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In a picturesque setting near the Pacific, tourists enjoy a dolphin show at popular Sea Life Park in Honolulu. The rare Humboldt penguin is happy at Sea Life Park Hawaii, here taking a cooling swim. OAHU'S BEST KEPT SECRET AWAITS AT SEA LIFE PARK WITH WONDERS OF NATURE STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Sea Life Park Hawaii is nestled on the sunny shores of Oahu, a must-visit destination for anyone eager to explore the magic of the ocean. Here, visitors can watch dolphins perform incredible tricks, snorkel alongside colorful fish, and learn about conservation efforts that protect Hawaii’s unique marine life. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic day by the water, or an educational adventure, Sea Life Park promises a memorable experience that brings you closer to the wonders of the sea. IT'S 25 MINUTES AWAY from Honolulu, a pleasant ride from the bustle and hustle of Waikiki. But it's another world, a world of wonder, peace and a chance to interact with nature and its beautiful creatures. Daily shark feeding is one of the draws, a popular attraction at Sea Life Park. Honolulu's Sea Life Park celebrates Hawaii's love of the sea and the ocean's magnificent residents. Among its exotic and entertaining residents are dolphins and sea lions, and even some endangered species such as the tiny, rare Humboldt penguin. Bird feeding delights these kids and children of all ages. Waikiki Trolley stops at the park, making it a popular transportation and easy way to get from Honolulu and back. THIS WONDROUS,   family friendly place also showcases a fascinating and busy aviary where tourists can feed dozens of hungry parakeets, literally at arm's length. Animal encounters, including the park's award-winning dolphin show, are part of the enticement.  If you're planning to dine there, you'll enjoy sampling the food of a Hawaiian legend, Pink's Hot Dogs. The well known eatery makes its home at the park and offers tasty island fare, including curries and fresh fruit.  The popular park also offers one of the island's best ranked luaus, complete with authentic entertainment.    EDUCATION IS an important part of the park's mission. Families are invited to purchase annual, money-saving passes allowing for reasonable entry fees and multiple visits. We like to take a break from driving, and enjoy the beautiful drive up the hill from Honolulu, so we book the famous Waikiki Trolley's hop-on and hop-off bus. You'll want the Blue Line for this adventure, and don't worry if the trolley is green. The pleasant shuttle is open-air and allows spectacular views of Diamond Head, residential areas and the spectacular coast line on the drive up.   Bringing the roasted pig from the umu, these two handsome entertainers smile for the camera.   OUR FRIENDLY DRIVER  stopped at several viewing points along the way, giving us an interesting preview of what we were about to behold at the park: a marine mammal preserve, bird sanctuary and aquarium.    Start practicing your Hawaiian now if you'd like to pronounce the locale correctly:  the area is called Waimānalo.  It is located in a lush, mountainous area near Makapuʻu Point, north of Hanauma Bay. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers pause for a selfie on the road to Sea Life Park.  Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers pause for a selfie on the road to Sea Life Park.  Once there, prepare  to be delighted with the variety of exhibits, shows and user-friendly activities from bird  and shark feeding, to dolphin shows -- one of the best we've seen and we're dolphin show regulars.   THE PARK's LUAU is another of the park's attractions. Some folks come for the afternoon activities then stay for the luau, ranked among the islands' best. Of the dozens on the islands,  it's the only one that offers games and participation activities. While awaiting the traditional luau feast, people enjoy lei making, fish net throwing and ukulele lessons. The buffet is considered "tops" for its colorful variety of island delicacies and of course the traditional umu-roasted pig -- the word means earth oven and a luau wouldn't be a luau without this delicious main course offering. Bird loving Cookie smiles as a budgie lands on her hand for a snack at Sea Life Park. While you're digesting and listening to live Hawaiian music, you can watch nimble climbers scale coconut trees. Sea Life Park guests are invited to a series of entertaining  events and presentations, including feeding of the Humboldt penguins, who know their trainer's cooler container a meal. IF YOU want to partake of the luau, you'll need to drive your car or take a taxi or Uber, because the trolley doesn't operate at night.  But if you're making a day trip of it, the Waikiki Trolley is a perfect choice.  It's a delightful trip and operates on a convenient hourly schedule. You can time your visit to stay a couple hours or more, and be outside the entrance at the appropriate time. Entrance fees go to supporting the endeavor, and are lower than most marine playgrounds offering similar activities and critter attractions.  Adults 13 and older pay $39.99; junior admission, for those 3 to 12 years old, is $24.99. If you're feeling flush, you can also book a dolphin encounter -- we did this for our family party of six on the Big Island at Hilton Waikoloa Village and it was a thrill for all. To touch, observe and swim with them, in a supervised encounter, is $179.99 per  person. The park is 20 acres and boasts 2,000 animals. Well worth a day trip and terrific for families. More information to enhance your visit:  waikikitrolley.com sealifeparkhawaii.com   Roosevelt Arch in Yellowstone National Park, during a spring shower with a double rainbow. UP NEXT:  Come along with us on a a trip through Yellowstone National Park. The season is officially underway and the park is more beautiful than ever.  If you haven't reserved a space yet, you may have trouble.  But we have a few ideas up our sleeve for reserving short-notice rooms, and perhaps staying outside the park.  The park welcomed 3.5 million visitors in 2022, and almost a half-million international nature lovers in May of 2023. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a lively spin on nature, travel, family, performance and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Santorini's rugged hillsides are shaped by volcanic eruptions of more than 3,000 years ago. A tram offers a pleasant ride up. Close-up of the turning wheel, which keeps the pleasant cable car ride going. Pulling away from our ship, we approached the volcanic rock of Santorini. From Santorini Magical Greek isle 'KALIMERA' - GOOD MORNING STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THE SIX MAJOR STARS  in the Cyclades shine brightly, each with a beauty unique to it alone. Located in the central Aegean Sea, Santorini is perhaps the most famous of the group -- followed by Mykonos, then the less visited Naxos, Paros, Andros and Tinos. The approach to Santorini is memorable -- sheer cliffs surrounded by winding harbors and topped by houses. The famous donkey ride up the hill to Fira. Today, we take you to Santorini, also known as Thera, where we hiked to the rim of an ancient volcano that exploded in about 1,600 BC.  Then we took a boat ride around the warm-colored limestone cliffs which make the island famous.  And we capped the day with a ride up the famous tram, where we caught bird's eye views of the pink, brown, black, white and pale green, topped by  white village. We passed on the donkey ride -- we did it years ago. It's become controversial because of abuse and neglect of these charming and hard-working critters by some ride operators. SANTORINI WAS  called "Kallisti" for centuries, meaning "the loveliest" and in several visits, we've come to agree.  We love the blend of Cycladic architecture, volcanic rock, Venetian elegance, fine food Cookie and Keller board the tender to take them back to the ship.  and friendly folk. Our Santorini journey began in Fira, with a fine museum of bronze age relics, many fine restaurants and a stellar view of the sea below. The late autumn morning was chilly but we bundled up for an energetic climb to the caldera, a lovely crescent of cliffs about 1,150 feet above the sea where we could see the other islands in the background, and listen to stories from our knowledgeable and animated guide. She does not buy the myth that Santorini was the mythical Atlantis, mentioned in both Egyptian papyri and by the great philosopher Plato.  She, like Plato, believe Atlantis is in the Atlantic. We do know that this cataclysmic explosion destroyed the Minoan civilization on Crete. Greek food on Santorini is classic -- tasty lamb and beautiful salads of olives and feta, plus hearty flavorful tomatoes, cukes,  lettuce and red onion produced by the island's volcanic soil. SINCE ANTIQUITY,  Santorini has relied upon rain for both drinking water and irrigating the island's bountiful crops. Although water is imported as well, one still sees cisterns collecting the rain.  The locals drink stronger stuff,  and say there is more wine than water on their island.  Indeed, wine is the island's major export. I relished a glass of the retsina, having many years ago developed a taste for the unique pine-citrus blend. Keller opted for the Greek version of lemon soda -- tasty, too. We dined on skewered lamb, delightfully seasoned with olive oil, garlic and rosemary, and a fine Greek salad with generous olives and feta. We also shared a side of keftedes, delicious spicy meatballs.  And we split a  piece of Santorini baklava, that ambrosia of honey-nut pastry which both Greeks and Turks claim as their invention. Baklava and a Santorini sunset, wow. We toasted the day at a cliff-hanging tavern in Fira, our last stop before heading south to Malta, then back to Barcelona. St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands was spared the wrath of the most recent hurricanes, and remains beautiful.  NEXT UP :  St. Croix beckons -- oceans away from the Greek Isles. Come along to visit a turtle refuge, mahogany forests, stately sugar plantations, gorgeous beaches, friendly people and a national park famed for its  archaeological sites, mangroves and coral reefs. We biked around the island one day -- a memorable time indeed. Remember to explore, learn and live, and visit us Fridays when we post a new, fresh look at global travel, the arts, nature, family and fun.

