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Marine tunnel in the Oceanarium Exploring Barcelona Aquarium: A must see Attraction in Port Vell Story By Christene Meyers Photos By Bruce Keller Whether you're a couple in love with our oceans, a family looking for an educational outing, a deep sea diver, whale enthusiast, or merely a curious traveler, the Barcelona Aquarium offers an opportunity to connect each visitor to the mysteries of the ocean. We visited this unique aquarium, one of Europe's finest, for exciting hands on experiences. We blasted litter and garbage from the sea in an entertaining game. We fed fish with a special formula, walked through an underwater tunnel and came face to face with sharks. It's an inter-active place combining fun with learning. What Makes Barcelona Aquarium Unique Barcelona Aquarium is more than a collection of tanks; it is an artfully designed journey through several marine ecosystems.   It houses over 11,000 animals from 450 species, offering a spectacular view of underwater life. We walked around a massive tank simulating the Mediterranean as colorful fish, rays, and sea turtles glided gracefully. The aquarium focuses on the Mediterranean but includes species from tropical and deep-sea environments, too. This diversity allows visitors to understand the complexity and beauty of the world's marine life. Exploring the Main Exhibits Each of the aquarium's themed zones offers a unique perspective on marine life. And you can be part of that life, with a close-up view of the fish being fed around noon, and even purchasing a small baby bottle of fish food to feed them yourself. Here, in the Mediterranean zone, Bruce Keller reduces trash from the ocean by zapping litter. He was crowned King, acing out Cookie, who came in a proud second place for trash reduction. Mediterranean Ecosystem offers a fun game to zap trash from the ocean. What a great concept: having fun while reducing trash in our great and precious oceans. In the Mediterranean Sea section we admired groupers, octopuses, and moray eels in pretty habitats replicating rocky reefs and seagrass beds. We learned of the threats they face -- mainly pollution and overfishing. Tropical Seas - Here we admired vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, anemones and so much more. The tropical zone contrasts with the Mediterranean with its inhabitants in warmer climes. Tropical Seas is the most vivid and varied display with contrasting shapes and colors. The Barcelona Aquarium is artfully designed, with attractive displays, inter-active games and exhibits and sculptural pieces. The aquarium focuses on information and research, while making learning fun for visitors. Deep Sea Exhibit This section reveals creatures adapted to life in darkness and pressure. We met bioluminescent fish and intriguing invertebrates and learned of the challenges they face trying to survive deep in the ocean. Underwater Tunnel The shark tunnel was busy the day we visited; it's a highlight for many visitors. We were surrounded by rays, sand tiger sharks and blacktip reef sharks. It was fun to see youngsters wide-eyed at close-up views of these fascinating predators. Touch pools, fish feeding stations and multimedia presentations engage visitors in learning through experience. Practical Tips for Visiting To make the most of your visit to Barcelona Aquarium, consider these practical tips: Buy Tickets Online: Purchasing tickets in advance saves time. Look for discounts. Visit Early or Late: The aquarium may be crowded at midday. We chose late afternoon and did not feel crowded. Early morning also provides a more relaxed experience. Plan for 2-3 Hours: Allocate enough time to explore all zones without rushing. Accessibility: This handsome, user friendly aquarium is wheelchair accessible and offers services for visitors with reduced mobility. Barcelona Aquarium interactive whale exhibit Nearby Attractions: Located in beautiful Port Vell, the aquarium is close to other attractions like the Maremagnum shopping center and the waterfront, perfect for strolling and photographs. We had lunch before, fed seagulls on our picnic bench and found the aquarium steps away from other activities and our Big Bus stop. Barcelona Aquarium occupies a unique spot on the water, ideal for introducing visitors to the importance of our oceans. The aquarium has a huge focus on education and learning, with a sense of fun and wonder. How Barcelona Aquarium Supports Marine Conservation The aquarium plays an active role in marine conservation through various initiatives, research projects and an admirable rescue and rehabilitation program that saves injured marine animals and cares for them until they can be released back into the wild. This wonderful aquarium is dedicated to helping visitors understand the importance of oceans and inspiring actions to protect them. Why Visit Barcelona Aquarium Visiting Barcelona Aquarium offers a unique chance to connect with marine life in a meaningful way. We appreciated that it combines education, entertainment, and conservation in a colorful setting. Clever immersive exhibits and interactive experiences make it a memorable destination for anyone interested in the ocean. It checks all the boxes: you can learn about local sea creatures, marvel at sharks, feed goldfish, enter a whale's mouth and increase understanding of the sea's challenges. Just out the aquarium door to the right is a beautiful shopping center for all ages. MORE ON AQUARIUM AND PLANNING A BARCELONA VISIT: www.aquariumbcn.com/en/ visitbarcelona.com Follow our next adventure as we circle the globe, with tips on booking and enjoying authentic flamenco in southern Spain, visiting ancient cave houses in Italy's boot, taking a tasty and educational food tour in Scottsdale, Arizona, and hopping on a Segue to see a new town. Stay tuned, and please check the website often: www.whereiscookie.com The guitarist is an integral part of flamenco, that cultural phenomenon in southern Spain.

Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers take a pause for a selfie, framed by the skeleton of a dinosaur on the beautiful "Jurassic Park" backdrop at Kualoa Ranch, on Oahu. FROM MOVIES TO ZIP LINE, BIKES, HORSEBACK RIDES, TREE PLANTING, KUALOA RANCH OFFERS TOURISTIC FUN STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Keller, Cookie and their fabulous guide on Kualoa Ranch. PUT YOURSELF on set. You're right there in Jurassic Park, escaping growling dinosaurs, running for your life to your get-away jeep. Phew. Made it. A  quick escape, close call. You're safe for now. Well, perhaps that's a bit more dramatic than what actually happens at Kualoa Ranch's picturesque Jurassic Valley. But you truly get a feel for the making of this Steven Speilberg hit film. All aboard a Kualoa bus to tour movie sets. We spent a lovely afternoon when we visited one of the places the movie was made, at Kualoa Ranch on the island of Oahu. THE RANCH is a kind of rural Disneyland, located northeast of Honolulu on a verdant valley which provides an appealing environment for a working cattle ranch and enough tours to keep you busy for several days. Kualoa is a 4,000-acre private nature reserve, ranch and popular tourist attraction. As one of the world's prime filming location, it spreads out on prime land on the windward coast of the island, just 24 miles from Honolulu, Movie fans from around the world enjoy the chance to walk around Kualoa Ranch's "Jurassic Park" where many hit films and TV shows have been filmed. The beautiful ranch is home to some famous movie and television sites but offers much more than movie making entertainment. The tour we chose is one of eight various and diverse offerings. Others focus on a leisurely horseback ride through fields,a zip line over the valleys, a boat trip to a private hideaway and more. You can even exercise your green thumb and plant a tree, one of many ecologically hip offerings at this pretty and progressive place. Our movie tour didn't disappoint, and several of our fellow participants had signed on for a second tour. Hard to beat the setting for movies, TV shows in this beautiful valley on Oahu. A family from San Jose had enjoyed  a jungle expedition earlier. Friends from New Jersey enjoyed a pleasant horseback ride with their teen-age kids. A young honeymoon couple from Japan was still smiling after a zip line jaunt, soaring through the canopy. They were coming back the next day for a raptor tour. WE'LL TAKE  a jeep excursion or a mountain bike ride next time. The "best of Kualoa Ranch" tour combines a jungle expedition by jeep in a rain forest, a farm trolley tour, and a look at filming locations we enjoyed. A buffet lunch and informal talk explores the state's history and culture for those wishing a deeper look at the island's rich heritage.   It's wise to choose 2 or more options to make a full day of it since the drive, although beautiful, is a good 40 minutes from Honolulu. Fun activities for the entire family We're movie tour junkies, and this one is great fix for "on location" fans. The eye-popping setting is named  “Jurassic Valley” and beside that famous film, the ranch provided backdrop for other big box office hits, including "King Kong," and TV's popular "Hawaii Five-0," plus new trending treasure-hunt movies including "Finding Ohana" (which means finding family.)   THE CLIENTELE comes from all over the world, much as tourism to Hawaii does. Australians are in abundance; we met several adventuresome Aussies on our tour. As a working cattle ranch, a tour through the terrain includes a chance to come face  to face with cattle, such as this prize bull. A bonus to our day was a stroll through the photo gallery of Hawaiian notables, and a stop at "Kualoa Grown Market." A lovely little store with meats, vegetables and tropical flowers grown in the ranch's award-winning and diversified agricultural operation. A team of 45 staff grow, cultivate, and raise food for Hawaii's residents and visitors. This inventive operation includes 60 crops, an array of the state's world famous tropical flowers, plus beef, pork, shrimp, oysters, and lamb. We bought delicious teriyaki beef which we prepared with the ranch's vegetables for a fabulous meal in our condo. Secret Island Beach Escape Looking to unwind? This private beach experience includes kayaking, paddleboarding, and lounging in a quiet oceanfront setting. Ocean Voyage Adventure This catamaran ride explores the ranch’s offshore fishponds and coastal waters. Along the way, guides share stories of Hawaiian legends and maritime traditions. The Kualoa Ranch also offers two gorgeous venues for weddings, corporate events, celebrations. Highly recommended for a fun time for family, couples or singles looking to meet like minded folks. Tours average from $58 to $150. kualoa.com UP NEXT: Body Glove tour, full of information and insights from a scholarly but lively narrator. We prepared for the beauty of a Hawaiian sunset while enjoying a glass of wine and a scenic, narrated ride to some of Hawaii's most stunning bays along the tropical South Kona coast. We stopped at Kealakekua Bay, home to a spectacular coral reef, where our guide described Captain Cook's visit and pointed out the nearby lush Kona coffee coast area. Besides its historical significance, the area holds many archeological and historical sites. We enjoyed an ahi supper while experiencing the beauty of the Hawaiian sunset while enjoying a scenic ride to one of the most stunning bays in the world on our 41ft super-raft. bodyglovehawaii.com

Honolulu's distinctive skyline is even more impressive when viewed from a helicopter. STUNNING HAWAII VIEWS FROM A HELICOPTER MAKE FABULOUS WAY TO SEE THE ISLANDS, ADMIRE YOUR HOTEL Dole Plantation's pineapple fields make striking patterns from the air. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Blue Hawaiian Helicopters delivers a thrilling experience, the closest we'll ever come to flying.  SOARING HIGH above the Pacific, Bruce Keller leaned over to me in our ringside seats. "We're flying with the birds," he whispered, emotion in his voice.  It's true. Because we're much closer to the ground than in an airplane, we see pineapple fields, the motion of the waves hitting the beach, gorgeous high-rise hotels -- including ours in Hilton's Hawaiian Village and Alana DoubleTree. Lush waterfalls sparkle in the sunlight, almost touchable. HAWAII is meant to be seen from many vantage points.  The beach is an essential; a mountain hike is a must.  Snorkeling or scuba, definitely. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters delivers fine views Flying with professionals high above the land, gazing down to admire the hotels, jungles and waterfalls that make Hawaii famous, is a treat for at least once in a lifetime. As the 'copter blades rev up, "Keller and Cookie" prepare to board Blue Hawaiian. For decades, Hollywood studios have hired Blue Hawaiian to make their films on the islands.  "Pirates of the Caribbean" is one of the most famous films shot on Oahu, followed by a trio of  "Jurassic Park" blockbusters,  several films about Pearl Harbor, "George of the Jungle," "Flight of the Intruder," "Crimson Tide" and many more. So we boarded one of Blue Hawaiian's handsome T2Eco-Stars, with seven seats, including the pilot's.  The comfy, quiet ride offered an hour of blissful fascination as our expert pilot-guide pointed out movie locations, famous mountains and valleys, the stunning familiar curves of Diamond Head and the Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial, Honolulu's two most famous landmarks. He circled the beautifully designed and historic Hilton Hawaiian Village, where we were staying for a pampering week. We also admired another hidden gem, Hilton Alana DoubleTree, where we had a splendid ocean view from our lanai and tasty ahi at the cordial eatery. WHAT FUN to admire our hotels from on high, to breathe in the beauty of the verdant rainforests below, imagining village life as the Polynesians swam in the rivers, harvested crops, relaxed in  cascading waterfalls. We loved seeing the white-sand and black-sand beaches from the air, as we swept over the turquoise blue Pacific then up to the craters of Hawaii's volcanic badlands. Beautiful Hilton properties inhabit a prime corner of the beach with historic Hawaiian Village Resort. Nearby is a hidden gem, Hilton's DoubleTree Alana.   "Pirates of the Caribbean" was shot in the lush forests of Oahu which we flew over The helicopter is a great way to compare the differences of the islands. Diamond Head looms spectacularly from the helicopter. OUR PILOT pointed out historic landings, explaining that daring and adventuresome Tahitians settled on Oahu in 500 AD. Then in 1795,  Kamehameha I, king of the island of  Hawaii, conquered Oahu and united the Hawaiian Islands. In 1845 the capital was moved from Lahaina, on Maui, to Honolulu, on Oahu. Elvis Presley loved Hawaii, too, and stayed in Hilton Hawaiian Village's elegant Ali'i Tower, during the filming of his hit movie, "Blue Hawaii."  Ali'i Tower remains a pampering, popular high-end get-away which I've enjoyed. WE DELIGHTED in  a  bird's eye view of Iolani Palace, the United State's only royal palace, with its revered history.  Across the street is Hawaii's judicial system, with a building made famous in episodes of "Hawaii Five-O." (More on that soon.) It was fun to watch the pilot at his controls, as we lifted off and arose, soaring over one of the country's most beautiful states. Fun watching the pilot at his command station. With seven of us in the aircraft, he skillfully circled at important sightings, making sure everyone had a chance to see everything. Our favorite sights were our Hilton properties, the gorgeous pineapple fields, and the cone-shaped outcroppings of lava off Kualoa Point.  Ka'a'awa Valley was beautiful, too, where many fun movies were shot, including the mentioned "Pirates of the Caribbean." The North Shore with its famous surfing beaches delighted my aging but agile partner. HAVING BEEN  to Pearl Harbor the day before, it was thrilling seeing the Arizona memorial. The showy orange and yellow "Magnum" helicopters also caught our eye,  lifting off near us. That's for next time! This time, we opted for Blue Hawaiian, and were thrilled. Our ride was smooth, flawless, breathtaking.  Only one criticism:  it was too short. bluehawaiian.com   hiltonhawaiianvillage.com   hilton.com/en/hotels/hnlkadt-doubletree-alana-waikiki-beach/ UP NEXT:  Flower power.  We're soaking up an inordinate amount of summer moisture, and with that come beautiful blooms, in fact, a real gardener's bonanza. We'll share some of the photos from the past two weeks of floral abundance, and a few favorite lines of poetry about gardening -- from Hawaii's tropics to Down Under and the far north of Scandinavia. Do remember to explore, learn and live, while you catch us each Friday for a novel look at the arts, travel, nature, family and much more, always with wit, fresh insights, warmth and humor. PLEASE SHARE THE LINK: whereiscookie.com The beautiful but fast disappearing blooms of a poppy adorn the hillsides of High Chaparral, in south-central Montana.

The best hotdog in Honolulu is one of the treats you'll discover aboard the Waikiki Trolley, which offers various tours for discovering this exciting east-meets-west city and Oahu's capital. Here, John's World Famous Hawaii hotdog stand is popular with locals and tourists alike. TAKE THE SCENIC TOUR: HOP ON, OFF WAIKIKI TROLLEY FOR FUN TIME SOAKING UP BEST OF HONOLULU Even on a slightly cloudy day, Waikiki Trolley brings a sunny spin to Honolulu sightseeing. We recommend our base, Hilton Hawaiian Village. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER HONOLULU HARKENS!   It's our happy place, just five-plus airplane hours from San Diego, but a continent away from mainland  life. We love the city for its variety of activities, ethnic food, fine hotels and fabulous climate.  Even when it rains, it's only that warm "liquid sunshine." What a beautiful place. We love to explore Honolulu from Hilton Hawaiian Village and its range of lovely hotels. One may book through either Hilton Grand Vacations, or  Hilton hotels since the range of Hawaiian Village properties offer both options. Climb aboard Waikiki Trolley, Oahu's only "hop on and hop off" transportation. Besides offering a crash course on the city's wonders, it's just plain The bronze of King Kamehameha I stands proudly out the front of Ali’iolane Hale, downtown Honolulu. We opted for the famous trolley to fit as many of Honolulu's sights and attractions into three days as we possibly could. We were happy with the trolley system because we saw tons more in our few days based at Hilton Hawaiian Village than we would have with privately arranged tours. On the easy-access trolleys, we explored the history, mystery, food and fun of this lively Hawaiian city.  We saw new sights, learned new facts about Honolulu and the Hawaiian Islands. We base at Hilton Hawaiian Village, with a splendid array of hotels and great location.We chose Grand Waikikian, a quick stroll to the trolley. We appreciated the directional help of friendly drivers, whose devotion to the islands and their comfy, informative trolley rides is legendary. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers at Bishop Museum, a Honolulu attraction. WE HOPPED ON and off with hour-long stops at points of interest: Iolani Palace, Punchbowl Crater and the beautiful war memorial, the Hawaii State Art Museum, Sea Life Park, Honolulu Museum of Art and Bishop Museum, Chinatown for lunch one day and the locals' favorite hot dog stand next day. We strolled by the majestic statue of the great ruler, King Kamehameha. Punchbowl Crater has become a well visited and much loved memorial to the war dead. Officially known as the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, it's a trolley stop. ALL OUR  drivers were personable, knowledgeable and eager to share their city's wealth of sights, history and attractions.  Each time we exited the trolley, we checked to make sure where we'd find it and at exactly what time.  Each time, within an hour or a few minutes more, the trolley arrived as promised at the same place we'd left it. To board, we were delighted to stroll less than a block from our hotel in Hilton Hawaiian Village. We found our trolley at the venerable Ilikai Hotel on Ala Moana, where it arrives each morning. It transport tourists to the tour "hub" where one chooses which route he wishes to explore and a friendly staffer guides tourists to the proper vehicle.  WE LOVE city tours and Waikiki Trolley offers fine ones Including a bird's eye view of Honolulu’s historic sites and neighborhoods.  Toss in beautiful scenery, the Pacific Ocean, world-class shops and delectable food from a United Nations of restaurants. Four lines offer convenient hop-on hop-off options with fun, open-air vehicles for enjoying people watching,  famous landmarks and Waikiki with all its glitz and wonder.  Plastic pull-down shades are handy if it sprinkles. Our driver even supplied rain ponchos for one brief cloudburst. We joined families, couples and a mix of international tourists as we tried all four lines. Waikiki Trolley's pink line makes its way to the famous Ala Moana Shopping Center. Passes are available for several lengths of time and if you buy a pass for several days, you'll save money.  That's what most people do. The four color-coded lines visit nearly every place or sight you'd care to see in a few days of visiting.    Bruce Keller and Mike, a friendly Waikiki Trolley driver, explore the sights of the city with flair in a fun vehicle.  ALL THE ROUTES are FUN Waikiki Trolley's blue line offers special scenic pleasures as it visits the shoreline of Waikiki along the gorgeous coast line plus spectacular views of Diamond Head. We had stunning ocean views on the way up to Sea Life Park, stopping at famous landmarks including Hanauma Bay and Halona Blowhole.  Shrines, museums, restaurants, beaches, shopping and more: all await on the fun Waikiki Trolley. The red line visits historic Punchbowl Crater, among the oldest natural landmarks on Oahu and one of Honolulu's most visited places. Its fascinating history dates back nearly 100,000 years, a tidbit offered by our history loving and entertaining guide. Honolulu's historic Chinatown is also a highlight of Waikiki Trolley's red line. Again, our patient driver-guide helped several tourists find the restaurant they wanted, then gave them directions to their cruise ship. He asked when they were to board and assured them that they had an leisurely hour or two to enjoy lunch and make their ship on time. WE FEEL AT our best when in this exciting American city.  It feels like we're still in Malaysia, with its intriguing mix of shops and restaurants. But the currency, language and landmarks are familiar. We're back in the U.S.A. and enjoying one of the Pacific's great cities at a delightful hotel complex with a  fabulous, user friendly and fun trolley system. And if you want to enjoy watersports, we recommend Hawaii Nautical, with its appealing variety of cruises -- from sunset, snorkel and dinner options to turtle, whale and dolphin watching. waikikitrolley.com for tour options, prices, locations  hawaiinautical.com/book-now   Hilton Grand Vacations:  hiltongrandvacations.com/ Grand Waikikian: hiltongrandvacations.com/en/resorts-and-destinations/hawaii/oahu/grand-waikikian-a-hilton-grand-vacations-club  Hilton Hawiian Village, Oahu: hilton.com/en/hotels/hnlhvhh-hilton-hawaiian-village-waikiki-beach-resort/ Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Kona side of the Big Island: hilton.com/en/hotels/koahwhh-hilton-waikoloa-village   UP NEXT :  " St scrippsranchtheatre.org  858 395-0573. are shouting for more at "The Empire Strips Back," selling out in San Diego.  It's an affectionate, unauthorized parody of the 1977 blockbuster, with all the familiar characters, beautiful lighting and costumes, sexy dancing, fun music and, yes, a strip tease theme. We were part of a standing ovation recently, following sold out runs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and New York. Five Australian cities have also given the show raves. Come with us to "The Force" (and farce) as we explore, learn and live. Catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, performance, the lively arts, family and more.  We love comments, too. Please share the link with like minded people, too, at  whereiscookie.com "The Empire Strips Back" takes favorite "Star Wars" characters and brings them to life in a burlesque parody.

Hawaiian Culture Tour Learn about ancient Hawaiian traditions, fishponds, and sacred sites while discovering the deep cultural roots of Kualoa. This tour offers valuable insight into the area’s historical significance. Part of the educational fun at Kualoa Ranch is watching workers prepare the harvest for sale in the store on the property, and for demonstrations during various farm tours of this working ranch. KUALOA RANCH OFFERS ADVENTURE, LEARNING ON HORSEBACK, BIKES, MOVIE SETS, FARM TO TABLE,  ZIPLINE, ECO TOURS AND MUCH MORE  The beauty of the Kualoa Ranch acreage includes lovely seafront areas, near movie sets and a World War II bunker. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER KUALOA means "long back" in the Hawaiian language. It resides in Oahu's deep valleys and dramatic mountains, which resemble a back in some ways. We went to this beautiful refuge -- our second trip -- to again soak up the wonders of this magical place. Bicycle tours give participants a chance to explore and view close-up the wonders, variety and beauty of Kualoa. Electric Mountain Bike Tour For those who want adventure without intense physical effort, electric bikes make it easy to explore long scenic routes through the ranch. Kualoa established in 1850 is a 4,000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch which also served our country as an important World War II air base. IT'S BECOME a popular tourist attraction and filming location on the windward coast of this varied and exciting Hawaiian island.  