Elegant boxes and beautiful curtains, ornate original design touches and perhaps the oldest known theatrical set piece mark the historic Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond, Yorkshire, England. ENGLISH VILLAGE PRODUCES POPULAR THEATER, CONCERTS IN HISTORIC VENUE DATING TO 1899 Richmond's Georgian Theatre Royal is among the country's revered theaters, and the oldest still operational one. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" THEATER is as much a part of life in England as steak and kidney pie, pub life and the Royal Family. Whether you spell it with an "er" or an "re" you can be sure that Richmond's Georgian Theatre Royal is worth a visit if you're anywhere near north Yorkshire. We sat for a few minutes in the Royal Box, during an afternoon guided tour. THE THEATRE Royal is the oldest still operational theater in England, a charming, small venue where regular performances and concerts are held as they have been since 1899 -- with a few interruptions. Its official handle is the Georgian Theatre Royal and it opened with "As You Like It," written by William Shakespeare in 1599. The theater continues to offer classical works, as well as concerts and a variety of productions including recent sold-out presentations of "The Buddy Holly Story" and "Northern Soul." Then Prince Charles and Camilla, before he became King, in the Royal Box. WITH ONLY 154 seats, everyone in the house is practically "ringside." We recently enjoyed beautiful orchestra seats with our hosts and Yorkshire residents, John and Sue, who are regulars at the theater. The venue is beloved by Yorkshire residents who are rightly proud of its history and life as both a thriving community playhouse and a living theater museum. No wonder it is revered, for famed actor Edmund Kean is among luminaries to act on the historic stage. Building on the theater began in 1788 with actor-manager Samuel Butler and his first wife Tryphosa Brockhill Butler in command. It was a "circuit theater" then, with actors traveling the countryside to play other houses -- in Beverley, Harrogate, Kendal, Northallerton, Ripon, Ulverston and Whitby. All those theater venues are long gone, giving more meaning to Theatre Royal's longevity. The streets of Richmond suit the historic look and feel of the intimate Theatre Royal, the city's pride, a beautiful venue which welcomes visitors and residents alike for tours and performances. FOLLOWING TRYPHOSA's death, then Butler's demise, his second wife, Francis Maria Jefferson, took over the operation. Following her run, for more than the next 100 years, the building housed other enterprises, including a wine warehouse and an auction house. A determined fundraising effort allowed a return to its original purpose and it reopened as a non-profit trust in 1963. An expansion followed in 1996, then a major restoration in 2002. More than 1.6 million pounds was raised, with a gala reopening in 2003. A view of the theater's interior from the stage, looking back, to show the compact house. We marveled at the artwork in this sturdy old theater, which hosted performances by Dame Sybil Thorndike in the 1960s and famed contemporary actor Dame Judi Dench in more recent times. Dench is also president of the theater. OUR GUIDED tour included viewing of some of the prized artifacts, organized in 2016 with the opening of "The Georgian Theatre Royal Experience." Within the theater is a museum detailing the history of the building and displaying artifacts from the theatre's collection, as well as The Woodland Scene, reported to be the oldest surviving stage scenery in the world. The neighborhood of Richmond's Theatre Royal houses many interesting buildings, including shops, hotels, restaurants and this apartment building. The "Experience" is run by an educated, engaging group of theater loving volunteers, including retired teachers and businessmen, all theater buffs. They are proud of the theater's outreach through the Paul Iles Learning Centre, named after its patron. It houses The Georgian Theatre Royal Youth Theatre and hosts myriad events including volunteer open days, book groups and costume making sessions. Famed actor Edmund Kean had star billings in the theater's early days. THE THEATER's most precious possession is what is that aforementioned world's oldest piece of theatrical scenery. It's "The Woodland Scene," painted in a workshop in Royston, Hertfordshire, in around 1820. The theater in preparation for a performance of "Northern Soul." Here, stage, and behind in the backstage where props await placement. The cozy theater also houses a bar, box office, office space and storage space. The theater's pantomime productions are a huge audience hit, with giant set pieces and characters from children's literature, folk and fairy tales. "Rapunzel" is running now. Surely Edmund Kean's ghost is smiling down. Remember to explore, learn and live and click below for more on Georgian Theatre Royal performances or tours: www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk The journey doesn’t stop here follow along for more adventures and travel inspiration, remembering to explore, learn and live. We offer fresh, weekly posts with travel and performance tips at WhereIsCookie.com

Tony Bennett sang to two packed houses Aug. 3 and 5, capping a two-night concert celebration of his 95th birthday, attended by Bill and Hillary Clinton and 12,000 loyal fans. His pal and collaborator, Lady Gaga introduced the legendary singer. Both are native New Yorkers. Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga are promoting their second CD, "Love for Sale," out October 1. 'ONE LAST TIME' TONY-GAGA CONCERT BRINGS SELL-OUT CROWD, CHEERS, OVATIONS Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett are both Cole Porter fans. Their new is album "Love For Sale." STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This piece was reviewed and refreshed in September, 2026. Promotion photos courtesy Streamline Columbia Records THE CROWD WAS emotional. The cast was, too. Two glitzy birthday concerts this week were an unadulterated love fest for Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto 95 years ago on Aug. 3. Christene "Cookie" Meyers, Bruce Keller head for orchestra seats at the concert. His "farewell concerts" with Lady Gaga were a pair of shows like no others. They were an emotional good-bye -- an affectionate "arrivederci," from the second-generation Italian New Yorker, son of a grocer and seamstress. And it was our chance to salute him. HE SANG US a tuneful Valentine, a gift to his legions of fans. The love came full circle with two dozen standing ovations, cheers, whistles and a spontaneous singing of "Happy Birthday" to the beloved performer, with Lady Gaga leading the serenade. The packed houses were two sold-out evening at Radio City Music Hall. The gala affairs were well organized, despite the crush of 6,000 eager people jostling to buy souvenir t-shirts and cocktails before taking expensive seats to begin a hit parade of American jazz classics. Hilton Club New York offers fabulous Midtown proximity to theaters, restaurants, museums. VACCINATION PROOF was mandatory at the door even before tickets were scanned. Cell phones were put into "yondr pockets," little sealed packages to prevent the use of technology during the show. (We have an arsenal of Gaga-Tony photos from four previous concerts; and happily, we were able to take photos before and after.) Radio City Music Hall was jammed with Tony Bennett fans and admirers of Lady Gaga. THE EVENINGS were a smash three-part hit -- with Gaga offering a generous one-hour set and entertaining commentary (including a shout-out to her friends Bill and Hillary Clinton). Then she introduced "the great man, the amazing talent, my friend, my mentor -- the guy you've been waiting to see and hear: Mr. Tony Bennett." Bennett's set was stellar, backed by his longtime jazz quartet. "Just in Time," "Stardust," "Steppin' Out With My Baby" and more. Then the duo sang five songs to end the show, hits from their "Cheek to Cheek" CD, which won a Grammy. Bennett offered a bravura encore, his signature "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." The crowd leapt to its feet for the 25th time. Lady Gaga introduces Tony Bennett, her good friend and collaborator, at his farewell concert. The two have a new album out, "Love for Sale." THE STAR-studded evening featured royalty on both sides of the footlights with VIP guests including the Clintons and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. The performers also previewed their new Cole Porter album, out soon. Gov. Cuomo declared Aug. 3 “Tony Bennett Day” in New York, tweeting "Few have contributed more to music and arts in New York than Tony.” BEHIND Bennett's jazz quintet, a full string orchestra graced the stage of the stately 1932 art-deco theater, brainchild of millionaire John D. Rockefeller and cornerstone of Rockefeller Center. Gaga charmed the crowd with her repartee, looking both elegant and slinky, changing costumes three times (including one made by her gifted designer sister), bowing gracefully and kissing Tony before and after his set after reeling out a dozen solo favorites of her own to warm up the happy crowd. It was a thrilling, memorable evening on both sides of the footlights. BATTLING Alzheimer's for the past five years, Bennett capped his illustrious 85-year career with favorites from his enduring repertoire. He and Gaga, also a New Yorker, have been bravely creating the new CD in their hometown for two years, despite his diagnosis. Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, both New Yorkers. Despite the age difference, they are devoted friends and collaborators. Young Tony sang at the opening of the Triborough Bridge in 1936 when he was 10 years old, so the evening brought the Long Island born singer's career full circle to a hometown crowd. PREVIEW their new CD and get out the hankies: ohttps://youtu.be/iTdHQ065A_o Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga offer a pair of "One Last Time" concerts this week celebrating a new CD coming out soon. WE BOOKED our tickets the day they went on sale two weeks ago, and planned a New York trip around the concert, knowing that this might be our last time to see Bennett. Lucky "east coasters" though, have other chances. Bennett has scheduled a handful of solo concerts on the east coast, into October. (No west coast gigs, sadly for us.) Check Ticketmaster for details. Booking your stay: go to hilton.com and plug in the property of choice. There are many Hilton brand options in New York. We have enjoyed Hilton Club New York, New York Hilton Midtown, Hilton Times Square, The Quin and many other Hilton brand properties. Carrie Krause introduces a program of baroque treats in Columbus, Montana, at Community Congregational Church. Baroque Music Montana is a gem in the Treasure State. UP NEXT: From Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett and jazz, to period music and the unusual repertoire and musical instruments of the period from 1600 to 1750. We feature the upcoming schedule of a gifted ensemble, Baroque Music Montana. The group offers musical treats on tap and on tour in Montana. We took in a concert recently and share the talents of this fabulous, precise quartet of talents playing period music of long ago. Meanwhile, enjoy, learn and live and catch us each week for a fresh spin on the arts, travel, nature, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Elvin Dhimitri turns a page on a score, backed by one of two second violinists, partly hidden at left, with his violist near mirror, and cellist, seated at right. Each of six musicians participated in a stunning concert. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note This piece was reviewed and updated July 2026 The best moments in Rome rarely appear on an itinerary. They happen when you wander down a quiet cobblestone street, hear classical music drifting through an open church door, and decide to step inside. That's how we found ourselves immersed in an unforgettable evening of Vivaldi, surrounded by centuries of history and breathtaking acoustics. During the summer of 2026, Rome again proves that it's not just the Eternal City -- it's a living stage where music, theater, art, and culture are woven into everyday life. Whether you're attending an outdoor opera, discovering a neighborhood jazz performance, or stumbling upon an intimate church concert, every day offers something extraordinary. "Keller and Cookie" peak out from behind a poster advertising the Vivaldi concert. It will run through mid-December, so if you're in Rome, don't miss it. Opera E Lirica sponsors. A tip: look for church concerts. If you're visiting this summer or anytime, you'll find music everywhere -- from grand outdoor opera stages to intimate church concerts and lively festivals. Some of the highlights for music in Rome 2026 include: Roma Summer Fest: Up through mid-September at the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone, this festival features classical, jazz, rock, pop, and international artists in one of Rome's premier outdoor venues. Caracalla Festival: Presented by Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, this spectacular festival stages opera and ballet in breathtaking historic settings, including the ancient baths and the Circus Maximus. This year's program includes Aida and other productions. Church concerts: Many historic churches throughout Rome continue to host evening performances of music by composers such as Antonio Vivaldi (we heard "The Four Seasons" last trip), Johann Sebastian Bach, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. These intimate concerts are our most memorable experiences because of their remarkable acoustics and centuries-old surroundings. For travelers, that's the real magic of Rome. You can plan an evening at a world-class opera, then unexpectedly discover a chamber orchestra performing Vivaldi in a candlelit church just blocks away. In Rome, music isn't simply entertainment -- it's part of the city's living heritage, where history, architecture, and performance come together in unforgettable ways. That's exactly the kind of hidden experience that makes every visit unique. Music in Rome 2026 and Enduring in the Eternal City Here's our piece about a musical foray in Music in Rome a couple years ago. Well worth the effort and Get Your Guide was a big help in finding this delightful event. FABULOUS CONCERT, GREAT TOUR WITH 'GET YOUR GUIDE' - A SPLENDID DAY Vivaldi concert soars to the top of the reviewer's all-time concert list The second violinists enter the stage for an encore. MUSIC CHANGED my life when I was a three year old, watching spellbound as the great Jascha Heifetz play Paganini. I was mesmerized. I wanted to learn violin and did, although piano is my main instrument. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers arrive for the concert. Music continues to enhance and guide my life. It has taken me to concert halls, jazz clubs, orchestra pits and dressing rooms. It has opened doors, introduced me to fellow musicians and music lovers around the world. Music has made friends on ships, trains and even airplanes, when I played a keyboard long ago on the topside cocktail lounge of a glorious Boeing 747. The first-class cabin sang show tunes all the way from Los Angeles to New York. The soloist, Elvin Dhimitri, and Cookie after the concert. Both all smiles, a wonderful night following a terrific day tour with Get Your Guide A True Night to Remember This recent night to remember rocketed to the top of my "most memorable" concert list. The concert featured brilliant violinist Elvin Dhimitri, considered by many as one of Italy's finest living violinists. Bruce Keller secretly purchased a pair of tickets to Dhimitri's "Le Quattro Stagioni," better known to the English speaking world as "The Four Seasons," Vivaldi's masterpiece. The famous concertos composed in 1723, are the world's most popular pieces of Baroque music and broke ground with their lyrical depiction of the changing seasons. The pieces are famous for their flourish and technical innovations. Dhimitri's dazzling technique brought the works to a mesmerized house on a hot late-August evening. His immaculate technique and unflappable stage presence transported the audience into a dream world. A fellow concert goer said, "He played as if possessed by a holy spirit, a musical genius under a spell." A PERFECT RAPPORT with his gifted players was sustained in frequent eye contact. His ensemble includes two second violins, a violist, cellist and harpsichord so we had the pleasure of hearing six superbly talented musicians. THE DAY Tour walk with GetYourGuide was terrific. We had an amiable, knowledgeable guide who pointed out new things about places we'd been before. THEN THE EVENING was charmed from beginning to end. Keller and I took a taxi from our hotel to the venue, stopping for a glass of wine for me, a beer for Keller, at the Sala Verdi concert hall, inside the gracious Hotel Quirinale, a treasure of its own built in 1865 near the Piazza Venezia. It's in the heart of Roma, five minutes from the Colosseum and just a bit farther to the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. WE HAD hoped to hear the concert in Church of San Francesco Caravita but temperatures of near 100 degrees forced moving it to the cooler hotel concert hall, with its equally fine acoustics and plenty of history to entertain concert goers before the show began. Violinist Jascha Heifetz performed at Fox Theatre in the early 1950s when Cookie was a little girl. We in the audience were from all over the globe: India, Japan, France, Germany, Norway, Australia, greeted by a lovely Eliana, who scanned our tickets and had an assistant guide us to our second-row seats. I could feel the presence of my grandmother, a fine pianist and accompanist, and my mother, who also played piano and was an accomplished violinist. She and another old friend, Eloise Kirk, played fiddle in the Montana State University Orchestra in Bozeman. Each was pregnant with their first child -- Eloise had her son John and my mother had me. A lifelong love of music began at birth -- or likely before -- for Cookie, whose musical mother and grandmother greatly influence her. THE EVENING was too brief. There were three sets of gracious applause-filled bows, followed by exits. Then Dhimitri appeared again to cheers, and ushered his ensemble back on stage. After a generous encore -- more Vivaldi, a precisely rendered section of "The Four Seasons" -- the musicians took a final bow and exited. A beautiful harpsichord was much photographed after the standing-ovation crowd. By good fortune, we were able to catch up to Dhimitri for a brief chat after his exhausting performance. He was gracious and accommodating, put his violin case down to pose for photos and answer questions. He believes in daily practice, like Heifetz, and off stage is a gentleman of elegance, discipline and gracious demeanor. The audience would have enjoyed another 90 minutes, but the maestro and his five equally gifted players, are doing several shows a week through mid December. So the evening sadly ended. Tickets for church concerts are reasonably priced, usually from 15 Euros to 50 Euros. If you're in Rome and have the Roma pass, check out Get Your Guide. Also ask for the "Roma Pass" discount. If you're in Europe: call +39 338 12 18 424. www.opera-lirica.com For a fun, reasonably priced tours and activities in many cities worldwide: GetYourGuide.com The rocky seashore of Madeira is only one of its charms. The beautiful Portuguese island has been popular with Europeans and sun-seekers from Britain for decades. NEXT UP: Madeira. It sounds lovely and it is. Long a favorite of visitors from the UK, this Portuguese island is now popular with tourists from all over the world. This gorgeous island is located in the Atlantic Ocean, 1,000 kilometers from the Portuguese mainland. The picturesque island is part of the Madeira Islands group. Besides the wine for which it is famous, it offers beach activities, beautiful hotels and restaurants, historic monuments, and fabulous botanical gardens. Come along with us, remembering to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, the arts, nature, family and more. If this destination sparked your wanderlust, there’s plenty more waiting for you explore more travel stories and inspiration over at WhereIsCookie.com

