and many Montana venues. “We are dedicated to bringing high quality work by talented artists, who see something greater than themselves, to great audiences who otherwise would not have this opportunity.” — Joel Jahnke - artistic director emeritus and company founder "The Three Musketeers" drew raves in its 2023 season, a rare departure from Shakespeare. FOR THIS 53rd season, eight professional actors from across the U.S., are enacting a lively rendition of the two classics. The company has been seen by more than 750,000 people during 2,250 performances since 1973. It also presents an educational school tour, sharing Shakespeare with more than 12,000 middle and high-school students each season-- and a few lucky adults. This year's tour travels from Kalispell to Plentywood, Bozeman to Hardin and Sidney, dipping down into Wyoming to Cody, Powell, Meeteetse, Worland and Buffalo. With all the moving about, packing up, striking the set dozens of times, "We feel the acting is the reward," says actor Avery Johnson. "We work so hard then we get to do what we really love!" Click here for schedule, more info The historic Grand Hotel in Big Timber is undergoing a loving facelift. We take readers to the "redo" of this 1890 Montana landmark. ON TAP: As summer reaches its peak and travelers are exploring, an historic Big Timber, Montana, hotel is returning to its glory days, thanks to artful restoration plans by an enterprising family with long ties to ranching, farming, Montana and the West. The Grand Hotel's facelift began on the ground floor and is continuing to the upstairs rooms with Kim and Steve Germain and their daughter, Jessica, at the helm of the restoration. The Germains plan to name the vintage looking rooms after characters of the old west, and are excited to be restoring the Sunday brunch in the restaurant and other traditions -- live music, gourmet dining and a unique boutique hotel experience. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, dining, nature, performance, art, family and more. Please share the links. Click here for www.whereiscookie.com Click here for more on Grand Hotel