Most tourists land on Oahu, at the capital of the state, Honolulu, Many make their way to the chain's other islands. Hawaiian gods are present in wooden sculptures on view. We often spend time on Oahu and now have made Kualoa Ranch a regular stop.  It is about 24 scenic miles from Honolulu, and 32 miles from Haleiwa, easily accessible by car -- or if you arrange, the Kualoa bus will pick you up at a central hotel. Outdoor Adventure Tours ATV Raptor Tours One of the most popular activities at Kualoa Ranch, ATV tours let guests drive through valleys, jungle trails, and open pastures. The off-road adventure combines adrenaline with jaw-dropping views of the Koʻolau Mountains. Zipline Tour For a bird’s-eye view of the ranch, the zipline course sends you soaring above treetops and valleys. Multiple lines and suspension bridges make this a high-energy way to experience Oʻahu’s natural beauty. Horseback Riding Explore Kualoa Ranch at a slower pace on a guided horseback ride. These tours follow scenic trails with ocean and mountain views, offering a peaceful connection to the land. FOR CENTURIES, the valley was sacred to ancient Hawaiians. A respected chief, Laʻa-mai-kahiki , settled  here after visiting Kauaʻi  before returning to Tahiti . It was also the site of the sacred Hill of Kauakahiakahoʻowaha, the key to the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Oʻahu . According to an ancient Hawaiian genealogical chant, Kualoa is where revered leaders Papa and Wakea buried their first still born child, Haloa. Native people believe that the first kalo or taro plant grew from the fertile soil where Haloa was buried. Posters and educational displays are part of the Kualoa intention. Cookie tastes a cocoa bean on a farm tour at Kualoa. Tours take visitors around the ranch, into sacred areas where ancestors worshipped. THE RANCH  is a kind of rural Disneyland, where guides share the place's larger than life history along with imparting its sacred meaning to the Hawaiian people.  It's close to Honolulu on a verdant valley, but far enough away to be another world.   WE LOVE that despite all the spectacle, Kualoa  is a working cattle ranch -- (my Montana roots are showing.)  There's  enough to see for at least two visits.  Keller climbs aboard one of the jeeps used in filming "Jurassic Park." The studio left several remnants behind.  Kualoa is one of the world's prime filming location, too. It spreads out on prime land on the windward coast, a lovely drive from the bustle of the city. Movie fans from around the world enjoy the chance to walk around Kualoa Ranch's "Jurassic Park" where many hit films and TV shows have been filmed. WHILE THE BEAUTIFUL ranch is home to some famous movie and television sites, it offers much more than movie making entertainment. On our second visit, we chose from various and diverse offerings.  We narrowed the field from a horseback ride through fields, a zip line over the valleys, a boat trip to a private hideaway, and a bike tour and farm overview. You can even exercise your green thumb and plant a tree, one of many ecologically hip offerings at this pretty and progressive place. Our movie tour the first visit was great fun, and this time we enjoyed trying other options.  Horseback tours are among the preserve's most popular. WE ENJOYED  a visit to the World War II bunker where in 1941, the U.S. military occupied the land and developed Kualoa Airfield. After the war the ranch was returned to the Morgan family, owners and descendants of Dr. Gerrit P. Judd, the  American doctor and missionary who in 1850 purchased 622 acres of ranch land at Kualoa for $1,300. Kualoa grows its own produce and has shrimp ponds, too. It's a working ranch, unique because it also has historical status. KUALOA managers are proud that the land was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in Oahu in 1974, has hosted major rock festivals, and is listed in many guidebooks and international publications.  John Morgan oversees the working cattle ranch and tourist enterprise from the island of Hawaii. Kualoa offers  eco tours, movie and horseback tours, bicycle tours, ziplines and more.  It has a gallery of vintage posters, photos and Hawaiian history. It also has a lovely store, with produce grown here, souvenirs and delicious teriyaki beef.  Kualoa Ranch Belongs on Your Oʻahu Itinerary With its wide range of activities, cinematic landscapes, and cultural depth, Kualoa Ranch offers one of the most complete adventure experiences on Oʻahu. Whether you’re chasing thrills or soaking in scenery, it’s a place where every visitor finds their own island story. More information or to book a tour:   www.kualoa.com   UP NEXT: Body Glove is a fun option while you're in the Hawaiian islands.  The creative operation offers leisurely catamaran tours and a more adventurous high-powered, fast moving raft trip.  Its specialties are boat tours and wildlife and snorkeling trips. Our favorites are the sunset cruises, where we have seen gorgeous sunsets and beautiful rainbows. A skilled and lively historian accompanies the history and scenery tours and first-class amenities are provided on board -- from cocktails to delicious local fare. The Kanoa II is back, nicely renovated with a multi-million dollar price tag. She's both comfortable and attractive and whether you choose a dinner cruise, or a dolphin and whale watch, we give Body Glove thumbs up! Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on nature, travel, performance, family and the arts. A rainbow is part of the spectacle of a Body Glove tour out of Kona. Various options are available for a mix of fun.

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 ART MUSEUM 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 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, her gift encouraged other donors. 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 sculpture, 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 in these islands.” 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 UP NEXT: Whales are a passion for both of us -- writer and photographer of this weekly endeavor -- and one of our most exciting whale watching adventures was in Depoe Bay, Oregon, where resident humpback whales spend a few months frolicking and enjoying the beautiful warm waters. We went out four days with one of the country's best guides, and report back next week. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live -- respecting nature -- and checking out our blogs on travel, nature, the arts, family and more at:  www.whereiscookie.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.