From left, Teagan Rose, J. Todd Adams and Joanna Strapp in "Blithe Spirit." SOMETHING FOR EVERY THEATER LOVER WITH BUMPER CROP OF SHOWS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" ALONG WITH pumpkins, zucchini and a berry bounty, San Diegans are harvesting a bumper crop of plays. Here are highlights, upcoming dates to save and some stellar "don't miss" productions. These are our favorites. Isabella Pruter sings "Ring of Keys" North Coast Rep presents"Blithe Spirit." Noel Coward's wise, witty, well constructed story of a flamboyant medium, a sassy wife who returns from the dead and a sparring couple. Like all Coward's wonderfully droll plays, the real star is the language. Sharp, elegant direction by Rosina Reynolds and a fine cast deliver this long but satisfying production with panache. Through Sept. 30. northcoastrep.org "Seize the King." La Jolla Playhouse. An absolutely masterful tour de force by actor Will Power, an inventive reimagining of "Richard III." Intense, wonderfully acted. You'll be thinking about it for days, the true mark of fine art. Through Sept. 16 only. lajollaplayhouse.org "Real Women Have Curves." The Roustabouts Theatre Company. A one-night-only collaboration between this cutting edge company and Amigos del Rep, at the Lyceum Sept. 17. The "funny story of five full-figured Mexican-American women" tells of their race to meet nearly impossible production deadlines in order to keep their tiny factory from going under. theroustabouts.org Preparing for Sophie's wedding, her mother Donna (Misty Cotton) and Sophie (Olivia Hodson) share a moment. Excellent voices, sharp direction make the show a hit. It runs through Feb. 24 at Welk Resort. "Mamma Mia." Welk Resorts Theatre. Classic ABBA score as a teen searches for her birth father on a gorgeous Greek isle. The theater has undergone a spruce-up and the museum is redone. The cast is top-notch. The musical's long run, likely a sell-out, is through Feb. 24. welkresorts.com/san-diego/theatre/ Michael Louis Cusimano and Caitie Grady charm in "Once." "Once." Lamb's Players Theatre." It opened to raves in early summer and has done gang-buster's business, but if you have yet to see "Once" you have only through Sept. 16. Beautifully sung and cleverly directed, the feel good, rousing production features a blossoming romance in an Irish pub. Energetically performed, it has been extended for the last time. Inventive staging, terrific score and a great excuse to visit Coronado. lambsplayers.org "Legacy Lab." Diversionary Theatre. New for 2018, from this cutting edge theater company, Diversionary launches an intriguing new concept, the Legacy Lab," to feature staged readings of classic LGBT text with a presentation of the ground breaking 1934 play by Lillian Hellman, "The Children's Hour," It is a drama set in an all-girls boarding school run by two women, Karen Wright and Martha Dobie. The reading is Oct 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. It's free, with a suggested $15 donation. Check out the wonderful 1961 Audrey Hepburn-Shirley MacLaine film. diversionary.org/legacylab/ "Guadalupe in the Guest Room." New Village Arts, Carlsbad. The always inventive play docket just closed a hit "Legally Blonde." Next up: "Guadalupe....," a story of two people, in the bond of shared grief, with an unexpected friendship and healing. Written by the rising playwright Tony Meneses, on the boards Oct. 6-28. newvillagearts.org Actor Ro Boddie -- brilliant at Cygnet. Every Brilliant Thing." Cygnet Theatre. If you haven't seen this captivating performance piece, you have only through Sept. 16. A wonderful one-man show about a son who wants his depressed mother to cheer up. Funny, touching. All the right stuff. Then leave it to inventive Cygnet to jazz up dull Mondays with a series of Cabaret shows, each with a different theme and Cygnet's top singers, known around town. Oct. 22. "HIR" is next up for the season. Sounds intriguing. cygnettheatre.com Fort Lauderdale's Water Taxi service is fun, economical and a fine way to see the city's sights. UP NEXT: Come with us to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where we visit a favorite American port city by Water Taxi. The city's splendidly designed canal enterprise is our favorite way to see the sights. We meander via Water Taxi to enjoy the city's history and play tourist as we glide quietly past homes of the rich and famous, sports and acting figures, wealthy investors and "old money" Florida families. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each Friday for a novel look at art, travel, nature, music and travel.

Experience the magic of the Sydney Opera House, an architectural masterpiece where spectacular harbor views, world-class performances, and Australian culture come together. Tourists from around the globe tour Sydney Opera House, enjoy tastings and see plays, dance and concerts in many venues. The opera house and its famous sails are a world famous architectural landmark. After or before a tour, visitors may enjoy a snack or meal -- here a variety of burgers, salads, dumplings, oysters and shrimp. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This piece was reviewed and updated September of 2026 No visit to Sydney, Australia, is complete without seeing the magnificent Sydney Opera House. Rising above the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour, this extraordinary building is one of the most recognizable architectural landmarks in the world. Whether you admire it from the air or waterfront, take a guided tour, or attend a spectacular performance, the Opera House offers an unforgettable experience. Its distinctive white sails, beautiful setting and fascinating history make it a highlight of a Aussie adventure. The Sydney Opera House is like no other building. Famous for its gorgeous shells -- resembling the ship sails which skirt and shift in the ocean below -- the building is far more than an opera house, although grand opera is performed there. The Sydney Opera House from our helicopter, showcdasing its famous sails. It's actually a complex of theaters, rehearsal halls and more than 1,000 rooms of varying shapes and sizes. Built on 4.5 acres for $103 million over several decades, the grand building is the product of a 1957 design competition. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the Sydney Opera House officially opened in 1973. Its innovative design transformed the Sydney waterfront and became an international symbol of Australia. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and welcomes millions of visitors. A windy day didn't stop Cookie and Keller. Here, to the right of the Sydney Opera House, you can see the arc of the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. The story is that the bold and controversial concept came to Utzon while he was peeling an orange, because its "sections" resemble pieces of the fruit. This may be only myth, but it makes a good story. Red steps lead to the Joan Sutherland Theater, one of the great opera houses in the world, named after the great diva who was born in Sydney in 1926. The famed soprano died in 2010. WHAT IS true is that Utzon labored for years to bring the project to fruition, resigned in frustration, then after many more years was coaxed back. Other facts: * An Aussie design team finished the interior. Completion of the pre-cast roof panels and "sails" was difficult to master. * The opera theater, one of several performance halls, has had horses, donkeys and chickens on the stage. The "Aida" production, however, used cut-out elephants. (A veteran guide told us that a chicken fell into the orchestra pit once, during "Boris Gudonov." The violinist shrieked but soon resumed playing.) * Wedding receptions and parties can be staged in the complex. * Australian born Joan Sutherland, a famous soprano, loved the venue and was honored after her 2010 death in the renaming of one of the house's theaters. * This reporter saw the great tenor Luciano Pavarotti perform there in the 1990s. Such memories. One of the best ways to appreciate this architectural wonder is to take a guided tour. We explored its remarkable interiors, learn about its construction and discovered the stories behind its creation. If you love live entertainment, consider attending an opera, ballet, concert, or theatrical performance. There is something magical about experiencing a performance inside such an extraordinary building. Don't forget your camera! The Opera House is spectacular from almost every angle. Walk along the harbor, enjoy the views from the nearby Royal Botanic Garden, or admire the building from a ferry crossing Sydney Harbour. For a particularly memorable experience, visit in the evening when the building is beautifully illuminated. After exploring the Opera House, stop to enjoy the surrounding waterfront. There are restaurants, cafés, and places to watch the boats sail across the harbor. We combined our visit with a walk around Circular Quay and a trip to the nearby historic Rocks district. The Sydney Opera House is more than a tourist attraction; it is an experience that captures the spirit of Australia. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a theater lover, or simply someone who enjoys discovering extraordinary places, this iconic landmark deserves a place on your travel itinerary. Sydney offers countless adventures, and the Opera House is the perfect starting point for exploring this beautiful city. For more travel inspiration, exciting destinations, cruise adventures, and helpful travel tips, visit WhereIsCookie.com. Remember to explore, learn and live and let us help you discover your next unforgettable journey in our weekly posts!

