Search Results

A fine collection of seafaring artifacts combines with beautifully curated changing exhibits to show off Santa Barbara's proud maritime tradition and encourage preservation of the oceans. All ages welcome. School children enjoy the interactive aspect of the education oriented museum. UNIQUE MARITIME HERITAGE ON VIEW IN FAMILY ORIENTED MUSEUM WHICH EXPLORES WONDERS OF OUR FINE SEAS  Story by Christene Meyers Photos by Bruce Keller IF THE MENTION  of a maritime museum conjures thoughts of yellowing, ragged sails, salty old sea captains and outdated maps of long ago sailing days, think again. And head for the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. It's a jewel of a museum with a lively, contemporary spin on nautical life and an environmentalist's take on that precious, endangered commodity -- vital to our life -- the sea. Its beauty and importance are colorfully celebrated in this wondrous place, where all ages are educated about the sea's history and its critical contributions to our daily life. Christene "Cookie" Meyers pauses at the reception  desk during a visit exploring the sea's wonders. CALIFORNIA HAS  one of the country's longest and most colorful maritime collections and the staff at this lively museum knows this fact as it proudly shares the museum with tourists from all over the world. Says Rita Serotkin, director of marketing and public relations at the museum, "We provide a forum for  education and enlightenment" -- both of which we found to be true as she guided us through two stories of fascinating sea lore and lessons. We found the museum a joy to visit because it really has personality. It is warm, welcoming and friendly.  While many museums are a bit cold, austere and "stand-offish," the Santa Barbara  facility has an inviting aura.  Photographer Bruce Keller becomes the subject briefly on Santa Barbara's picturesque oceanfront by the museum. On our visit, we observed a lively mix of children, families, touring couples, sportsmen, "a fun mix of seafaring adventurers," as my sailor partner and photographer Bruce Keller observed. THE RANGE of programs includes presentations by native people whose connection to the sea goes back centuries.  Chumash Elder Puchuk Ya’ia’c (Alan Salazar) visited the museum in November to discuss “Chumash Maritime History—Past, Present, & Future” and encored recently with fellow writer and historian, Mona Lewis, to read from their new book, "Coyote Rescues Hawk." As with man of the museum's events, the presentation encouraged audience participation.  This time, participants created their own traditional seaweed rattles for a reasonable $25, including all materials for the artful project. Another presentation sets the record straight on who was first to complete a trans-Pacific voyage. (Hint:  it was not Magellan! It was a little known Afro-Portuguese pilot, Lope Martín.) As Serotkin explains, the museum's mission covers a wide range of ambitious goals -- involving children, entertaining adults and curious visitors, keeping its volunteer corps engaged and active, raising awareness, applying for grants, courting authors, getting the word out on upcoming programs and exhibits and beating the drum for important funding. Right outside the door of the museum, boats of every kind await. Audience participation and this time, participants created their own traditional seaweed rattles for a reasonable $25, including all materials for the artful project. Another presentation sets the record straight on who was first to complete a trans-Pacific voyage. (Hint:  it was not Magellan! It was a little known Afro-Portuguese pilot, Lope Martín.) As Serotkin explains, the museum's mission covers a wide range of ambitious goals -- involving children, entertaining adults and curious visitors, keeping its volunteer corps engaged and active, raising awareness, applying for grants, courting authors, getting the word out on upcoming programs and exhibits and beating the drum for important funding. WE URGE  visitors to make a pilgrimage to both floors where we learned about early Santa Barbara explorers -- Juan Cabrillo, who also explored our San Diego area. A Fresnel lighthouse lens offers beautiful shapes and colors. . The Chumash people are celebrated, along with whaling, the town's waterfront, and the birthplace of deep sea commercial diving. We also enjoyed elegantly crafted ship models by Dwight Brooks and learned about famous local shipwrecks. Oil spills, commercial fishing and Channel Islands ranching are also highlighted. THE MUSEUM has garnered awards for its fun, interactive maritime exhibits for kids as well as adults.  T he interactive visits include hands on and multi-media exhibits with an array of fine displays including photos. Families are encouraged to visit.  