Grecian and Roman sculpture adorn the entryway and paths to San Simeon's Hearst Castle on the central California coast. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Rising majestically above the cliffs of San Simeon, Hearst Castle feels like something out of a dream. Built by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, this sprawling estate—known as La Cuesta Encantada, or “The Enchanted Hill”—invites visitors into a world of lavish design, historic treasures, and breathtaking views of the Pacific. As you wind your way up the scenic road and step inside, you’re not just touring a mansion—you’re stepping into a piece of California’s most fascinating past. Hearst's youthful travels inspired his lavish creation of San Simeon. WHEN WILLIAM  Randolph Hearst was a little boy his mother took him on a grand tour of Europe.  There the tyke admired ancient statues, castles and frescoes, learned about the art of the Renaissance and dreamed of having his own artful place when he grew up. Hearst Castle California coast tour shows that fantasy became reality, a modern day Shangri-la, when the newspaper baron created San Simeon. Hearst Castle California coast tour, Visitors pause outside the main mansion, by the outdoor pool. Hearst and his trusted architect, Julia Morgan, on site in 1926. We joined tourists from all over the world to admire the excesses of a true eccentric. Hearst traveled to Europe many times collecting the art that would become his legacy and placing it in his carefully designed mansion. His enterprising female architect Julia Morgan was with him every step of the way. INVITATIONS to Hearst Castle were highly coveted during its heyday in the 1920s and 1930s. One of the many details is the ornate front door through which movie stars and others entered. Hollywood royalty and the politically elite visited, usually flying into the estate's airfield or taking a private Hearst-owned train car from Los Angeles. Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, the Marx Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo, Jimmy Stewart and presidents Calvin Coolidge and FDR visited.  Winston Churchill spent time with Hearst and his wife in New York City, then with Hearst and his mistress  at San Simeon, remarking that he found both Hearst partners delightful. The beautiful,.peaceful Neptune Pool, a favorite hiding place of Patty Hearst. WHILE GUESTS were expected to attend the formal dinners each evening, they were left to their own devices during the day while Hearst directed his business affairs. Since "the Ranch" had many facilities, guests could play tennis, hike, ask the kitchen to make a picnic, or simply wander about, read, enjoy the exotic wildlife and rejuvenate. ALCOHOL  was not forbidden, but was served in moderation and could not be brought in. Those who abused protocol were not invited back! The theater was available for viewings and Hearst often screened films after dinner, choosing from productions of his own film studio, Cosmopolitan Productions. The newspaper baron's many trips to Europe inspired the  compound known by millions as San Simeon.   HEARST CASTLE  was the inspiration for "Xanadu,"  the mansion of the 1941 Orson Welles classic film, "Citizen Kane," a fictionalization of William Randolph Hearst's career. However, the castle was not used for the film, which was shot at Oheka Castle in New York. Commercial filming is rare at Hearst Castle and most requests are denied.  Only two projects have been allowed to film on the premises: director Stanley Kubrick's "Spartacus," which used the castle as Crassus' villa; and a Lady Gaga music video. PATTY HEARST,  granddaughter of the mogul, remembers playing in the Neptune Pool and hiding behind its gorgeous statues.  She conducted a Travel Channel tour a few years back, recalling the place with affection. Hearst maintained his own fire truck on the premises -- just in case. Hearst Castle is both a national and California historical landmark, designed by Hearst's friend, Ms. Morgan, during their long collaboration -- 1919 to 1947. Hearst was still enhancing his creation when illness forced him to abandon the project in the late 1940s and he did not return to his beloved San Simeon before his 1951 death. THE CALIFORNIA  Park Commission voted to include the castle in its State Park System in 1954, with a proposed admission charge of $1 and 50 cents for the bus ride up. Today's tourists pay $25 per tour (cottages and kitchens, grand rooms, upstairs suites, the main castle and an evening tour). Packages are available including hotels and a delightful holiday tour is featured with evening lights.  (We loved the Best Western Plus Cavalier where we had a splendid ocean view room. More about that in our coastal hotels piece.)   Just a few miles from the Hearst Castle is San Simeon's Best Western Cavalier. This is the beautiful ocean view from our delightful room. THE HEARST FAMILY  keeps a villa on the grounds for its private use, separated from the parts tourists see.  The mansion and its grand collection of art and antiques includes Hearst's flashy red fire truck.  The complex is near a small unincorporated town, San Simeon, and the village of Cambria. Millions of travelers visit each year. When Hearst approached American architect Morgan with ideas for a new project in April 1915, his idea was to fashion a comfortable bungalow. "I'd like to build something upon the hill at San Simeon. I get tired of going up there and camping in tents. I'm getting too old for that. I'd like something a little more comfortable," he said. A candy emporium and much more await you in Old Town Sacramento,  Hearst formally named the estate "La Cuesta Encantada" ("The Enchanted Hill"), but usually called it "the ranch." Hearst Castle and grounds are sometimes referred to as "San Simeon" as is the surrounding   area and its lovely hotels. Phone 1-800-695-2269 for tickets or information or go to www.hearstcastle.org .   COMING SOON:  California dreaming means fun hotels and rooms with views....... then we're dreaming of a snake-free summer under the Big Sky, where seldom is heard a discouraging word. Plus Old Town Sacramento with terrific Greek food, live music, a candy emporium with dozens of salt water taffy tastes. And more, at www.whereiscookie.com

Cannery Row lives on in Monterey, with upscale shops, eateries. The fish canning industry flourished from the early 1900s to 1973.  CANNERY ROW VISIT RECALLS FILM PREMIERE  OF 1982 NICK NOLTE, STEINBECK CENTER, MEMORIES AND  TWO PACKS OF MARLBOROS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A visit to California’s Central Coast offers more than scenic beauty—it’s a journey through the landscapes that inspired one of America’s greatest writers. In Salinas, often called the “Salad Bowl of the World,” you can trace the early life and influences of John Steinbeck, whose stories brought this region to life. From there, the road leads west to Monterey, where the historic Cannery Row once bustled with the sardine industry that Steinbeck immortalized. Today, the area blends its gritty past with vibrant shops, ocean views, and a sense of nostalgia that makes every step feel like walking through a novel. In Salinas California with Steinbeck lore the stories of writer John Steinbeck tell of man's struggles and search for justice. The American Dream is just out of reach for his downtrodden,  repressed characters. Steinbeck was a Californian -- born in Salinas in 1902 -- also lived in Monterey.   He experienced life in both of these contrasting towns -- the farming based Salinas, where his dad was an expert gardener, and the artsy Monterey, with which his bookish mother more identified. John Steinbeck's hometown celebrates his life in a multi-million dollar museum. --photo courtesy NPR The two cities are in many ways the Athens and Sparta of this part of central California. Monterey boasts lavish ocean-front property, boutiques, pricey hotels and B&Bs. The inland Salinas Valley is known as "The Salad Bowl of the World" for its quality produce: lettuce, broccoli, mushrooms, strawberries and more.  