INVENTIVE MIX OF THOUGHT PROVOKING WORKS ON TAP Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers return to a favorite venue, the internationally acclaimed Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The Carpe Diem Kids share their critiques and praise for a spectacular season. KUDOS FOR ACTORS, DIRECTORS, SETS, COSTUMES, LIGHTING AND A DARING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" thanks to OSF and Dublin's Abbey Theatre for supplemental photos Tim Bond is OSF's seventh artistic director, a creative and thoughtful man who champions the original. He guides a gifted company in the festival's remarkable 90th season. If you're looking for a theater getaway that combines world-class performances with small-town charm, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland belongs at the top of your travel list. Here are some of the best reasons to visit: Award-winning live theater. Founded in 1935, the festival has grown into one of North America's premier repertory theater companies, presenting Shakespeare, classic dramas, musicals, and new works across three stages. The 2026 season features 10 productions running from March through October. See multiple shows in one trip. Because the festival uses a rotating repertory schedule, you can watch different productions on consecutive days -- or even the same day --making every visit unique. Experience outdoor theater under the stars. The iconic Allen Elizabethan Theatre offers an unforgettable open-air setting that captures the magic of Shakespeare in a way few venues can. Enjoy Ashland's walkable downtown. The theaters are just steps from boutique shops, art galleries, cafés, wineries, and the beautiful Lithia Park, making it easy to spend several relaxing days exploring. Free entertainment. During the summer, the festival's Green Show offers free outdoor performances featuring music, dance, and cultural acts before evening performances. A destination for every traveler. Whether you're a lifelong Shakespeare fan or have never seen one of his plays, the festival's mix of comedies, dramas, musicals, and contemporary works offers something for nearly everyone. For many visitors, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival isn't just about seeing a play -- it's about immersing yourself in a town where art, history, food, and nature come together. Spend your mornings strolling Lithia Park, your afternoons browsing local bookstores and tasting regional wines, and your evenings enjoying unforgettable performances beneath the stars. It's one of the Pacific Northwest's most rewarding cultural getaways and an ideal destination for a weekend or extended vacation. WHEN ANGUS Bowmer dreamed of a festival to honor theater and the works of William Shakespeare, the clever Scotsman had only a shoe string budget. But his ideas were larger than life. The Allen Elizabethan Theatre grounds post-performance. The crowds are gone; energy, enthusiasm, appreciation remain. Ninety years later, voila: the Tony winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival 90th Season Located in southern Oregon in the mid-sized town of Ashland, "The Festival,'' as locals call it, draws its company and audiences from across the United States. Its reach extends into Europe, Canada and beyond. We sat next to a couple from Mexico City at one performance. The festival's $37 million budget is a far cry from proceeds of boxing matches which funded the festival early years. Actors Herbert Siguenza and Raul Cardona create magic in a modern, moving spin on Cervantes' "Don Quixote." The work is "Quixote Nuevo" by playwright Octavio Solis, directed with passion and imagination by Lisa Portes. WE ARE Oregon Shakespeare Festival regulars at this magnificent three-theater creation. (Four venues if one counts the outdoor "Green Room" with pre-show entertainment from dance to jazz and play cuttings.) We've endowed seats, taken back stage tours, enjoyed lectures, rose from our seats in countless standing ovations, and spread the word internationally with our musings and photos. Since childhood, I've missed only two years at this gem. We've seen the festival through highs and lows: a well deserved Tony Award for best regional theater, budget cuts, staffing shake-ups, COVID woes and seven artistic directors. We've applauded productions sunshine and rain, smog and forest fire smoke. We've shed layers in sweltering heat at the venerable Black Swan (now used for costumes, rehearsals and meetings). We've bundled up in the outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre where one chilly long ago autumn, we watched in rain as "Macbeth" actors entered in garbage bags to protect their Elizabethan costumes from the fierce storm. As rain ceased, actors returned to the stage, sans garbage bags. It was a magical if soggy evening. Kate Wisniewski plays the title role in "Julius Caesar," OSF's electrifying all-female production of the classic. It puts a contemporary spin on the 1599 work which featured all males, as was the tradition of the times. THIS YEAR'S docket is the best we've seen in a decade: varied, lively, brilliantly acted, artfully staged and directed. Sets, costumes and lighting equal any we've seen on Broadway or London's West End. Such success starts at the top, so festival artistic director Tim Bond and his key players deserve enthusiastic kudos. "Come From Away" will perform at OSF in the 2026 season, a heartwarming story of a small town in Newfoundland which welcomed stranded passengers after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. Bond and his staff assembled a season both timely and compelling. There's "Quixote Nuevo," a wonderful spin on Cervantes' "Don Quixote"; a spot-on production of Oscar Wilde's a flawless "The Importance of Being Earnest" and a captivating all-female "Julius Caesar." An enthralling "Shane" features the gifted Chris Butler in a riveting contemporary interpretation of the beloved 1953 film. One of my favorite Sondheim musicals, "Into the Woods," is stunning. "As You Like It" is delightfully fast paced and funny. There's not a clunker in the docket which runs through Oct. 25. Colorful costumes set the tone for a splashy, fast-paced "As You Like It" in Thomas Theatre. EACH OF TODAY'S trio of OSF theaters resides in a special corner of my heart. I came of age watching Shakespeare in the Elizabethan. I endowed three seats in the beloved Bowmer. I knew the gentle spirit after whom the Thomas Theatre is named. It replaced the smaller Black Swan, long a family favorite, and carries on the same spirit of pioneering daring in its presentations. Witness a spirited "As You Like It" with its gender bending plot and dazzling costumes to knock your socks off. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers outside the converted Baptist Church, for 40 years, the popular Oregon Cabaret Theatre. DON'T MISS another first-rate theatrical endeavor in Ashland. Oregon Cabaret Theatre is just across the street from OSF in a converted church. Now in its 40th season, it offers a lively range of works. We've seen polished mysteries, comedy and classic musicals, including "Sweeney Todd," and "Kinky Boots." We recommend it for a cozy venue (we like the balcony tables), delicious appetizers, brunches and dinner offerings, jazzy cocktails. It's a pleasing, energetic complement to OSF. Ashland offers dozens of restaurant and lodging options for your visit. Our favorite places to stay -- enjoyed for decades -- are the elegant Ashland Springs Hotel, smack in town center, steps from the theaters, and Ashland Hills, in a wooded area with a pool, blackberry bushes and occasional deer. Artful Ashland Springs Hotel stands gracefully in downtown Ashland, steps from the festival. Additional information on Oregon Shakespeare Festival 90th Season www.osfashland.org or 800 219-8161 www.AshlandSpringsHotel.com or 541-488-1700; 885 795-4545 www.AshlandHillsHotel.com 541 482-8310 www.oregoncabaret.com 5 41 488-2902 UP NEXT: ALASKA BY TRAIN Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers are escorted on board by the gracious conductor of the Anchorage-Seward route, Brenda Robinson. She's been with the popular and extensive rail operation for 30 years. See Alaska's wonders by rail. Picture yourself in a comfy train car, watching the wonders of Alaska unfold outside. We recently stepped aboard a lovely train to take us from Anchorage to Seward. The wonders of Alaska were right out the window as we traveled several eye-popping hours past gorgeous alpine scenery and the sea. Established in 1903 and completed in 1923, the Alaska Railroad is an iconic part of any Alaskan adventure. This historic rail operation was the only land connector of Anchorage to Fairbanks until 1971. We'll give readers a ringside view of stunning Alaskan landscape with pointers on booking. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly, as whereiscookie.com and "The Carpe Diem Kids," take a fresh spin on travel, the arts, nature, family and more. Please share the links at: www.whereiscookie.com

Cookie is at her happiest playing piano. Here, she entertains at a housewarming party. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "the Carpe Kiem Kids" Cookie serenades at friend Corby Skinner's on the 1902 piano she purchased for his home, The Castle, built that same year. MUSICAL TALENTS FORGE FRIENDSHIPS AROUND THE WORLD, TRANSCENDS DIFFERENCES I'll see you again Whenever spring breaks through again... This sweet memory Across the years Will come to me Though my world may go awry.... --from "I'll See You Again," by Noel Coward MORE THAN any other art form, music has the ability to connect people and cultures. Nephew James Hayes, on double bass, plays with Auntie Cookie at his home, Purple Martin Farm, in northern California. Cookie also plays saxophone, here at the Cowboy Bar in Fishtail, Montana. It can reach out and touch us in a way nothing else can. It joins us in unexpected, moving ways. Who'd have thought that I'd play piano at a black tie dinner hosted by Chong Sangchon, mayor of Seoul, Korea, in 1979. (Our delegation of 12 American Women performed "Some Enchanted Evening" from "South Pacific" and the mayor requested a Korean folk tune I somehow conjured.) That same trip, I serenaded Mike Mansfield, then Ambassador to Japan, in the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. (He asked for "Don't Fence Me In" and his wife Maureen put a dainty box of tea sandwiches in my purse when she realized I wouldn't stop playing to dine.) A couple years before, when our chartered flight from JFK to Queen Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee in London was delayed, the chief publicist for United Artists asked me to entertain fellow writers. We sang show tunes and enjoyed champagne and caviar for two hours then were happily poured onto the plane. Music has been my balm, my joy, my fun, my friend as long as I can remember. Cookie plays the vintage Wurlitzer organ in Wellington, New Zealand's Southward Car Museum. The museum's chief organist brought her up on the revolving pedestal. WHEN I WAS a little kid, I'm told, the adults were drawn from post-dinner cocktails to an unexpected concert. There, in the music room, not quite three-year-old Cookie was playing "You Are My Sunshine" on the family's Steinway. In February of 1986, just a few years before the fall of the Soviet Union, my sister Robbie and I were holed up in a Moscow hotel during the coldest day of the year. The snow was thick, the temperature was a chilly zero degrees and all tours were cancelled. Cookie admires her tip jar last weekend at the Petroleum Club at show's end. Robbie and I tipped a pair of waiters bounteous rubles to move an ancient upright into the lobby bar. I coaxed a few tunes from that rickety old piano and told the three bored bartenders to stand by, even though it was before noon. Within a half hour, the bar was packed as I played Rachmaninoff, Mozart, Gershwin, an Israeli lullaby, German polkas and a medley of American show tunes. The bar ordered in sandwiches and more vodka and we shut the place down at midnight. I'd taken only three brief breaks and loved every Moscow minute. Great niece Penelope Margaret Ganner watches intently as Cookie plays and sings on the Bay Area family's piano. Absarokee veterinarian Rex Anderson and Cookie play duets at Montana Jack's, before it sadly closed. I WON'T FORGET that magical day. The Kremlin and Red Square could wait. Someone produced a harmonica and we paired for Scott Joplin ragtime and western swing. An Italian woman with a beautiful soprano voice sang my mother's favorite aria, "Un Bel Di" from Madame Butterfly. An Irishman pulled a penny whistle from his pocket and let loose with a jig. I chorded along. The French contingent requested "La Marseillaise" and marched around the lobby, hoisting their wine glasses in rhythm to their national anthem. An English couple asked for Noel Coward tunes. I remembered "I'll See You Again," that bittersweet ballad, and plunked out the tune for "Mad Dogs and Englishmen," which the couple joyously delivered. Cookie at the Lawrence Welk piano at the Welk Resort north of San Diego. The piano was played on the show. We sang "Getting to Know You," Anna's wonderful song from "The King and I." We sang, "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning" from "Oklahoma" -- and it was, despite the cold. Had we not been snowed in, there would have been no musicale, no communion, no lifelong friendships (I still get holiday notes from the Frenchman from Aix and the Irish couple). Christene Meyers palys for weddings, funerals, birthdays, celebrations -- good times and sad times -- our family has cherished music. It goes with me on the road. I've played piano quintets and barroom stride, on cruise ships, in saloons, barns and former brothels, grand concert halls, basements, penthouses and living rooms. I've played for hundreds -- even three thousand -- -- and I've played for myself alone, to cheer up. I played on a keyboard in the glory days of the 747 when the first class cabin had a piano bar. I'm classically trained, in the style of my Vaudevillian grandmum Olive who was equally at home with Mozart and movie themes. May it ever be thus. Now, what would you like to hear? UP NEXT: Yellowstone in autumn. Could there be a more breathtaking part of the northern Rockies? It's time for our annual Yellowstone road trip and we're taking you along to explore the park's wonders with us. Remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us Fridays when we post for each weekend -- original essays on travel, the arts, nature, and whatever strikes our fancy!