During our afternoon sojourn, we observed happy three generation groups, students and couples. We also wandered the wharf, had a delightful lunch at one of the great seafood restaurants, rented a boat for an afternoon jaunt and bought reasonably priced souvenirs at two of the shops. We recommend making a day outing to explore this important and artful museum -- nestled in the fascinating and historic Santa Barbara Harbor. MORE INFORMATION: www.sbmm.org 805 962-8404   A fado singer in Porto appears to be in a trance as she performs, surrounded by the two classic guitar accompanists.  On the left is the Portuguese guitar playing the melody and intricate counterpoints. On the right is the bass and rhythm guitarist providing those elements.   UP NEXT: Porto's fabulous Casa de Guitarra is a fascinating Museum of the Guitar, focusing on the instrument which is integral to Portuguese music. Fado singers must have the two guitars -- the traditional Portuguese guitar, left, and the rhythm and bass guitar, right.  Many clubs and bistros feature a fado singer or two on the program and we highly recommend guests take in a fado show while in Portugal.  Both Lisbon and Porto offer many options.  We'll explore several of the clubs and talk about the art form next week.  Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on music, theater, nature, family, travel and more. www.whereiscookie.com

The art of "fado" or music of the soul is a time honored, intricate and emotional rendering ofPortuguese songs with a melancholy theme, sometimes of lost life or love gone wrong. ELEGANT MUSEUM DEVOTES ITSELF TO CONCERTS, ART AND HISTORY OF GUITAR STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Photographs and beautifully displayed musical instruments highlight the museum's extensive walls of exhibits. IF YOU LOVE the guitar, you may want to travel to a northern Portuguese city for an inside look at this time honored instrument. It will be worth your time and money if you long to immerse yourself in the history, beauty and versatility of the guitar. Nowhere can one find a more extensive representation than at Porto's "Casa da Guitarra." You'll hear the familiar sounds of the instrument as you climb a polished stairway to this little gem of a museum.  It's small and tucked away, but not far from other landmarks of Porto.  Everyone knows where it is and can proudly direct you. Located in a two-story building near the city's famed Clerigos Tower, the museum attracts people from all over the world, of all ages and many backgrounds. All share a love of music and this graceful instrument which dates back to Portugal and Spain as early as the 13th Century. Viewers or patrons of a concert in the small, intimate hall are in for a treat with traditional Portuguese guitar accompaniment to fado singing. THE CASA da Guitarra was designed by Alfredo Teixeira, who created his masterpiece in 2012. He intended to create a space to promote the construction and dissemination of traditional Portuguese instruments and musical history. He did so with elegance. His masterpiece is part museum, part concert hall and part musical instrument store. It  supplies wood and other materials for building the guitar and other musical instruments. TO OUR delight, we happened on a concert. One of its missions is to promote concerts and provide a forum for musicians.  It also promotes exhibitions, offers music classes and sponsors workshops. Our concert was thrilling with the traditional accompaniment integral to fado. Two expert musicians played Portuguese guitar and fado viola, much like our mandolin. WE FELT  so much life in this lovely place. Fado singers are deeply involved in the story they're telling, always accompanied in formal circles by two guitars. Our guide told us, "The exchange of experiences between musicians, guitarists and music lovers contributes to the preservation of our heritage."  She stressed that the museum also provides a forum for new musical ideas "which makes our heritage alive and interesting for new generations to explore." SO PORTUGAL'S  "second city" has become the country's "guitar capital" -- known for its guitar teachers, performers and splendid guitar craftsmen. The casa, known to American visitors as "The Guitar House," has a magical feel to it.  