'Travels with Charley' inspires road trip Salinas California with Steinbeck lore STEINBECK WAS  drawn to the rough and tumble times and characters he observed during the fish canning industry's heyday. He was a keen observer, fascinated by the colorful but turbulent life on the waterfront. His passion for this part of the state -- and for travel -- lives on in a center memorializing him, his work, his ideals and characters. Prostitutes, fishermen, cooks, shop keepers, denizens of an often dirty life inhabit his prose. My 1982 visit was for the world premiere of "Cannery Row," a movie starring Nick Nolte and Debra Winger. It is based on the Steinbeck novel published in 1945 when the author was living with his second wife and son Thom in Monterey.. Nick Nolte in 1982. He turned 81 in February . Debra Winger and Nick Nolte star in "Cannery Row." photo courtesy MGM Salinas, in Central California, feeds the nation with its rich variety of farm produce from fertile valleys.   We walked down the hill he strolled to downtown Alvarado Street, reminiscing about my visit, chatting with a shopkeeper who said Steinbeck returned several times to his stomping grounds, and connected with California throughout his life.  He studied at Stanford University and was a tour guide in Lake Tahoe before his work won acclaim and a Nobel Prize. Six years after the Nobel honor, he died in 1968 in New York City, not his native state. IN 1982, NOLTE was 41 and 28 years away from quitting cigarettes. But he was trying. During a round table interview, he needed a smoke and said, "Whoever gets me a pack of Marlboros aces a one-on-one." I jumped up, headed for the hotel lobby, slipped a $5 bill into the machine and bought two packs. Cigarettes were 60 cents a pack. I was so excited, I left the change. The National Steinbeck Center in Salinas pays tribute to a native son who won fame and in 1962, a Nobel Prize . It was a great interview and I sent him a note when he finally kicked the habit in 2010 -- using electronic cigarettes.   The film's focus is the decline of the fish canning industry, set during the Great Depression. It is based on a pair of Steinbeck novels ("Cannery Row" and "Sweet Thursday.") The last cannery closed in 1973, nine years before the film, which ranks as a sentimental favorite of mine. I love my back story, the whimsical characters and cinematography by Swedish born Sven Nykvist. BTW, Winger plays Nolte's love interest, and David S. Ward made his directorial debut. FANS OF STEINBECK  know his familiar themes:  the pursuit of  the American Dream, the need for compassion, the importance of unification, the mass hardship and suffering in life. We visited his museum, with its grand National Steinbeck Exhibition Hall, taking a pleasant journey through the author's "Valley of the World."     Salinas is known for its vibrant agriculture. While  not as "artsy" as its neighbor Monterey The lore of the sardine canning period lives on, here in a boat by a brewery in Monterey. The exhibit offers a unique slant on Steinbeck -- organized geographically, so we visited locations in which he lived, traveled to, and wrote about. Each location features information, details and displays, including theatrical sets and "scenes" from the author's life. We watched films, listened to sound clips and viewed artifacts about Steinbeck's life and writings. The Packard Foundation, which funded the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, also endowed the Steinbeck museum. Its mission is to encourage his goals: to participate, to inspire, to educate, and to understand one another. It opened in 1998, 30 years after the author's death, in his hometown of Salinas. It pays homage to his 1962 Nobel Prize, awarded for his "realistic and imaginative writings, combining sympathetic humor and keen social perception." Malta's history and culture and Mediterranean warmth are attracting visitors UP NEXT: The world is opening up as Covid shows signs of being controlled, if not conquered.  From Peru to Poland, Kenya to Croatia, travel is opening up again. It's critical to research your destination for each country has its rules and regulations and there are stiff fines -- even jailing -- if protocol is not observed and followed.  We take you to the best and safest spots, with caution and care, but the knowledge that our world is once again opening and welcoming the traveler. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, the arts, family and more: whereiscookie.com

The Bay of Gibraltar is home to fancy yachts, pleasure and fishing boats and a variety of sea life, along with the famed monkeys. This visit was to track dolphins, and we weren't disappointed.   Dolphin watch in Gibraltar Bay: Exciting, yes, but Gibraltar offers Gardens, wildlife, cable car adventure, dining and friendly folk. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Dolphins frolic in the waters of Gibraltar, where they are a main attraction for tourists and beloved by locals. A dolphin watch in Gibraltar is a delight, but this exotic place is known for many other things, from its photogenic  primates to its enduring rock. Its most notable attribute is its strategic position at the mouth of the Mediterranean, at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula on the Bay of Gibraltar. Because it is so near the Mediterranean's exit into the Atlantic, its enviable location has made it a contested body of water over centuries and the site of many sea skirmishes. The bloody 1607 Battle of Gibraltar between the Dutch and Spanish is the most notorious. The Dutch surprised a Spanish fleet in the Eighty Years War. GIBRALTAR is also celebrated as one of the few places in the world offering a view of two continents and three countries. On a lucky, clear day, from certain vantage points, it is possible to see both Africa and Europe. You'll also have a chance to see Gibraltar, Spain and Morocco, if you're really fortunate. Cavorting with the dolphins, from left: Christene "Cookie" Meyers, Bruce Keller, Rick Cosgriffe, Jane Milder. Realizing how close the continents are -- divided only by the narrow Strait of Gibraltar -- one understands the bay's importance as a maritime link between the two continents. Wildlife abounds here -- dolphins are sure to be seen on a dolphin watch tour. There are monkeys and other critters on land and sea. WE'D SEEN the monkeys twice, but we did not realize until this most recent visit that some of the Mediterranean's best sea life viewing is here. We decided on a dolphin watch in Gibraltar looking for three species of playful dolphin vie with Gibraltar's endearing monkeys for headlines: the common dolphin, bottle-nose dolphin and striped dolphin. These amazing and playful, "tourist friendly" creatures visit the Bay and Strait of Gibraltar for food, shelter and to breed. You can see both dolphins and monkeys on some tours and the monkeys are worth a look, too, if you've not seen them before. Hang on to your hat -- they're clever thieves. They're Europe's only wild monkey population, originating from the Atlas and Rif mountains of Morocco and brought by early settlers. Dolphins skim alongside the boat, fascinating passengers on a Gibratar tour. Our dolphin watch tour naturally highlighted dolphins, which our homework showed could be seen near our ship, Norwegian Cruise Line's stunning Viva. We were met at the dock by a friendly driver who shared dining tips during a pleasant ten-minute drive to our dolphin watching boat. There we joined a small, convivial group of fellow dolphin fans. We were delighted to find dolphins within five minutes from the dock -- the easiest and closest viewing we've seen in many dolphin outings on several continents. Gibraltar's monkeys are long famous, but dolphin tours are on the rise and a cable car adventure awaits.  A CABLE CAR ride to the Top of the Rock and Nature Reserve is another highlight. The viewpoint was not open on our visit four years ago and is a recent addition to other attractions as Gibraltar amps up its tourism push.   The laminated glass floor and balustrade are  an impressive 1,115 feet above sea level, built on the foundations of a  World War II base structure. A plaque informs that it is a faithful reproduction of the original base used for an anti-aircraft gun during World War II.  Gibraltar's cable car offers stunning views of the bay, and on clear days of two continents and three countries . Gibraltar's architecture reflects its Moorish influence but it has long been a British Overseas Territory with 34,000 proud Gibraltarians. Its area is a scant 6.8 kilometers, bordered to the north by Spain from which myriad daytrips are possible. MAIN ATTRACTIONS  are all fairly close in Gibraltar.  The cable car station for Gibraltar's Swiss designed aerial tramway is near the southern end of Main Street, next to the gorgeous Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, known as the Alameda.  This wonderful place offers plants from all over the world, a calming respite after the cable car with its white knuckle, 360 degree panoramic view across three countries and both continents.  