Enjoying their Segway's Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers are Segway devotees, thanks to a terrific guide and a beautiful venue. CALM YET EXCITING: FUN IN FLORIDA AS COOKIE CONQUERS HER FEAR OF SEGWAY   STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Confident after her lesson, Cookie takes off, following guide Michael on Riverwalk. I'D BEEN on a Segway once --  22 years ago when they were first coming into vogue. It didn't go well. I was with a large group of travel writers and we didn't have a proper lesson. Midway through, I lost my balance and careened into a ditch. Fortunately it was a small ditch, and not deep. But both my body and my ego were bruised. So I took a break from the this unique two-wheeled mode of transportation, and didn't take the sport up again until recently. Segway fans show how easy it is to find balance, by proper foot placement. HAPPILY, I  had a wonderful, safe experience thanks to Michael, who taught me how to operate and ride my new friend with a thorough 20-minute lesson. He was patient and encouraging and I had an entirely different experience than that first adventure. Bruce Keller, a natural born athlete, was at ease from the get-go. But I needed Michael's assistance. Michael is a terrific guide, here patiently instructing a nervous Cookie. His tutoring gave me courage and calmed my frayed nerves. I can't wait to do it again. He made our Segway experience a treat, and soon I had graduated from the parking lot and back roads to the city's winding Riverwalk.  He guided us past glistening yachts, towering skyscrapers, opulent mansions, and celebrity homes in this gorgeous, well manicured corner of south Florida. Michael is a skilled and patient guide with knowledge of his home town, including the rainbow eucalyptus. THE KEY  to my success this second time around on a Segway was good coaching. Michael took time to make sure I understood how important it is to balance my feet properly. He gave careful instructions on starting, stopping and turning. Soon I was confident, no longer the cowardly lion of my first experience. ONE MAY  choose from several tours. We booked the yacht and mansion tour, which gave us close-up looks of some of the spectacular homes in Fort Lauderdale and a nature park. Other tours highlight the beach, comedy clubs, restaurants. One may also customize a private tour to highlight a specific fancy, perhaps food. Both one and two-hour tours are available, and small groups are welcome. Michael insists one does not need to have experience, balance, or coordination. He complimented cowardly me and I felt good on my machine. "Anyone with reasonable co-ordination can learn it in just minutes," he said. When we return, we'll look into Michael's eco/nature tours. He also offers vespa scooter tours lasting 2.5 miles. Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk is lovely at dusk on a Segway. Fort Lauderdale's famed 17th Street Bridge forms a dramatic backdrop.  SINCE YOU'RE on wheels, you’re obviously going much faster than you would by walking. You are guaranteed to cover a greater amount of space in a shorter amount of time, thus the Segway rider is able to see more of the sights you've heard about, If you’re pressed for time, Michael and his fellow Segway tour guides will tailor a tour to the specific places you want to see so you can customize your tour in a shorter period of time.   Segway riders keep a safe distance from one another as they transit the pathways. We can't stress our guide's talents enough. He was simply terrific, and we're tour veterans -- on horses, camels and mules, in helicopters, kayaks and speed boats. Michael knew everyone in Fort Lauderdale, so we were greeted with waves and a friendly "Hi, how are you?" at every stop.  Fort Lauderdale's famed 17th Street Bridge opens to allow tall traffic to enter and exit. THERE ARE a couple stops, for brief rests and a little local lore. We learned about the city's beautiful rainbow eucalyptus trees, gleaned details about the fancy yachts and who owns them, and got permission for a photo shoot on the 17th Street Bridge because Michael knows the bridge operator. He enriched the two hours, making sure we saw the hotels, park and museum we wanted to revisit and photograph. He is a proud native of the city and his stories, history and anecdotes gave us information we'd never find in a guide book. We're Segway devotees -- and Michael fans!   www.segwayfortlauderdale.com    (Seven days a week, by reservation.)       Have you really had to go and can't find a place? Tips on finding a toilet while traveling abroad. First, don't ask for a restroom or bathroom. You might be directed to a shower. It's WC or toilet and we'll give you pointers on "Europeein."   COMING SOON:  We're having fun with bathrooms abroad.  We've photographed them for years and so we're taking a light hearted look at bathroom protocol while traveling abroad. Look for our tips on dealing with the perplexing protocol of "toilets on the road."  Then we commune with the unique art of Salvador Dali, visit Antoni Gaudi's spectacular Guell Park in Barcelona and tour New York City's prettiest places -- Central Park, the High Line and Museum of Modern Art.  Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on nature, performance, travel, family, breaking news and more: www.whereiscookie.com

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 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 and months of care 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 Berkley is moored along the waterfront on the Embarcadero, it is one of the city's chief 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. 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. 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.  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. 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/ 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

Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers wish you a holiday filled with love and appreciation for our differences. May the spirit of the holidays bond us, giving tolerance and a richer understanding of each other. Story By Christene Meyers Photos By Bruce Keller "The Carpe Diem Kids " FRIENDS, FAMILY and travel are what we most cherish. The holiday season, we express our gratitude for the people who mean the most to us -- family, of course, but also friends around the world of many faiths and persuasions. We are thankful to be able to visit and learn from them while expanding our global perspective. In Indonesia, Cookie and Keller visited many temples, with respect and curiosity. Balinese Hinduism is the predominant religion in the province of Bali, while Islam is the predominant religion in Indonesia, with 87% of the population identifying as Muslim. It was our third visit and most fascinating and eye-opening. During the holidays, lights glow warmer, music feels softer, hearts open a little wider. The season carries multiple meanings for our friends around the globe -- whether they celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, or simply the turning of the year. This year, we traveled in Islamic, Christian and Hindu countries. We visited with Jewish friends in Europe. As our travels expose us to other cultures, we observe that each tradition holds its own beauty. We all treasure our history and culture, our music, food and holiday traditions. So at this time of year, we express our gratitude. Thankful for friends Maarten and Maarten and their labradoodle who welcomed us in Belgium where most people do not practice a religion but the country has a warm and welcoming spirit. As we celebrate the holiday -- each in our own fashion -- may we all honor and respect people of all faiths. May we make our differences threads, not barriers -- part of our shared human tapestry. We are thrilled to be part of others' lives during our travels. It gives us an opportunity to listen, learn, and celebrate together. The holiday lights go on in Bari, Italy. We spent a couple weeks with friends in Puglia, observing the rich heritage and influence of the Roman Catholic faith in the architecture of this bustling area in the heel of Italy's boot. Our goal is to continue to be part of a world where kindness is the common language, and