Portuguese musical guitars have a noble heritage, dating to to Medieval times when troubadours and minstrels entertained the wealthy. But middle-class people and peasants found ways to enjoy the instrument because it could be carried fairly easily, often with a strap over a shoulder. It was also usually passed down from generation to generation. It's fitting that the museum's next door neighbor is Porto's splendid cathedral where noblemen and working class folks mingled centuries ago. A mix of people of all incomes and backgrounds continues to visit the museum. Dozens of beautifully crafted guitars are carefully displayed. WE TIMED our visit to the museum with tours of Clerigos Tower and Porto Cathedral, those illustrious guitar museum neighbors. We happened onto a  beautiful organ concert and had also booked "Spiritus," a multi-media immersive show. Spiritus awakens the senses WE RECOMMEND  the museum for an authentic encounter with Portuguese culture and its unique values ​​and traditions. Our afternoon included fado music, gorgeous Portuguese guitar music, time to browse vintage photos and inspect dozens of guitars, and a glass of port wine during intermission. The memory of the emotional voice of the resident fado singer, in the company of two splendid instrumentalists on Portuguese guitar and fado viola, lingers today. GUITAR AND FADO trivia: This centuries old tradition is on the rise in popular urban neighborhoods. Fado and Portuguese guitar have become Portugal's primary cultural expression. Our guide described the art form as "the manifestation of the soul of the people." Fado is deeply imbedded in the culture. We booked several fado concerts besides the one at the museum -- mostly in restaurants. But we heard young people in bars late at night singing impromptu fado with their friends. At formal concerts, it's not unusual for professionals to share the stage with amateurs who are moved to contribute a favorite song. The museum features a history of the instrument, with photos of famous guitarists through the years, and close-up looks at the instrument. The Portuguese guitar has 12 steel strings strung in six pairs. Portuguese guitars are smaller and have a softer, more mellow sound than Spanish guitars. They are used in traditional music throughout the world. We've seen them in Rio on visits to Brazilian cafes and bars. Spanish guitars are typically larger and have a brighter, more forceful sound. Museum admission includes those wonderful daily concerts. It's 16 Euros or about the same in dollars. Don't miss an opportunity for a visit.  www.casadaguitarra.pt and other helpful Porto contacts: www.portocvb.com www.citypasses.eu/en/citytrip-porto/porto-card/ www.porto.travel/clerigos-tower www.torredosclerigos.pt www.porto.travel spiritusporto.com   Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller climb Sydney Harbour Bridge a second time and share its wonders. UP NEXT: Climb every mountain? Well, not yet, but we've climbed a few spectacular bridges. Days ago, we climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a second time. The massive iconic structure is the symbol of Australia. Along with the magnificent Sydney Opera House, it attracts scores of visitors each year. We braved it on a warm but thrilling afternoon. It's a challenge well worth the ladders, ropes, straps, and work-out.  Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, the arts, nature, family, road tripping, offbeat restaurants and more:  www.whereiscookie.com   Please share the link.

Brisbane's majestic skyline is an impressive, sky-high mix of contemporary architecture, artfully set off by well established trees, and places to be in nature even in mid-city. Here near city center, the Brisbane River provides an inviting oasis for this boating party.  BUSTLING BRISBANE MIXES CITY ATTRACTIONS WITH OLD-WORLD CHARM, TREES & GAMBLING STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The Treasury Casino, is known simply as ''The Treasury'' to Brisbane folks. It also houses a hotel, restaurants, bars and a popular nightclub. Cookie won "for a change," she says. BRISBANE HAS the feel of elegance and casual fun, city life and country charm. Visitors immediately feel its importance because of a vibrant mix of the stately, old, new and energetic. Along with that dignified façade, it's a city that likes gambling. "Welcome to Bris-Vegas," our captain said as he landed the plane. "Have fun, folks."  I love casinos and gambling, so I cajoled Keller into accompanying me to aptly named Treasury Casino. What fun! It has all the games Vegas does -- minus video poker, my favorite. But  Cleopatra  was good to me on a fun game, "Queen of the Nile." $264.50 Aussie which paid a couple hours' fun and a nice dinner, about $175 U.S. Many Aussies love gambling, and spend millions each year in Brisbane. River City Cruises offers a full bar with a choice of libations for enjoying spectacular Brisbane views. Around the Treasury, tall, modern buildings provide a striking look to the downtown. Beautiful old banyan trees have been  carefully preserved to frame contemporary architecture. There's an Asian influence of feng shui, with many skyscrapers built with "cut out" indentations for light, space, fresh air and plants. View after sunset from River City Cruises  sunset cruise boat which offers a picturesque, relaxing way to see the city in changing light.   