Gibraltar's Botanic Gardens, known as The Alameda, are meticulous. The viewpoint was opened in 2018 by actor Mark Hamill, known as Luke Skywalker of "Star Wars" fame. A tasteful plaque commemorates the dedication. Although spectacular on a clear day, it can be unnerving to climb those metal steps to the viewing platform, then walk on glass to the view. I confess to a tinge of vertigo -- the same I felt in Madeira, at the top of its spectacular Skywalk. But it's worth the nerves.  We felt welcome here, too, as Gibraltar has yet to join the ranks of tourism protesters More information: www.visitgibraltar.gi/   www.ncl.com/Norwegian/Viva www.naturereserve.gi/experiences/cable-car/ www.visitacity.com/gibraltar/tours   Native son Cesar Manrique had his hand in transforming the island of his birth, Lanzarote. Here his home and studio is now an intriguing museum in the Canary Islands. UP NEXT : Cesar Manrique was a gifted artist --  painter, sculptor and architect.  He is beloved and famous for changing the face of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. The artist studied in Madrid and after several years exhibiting  around the world, he moved to New York, the mecca of art in the 1960s, then back to his native Recife on the island he loved and made more beautiful. We look at his fascinating architecture, remembering to explore, learn and live: www.whereiscookie.com

The beautiful Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel offers splendid digs, immaculate hygiene standards, wonderful room service offerings, gorgeous views, proximity to attractions in America's finest city. FIND FUN at Luxury Hotels San Diego The famous Hotel Del Coronado is a San Diego landmark, much loved by locals and tourists.  Staycation: A period in which an individual or family stays near home and participates in leisure activities and R&R within easy driving distance. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER There’s something magical about arriving somewhere new—the shift in the air, the unfamiliar sounds, and the promise of discovery waiting just around the corner. At WhereIsCookie.com, we believe travel is more than just ticking off landmarks; it’s about finding those moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned home. In this journey, we dive into a destination that blends culture, scenery, and a touch of the unexpected—inviting you to slow down, look closer, and experience it like a local IF YOU'RE tired of being shut in and cut off, afraid to fly and yet eager for a change of environment, consider a "staycation."  No matter where you live in the world, there's likely an interesting hotel, B&B or some kind of unusual place to stay within a few minutes or an hour's drive from your home. Montana friends -- stir crazy from the winter's blasts -- took a drive south to a hot springs get-away in Wyoming recently, and returned refreshed. Friends in England took a trip across the border to Wales to a boutique inn, and found it was a sanity-saving sojourn. WE BOOKED three different luxury hotels in San Diego all within minutes of our home then treated ourselves to three long "staycation" weekends. Stately grounds and architecture of Mar Brisa Carlsbad Resort welcome strolling and biking. It felt as if we were doing a grand tour of Europe. Since we've logged almost an entire year without international travel, we were looking for places that would make us feel as if we were in another world -- places away from the bustle and worries of life with the constraints of COVID-19, and yet places that would make us feel safe, with masking, distancing and the important hygiene and safety protocol -- including "sealed rooms" -- all of which we believe to be life-saving. Splendid views await at Hilton's Bayfront as water life below unfolds and captivates. We also wanted places where we could safely order take-away food or room service, with the assurance that our meals were prepared with the highest possible cleanliness and caution. WE WANTED  to be surrounded by beauty and difference, with unique opportunities for photography. We wanted a connection to nature, interesting architecture and newness -- something with which we weren't previously familiar. And we wanted places where we could store and use our bicycles, keeping to our daily fitness regime. We also wanted proximity from home -- no more than 45 minutes from our door.  At Hilton San Diego Bayfront, enjoy a bike ride along the scenic Embarcadero. WITH A LITTLE homework, we found three unique properties, all within an easy drive. Put your own spin on the concept, and check out nearby get-away hotels, spas, thermal baths, hot springs, cozy inns or B&Bs. You'll be surprised what you might find with a simple Google request: vacation spots near me. Here's what we discovered: A delightful 15-minute ferry ride awaits nearby to take you to or from Coronado Ferry Building from Broadway Pier or the Convention Center. * Hilton San Diego Bayfront : Sleek, contemporary property with bird's eye views of San Diego Bay and the city's artful skyline.   Walking distance to Petco Park, Convention Center and the Gaslamp Quarter. A beautiful new shell at South Embarcadero Park awaits concerts  postponed because of the pandemic. We plan to return and make a weekend of it once San Diego Symphony announces its schedule for the virus-derailed outdoor concert season. Room service Bayfront brunch includes this tasty avocado  garnish on whole grain bread. Mar Brisa in Carlsbad, Calif., offers beautiful landscaping and "family friendly" options, including biking and water slides. THE HOTEL boasts comfy quiet corners to relax, especially around the heated saltwater bayside pool. Our suite had a telescope for watching the gorgeous water  life -- pleasure crafts, fishing boats,  cargo ships and soon -- the return of cruise ships to the city's state of the art terminal. Excellent room service dining is offered. We enjoyed several beautifully plated meals, including tasty brunch specials.    hiltonbayfront.wi-q.com The Hotel Del Coronado offers pampering, fine dining, history, splendid ocean views and gorgeous sunsets.   * MarBrisa Carlsbad Resort: Beautifully designed on 43 acres, the property boasts three swimming pools, hot tubs galore, a relaxing spa, and proximity to San Diego's splendid outdoor offerings. The San Diego Zoo's famed Safari Park is just minutes away and for golfers, a championship golf course is adjacent. The architecture is classic Spanish Mediterranean-style and the villas offer kitchens, spacious balconies and pretty views.  If you've a sportsman in your midst, the golfing is internationally regarded and a beautiful green awaits -- whether you've brought your clubs or are simply admiring. Once Legoland reopens, Mar Brisa guests enjoy a private entrance. And you can drink the water because Carlsbad's alkaline water, discovered in 1882, ranks among the country's finest.   marbrisacarlsbad.com   An elegant suite offers ocean views at Hotel  Del Coronado, built in 1888 near San Diego . "Hotel Del" offers a charming seaside boardwalk. *Hotel del Coronado:   Since 1888, this distinguished Victorian era property has been a favorite of locals and west-coast tourists.  It is also beloved by an international clientele and by my partner, who remembers visiting for elaborate afternoon teas with his grandmother. Royalty, presidents, jet setters, movie stars and famous directors have sipped, supped, slept and lounged at "The Del," as it is affectionately called. Marilyn Monroe stayed here during the filming of "Some Like It Hot," and the property has a proud heritage as an architectural masterpiece and historic register gem.  Its builders, Babcock and Story, are immortalized in plaques and hotel literature, and in a wonderful bar bearing their name.  We strolled the lovely boardwalk to try tasty small bite specials and watch skilled bartenders make specialty cocktails. Golf, yoga and the ferry to the "mainland" are all at your disposal with a variety of superior class rooms including beach cabanas. hoteldel.com       The Palms at Indian Head takes its name from the various types of stately palm trees surrounding the property, and the silhouette of a sleeping Indian behind, UP NEXT : It's "bloom time" in the desert and Borrego Springs beckons, with an opportunity to base yourself at a charming small inn with history, character, beauty and a Hollywood connection. Consider an outing to view the spring flowers while headquartered at the Palms at Indian Head, a historic boutique inn with a long link to Hollywood and legendary show biz folks. Expect gourmet dining, gorgeous weather, rabbits out the window, terrific sunsets, all in a nature lover's paradise. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each week for a fresh look at travel, nature, the arts, family and more: whereisscookie.com