Big hair, tights and roller skates for artist Marina Mac, who brought the house down with a high-stepping performance on Oscar's balcony. DRAG DAZZLES THE DESERT BOARDS: QUALITY CABARET SHOWS OFFER A FUN REASON TO VISIT PALM SPRINGS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Actor Anita Rose applies makeup to host a sold-out show. KEEPING A small business afloat during a pandemic is no small challenge. But Dan Gore, owner and manager of Oscar's in Palm Springs, has survived a year that put many restaurants and bistros under. It's flourishing now -- perhaps not economically, but certainly in spirit, because Gore believes in the power of performance and the human spirit to transcend and triumph. "The pandemic has given us opportunity to reflect on life and both personal and business goals," he muses. AFTER lockdown curtailed indoor activities and closed down his popular eatery and theater, Gore and company revived the vital connection with his cabaret's loyal following. Using the patio as its main venue, the format allows for distancing, fresh air and fun times. Emcee Anita Rose has a witty, fun and free-wheeling style -- and several fetching costume changes -- to keep Oscar's shows lively. Loyal locals and supportive tourists are the lifeblood of Oscar's, known for its gender-bending productions, excellent menu, reliable kitchen, and its fresh, funny stable of talent. WE WERE THRILLED to be in the audience at Oscar's in Palm Springs a recent sold-out "Bitchiest Brunch" revival Sunday matinee with emcee Anita Rose flamboyant, accomplished and endearing. Drag is a long-standing tradition in theater and at Oscar's and Rose adeptly sets the tone with good-natured, let's have fun banter. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers are happy to be once again at a live show. "I felt it was important to keep this going," Gore said. "Entertainment is one of the most essential elements of human life -- a chance for the entertainer to become someone else." In turn, he reflects, "a good show allows the audience to escape reality for a couple hours, to leave depressing thoughts or physical ailments behind, to fantasize." Oscar's drag queens fulfill that in spades -- to the delight of packed houses. The result brings a smile to Gore's face. An entertainer, producer and director for three decades, he said he hasn't necessarily been financially rewarded by staying the course, "but there's no greater reward than bringing smiles to the faces of our show audiences. The spiritual value for audiences and performers alike is infinite." Mimosa Man are on tap at Oscar's Saturday; the cabaret's menu offers tasty dining and beverages which can be served during the show Rosemary -- audacious, funny, pretty in pink. OSCAR'S IS presenting a variety of spirited live entertainment as we recover from the pandemic performance drought. Oscar's owner Dan Gore is optimistic about Oscar's future and devoted to live performance. Such delights as a male exotic revue, Latin drag show and wickedly entertaining Sunday "bitchiest brunch" with roller skating acts and big hair await those of us who have been performance-starved. All the action is outside with distanced tables, and includes: Mondays, Las Chicas Calientes drag show; Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 pm. the Kal David Trio blues band; Saturday, Mimosa Men; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bitchiest Brunch. Sunday's popular T-Dance Disco Party resumes as Covid restrictions lift. Our hunt for live entertainment always includes a stop at this lively cabaret when we're anywhere near Palm Springs. Oscar's on its own is even reason enough for a visit. For reservations (recommended) or information: oscarspalmsprings.com; 760 325-1188. The intriguing sculpture of artist Ricardo Breceda await pleasure seekers in California's Anza Borrego desert. UP NEXT: The desert calls us and we answer, in southern California's beautiful nature-driven life away from big cities. Sculpture, flowers, and fun places to hike and picnic await. Come along, remembering to explore, learn and live and catch us each week for a fresh spin on travel, the arts, nature, family and more. Share links with like minded people: whereiscookie.com

Story By Christene Meyers Photos by Bruce Keller & courtesy Hollywood studios and historical archives "The Carpe Diem Kids" Dustin Hoffman, left, and Chief Dan George, on location in 1970 during the filming of "Little Big Man" at the Earl and Toni Rosell Ranch near Billings, Montana. Favorite Performers: My Journey Through the World of Showbiz Millions of people watch the world of show business from the audience -- I’m one of those. But I’ve also spent time backstage, in press rooms, at world premieres and sitting across the table from people whose names are known around the world. Over my long career spanning music, theater, film, television, travel, and writing, I’ve had the good fortune to meet and interview talented performers and personalities, witness memorable moments and gather stories that can only come from being there. My recollection of favorite performers, chance meetings, interviews, plays, films, musicals, and premieres is a look back at show business. It is also an introduction to the stories which inspired my historical novel, “Lilian’s Last Dance,” published by a small Wyoming press 11 years ago and experiencing renewed interest. Robert Redford signs a tear sheet from an earlier interview with Christene Meyers at a premiere for "A River Runs Through It" which Redford directed. It was shot in part in Montana. A Life Spent Meeting Interesting People My goal in an interview is to find the story behind the person. My show biz journey has taken me into the colorful and often unpredictable entertainment world. I’ve interviewed performers, attended concerts and theatrical productions, gone on location in Montana, London and Paris, experienced film premieres and met people whose careers have shaped the worlds of music, theater, television and film. Some meetings were carefully arranged -- by managers, agents, studios or newspaper and magazine editors. Others were the result of being in the right place at the right time. Those chance encounters can sometimes become the most memorable stories. I believe that interviewing someone is about more than simply asking questions. “The best interviews are conversations,” Katharine Hepburn told me. An interview is about listening, noticing little details -- the personality behind the public image, the humor, the unexpected answer, the vulnerability. These moments make a famous performer a fascinating human being with a good story. Katharine Hepburn on location for the filming of "On Golden Pond" at Squam Lake, New Hampshire. It won her an Oscar in 1982. I've been lucky to interview many interesting people with great stories. From Interviews to Memories A career filled with these interviews creates an unusual scrapbook. My “star memories” connect people to places, performances, conversations, premieres, productions -- moments that stay with me after the curtain comes down. I remember favorite performers, plays, films and musicals that made an impression. I remembers the excitement of world premieres and the electricity surrounding a major entertainment event. And I remember the people. That is what I hope makes my collection of favorite performers interesting. I’m inviting readers into my world -- to see entertainers through my eyes. That’s next week’s feature. Dapper and gracious Roger Moore gave special time to film reviewers during "The Spy Who Loved Me" world premiere in London. Unplanned Moments Are Often the Best in My Journey in the World of Show Biz Show business is filled with surprises. Roger Moore liked my questions at a round table interview during the premier of “The Spy Who Loved Me.” Then, working through United Artists’ marketing executive Carl Ferrazza, Moore invited six film reviewers to his suite in Mayfair to interview him over hors d’oeuvres and wine. That was an unforgettable conversation. The film was fun but the real “performance” was in that hotel suite, where Moore created a lasting memory. That chance interview opened opportunities with other studios and became a memorable chapter in my personal history, happening as it did during the Queen's Silver Jubilee. I hope my stories capture a sense of possibility. Sylvester Stallone signed photos from the film, "Rocky," for movie reviewers at the film premiere in New York City, November of 1976. Interviewing Sylvester Stallone 50 years ago at the "Rocky" premiere was a joy. He was only 30 then, a few years older than I was. He was charming, a bit shy, excited, not jaded. He has aged with grace, humor and modesty. He also has that rare long Hollywood marriage -- nearly 30 years, surviving both ups and downs with Jennifer. I’m from the “old school,” where I walk into an event without knowing what it will bring -- but knowing I'll leave with a story. That spirit is at the heart of my work. Why My Perspective Is Unique Because I’ve spent decades in music, theater, film, television and travel, my perspective is shaped by experience, curiosity and a genuine love of talented people. I’ve come to understand that the most interesting story isn't always the biggest celebrity. Sometimes the memorable person is the performer who surprised me with generous time. Sometimes it is the production nobody expected to become important. Sometimes it is a conversation that happened between events or before a show. We photographed Sammy Davis Jr. during his last performance at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. Sometimes it is simply the feeling of being there when something special happened -- the night Sammy