PEOPLE HERE love the water and use it as a major way of getting around, which sensibly cuts down on traffic and pollution. The river is also a major tourist attraction. A daily free ferry makes its way along the river. We hopped on and off a dozen times during our week-long stay. We also used Brisbane's River City Cruises which offers fun options for enjoying spectacular views, particularly at sunset when the city takes on a rainbow-hued glow.  The city's famed Story Bridge is world known as a heritage-listed landmark. It's a steel cantilever structure spanning the Brisbane River and carrying  vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic between the town's northern and the southern suburbs. A Chinese lion guards entrance to a temple in front of  the popular Wheel of Brisbane.   Bustling capital of Queensland, Brisbane is located on the often flooded Brisbane River.  Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers stroll Brisbane River pre-cruise . It's home to gorgeous gardens, busy markets and the progressive South Bank cultural precinct with the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre. One could spend a week dabbling in the acclaimed interactive exhibitions.  We spent a couple hours -- not nearly enough -- at one of the gems in the city's cultural institutions. Queensland Gallery of Modern Art has an impressive range of major contemporary art pieces. Then we were off to Mt. Coot-tha, site of Brisbane Botanic Gardens, high above the city. Brisbane's popular River City Cruises takes locals and tourists to historical landmarks, past new construction, homes of the rich and famous  and more in a variety of trips, including a lovely sunset voyage with beautiful lights. Like many Australian places, the mountain is an Aboriginal name, meaning "place of honey." It is known for its delicious black honey and the  beautiful wild, stingless bees who produce it.  River City passengers enjoy a beverage while changing light highlights city scenes. Passengers also stroll the boat and decks on a sunset cruise.  MOST VISITORS to Brisbane spend as much time on the water as they do on land.  We were no exception. Again, we used the city's delightful Cross River ferry system which connects all the major streets and destinations: Holman Street, Kangaroo Point, Riverside and Howard Smith Wharves, and Bulimba to Teneriffe.   The old Customs House on the Brisbane River is visible from River City boats, a fine, classical style building, dating to 1848.  The copper plated dome roof was built in 1889. The cyclist is a light hearted addition which displays Brisbane's humor. There are both the "City Cats" for a reasonable $5.60 Aussie fare (about $3.75 U.S.) and the free "Kitty Cats" -- part of Brisbane City Council's CityHopper service, a useful,  complementary inner-city ferry service on the river. We hopped on and off CityHopper at seven stops between North Quay and Sydney Street, New Farm, which spans most of what we wanted to see. The ferries are fun and efficient.                                            AT THE HEART  of the city is South Bank, a multi-million dollars attraction. It's Brisbane’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination. Located on the banks of the Brisbane River, its 17 hectares boast world-class eateries, stunning river views and hundreds of delightful events. Artful fountains, steps and sculpture with running water encourage relaxation. The city will spend $48.7 million over the next three years to upgrade its ferry terminals including Dockside and Mowbray Park. We were impressed with the  ferry network and accessible, well used public transportation. Millions are also spent on flood resilience. The bougainvillea line the Grand Arbour at the South  Bank Parklands. Brisbane, Queensland's capital;  443 curling, tendril-like columns of steel are covered with a train of vibrant magenta bougainvillea. Brisbane's efficient ferry system makes transit in the city easy ,  fun and picturesque.  BRISBANE IS a lively, exciting place. What struck us about the city is the amount of green space within the city. Its suburbs are full of trees and gardens. Dutton Park, Spring Hill and Kangaroo Point are all inviting -- spacious, green and a 15-20 minute drive to city center for plays, concerts, schools, parks, shops and restaurants. Neighborhoods are varied and lively -- including Sunnybank, a one-time semi-rural suburb with market gardens. It's surpassed Brisbane's Chinatown to claim itself the city's largest Asian community. We found it a great place for authentic Asian eats. It's beautiful day or night, when the city comes alive. Art is at the heart of Brisbane. These playful pelicans grace a riverfront park. Brisbane is