Enjoy each day and celebrate holidays with a trip to the beach -- or a favorite restaurant. Here, Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers kick holidays up a notch in Vietnam.  FOOD, FUN, FINDING A NEW PLACE HIGHLIGHT HOLIDAYS ON THE ROAD and our recipe for holiday jambalaya This Vietnamese meal was prepared for a special holiday gathering at our hotel in then Saigon.  STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Shopping and schmoozing in the Caribbean, Cookie made a new friend in St. Lucia who directed them to a delightful cafe for local fare. Noodles are part of a special holiday meal in Tokyo.   HOLIDAYS ON the road overflow with adventure, fun, surprise and delight. We've spent a dozen yuletides in warm climes -- Vietnam, Australia, the Caribbean, and once in chilly but beautiful Finland. We try to do something special on a holiday abroad -- take a special hike, a city bus, boat or bike tour. Then we always cap the day with a meal in our new environs. Maybe we walk into a village to find a cafe popular with locals.  We chat up vendors and hotel folks to find street fairs, food stalls and flea markets, all popular during the holidays in Europe and the Caribbean. We glean tips on munching and shop for gifts in the same outing. In Saigon (pre-Ho Chi Minh City) we were directed to a small hotel restaurant with a huge, tasty holiday feast of pork, pickled veggies, tangy soups, chicken dishes, noodles, rice cakes, and delectable desserts. For two of us, the bill was $35.  IF YOU'RE staying home, don't let that stop you from putting a little international flair on your table. If you're Norwegian, try serving lutefish on Christmas Eve. Or how about making latkes on Hanukkah or noodles and dumplings on New Year’s Day. Whatever your ethnic persuasion or interest, the holidays are a perfect time to broaden your tastes while you eat, drink and be merry. Dedication to delicious food is  universal, whether you're visiting some new place or channeling a French or Italian chef's pantry. It's easy to open a cook book or go on line to spice up a holiday meal with a recipe from another country or culture. Try one or two of these if they sound intriguing. Even a simple breakfast can be made exotic when you're on the road, or dreaming of being . IN A HELSINKI mood? You can savor porkkanalaatikko, which translates to carrot casserole. In Lisbon, try the country's favorite dish, cod, called bacalhau, which you can make extra festive on Christmas Eve by trying "Bacalhau de Consoada."  In northern China, we've dined on jiaozi, those delicious pork dumplings. Time consuming to make but so tasty. In Israel, holiday time means latkes, those irresistibly crispy potato pancakes sometimes kicked up a notch with zucchini or tahini.  One special New Year's Eve in New Orleans, friends invited us to their kitchen to prepare a delicious bouillabaisse. Peking Duck on our plate for New Year's Eve, in China of course, a Shanghai eatery. In Kyoto one New Year's Eve, we sampled a fragrant "year-crossing noodle” dish. Toshikoshi soba is a thin noodle concoction traditionally served to welcome the new year and bring good luck in Japan. Of course, sauerkraut rules in Germany and panettone in Italy. IT'S FUN  to do something new, too, combining a meal with an outing. Try a hike up a hill or in a nature preserve, park or zoo, followed by a meal in a nearby restaurant. Many places that attract tourists and families are open during the holidays. SO WHETHER  it's spicy tamales in Mexico or or a spongy yule log cake in France, tuck into something different this holiday -- even if it's from your armchair with something unusual in your home kitchen. You don't have to cross an ocean to try something new. We're sharing a recipe we made with friends from Louisiana whom we met on a cruise. It's the state's favorite one-pot dish: jambalaya.  We cooked this jambalaya while visiting new friends in their New Orleans home over Christmas. This succulent dish varies from kitchen to kitchen, depending on the cook and recipes passed through generations. Jambalaya usually contains chicken or pork sausage -- andouille, chorizo or smoked sausage are favorites. Seafood is normally added -- crawfish or shrimp, but we've also had lobster in jambalaya. Onion, bell peppers and celery are musts, with rice, chilis, seasonings and broth -- all cooked together until the rice is done. Bruce Keller enjoys a New Year's souffle with thick whipped cream, served in the Canary Islands'  Lanzarote by a gracious waitress. Some jambalaya recipes have a Cajun spin. This one comes from a Creole cook.   JAMBALAYA INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons cooking oil, divided 2 tablespoons seasoning, (Slap Ya Mama is great, or our favorite chili powder.) 10 ounces (300 g) andouille sausage, sliced 1 pound (500 g) boneless skinless chicken cut into 1 inch pieces 1 onion diced; 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and diced 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and diced 2 stalks/ribs celery, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced 14 ounces (400 g) can crushed tomatoes 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon each dried thyme and dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne powder) 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 cup thinly sliced okra (or 1 teaspoon file powder) 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice (short grain or long grain) 3 cups low sodium chicken broth 1 pound (500 g) raw cleaned shrimp/prawns tails Sliced green onions and chopped parsley, to garnish INSTRUCTIONS Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the sausage and chicken pieces with half of the seasoning. Brown sausage in the hot oil; remove with slotted spoon, set aside. Add rest of oil to pot. Sauté chicken until lightly browned. Remove and set aside. Sauté the onion, bell pepper and celery until onion is soft and transparent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add tomatoes; season with salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes or cayenne powder, hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and remaining seasoning. Stir in okra slices (or file powder), chicken and sausage. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. ADD RICE  and chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low-medium. Cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until liquid is absorbed and rice is cooked, stirring occasionally. Place shrimp on top of  mixture, stir gently, cover. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are pink (5-6 minutes, depending on shrimp size.) Season with a bit more salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat. Add optional extra hot sauce, cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning. Serve with sliced green onions or parsley.   Why not check a longed for trip off your bucket list? Here, Cookie and Keller visit "Godfather" country in Savoca, Italy, and the church where the  famous wedding scene was filmed. UP NEXT : New Year's Eve is upon us, a time for ringing in the new. Why not make it a year to accomplish something you've longed to see or do. Let's put a positive spin on 2023 as we emerge from so much darkness. It's been a difficult three years with the trauma of the pandemic, the heartbreak of losing loved ones including pets, political unrest and bitterness, accidents, a horrible war, illness and changed plans. But there is hope for a new, brighter year.  There's also the opportunity to broaden our horizons, challenge ourselves, click something off our bucket lists. Have you always wanted to visit "Godfather Country" in Italy and see where the film was made? Have you dreamed about seeing the gorillas of Rwanda? Maybe you'd like to take a relative to Paris to celebrate a graduation or wedding?  How about a resolution to plan that longed for trip? Shake up your routine, meet new people, try new foods in new places, explore new vistas. Join us to resolve to make your dreams come true and stretch a bit in this first few days of the new year, remembering to explore, learn and live. Catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, family, the arts and more: www.whereiscookie.com    And please share the links.