Davis Jr. took his final bow at the Sands Hotel or Tony Bennett's emotional farewell show. I’m determined to make my memoir personal. It will be my history -- with plenty of show biz and family anecdotes -- told through the characters who influenced me and captured my imagination. A Natural Path to 'Lilian's Last Dance' For readers discovering my writing for the first time, I hope my stories provide an introduction to another important part of her life: my work as an author of books. My first book, many years ago, was a poetry collection, “Cats As Gravity,” now out of print. I’ve taught workshops for Writer’s Voice and studied at Sarah Lawrence College. Lilian's Last Dance, my second book, weaves my storytelling instincts developed over decades of observing people, listening to stories, understanding that each person has a history. Interviewing paniolo -- Hawaiian cowboys -- was part of the research for "Lilian's Last Dance." While my interviews and entertainment memories are rooted in real experiences, Lilian's Last Dance takes readers into the world of character-driven fiction. It features a troupe of performers at the transition from silent movies to “the talkies” -- Hollywood's beginnings. It was a collaborative effort with my late husband, William Jones, a reflection of the writer he was and the writer I've become. It’s a story from people fascinated by relationships, personalities, choices, secrets and the unexpected turns that can change a life. For readers who would like to get to know me before opening the book, the upcoming story on favorite performers and entertainment memories offers an introduction to me. You learn a bit about what catches my attention. You’ll discover pieces of actors and singers who have influenced me. Then I hope you will turn the page and enter the world Billy and I created in Lilian's Last Dance. Lilian is inspired by my grandmother, sharpshooter Annie Oakley and many more characters. She's smart, determined, outspoken, complicated and she's part of a romantic triangle including two colorful men. One of 65 book lectures, here aboard Celebrity Millennium. The Story Isn't Over For me, my writer’s journey is not finished. After decades of interviews, entertainment stories and, travel writing, I am at work on my next book, a memoir. Lilian's Last Dance marks my continuing creative journey. For several years, I've been doing readings from the novel on cruise ships. From my decades-long tenure at The Billings Gazette, to a freelancing career and now a novel and memoir, I still have stories to tell, people to remember, places to revisit. Colorful characters from my life are calling to me to bring them to life on the page. My career as a writer has shown me that curiosity can lead somewhere unexpected. One interview can become a memory. A chance meeting can evolve into a story. One performance can remain unforgettable for decades. And my lifetime of experiences can eventually become a book. Discover What Shaped my Writing I’ve spent much of my life surrounded by talented people and memorable performances. I’ve listened to performers tell their stories, watched productions come to life from the first rehearsal, experienced premieres, followed careers, collected fascinating memories. Now I invite you, gentle readers, to share some of my show biz memories. My writing journey has moved from interviewing and experiencing the unique people of show business to creating stories of my own. Lilian's Last Dance offers up my storytelling in fiction. I hope you'll find memorable characters, relationships and tense, dramatic twists. If you enjoy my stories about performers and personalities, Lilian's Last Dance is a chance to discover what happens when those observations finds their way into historical fiction. COMING UP: Next week’s column, “Performers: Dancing Through the Life of Showbiz,” celebrates the people, performances, interviews, chance meetings, plays, films, musicals, and premieres that became part of my writer’s journey. It focuses on favorite people met during interviews and travels, asI observed them and told their tales. If these stories make you curious about me, please take the next step and discover Lilian's Last Dance, available on Amazon. The memoir is in the wings, already taking shape.

Sydney, Australia: sparkling in early evening, from a climb atop the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge. It's fun to look for your cruise ship in the water far below. We've sailed here twice aboard Celebrity. SYDNEY'S SPLENDORS: SKYLINE, HOTELS, CULTURE, BRIDGE, HARBOR, FOOD, PARKS If you're cruising, book one that begins or ends in Sydney and plan a few days to explore The bridge is an architectural masterpiece, offering splendid views of the city and harbor. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Sydney, Australia, is a city where spectacular beaches, famous landmarks, fascinating history, and exciting adventures come together. Whether you're exploring the harbor, enjoying delicious food, or simply soaking up the sunshine, Sydney offers something for every traveler. SYDNEY HAS IT ALL! This lively Australian city offers one of the world's most picturesque harbors, a thriving performing arts center in its Sydney Opera House, a bustling economy, restaurants for every taste and budget, accommodating and cheerful people, great hotels, a picture perfect beloved beach and construction everywhere. Sydney is a town on the move, but it retains the charm that has marked it since its founding on Jan. 26, 1788. That's when the first fleet of convicts and soldiers arrived, under the governorship of Arthur Phillip. A few relics and names on a map remain to pay homage to these intrepid city founders. Gay pride is big in downtown Australia, where signs promote Gay Pride month, coming in June of this year. Sydney is capital city of New South Wales and one of Australia's largest cities. It is known globally for its stunning harbor front Opera House with its distinctive sail-like design and its impressive Harbour Bridge (Brits and Aussies spell harbor with the "u" as they do with "colour.") OUR CELEBRITY ship docked in massive Darling Harbor. We peered down on it from our perch on the bridge, enjoying the view of it and the smaller Circular Quay port, hubs of Sydney's important waterside life. We love climbing the arched Harbor Bridge and visiting Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Take a pleasant walk through the pretty, bustling streets. If you want a higher view than the bridge affords, Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs from 1,014 feet. It is the city's tallest building and a pleasant stroll from our base at West Hotel Sydney. IF YOU STAY in the Sydney central business area, you'll be within easy walking distance to many of the city's famous landmarks and buildings. The city itself is an architectural wonder. Magnificent older buildings add a stately air to the town, while hundreds of newer buildings tower The Sydney Tower indeed "towers" as Sydney's tallest building and a frequently visited landmark. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia dates back to 1910. National symbols are the kangaroo and emu. above the city's central business district. There, on Market Street between Pitt and Castlereagh Streets, you'll find entertainment venues, and an array of cafes and restaurants. Because we spent a week, we mingled with nicely dressed office workers and shoppers on week days. Weekends, we were among tourists heading to Darling Harbor’s waterfront bars, and thronging the promenade linking the historic Rocks area with the Sydney Opera House. Parks are popular in Sydney and the Royal Botanic Gardens offer harbor views, which we enjoyed during several picnics. There's so much to see and do in Sydney! Take a stroll around the magnificent Sydney Opera House, cross the iconic Harbour Bridge, or enjoy the beautiful views from a harbor cruise. Explore the historic Rocks district, visit Bondi Beach, or relax at a waterfront café. Sydney combines exciting city life with outdoor adventures, fascinating history, and the warm hospitality of Australia. Every day brings another opportunity to discover something special. SYDNEY IS named after Lord Sydney, who was British home secretary when Captain Phillip and the First Fleet arrived in January 1788. In a letter, Phillip described the colony in Sydney Cove as having “the finest harbor in the world” in which “a thousand sail of the line may ride in the most perfect security.” "Cookie and Keller" climbed Sydney Harbor Bridge for the second time. West Hotel Sydney is a Curio Collection property of the Hilton brand, with many elegant, welcoming touches. THEN -- to the Rocks, named aptly after the massive stone on which the city was built. Sydney's downtown offers dozens of skyscrapers, clean, wide streets. This neighborhood offers upscale eateries, small cafes with live music and frequent concert venues. The Rocks, a pleasant maze of historic laneways, sits in the shadow of Sydney Harbor Bridge. We like this neighborhood, where locals and tourists mingle at the open-air Rocks Markets and where we grabbed reasonably priced snacks. We also purchased delicious Indian inspired street food and admired handmade fashions. The area has some of Sydney’s oldest pubs and many of the Rocks' restaurants offer intimacy, local charm and some nifty harbor views. The Museum of Contemporary Art offers local and international exhibits. Buskers perform on the busy harbor front promenade so there's plenty for arts lovers. BEACH LIFE is an important part of the routine for the locals. Every fellow tourist we met wanted to see at least one of the beaches for which Australia is famous. Sydneysiders welcome locals