an enticing melting pot of Southeast Asian cultures, shops and cuisines. Chinese, Taiwanese, Malaysian, Japanese, Korean, Singaporean and Vietnamese eateries abound. Supermarkets sell produce from multiple countries. We heard a dozen different languages in less than a day. What's not to like about this global gem? Information:  Rivercitycruises.com.au ;  Queenslandplaces.com.au ;  Visitbrisbane.com.au                                                                                                                                                                                           BEST ON THE BOARDS: "R*E*S*P*E*C*T" at Lamb's Players Theatre has been held over multiple times. It's a dazzling, soulful musical romp, a tribute to girl singers and composers of the '60s. Fabulous live band's on stage.    Theater in San Diego is at its best in March, when new work abounds. Productions derailed three years ago by COVID are happily back. "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" is a spectacular, beautifully written tribute to '60s girl singers, held over multiple times at Lamb's Players Theatre in Coronado, up through May 9. It's smooth, lively, expertly delivered to showcase the enormous talents of SoCal's finest vocalists backed by a swinging band and effective video imagery of the music that marked a generation. The fast-moving, multi-costumed world premiere is another triumph for Lamb's tireless artistic director Robert Smyth. It effortlessly spans "girl group" genres from folk to rock, soul, funk, rhythm and blues, and more. To deliver this energetic show for months on end, making it fresh and fun each time, is testament to a terrific ensemble. Bring your memories, to clap and toe-tap to hits by Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell, Mama Cass, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Brenda Lee, Carol King, Janis, Buffy, Petula and more. Expect well deserved cheers, whoops, whistles and standing ovations.   lambsplayers.org/respect  619.437.6000 Phil Johnson and Katie Karel play the parents, with Eben Rosenzweig and Elena Bertacchi in Roustabouts' "gUnTOPIA." THEN "gUnTOPIA" at Moxie Theatre is up through April 2. The Roustabouts' smart, dark and disturbing satire explores the effects of gun violence and features one of the region's top actors and directors, Phil Johnson heading a confident, accomplished cast. Co-directing with hard-hitting imagination are Rosina Reynolds and Kate Rose Reynolds. The thought-provoking work interpreted by a fine-tuned ensemble artfully tackles the complex problem of gun violence, as a family confronts a tragedy in their own home.  It's thought provoking theater, aimed at encouraging discussion and debate about this complicated and volatile issue in America. "Talk backs" feature a variety of experts, victims and others whose lives are touched by gun violence. This is not a play for sissies but is rewarding, intriguing and, as all worthy art should, it's bound to make us ponder. Johnson's moving soliloquies are worth the ticket.    theroustabouts.org/season   619 568-5800   The colorful Waikiki Trolleys explore various routes around Honolulu, taking visitors and locals alike around this colorful city, for "hop on and hop off" convenience. UP NEXT : Honolulu calls us -- and we answer. It's one of our favorite cities in the planet because it has has everything: fabulous hotels, exotic shopping with bargains aplenty, gorgeous climate and beautiful flowers, birds galore and a gastronomic array of eateries with food from many Pacific Island cultures and the Far East. Museums, surfing,  aquarium, zoo, parks, historic buildings, the Pearl Harbor memorial, helicopter tours. And the beach, with all its wonders. We explore it all from several color-coded Waikiki trolleys, and take you along the fun routes. waikikitrolley.com

The best hotdog in Honolulu is one of the treats you'll discover aboard the Waikiki Trolley, which offers various tours for discovering this exciting east-meets-west city and Oahu's capital. Here, John's World Famous Hawaii hotdog stand is popular with locals and tourists alike. TAKE THE SCENIC TOUR: HOP ON, OFF TAKE THE SCENIC TOUR: HOP ON, OFF WAIKIKI TROLLEY FOR FUN TIME SOAKING UP BEST OF HONOLULU Even on a slightly cloudy day, Waikiki Trolley brings a sunny spin to Honolulu sightseeing. We recommend our base, Hilton Hawaiian Village. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER HONOLULU HARKENS!  It's our happy place, just five-plus airplane hours from San Diego, but a continent away from mainland  life. We love the city for its variety of activities, ethnic food, fine hotels and fabulous climate.  