peace is the greatest gift we give one another. We hope you share our belief that keeping an open mind and generous heart are the keys to achieving peace on the planet. Tolerance and broadening our scope are essential pathways to a better world. Time to give thanks, express our love and strive for persona and global peace. We are thankful for our family in Atlanta, where we are welcomed each year for holiday festivities. We are thankful for music, here in Lecce, Italy, where we attended a concert of Vivaldi and Bach in one of the city's grand churches, Lecce Cathedral. . ******************************************************************************************** Cookie and Keller took their niece and nephew-in-law Amarylla and Steve, and their kids, our great niece and nephew Peny and James, on a Big Bus tour of San Francisco. It was a chilly day but our hearts were warm as this bucket list dream came true in a three-generation tour of their home town, a city we love, too. Coming soon : New Year's is the time to tackle your bucket list trip, and we're doing just that, with a Big Bus tour of San Francisco with our family. Whether your dream is a bus trip, a cruise to an exotic island, or a trip to a city you've long yearned to visit, now's the time. We just ticked an entry off our bucket list, with a return visit to the capital of Europe, Brussels, to kick off the holidays. We toured in an all-green bus, visited the world's most complete musical instrument museum, sampled what Belgians consider the world's best chocolate and braved the highways in a rental car in Puglia. What's your dream? What's stopping you from making it come true? We hope our Big Bus adventure will inspire you.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Sailing on the Californian is as close as I'll get to "going down to the sea in ships." Fortunately, we went "down" in the best sense of the word:  out into the Pacific Ocean and safely back. For this sailor -- with hundreds of hours on small sailing vessels and nearly 100 large-ship cruises -- the pride of San Diego's Maritime Museum feels like the real sailing deal. Getting the sails ready then putting them back after the sail is not for cowards or those afraid of heights! This beautiful 145-foot long vessel is the state's official tall ship and she was the jewel in our crown of a glittery day of touring the Maritime Museum.  The 1984 ship is built in the style of the famous cutters which patrolled California's coast during the 1849 era gold rush. My sailor beau, child of the sea since birth, encouraged the Californian's adventure sail, a four-hour journey aboard the ship he's admired since it was built. I'd not expected to be so thoroughly entertained, but the location is a lure I couldn't resist.  Moored along the waterfront on the Embarcadero, it is one of the delights of the venue. The museum  sports more than a dozen boats and ships, a nicely researched and well curated array of nautical paraphernalia in a traditional indoor museum, and plenty of action outdoors as "pirates" stroll and repairmen do their endless work. Cookie found the submarine claustrophobic. Among the treats and surprises:  a vintage upright piano, lovingly cared for and donated by a local family who documented its seafaring background aboard a ferry. We enjoyed a chocolate festival aboard the gorgeous ferryboat Berkeley, toured the Dolphin submarine (interesting for its design but too claustrophobic for this reporter), watched repairmen working on the tall ship Star of India, and the HMS Surprise, which has starred in several films, including "Pirates of the Caribbean." A motley but enthusiastic group of us -- writers, teachers, builders, students and seafaring tourists -- spent a couple hours at the other ships of the museum before boarding the one that actually took us out on the water. Then it was onto the Californian and out into the bay to help hoist the sails and sail the ocean blue.   Despite a bit of rain and the wind -- sailors love wind -- the sun shone enough to take the chill off the day, and the mostly volunteer crew did yeoman's job of entertaining us with trivia about sailor's food, gear, health and hygiene, the workings and responsibilities on ship. Of the ship's six massive sails (more than 7,000 square feet of canvas!), the unusual square sail was  Keller's favorite.  The launching, sailing and retrieving it -- watching all the work that goes into it -- thrilled him.  It took a half-dozen people to get her going -- two climbed up the rope ladder to the yard arm to undo her sheets.   The ship's cannons were blasted to welcome us back to shore! Nothing is boring aboard the Californian. And after our journey was over, four limber crew climbed up and helped tie her back. Not for sissies or victims of vertigo!  Adjusting her sails along the route took many people on both sides of the ship.   Sailing, and doing it right, is a labor intensive process. And safety is a concern, so our captain reminded us of where to stand and sit, lest we feel the wrath of the proverbial "boom." No injuries, no accidents, terrific fresh air! Keller was delighted to help keep the Californian sailing, since he has sailed for all his life and loves it! Most of the passengers were enthusiastic about helping, under the watchful eye of adept volunteers.  And when we returned to the harbor, we had the excitement of hearing and watching two of our cannons salute the shore and congratulate us on our safe return. The sound will shiver your timbers! The Californian, as a "newer, old style ship,"  is 140 tons, created in the style of her ancestors.  But whether actually vintage or not, the maintenance of the museum's vessels and keeping them all in good repair is a challenge akin to the endless painting of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.   The work is never done.  Moisture, salt, attrition and wear and tear create dust, rust and decay so the wood and metal are constantly being polished, scraped, shored up. One of the mates, Katharine, describes shipboard life as it might have been a couple centuries ago. The Californian is available for charters and school sails.  She even goes to the Channel Islands, including Catalina Island for a kayaking adventure. Others of the ships are able to be rented for special events.  The Berkeley, Star of India, Surprise and Californian all are available at various rates. The museum is sponsoring Pirate Days this weekend, two days of kid-friendly, fun filled events this Saturday and Sunday on San Diego Bay.  On tap are carnival games, re-enactors, giveaways and prizes, scavenger hunts and pirates of course. Ahoy, maties. Enjoy. And remember to explore, learn and live! More at www.sdmaritime.org or call 619 234-9153. COMING WEDNESDAY : San Diego is gearing up for a fabulous festival -- its 20th -- of Jewish history and culture, with plays, art, food and music centered around theater! And swinging Manhattan Transfer is still going strong, recording an album a year for 40 years, and delighting our audience at a recent Balboa Theatre performance, part of their current tour. What keeps this tightly knit quartet running and going strong?  A fabulous pianist is part of the answer. The group's enormous talent shines through, as individual singers and ensemble participants. www.whereiscookie.com