and tourists alike to one of the world's most famous, Bondi. One can go for a casual swim, sunbathe and visit, or surf the day away on the reliable waves which draw an international mix of surfers. Fit locals swim in the Icebergs ocean pool year-round while the scantily clad simply bask in the sun. Sydney is a healthy town. Sydneysiders take their smoothies and high-pro breakfasts and lunches in the cafes around Hall Street. The area's many casual pubs welcome locals and tourists -- from backpackers to small, well heeled tour groups. While Bondi Beach has a crescent of sweeping white-sand and waves to attract surfers, walkers and joggers choose the clifftop above Bondi to hike the Coogee Coastal Walk. There, they are surrounded by dramatic scenery. Bondi Beach with its crescent shape entices both locals and tourists to enjoy the sun, gentle waves and pleasant hikes. YOU WILL need a Visa to visit Australia and it's a good idea to get on that a few weeks or even a couple months before your trip. Be sure to secure the appropriate visa. We used the Visa Finder to explore your options. Ensure details are correct and provide all required documents when you apply. An incomplete or incorrect application can delay the process; submitting multiple applications also slows the process. Be careful and thorough and apply only once. Families and couples must submit one application per person, including children. The Australian Government's Global Service Centre can help. www.celebritycruises.com bridgeclimb.com westhotelsydneycurio.guestreservations.com australia.com experienceoz.com.au/en/sydney/sydney-tower-skywalk As the beleaguered performer pursued by a stalker, Daebreon Poiema shines and dazzles in the role of singer Rachel Marron. She is backed by a fabulous ensemble of talented dancers and singers. --photos by Ken Jacques BEST ON THE BOARDS: "The Bodyguard" at Welk Theatre is a tuneful triple-treat for musical theater lovers. This lively, appealing production delivers with flair all the essential goods of the genre: spectacular singing, delightful dancing and talented acting. The well rehearsed and high-energy company obviously loves their craft and enjoys what they're doing. As Rachel's sister, Nicki Marron, Patricia Jewel stars in her own right with terrific vocal numbers. The story of a star pursued by a stalker, and the man hired to watch her was a popular 1992 film starring Kevin Costner. In the leading role as the performer in need of security, Daebreon Poiema shines. She shows the range of emotion necessary for the character to be believable. Her voice is dynamic and her pitch perfect. Backing her as her sister, a brilliant singer who didn't get the breaks or fame, is Patricia Jewel. She, too, is perfectly cast and has a bluesy voice to bring down the house. Lance Arthur Smith plays the title bodyguard with an endearing grace and winning warmth, protecting his charge and befriending her young son. As the singer's son, Fletcher, Faizi Mahalingam charms the audience with enormous stage presence. Don't miss this production for its enchanting storyline, stunning choreography and beautiful lights, wigs and costumes. It's an emotional ride that leaves the audience standing, cheering and moved. All the right stuff for a fun night or afternoon at the theater. If you're driving up from San Diego, check out the digs at The Welk. thewelksandiego.com Sydney is more than just a beautiful city; it's an adventure waiting to happen. Whether you're planning your next vacation, dreaming about an Australian cruise, or searching for inspiration for your next getaway, there's always something new to discover. Visit WhereIsCookie.com for travel stories, helpful tips, exciting destinations, and adventures from around the world. Join us as we explore the places, people, and experiences that make traveling so special! Enjoy a visit to Fiji, where this man is one of many beautiful, friendly UP NEXT: We're hopping about in the South Pacific, from small islands to the largest one, Australia. Next stop is Fiji, where the "Bula Bus" takes tourists around Denarau Island, from the marina to the hotels and more. Fiji is many islands, best known for its major isle's hospitality, beautiful and friendly people, flowers and fabulous cuisine. Enjoy the abundance of fresh fruit picked that same day. The phrase "bula bula" means welcome. Come with us to explore this friendly place where people are naturally kind and welcoming. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh take on travel, nature, performance, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Cookie cuddles not quite year-old Nick and Nora, after a bath in Davis, California. They were born there, September, 2005 WHAT A DOG, WHAT A LIFE, AS WE SMILE THROUGH OUR TEARS The Yorkshire terrier's small size belies its personality: energetic, spirited, domineering. Yorkies are affectionate. They love attention, a good choice for one who wants to dote on a dog with tenacious personality. Beneath the glossy coat beats the heart of a feisty terrier.--AKC's "Dog Breeds, What Dog For Me?" STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Nora stayed in many hotels in her life, here the Omni in Los Angeles, where she came with her humans. SINCE NORA left us two days ago, we've been touched by loving emails, phone calls, notes on our door. Anyone who has experienced loss feels our pain. Apparently this sweet pup touched many hearts. Endearing, adorable Nick and Nora entered my life nearly 15 years ago, three days after my husband Billy died. His last act during hospice in our Arizona home was to cart his IV into our office to print out the profile of Yorkshire terrier, attached to his hand-written note: "Cookie, this is the dog for you. Two will fit in a dog carrier. Yorkies are your canine equivalent." He passed the next morning, Nov. 11, 2005, unaware that six weeks earlier, in Davis, Calif., Yorkies Duchess and Duke became the parents of four pups. Our great-niece, Peny, was one of many kids to love Nora; always, Nora patiently obliged the affection. My sister Robbie had spirited me off to her Davis home to await Billy's ashes. The year was not kind. Besides the recurrence of Bill's cancer, we lost all four of our elderly dogs and my dad Richard died. TO BE DOGLESS for the first time in my life, and to lose both father and husband, was a heavy burden. Wise Billy knew I'd need the comfort of canine companionship. Cookie, Nick and Nora at Torrey Pines, a daily ritual after Jazzercise class in San Diego. That Monday morning, sis and I walked her two labs to a nearby park. A neighbor was playing fetch with his Yorkie. I petted Charlie and it buoyed my spirits. Then sis went off to work where she forwarded an in-house email from a colleague. "Two Yorkshire terrier puppies need adoption." The rest, as they say, is history. My sis, niece Amarylla and her fiance Steve along with great-niece Lucy, met the Yorkies that evening. It was a crazy, loving home with accordions in the living room. My niece's musical fiance, Steve, picked one up. I played a piano tune. We admired and held the pups -- tiny, about six inches long, completely black, less than a pound. Their mother nearly died giving birth and the pups were delivered by Cesarean. Their lovely colors slowly evolved in their first two years, when I met and fell in love with Bruce William Keller. His beloved Yorkie, Miss Molly, was his constant companion during his college days at San Diego State University. Here is Nora's obituary: William Powell and Montana born Myrna Loy played Nick and Nora Charles in "The Thin Man," inspiring the names of movie reviewer Cookie's beloved Yorkshire terriers. University. She was named after the Creedence Clearwater rendition of "Good Golly Miss Molly" so Keller already loved the breed. He and the pups quickly bonded and we had many happy times together from Santa Barbara to Boston. Thankful for those memories, I offer Nora's obituary: NORA CHARLES Jones Meyers crossed the Rainbow Bridge Jan. 29, 2020, after 14-plus years of defying death and enriching her grateful, humbled, beloved humans. Nora lived large. Her world was filled with travel, adventure and exotic treats collected by her parents on global travels. Cookie shares ice cream -- their favorite strawberry. She and her twin brother, Nick, were named after those flamboyant fictional characters created by Dashiell Hammett in his novel, "The Thin Man" and made famous by Hollywood. The movie personae were dapper, clever characters, favorites of Cookie, who interviewed the Nora actor, fellow Montanan Myrna Loy. Like their eponyms, Yorkies Nick and Nora were a charming, dashing couple. They downed Greenies and rawhide treats instead of martinis but possessed the same flair and allure of the Hollywood couple. Nora's legacy: expploring, defying death Intrepid and curious explorers, they looked the grim reaper in the eye numerous times, winked at him and sent him packing. Nora lost her spleen in a vicious attack by three off-leash dogs in an Arizona park. She survived a run-in with a wheelchair, and an attack by a ranch dog who mistook her attempts to play as an infringement. The pair bounced back after a fall from a second-story balcony while chasing squirrels. Nora nursed Nick through recovery from a rattlesnake bite that left him nearly blind in his left eye. Nora, left, and Nick, on the grounds of a California resort. They often accompanied their humans on road trips. I Nick and Nora preferred warmer climes but played in Montana's snowstorms. Cookie Meyers sailing with Nick and Nora on San Diego Bay. THEY DEVELOPED a deep love of culture, but despite exposure to highbrow activities -- classical music concerts, art museums, Shakespeare festivals, foreign