Even when it rains, it's only that warm "liquid sunshine." What a beautiful place. We love to explore Honolulu from Hilton Hawaiian Village and its range of lovely hotels. One may book through either Hilton Grand Vacations, or  Hilton hotels since the range of Hawaiian Village properties offer both options. We climb aboard Waikiki Trolley, Oahu's only "hop on and hop off" transportation. Besides offering a crash course on the city's wonders, it's just plain The bronze of King Kamehameha I stands proudly out the front of Ali’iolane Hale, downtown Honolulu. We opted for the famous trolley to fit as many of Honolulu's sights and attractions into three days as we possibly could. We were happy with the trolley system because we saw tons more in our few days based at Hilton Hawaiian Village than we would have with privately arranged tours. On the easy-access trolleys, we explored the history, mystery, food and fun of this lively Hawaiian city.  We saw new sights, learned new facts about Honolulu and the Hawaiian Islands. We base at Hilton Hawaiian Village, with a splendid array of hotels and great location.We  chose Grand Waikikian, a quick stroll to the trolley. We appreciated the directional help of friendly drivers, whose devotion to the islands and their comfy, informative trolley rides is legendary. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers at Bishop Museum, a Honolulu attraction.     WE HOPPED ON and off with hour-long stops at points of interest: Iolani Palace, Punchbowl Crater and the beautiful war memorial, the Hawaii State Art Museum, Sea Life Park, Honolulu Museum of Art and Bishop Museum, Chinatown for lunch one day and the locals' favorite hot dog stand next day. We strolled by the majestic statue of the great ruler, King Kamehameha. Punchbowl Crater has become a well visited and much loved  memorial to the war dead. Officially known as the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, it's a trolley stop. ALL OUR  drivers were personable, knowledgeable and eager to share their city's wealth of sights, history and attractions.  Each time we exited the trolley, we checked to make sure where we'd find it and at exactly what time.  Each time, within an hour or a few minutes more, the trolley arrived as promised at the same place we'd left it. To board, we were delighted to stroll less than a block from our hotel in Hilton Hawaiian Village. We found our trolley at the venerable Ilikai Hotel on Ala Moana, where it arrives each morning. It transport tourists to the tour "hub" where one chooses which route he wishes to explore and a friendly staffer guides tourists to the proper vehicle.  WE LOVE city tours and Waikiki Trolley offers fine ones, including a bird's eye view of Honolulu’s historic sites and neighborhoods.  Toss in beautiful scenery, the Pacific Ocean, world-class shops and delectable food from a United Nations of restaurants. Four lines offer convenient hop-on hop-off options with fun, open-air vehicles for enjoying people watching,  famous landmarks and Waikiki with all its glitz and wonder.  Plastic pull-down shades are handy if it sprinkles. Our driver even supplied rain ponchos for one brief cloudburst. We joined families, couples and a mix of international tourists as we tried all four lines. Waikiki Trolley's pink line makes its way to the famous Ala Moana Shopping Center. Passes are available for several lengths of time and if you buy a pass for several days, you'll save money.  That's what most people do. The four color-coded lines visit nearly every place or sight you'd care to see in a few days of visiting.    Bruce Keller and Mike, a friendly Waikiki Trolley driver, explore the sights of the city with flair in a fun vehicle.   ALL THE ROUTE S are fun, but the trolley's blue line  offers special scenic pleasures as it visits the shoreline of Waikiki along the gorgeous coast line plus spectacular views of Diamond Head. We had stunning ocean views on the way up to Sea Life Park, stopping at famous landmarks including Hanauma Bay and Halona Blowhole.  Shrines, museums, restaurants, beaches, shopping  and more: all await on the fun Waikiki Trolley. The red line visits historic Punchbowl Crater, among the oldest natural landmarks on Oahu and one of Honolulu's most visited places. Its fascinating history dates back nearly 100,000 years, a tidbit offered by our history loving and entertaining guide. Honolulu's historic Chinatown is also a highlight of Waikiki Trolley's red line. Again, our patient driver-guide helped several tourists find the restaurant they wanted, then gave them directions to their cruise ship. He asked when they were to board and assured them that they had an leisurely hour or two to enjoy lunch and make their ship on time. WE FEEL AT our best when in this exciting American city.  