Dolphin bonanza: we happened to be on the water when a pod of 5,000 dolphins hit the coast off southern California.  This close-up of one of them shows what spectacular creatures they are. THIS WEEK'S FEATURE: Whale watch!  WHALE OF A TALE IN THE CHANNEL ISLANDS WHERE DOLPHINS ARE THE MAIN EVENT ON DELIGHTFUL  ADVENTURE   STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Whale watching in Ventura THE MIGRATION of the whale is one of nature's most impressive odysseys. Being on the water to watch them is helping us cope with the emotional trauma of the fires so very near us. Every year, we passionately track whales. We've seen them on all seven continents. It's the most diverse critter we know and its presence in our lives -- especially this year --makes a huge difference. Dolphins followed our boats during a delightful series of whale watching adventures near Ventura and Oxnard. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers enjoyed a week of whale watching with Island Packers, highly recommended for lively commentary and lots of sea life. A delightful fringe benefit of whale watching is the sight of beautiful and playful dolphins. Whale watching is really "whale waiting." Yet in dozens of whale watching trips, we've never failed to spot dolphins, often and before whale sightings. This week on the waters near Oxnard and Ventura, California, we saw whales -- beautiful grays and humpbacks. But the dolphin shows were beyond spectacular. Dozens of dolphins followed our Island Packers boat. Whale watching in Ventura WE SAW  thousands of dolphins, including an enormous pod which thrilled us as they jumped and frolicked on port and starboard sides of the vessels, darting in front of us and behind us, in the churning waters of the wake as well.  A sight to behold which made international news. TRUTH IS : where there are whales there are usually playful dolphins. They scout out the same food the whales eat and often lead the way for whales to dine, thus making it easier for us to spot them both. It's true that each year,  gray whales undertake one of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling 12,000 miles round-trip from their feeding grounds in the Arctic to calve and breed in the Baja lagoons, and the warm waters of Hawaii.  But dolphins hang around. OUR YEAR started with success in a fabulous trio of Island Packers outings out of Ventura and Oxnard. The family owned and run operation knows the sea, dolphins, whales and  sailing better than anyone.  Owner Cherryl Connolly's late parents and her brother started two ocean adventures which merged recently to carry on the family tradition. Channel Islands casts whale magic A humpback breeches on the southern California coast. We have the good fortune to live close enough to enjoy sea life expeditions near home each year. We explore both in San Diego and up the coast in Oxnard and Venture, north of Los Angeles. The Feb. 6 column will feature new photos we're taking this weekend off the San Diego coast where 20,000 migrating whales are making their way south, breaking records.  THE WHALES'  remarkable trip is equivalent to traveling three times across the United States from San Francisco, California to Washington D.C. Imagine that. But don't overlook the pleasures of the dolphins.  They're a huge draw for us and thousands of others. For while we don't always see an abundance of whales, we see dolphins every time. Resident whales, dolphins of Oregon NOW IS prime time for viewing these magnificent creatures: whales and their sidekicks, the dolphins. January through March is when whales migrate along the California coast, traveling mostly southward but also a few coming back north as time progresses. Most whales arrive to Baja’s lagoons during January and February, and by mid-March the majority of the population has reached the lagoons where they mate and calve. We've seen a few "early birds" heading back north in March, so that's always a possibility. Alaska's whales on a cruise DOLPHINS ARE whales, of course, and so it was a thrill on this trip to see several species, including the more rare "tooth whales," including the Risso's dolphin, named after the man who discovered them and closely related to the pilot whale.  They're a larger, lesser known creature than the other two dolphin species we saw this trip, the common dolphin and bottleneck. In fact, the size comparison shows Risso's are more than twice as big as an average person. Most dolphins are about our size or smaller. One day, a pod of more than 500 "commons" followed our wake, playfully jumping and seeming to enjoy our admiration.  Another day, we saw what a news team estimated to be over 4,000.  A thrill. The Hampton Inn in Oxnard is conveniently located on a lovely marina, with whale watching nearby, ambiance, a tasty breakfast and views. The longed for "fluke" of a migrating humpback caught our eye. ISLAND PACKERS hires terrific naturalists and captains.  One tip for estimating dolphin numbers: Count what you can see and multiply times six or seven. Usually, the number of whales can be more precisely gauged because they have to come up for air and their size makes that visible. Southbound  whales usually travel in pods of two or three so if you see one, you'll likely spot them all.   We lucky San Diegans may watch the journey close-up, so this time of year, look for us on the water.  Sailor Keller has even piloted our own craft. But it's more fun for him to let someone else do the driving so he be photographer. Keller's Risso's dolphin photo with a comparison beneath of  Risso to human. The approach to Anacapa is thrilling,  with dolphins in our wake and seals and birds on the beach. Island Packers can arrange a hike or camping on the Channel Islands, or wildlife watching options on their comfy boats..    CHANNEL ISLANDS National Park is also  worthy of a separate visit. We'll write about this wonderful natural environment down the road. From our boats, we saw sea lions, seals and island birds, and if one hikes or camps, the encounters with wildlife are even more bountiful. It's possible to enjoy these beautiful islands in many ways. We saw backpackers and hikers, drawn to these remote islands and back country for spectacular views of the beaches, canyons and inlets. But if your time is limited, you'll still in for a treat to simply stay on the boat.  Options when you have more time include kayaking reservations, and special trips for school groups.   Island Packers does it all. www.islandpackers.com         www.reservationdesk.com › Hampton-Inn › Oxnard     http://www.whereiscookie.com/2025/01/los-angeles-love-story-from-montana.html Coming up: Hollywood actor and special effects artist share personal insights into the tragedy. The beautiful Getty Center was spared during the recent devastating fires. It will reopen Jan. 28 and we will feature the splendid complex.   ON TAP: After closing in the wake of the devastating Los Angeles fires,   the Getty Center reopened Jan. 28. We're there to celebrate this astonishing architectural complex -- with free admission to beautiful gardens and priceless art. Then we're back with new photos of whales on their record-breaking migration as 20,000 grays pass by Sam Diego enroute from the chilly waters of Alaska to warmer waters south of the Baja. Then on to Spain and the museums of Salvador   Dali and Antoni Gaudi. Back in the U.S., we visit New York's Museum of Modern Art, then hike curious caves in Barbados and Bermuda.  Visiting art created by both man and nature is a theme for us, as we hop back and forth across the pond. We return to a favorite city, Barcelona, where we explore a city offering famed art, architecture and a delightful modern tram to the city's top.  Plus a look at a Montana museum devoted to the work of renowned western artist C.M. Russell. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature, art, family and more:  www.whereiscookie.com