film fests -- they preferred Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Lyle Lovett. They wagged their tales to "How Much Is That Doggie In the Window?" by Patti Page. Their "top ten" recordings also included Cat Stevens' "I Love My Dog," and Baha Men's "Who Let the Dogs Out?" They insisted Ed Sheeran's song, "Shape of You," was written for his Yorkie, not his girlfriend. Nora's legacy included a love of travel. She and Nick accompanied their parents to seven Tony Bennett concerts, including two with Lady Gaga. In short, their artistic bent mirrored that of their mum and dad: eclectic, universal, diversified. They were also a beloved fixture at plays, writing workshops, yoga class, interviews, shopping treks and Jazzercise. They snoozed patiently on couches or in the Explorer between acts, jaunts and intervals. Kindly Joe Rosenberg DVM came to our home Tuesday, to help Nora cross the Rainbow Bridge and console her sad parents and brother Nick. Nora was amused but puzzled when people compared her to "Star Trek's" Chewbacca. She tolerated observations that "You two look like a pair of koala bears." ("Humans mean well," she told her bewildered brother, reminding him that the koala is a marsupial not a bear, and that the taste of eucalyptus is over-rated.) Nora loved a good road trip to visit cousins, aunties, uncles and admirers in Mendocino, Atlanta, San Francisco, Phoenix, New York, Las Vegas and New Orleans. Her friends included a gifted Israeli painter who captured the pups on canvas, and fellow Yorkie devotees, a delightful English couple who visited them in Montana. Nora and Nick logged over 125,000 airline miles and listened to their mother's endless exasperation when the airlines refused to boost her own mileage tally or establish their own account. "Thank you for your humorous letter, but we must deny your request for miles on behalf of Nick and Nora's travel," wrote a customer service agent. Nora rests in front of the fireplace at her humans' country home in Montana. NORA SLOWED down during her last months but still kissed and cuddled. Her parents cut short a trip to be with her on New Years Day when her dog sitter -- worried at her lack of appetite -- took her to her San Diego vet. A loving neighbor cared for her while we flew home then she spent a week in UC Davis Veterinary Hospital's ICU, enduring tube feedings, IVs and prodding by well meaning personnel who struggled day and night to save her from hopeless kidney failure, They bought us brief, precious time with our cherished friend. Declining food, including her favorite strawberry ice cream, was the death knell for Nora. She'd early on developed a reputation for robust consumption of appetizers ranging from turkey droppings and deer scat to carcasses of unidentifiable roadkill. ("I may be dressed for black tie dinner, but I do love to snack," she said.) When she could no longer walk-- and she loved to hear that word-- we decided to help her. She passed peacefully with a house call from compassionate vet, Dr. Joe Rosenberg, who consoled Nicky while we wept. We say farewell, not good-bye, and whisper "Ah, dear Nora. You sleep forever in a special corner of our hearts." Her ashes rest in an urn described thus: "Nora lived life to her Yorkie fullest." Go In Peace is recommended for its compassionate end-of-life care, with a ceramic paw print and a lovely wooden box for precious ashes. Dr. Joe Rosenberg: www.goinpeacesd.com www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/hospital/small-animal/ermedicine Cookie and Keller brought Nick and Nora to dog-friendly Bohemian Bus Beautiful recently in Mendocino County. UP NEXT: It's a bus like no other, a lodging unlike any you've enjoyed. Bohemian Bus Beautiful in lovely coastal woods of northern California is a dog-friendly get-away where artist and writer Blake More runs an inspired air bnb. Her fanciful artwork includes collage, sculpture, painting, mosaic, fiber work, a garden with lights and many magical touches. Even the bathroom and outdoor shower are treasure troves of unique artwork accented by nature. Each space has something to admire, ponder and appreciate. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays for a fresh look at travel, nature and the arts: www.whereiscookie.com

The view from our balcony at Hotel Mas La Boella: tranquil, at sunset, welcoming, quiet, serene and beautiful. The resort sports a noted restaurant and convention center, with an imposing 12th Century home as its centerpiece. STORY BY CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" and courtesy Hotel Mas La Boella Editor's Note: This piece was reviewed and updated September, 2026 If you are looking for a special place to stay while exploring the Tarragona region of Spain, Mas La Boella should top your list of possibilities. The unique property offers a delightful combination of history, tranquility, and modern comfort. Located in La Canonja, just outside Tarragona in the heart of the Costa Daurada, this beautifully restored property dates back to the 12th century and has been transformed into a boutique hotel with just 13 elegant suites. From the peaceful gardens and swimming pool to the beautifully designed accommodations and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Mas La Boella provides travelers with the opportunity to slow down and enjoy a quieter side of Spain. We discover the charming boutique hotel because of our interest in history. There's plenty here, along with elegant suites, beautiful gardens, Mediterranean cuisine, and peaceful surroundings Our stay at Mas La Boella offered an authentic experience in the peaceful setting of a historic Spanish estate. It's an easy drive to attractions of Tarragona. Its natural surroundings and tranquil atmosphere guarantee true relaxation, with Roman ruins minutes away. The estate's thoughtful design incorporates elements of the 12th Century home and mill, honoring southern Spain's legacy of producing some of the world's finest olive oil. ONLY AN HOUR-PLUS drive from bustling Barcelona, we pulled our rental car into an oasis of calm and pleasure. Hotel Mas La Boella's suites -- each distinct and artfully decorated -- are named after the estate's bountiful variety of grapes and olives. We discovered this paradise while researching unusual places to stay, a tradition in many years of visiting southern Spain with its enticing array of boutique hotels and paradors. A simple, delicious appetizer olive begins the feast at Espai Fortuny. DRAWN TO picturesque and historic Tarragona province, we were intrigued by the allure of La Boella. Foodies and olive fanciers, we loved that we'd douse our bread with oil made from the estate's own trees. We appreciated that one of southern Spain's famed chefs creates the restaurant's delicacies. Fragrant Tarragona wines and 300 other global offerings complement Manuel Ramirez' beautifully presented plates. New, Old Merge -- Best of Both Worlds BEAUTY AWAITS the beholder everywhere, each touch inspired by nature. The place contains elements of its 12th Century roots as a country house, yet it is equipped with the latest technology. Both pampering and serene, it is completely modern. Our balcony offered stunning views of the olive groves, gardens and vineyards. Mas La Boella's stunning beauty extends inside and outside the estate. Everything is constructed with the highest standards. The estate is popular for weddings, parties, luxurious events and conferences. Our suite was enhanced with pleasing nature paintings. Yet we were able to access high-speed internet to catch up on work. Lauded Catalan chef, Manuel Ramirez, sets the tone for exquisite meals, artfully prepared with quality ingredients, including the estate's own olive oil. We strolled the grounds, admiring the mill where La Boella's famous extra virgin olive oil is made; and we toured the factory, enjoying a tasting after our hike. At Mas la Boella the olive oil is serious business. We'd be hard pressed (no pun intended) to find more delicious olive oil than that produced at La Boella. We poured it over our beautifully cooked eggs. We dipped our bread in it. We became olive oil junkies in our several days there. Breakfast at La Boella features freshly made muffins and warm rosquilla, tasty Spanish donuts. And we came home with bottles which we keproudly and sparingly use, remembering a special time in a peaceful place. THE LOVELY HOTEL -- while recently remodeled -- retains the feeling of age with lacquered wood, huge windows, gorgeous giant beds ("more for dreaming than sleeping," our concierge told us.) And it's true.) Service is an art at a La Boella meal. Here, Cookie chooses cheeses for dessert. Leisurely meals with a flair Service is an art form at restaurant Espai Fortuny, where we capped the day with elegant, tasty lamb and fish, handsomely presented, accented with the resort's tasty grown-on-the-property greens. WE ENJOYED leisurely meals at this highly regarded restaurant, which even in late autumn was frequented by locals as well as other lucky travelers. Olive oils, made on the estate's mill, and other condiments await guests. La Boella's fine wines and extra virgin olive oils are sold in a lovely shop. For more information or to enquire about a booking: website: laboella.com; email: info@laboella.com Stairway to the stars (and our suite) with a leather covered hand rail. Modern amenities await in a remodeled 12th Century country home at Mas la Boella near Tarragona, Spain. Remember to explore, learn and live and check back often to find more travel tips and treats that you must see at whereiscookie.com Photo at right The property's dramatic stairway leads to a peaceful night's sleep. The handrail is covered with leather.