It feels like we're still in Malaysia, with its intriguing mix of shops and restaurants. But the currency, language and landmarks are familiar. We're back in the U.S.A. and enjoying one of the Pacific's great cities at a delightful hotel complex with a  fabulous, user friendly and fun trolley system. And if you want to enjoy watersports, we recommend Hawaii Nautical, with its appealing variety of cruises -- from sunset, snorkel and dinner options to turtle, whale and dolphin watching. waikikitrolley.com for tour options, prices, locations  hawaiinautical.com/book-now   Hilton Grand Vacations:  hiltongrandvacations.com/ Grand Waikikian: hiltongrandvacations.com/en/resorts-and-destinations/hawaii/oahu/grand-waikikian-a-hilton-grand-vacations-club  Hilton Hawiian Village, Oahu: hilton.com/en/hotels/hnlhvhh-hilton-hawaiian-village-waikiki-beach-resort/ Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Kona side of the Big Island: hilton.com/en/hotels/koahwhh-hilton-waikoloa-village   Kandace Crystal stars in the verbal role, with artful support from a dancing alter-ego, Nicole Diaz-Pellot. Lovely two-person show at Scripps Ranch Theater in San Diego. BEST ON THE BOARDS : A pair of riveting, new, small-cast, sparse-set productions in San Diego are worthy of attention. "Neat," at Scripps Ranch Theater and "Monsters of the American Cinema," at Diversionary Theatre, are designed for thinking playgoers. Each well tuned production offers the audience moments of joy and reflection.  Both transport us to complex worlds, where change, adjustment, forgiveness and understanding are essentials. Fine writing and terrific performances mark each production. "Monsters...." unfolds in a cozy theater-in-the-round format, bringing the intensity of dialogue front and center.    Kirk Brown, right, and Nicholas Toscano forge an  unlikely friendship in Diversionary Theatre's moving new work, "Monsters of the American Cinema."   "Neat" -- also in an intimate venue -- elegantly combines language, dance and visual arts to tell a story of a thoughtful, upbeat woman's self-discovery and the powerful impact of a disabled auntie. Colorful characters from her past inhabit her journey. "Monsters...." encounters villains both on and off screen. The story is an unlikely friendship between a black man and his late husband's straight, white son who find a common bond in their love of horror films. Each play features a talented two-person cast, thoughtfully directed. Both are expressive and touching with doses of gentle humor. These short-run, highly recommended shows help us think, expand and understand our world and fellow humans with a bit more grace and compassion. diversionary.org 619.220.0097 scrippsranchtheatre.org 858 395-0573.   "The Empire Strips Back" takes favorite "Star Wars" characters and brings them to life in a burlesque parody.  UP NEXT:  "Star Wars" buffs and fans of burlesque are shouting for more at "The Empire Strips Back," selling out in San Diego.  It's an affectionate, unauthorized parody of the 1977 blockbuster, with all the familiar characters, beautiful lighting and costumes, sexy dancing, fun music and, yes, a strip tease theme. We were part of a standing ovation recently, following sold out runs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and New York. Five Australian cities have also given the show raves. Come with us to "The Force" (and farce) as we explore, learn and live. Catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, performance, the lively arts, family and more.  We love comments, too. Please share the link with like minded people, too, at  whereiscookie.com

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. School children, neatly dressed, head for an outing in downtown Sydney, with busy teachers to control and safely direct them. 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 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. 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 Four major roles are well played by a tight, talented ensemble. We meet, from left, the singer's sister, young son, the bodyguard and the shadowed singer. It's a winning foursome, supported by a fabulous cast of energetic singers and dancers.  Enjoy a visit to Fiji, where this man is one of many beautiful, friendly people we met during our recent week there. "Bula bula" means welcome. 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