The Grotto in Portland, Oregon, is a place of meditation, prayer and reflection, in lovely gardens surrounded by sculpture and beauty. Portland Oregon Grotto - ONE MAN'S PROMISE TOUCHES MANY IN CITY'S  BELOVED, PEACEFUL GROTTO STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER PEACE, PRAYER AND NATURAL BEAUTY DRAW VISITORS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE TO PORTLAND  Portland Oregon Grotto, Tucked away in Northeast Portland, the Portland Oregon Grotto is a tranquil retreat that blends nature, art, and spirituality. Visitors can wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, admire stunning religious artwork, and soak in panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape, a reflective moment, or a unique Portland experience, the Grotto offers a serene haven that’s both inspiring and calming. This bird's eye view of Portland may be enjoyed from a viewpoint in the Portland Oregon Grotto's upper garden. A stroll past St. Anne's Chapel, red at left, under a majestic canopy of trees native to the northwest. 100 YEARS AGO,  in 1923, a visionary priest  determined to create a garden oasis in the middle of a bustling city in the Pacific Northwest.  Father Ambrose Mayer was intent on keeping a promise he made to God as a worried child in a parish church in Ontario, Canada. Strolling the sunny Grotto, from left: Christene "Cookie" Meyers, Kira Hill and Bruce Keller.  His mother was gravely ill and not expected to live. The bereft boy ran to the church, praying and pleading for her recovery. She lived.  And years later, as a priest, Mayer was sent by his Servite superiors to minister in Portland, Oregon. where he fulfilled his promise. Father Ambrose Mayer: he fulfilled his promise, created an elegant shrine.  IN PORTLAND , a then quiet  Oregon town on the Columbia River, Father Mayer began looking for a piece of property to create something wonderful, to thank God for hearing his prayer and saving his mother's life. Portland Oregon Grotto: A replica of the famous Pieta is part of the beauty. The young priest found land ideal for his intent to thank God, and honor Mary, mother of Jesus. His vow to do something great for the Church materialized in a gorgeous art-filled garden and shrine, now a beloved grotto, hewn from the base of a dramatic 110-foot basalt cliff. There an altar was constructed and eventually a replica of Michelangelo's famed Pieta was placed. Thousands come from around the world to see Portland Oregon Grotto since its 1924 dedication as "the Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother," by Portland Archbishop Alexander Christie. It is an inspiring, calm place to meditate, stroll, contemplate and enjoy the grounds, maintained by volunteers and people of faith. Weddings, celebrations, concerts and special holiday shows and light displays endear it to legions. The Grotto Cave and Outdoor Altar host masses and other events; special arrangements may be made for weddings and celebrations. This photo shows the basalt cliff where Father Mayer envisioned an altar. AN ELEVATOR takes visitors form the lower to the upper garden and a spectacular platform for viewing the city. Sculpture and art from around the world reflect a global yearning for peace, beauty and honoring the benefits of mindful meditation. The shrine became a National Sanctuary in 1983, thanks to Mayer's inspiration and the collaboration of architects, gardeners, believers.  All are welcome. THE GROTTO's   international fame is for its artistic merging of art, religious icons, flowers, trees, ponds and welcoming paths to enjoy statuary and in a joyful setting The Portland landmark, at North 85th Street and Sandy Boulevard, is one of the world's few to combine museum, gardens and memorials. Among those honored are John F. Kennedy, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Jude, St. Francis and many other saints. It is a rejuvenating, art-filled anchor in the city's life.   A free, short video in the Visitor Center gives a good overview to the ambitious project and its many collaborators.   A gift shop contains religious artifacts and memorabilia.   St Francis and his animal friends attract many seeking peace and solitude. It is one of the eye catching works of art enjoyed by global visitors. The place shines with festive lights and  mass is held, weather and time of year allowing.  Mass is usually held spring through autumn most Sundays, at 10 a.m. and noon. The noon mass is sometimes held in the outdoor Grotto Plaza. Masses are also offered for special events, such as a St. Peregrine mass,  first Saturdays at noon. Masses are also celebrated in the Chapel of Mary, an old church on the lower level. The outdoor grotto area hosts celebrations. Check the website for more information: www.thegrotto.org ; 503 254-7371; www. servite.org UP NEXT:  Trains are as much a part of British life as afternoon tea, the royal family and Big Ben. We take to the rails next, with trips to York, London and Oxford aboard the well run British train system. What's not to love about the world's oldest rail system, expertly run, on time, and dependable -- even when occasional strikes occur Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers are all aboard at King's Cross Station in London, for train travel in the UK . Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature, family and more:   www.whereiscookie.com

Oregon's lighthouses are a beloved part of coastal history, much visited and appreciated by locals and tourists alike.   SHINING THE LIGHT ON OREGON'S LINKS TO THE PAST - TOWERING MONUMENTS TO THE STATE'S MARITIME HISTORY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER There’s something timeless about chasing lighthouses along the rugged coastline of Oregon. On this unforgettable road trip, WhereIsCookie follows the winding highway past dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and some of the most iconic beacons in the Pacific Northwest. From historic towers perched high above the sea to hidden gems tucked along quiet coves, Oregon’s coastal lighthouses offer the perfect blend of scenic beauty, maritime history, and adventure. The approach to Yaquina Head Lighthouse near Newport, offers a fine view of the seacoast, where nesting seabirds may be observed.  Oregon Coast Lighthouse - those sentinels on the shore, saviors to sailors and an appealing curiosity to tourists -- are beloved across the world and particularly on both U.S. coasts. In the state of Oregon, lighthouses testify to a rugged life before modern technology.  They tell of strong families and courageous sailors, of risky journeys and fierce storms. Nine classic structures -- from Tillamook in the north to Cape Blanco near Port Orford in the south -- take visitors back in time to learn what life was like for the keepers who lit the way and sailors who navigated the waters. A young docent at Yaquina Bay Lighthouse dresses in vintage garb to welcome visitors.  We enjoyed commentary and a tour of the keeper's office, then climbed with her to the top of the state's highest lighthouse. MOST   ARE OPEN to the public, offering a variety of ways to "get close-up."  Some have tours and visitors centers.  Others offer public rental space. Some are co-operatively managed by state, county, town and tribal agencies. Most are part of state or county Parks and Recreation Departments, which maintain them and the visitors centers. Several contain original first-order Fresnel lenses. Others are known for their seabird nesting sites, wonderful nearby hiking and enchanting tide pools. Each lighthouse has unique features. Heceta Head Lighthouse has admirably preserved its assistant lighthouse keeper's house, now a bed and breakfast, recently undergoing extensive restoration. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse stands grandly on a basalt rock islet and was once used as a columbarium to store ashes of the deceased. Cape Blanco is the oldest standing lighthouse on the Oregon Coast, commissioned nearly a century-and-one-half ago in 1870.  Its history includes faithful service during the colorful gold mining and lumber industry days. It did service for more than a century, when automated equipment was installed by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1980. Friends of the Lighthouse at  Yaquina Head Lighthouse help maintain the 93-foot tower, highest on the Oregon coast. The lighthouse is near Newport, 162 feet above sea level.  