Ahoy, maties! A re-enactor tells tales of a sailor's life, impersonating explorer Juan Cabrillo, aboard San Salvador at Maritime Museum of San Diego.  GO DOWN TO THE SEA IN SHIPS AT A WORLD CLASS CALIFORNIA MUSEUM Christene "Cookie" Meyers and her brother Rick Cosgriffe aboard Pilot, which takes visitors on a fun harbor tour. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER 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 sailor side than the San Diego Maritime Museum. The collection of boats, on San Diego's waterfront, is a treasure trove of all things nautical. The museum's enthusiastic volunteer force has spent thousands of hours developing a rare collection of vessels. So expansive and well curated is its collection that the facility enjoys a worldwide reputation.  Named one of the worldwide top three maritime museums, this one needs to be on your bucket list! Bruce Keller, lifelong sailor, and his first mate, Christene "Cookie" Meyers, delight in coming aboard Star of India. Moored along the waterfront on the Embarcadero, it is one of the delights of the city. The museum sports more than a dozen boats and ships and a nicely researched and well curated array of nautical paraphernalia in a traditional indoor museum. Then outdoors, there's action and entertainment as "pirates" stroll and repairmen do their endless work. San Diego's fine staff and volunteers are constantly restoring, maintaining and operating these historic vessels to insure that generations to come learn and enjoy. WE'VE MADE two visits in the last month -- showing off the wonders to family from Montana and friends from England. Both sets of visitors were impressed with the beautifully maintained collection of historic ships, including the world’s oldest active ship, the majestic Star of India. Venturing onto some of these ships and exhibits is part of the admission, and tactually stepping inside the vessels is the best way to actually understand the important role ships played in the settling of the world -- not just California. Star of India We always head first for Star of India, built in 1863. This stately ship -- aptly named -- is the oldest active merchant sailing ship in the world. The museum takes her out on fundraisers from time to time, and we enjoyed a sail on her many years ago -- fingers crossed for an encore as plans are announced. We took our British friends aboard the Star, with its beautiful wooden decks and English-related stories from her sailing days of yore. Star of India began life during the Civil War, in November of 1863. and her first voyages took her to India where she helped supply to England badly needed jute -- cotton being unavailable from the U.S. because of the war. All aboard! The ferry Berkeley has many lovely appointments, including stained glass windows, a beautiful bar, and nicely done displays of marine history. THE FERRY Berkeley is another treat, the first ship you'll enter after you leave the ticket booth. It's full of lore from those who spent time aboard this beautifully restored ferry, brought from the Bay Area. Among Berkeley's surprises: a vintage upright piano, lovingly cared for and donated by a local family.  A painter works on a wall inside the 1898 ferry, Berkeley, which was moved from the Bay Area. We enjoyed a chocolate festival aboard the gorgeous ferryboat Berkeley on one visit.  Another time, we toured the Dolphin submarine (interesting for its design but too claustrophobic for this reporter) Watched repairmen working on the tall ship Star of India, and the HMS Surprise, replica of a sturdy British frigate. She has starred in several films, including one of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series and "Master and Commander."   DON'T FORGET the Californian, available for an actual sailing.  Built in 1984, she is crafted in the style of the famous cutters which patrolled California's coast during the 1849 era gold rush. Going aboard her is a real sailing adventure, an additional ticket. My sailor beau, child of the sea since birth, encouraged our Californian's sail, a four-hour journey aboard the ship he's admired since it was built. I was thoroughly entertained -- as close as I'll get to "going down to the sea in ships." Fortunately, we went "down" in the best sense of the word: out into the Pacific and safely back. Cookie found the submarine claustrophobic. Others love it. FOR THIS reporter-sailor -- with hundreds of hours on small sailing vessels and more than 125 journeys aboard cruise ships -- a visit to San Diego's Maritime Museum feels like the real sailing deal. We highly endorse a day of touring this gem.   Bruce Keller loves to talk about sailing, and major films shot at his hometown San Diego's fine Maritime Museum. BESIDES THE schooner Californian and historic Star of India, this world class museum offers other vessels to climb aboard or sail at specific times.   The San Salvador is a replica of a 1542 Spanish Galleon like the first European vessel to reach America's west coast. The Californian goes out on weekly, delightful sails which we've enjoyed and will be writing about again. She's a gorgeous, 145-foot long vessel and the state's official tall ship, a must-do sail for anyone grounded, like my partner, in maritime history and life on the water.    Although built fairly recently, in 1984, she is designed in the style of the famous cutters which patrolled California's coast during the 1849 era gold rush.  If you have a sailor in the family, a pair of tickets to the museum, or a Saturday sail on the Californian would be a  wonderful gift. More information: www.sdmaritime.org ; midway.org   ******************************************************************************************** UP NEXT: While we're in the neighborhood, the USS Midway Museum is right down the waterfront of San Diego. The enormous, historical naval aircraft carrier museum is also in downtown San Diego, at Navy Pier. The aircraft carrier has a proud history -- in the Gulf War and other conflicts --  and is worth a day's visit. way museum consists of the aircraft carrier Midway. The ship houses an extensive collection of aircraft, many of which were built in Southern California. It also has informative and fascinating tours, narrations, exhibits and an impressive outreach and education program which extends into the community and schools. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, theater, nature, family and more:  www.whereiscookie.com Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers explore aircraft on the USS Midway Museum downtown San Diego. That story is next up.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" An old-fashioned carriage ride around New York's Central Park is a wonderful treat in any season. An autumn visit is the best time, though, with the start of fall colors, fewer crowds and more calm. WE VISIT New York each autumn, and are excited to be able to continue this tradition as fall colors blanket a favorite city. This favorite city is always busy, fun and noisy, so don't expect an autumn visit to bring about miraculous quiet. You won't be strolling empty avenues and there are still plenty of traffic, dog walkers and street vendors. But the crush of summer crowds is over, nature's colors are spectacular, and temperatures are crisp, sunny, glorious. New York's Bow Bridge in Central Park is beginning to reveal glorious fall color. We recommend Central Park as first choice if you have only time for one outing. It offers prime spots to view changing colors -- like the Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace, But we also visit the spectacular High Line, and take a ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Fall colors are spectacular if you want to stroll the High Line, New York's novel repurposing of derelict raised railroad tracks. To experience the best of New York's autumn foliage, the High Line can't be beat. It is famous for its variety of natural foliage -- plants native to the area -- and hundreds of vibrant asters are abloom now and into mid-November. Other places in the city to catch fall's splendor are: The boat trip to the Statue of Liberty offers a pretty view of fall colors along the shore, then a view of the imposing Statue of Liberty, here enjoyed by Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers. Prospect Park for its magical atmosphere. Other top spots in the area include the "Top of the Rock" which gives a splendid overview of all the city's color, New York Botanical Garden which puts on a fine fall foliage display, Wave Hill in the Bronx, and Brooklyn Botanic Garden. For a mix of nature and city views, try Brooklyn Bridge Park and Little Island.  We recommend cityPASS for exploring this and many other fabulous cities at great savings. To book or check out cityPASS  @citypass *************** UP NEXT : Halloween fun and religious holidays converge, overlap and blend this time of year. We take readers to Mexico and Europe for Day of the Dead celebrations, All Saints Day, and other seasonal celebrations, including favorite U.S. Halloween with its traditions. Halloween is celebrated in many European cities, partly to entertain U.S. guests, and because it's a fun way to involve staff. Here, the lobby of Rome's Waldorf Cavalieri is decked out with pumpkins carved by personnel.