BECAUSE OF THE  various methods and agencies maintaining these intriguing monuments to past life -- including private ownership -- there is no uniform schedule or access.  For hours and tours, seek individual web or phone contact. Indian tribes, for instance, own Cape Arago Lighthouse, near North Bend and Coos Bay. There's no public access but a beautiful nearby bay offers a fine view.  We enjoyed the unique fog horn there. A GORGEOUS Fresnel lens is the star in the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. The lens has a unique design allowing a larger aperture and shorter focal length, projecting light over a greater distance. This friend to sailors and boatmen assured precious cargo made its destination. The Fresnel lens (pronounced "Fre-nel," with a silent "s") has a prominent place in any lighthouse it serves. Named after its French T he Fresnel lens, left, gives ships far better light for navigation .   a typical lens used before Fresnel. inventor, most of these lenses retired more than 20 years ago.  In Oregon and California, they remain an attraction because of the superb craftsmanship and ability to concentrate light into a powerful beam. "Far out," as we said in the 1960s and '70s. Our guide gave detailed descriptions of the lens, along with lively lighthouse history as we examined tools, records and lighthouse lore. Life as a keeper was tough -- through all kinds of weather -- and included surprise visits at any time of day or night from the inspector.  KEEP IN MIND  that the lighthouses of Oregon also offer excellent wildlife viewing, situated as they are on rocky outposts. During fall, winter and spring, visitors flock to the lighthouses for prime whale watching, too. NEXT UP:  Lights -- wait -- no lights -- but plenty of action We were snug inside, cooking scrambled eggs on the wood stove. We'll tell you how we cope  with power outages as we play our version of  "O, Pioneers," the wonderful Willa Cather book in which she introduces the land as a character. Remember to explore, learn, live and catch us Fridays for each new weekend's post.

FESTIVAL'S 90th SEASON IS INVENTIVE  MIX OF THOUGHT PROVOKING WORKS  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.  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. 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. 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 take readers along for a ringside view of spectacular 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

A seafood and pasta dish in Rome hits the spot for a special evening celebrating our anniversary. MEALS TO REMEMBER: FROM LAVISH  Visiting a market is a fun way to begin a visit in a city. Here, a guide in Porto, Portugal, shows off fresh produce.  TO SIMPLE, CULINARY MEMORIES MAKE FOR A MEMORABLE JOURNEY TAKE A CHANCE, BE DARING, TRY WHAT THE LOCALS LIKE Bruce Keller hoists a brew in Spain, after asking the waiter for a popular non-alcoholic local beer. Most countries now offer N/A brew, and some even have it on tap. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER   "The Carpe Diem Kids" ON THE ROAD,  on a ship, in an airplane or while exploring a new city or village, food is always an enticement. It's part of the memories you bring home with you. Glorious food, enhances a road trip and enhances the travel experience. The pizza in the little hole in the wall in Naples, where the owner greets you himself. The lamb skewer in Mykonos, served with flair by a waiter who brought an extra table out to accommodate you. The special farewell dinner aboard a cruise ship, with your favorite coq au vin  cooked to perfection. This young Portuguese boy relishes his ice cream treat in a crowded cafe. The surprise birthday dessert and singing waiters who present it with an off-key "Happy Birthday" salute. The sizzling paella made on the street, served to two dozen guests after a festival in Barcelona. MORE THAN any other element, food shapes a journey.  It enhances and defines our memories of a trip. We're just days back from a five-week trip to Europe and consider ourselves amateur epicures. We love both good food and adventuresome travel.  Our fellow travelers around the world have epicurean tastes -- they love art, life, refinements and all that good food and drink offer. This paella was perfectly served in Tarragona, where it was the special of the day, wine included.   For us, having a meal in a new or favorite city, is an essential element of a trip. A memorable duck dish with friends, sublime memory of a meal in Porto. Why order room service when Las Ramblas is a block out the door or the Left Bank is across the river? Sampling local food is an essential part of feeling "authentic," taking the pulse of a community, getting an understanding of how people live, laugh and gather. Food shapes a community and tells the world what people plant, harvest, cook with, celebrate, season with, serve for friends.  Food makes us who we are. Mahi mahi with goat cheese offers memories of Hawaii.  DINING AT A STREET cafe with locals offers a sensory cultural exploration.  It makes us feel we are part of life in Rome, Tokyo, Rio or Singapore because local food more than anything else conveys so much of local culture, cooking and tradition.  In Barcelona, Cookie and Keller stop for ice cream.  It is on a par with the best Italian gelato. In a restaurant, we also see how people interact.  In many cities, dogs are welcome.  It is not uncommon to see a family dining with a doggie under the table.  Many restaurants offer water bowls by the door. In Paris, one "rents" a table for as long as one likes -- simply by ordering. It can be a full meal, a beer or espresso.  Doesn't matter.  The table is yours for as long as you like and we find it relaxing to linger -- watching the world and the people go by. A string of dried peppers made it safely home with us. ANOTHER FUN tradition we've developed over the years: we go to local stores and markets to bring a few food and drink items home: cookies, nuts, coffee, tea, dried fruit or peppers, chocolate. We buy roasted almonds from the old gentleman by the bus stop, and savor those thousands of miles away.  Think about the power of food.  It utilizes all five senses. Naturally, we taste our food. But we also touch it, smell it, savor it with our eyes and listen to it -- the satisfying breaking of a bread stick, the sizzling of the butter in the crepe pan. When we commune with food, the place and time of the meal or snack becomes an intense memory of the journey. Without a meal or ten in a local eatery, there can be no truly authentic travel experience. Arts patron Pedro Alvares Ribeiro talks about his passion for collecting, preserving and  enticing at his fascinating Casa Sao Roque. UP NEXT : A Portuguese arts patron made his fortune in banking, and decided to give something back. The result: Casa São Roque, a delightfully preserved manor house and one-time hunting lodge which dates back to 1759. Entrepreneur, art collector, wine connoisseur and world traveler Pedro Alvares Ribeiro has turned this fascinating building into an art museum showcasing myriad displays, visual treats including film, and much more. The home -- now a museum in Porto, Portugal -- has a stately air, befitting its history. Ribeiro says the architecture is typical of the elegant homes owned by bourgeoisie and noble families from Porto. He combines his sharp collector's eye with the soul of a poet and the funding to acquire unique artworks and exhibitions. We spent a day with him, enjoying one of the displays,  up now through Jan. 31. "Warhol, People and Things," an intriguing exhibition focusing on Andy Warhol and his influence across several generations of photographers, filmmakers, musicians and multi-media artists. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on the arts, performance, travel, family, nature and more: www.whereiscookie.com . Please share the link.