Fiji's "Bula Bus" takes its name from the language. "Bula bula" means hello and is a widely used greeting in friendly Fiji. Here, the bus runs around Denarau Island with tourists enjoying the day. This handsome Fijian boy posed for us. HOP ABOARD FUN BUS FOR A LEISURELY DAY WITH FLOWERS, SEA, FRIENDLY PEOPLE    STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER FIJI IS BEAUTIFUL.  It offers sheer fun and relaxation with friendly people, beaches, fruit and flowers galore. From your first greeting -- a hearty "bula bula" -- until your departure (we were both misty eyed), you'll be  happy to have found this peaceful place. Pronounced ''buu-laa'', this common Fiji phrase translates to ''hello" or "welcome" and you'll hear it everywhere.  "Bula, bula," the bus driver welcomes you. His transport is called the "Bula Bus." "Bula, bula" shopkeepers echo. Passersby share a happy "bula bula." The bartenders say it with a grin. Fiji's famous spider lily abounds here. Bruce Keller stops to admire abundant Fiji flowers . Even cranky looking people soften and smile when they say "bula bula" -- it's a fun phrase and trips off the tongue with delight! WE CAN'T CLAIM to know all of Fiji, just a small, happy corner many times visited. We base our stay at the lovely Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa, where we have friends and can use our Hilton Diamond Honors points for upgrades. The staff is amiable and efficient and there are flowers everywhere -- including your bed! Flowers are part of the Hilton's welcome and the culture in Fiji -- hibiscus on your bed each day. FIJI IS AN archipelago of more than 300 islands, famed for rugged landscapes, palm-lined beaches and coral reefs with clear lagoons. Divers and snorkelers love it. Whale watchers, too. Fiji Islands: Big bottom island  is where Denarau is, on the far  left side, only a small segment.  Viti Levu and Vanua Levu contain most of the population. Denarau, where we spend time, is a small private resort development on the western side of Viti Levu.  It's known for its "Republic of Fiji Shuttles" affectionately called "Bula Bus." Ten drivers man these charming open air buses with views of picturesque Denarau Island. The Bula Bus travels between  major international hotels, including our favorite Hilton Fiji Resort, Denarau Golf and Racquet Club and the bustling Port Denarau Marina. The buses operate on a continuous loop departing approximately every 15 minutes  This poster previews a Fiji dance performance held at several resorts. from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30pm, 7 days a week. Tickets for all day unlimited travel are $8 per adult and a four-day pass unlimited for $24 per adult. Children under 12 travel free with paying adults. Fine dining at Fiji's Hilton Resort which offers several top restaurant choices with gourmet fare.   11:30pm, 7 days a week. Tickets for all day unlimited travel are $8 per adult and a four-day pass unlimited for $24 per adult. Children under 12 travel free with paying adults. New friends are easy to make in Fiji, where smiles and welcomes are common. Lovely flowers are everywhere. WE ALSO enjoyed traditional dance shows, boat rides, and a day tour. We passed on the zip line and snorkeling excursions, taking walks instead. There's the Kula Wild Adventure Park, originally a bird park, but now a "Family Fun Park" and an ecological preserve right in Viti Levu. We saw families coming and going, all smiling and looking pleasantly tired from the activities. OUR LITTLE corner of Fiji was just right for combining relaxation and reading with easy-going sight seeing. We hopped on and off the Bula Bus, strolled around the harbor, took a couple Uber rides to attractions and mainly read and rested. If you wish to do more you can. Snorkeling is world class, there's plenty of shopping and ice cream stands abound. A light afternoon rain didn't dampen spirits at Hilton's Fiji Resort, with world class comforts. What stands out about Fiji, though, is its people. Whether serving a meal, showing how to properly cut a coconut, or working a loom, Fijians offers a smile, a chance to learn, grow, relax and rewind. Actor and writer Omri Schein, center, is a dapper, witty Hercule Poirot, backed by a letter-perfect ensemble in a world premier drama based on an Agatha Christie classic. www.fiji.travel ;  www.hilton.com/en/hotels/nanhihi-hilton-fiji-beach-resort-and-spa/ bulabuses.com.fj/ BEST ON THE BOARDS : "Murder on the Links" at San Diego's Northcoast Repertory Theatre is sheer delight. In a lively interpretation of Agatha Christie's most popular whodunits, Omri Schein shines as Hercule Poirot, backed by a fabulous, point-perfect ensemble. Clever playwright Steven Dietz brings the famed and ever-so-suave Belgian detective to life to solve one of Christie's most intricate whodunits. Our fellow playgoers laughed and clapped at the lovely set, and the antics and gestures of the well-tuned cast. Fun, frivolous, Stylish shtick, classy camp, nuances galore -- a fast-paced whodunnit guaranteed to amuse. On through May 21.  northcoastrep.org   These four hungry diners prepare to tuck into Spam burgers,  Spam tacos,  Spam eggrolls and a decadent frozen dessert. UP NEXT:  Let's hear it for Spam. That sometimes disparaged staple of many diets was developed by Hormel in 1937 and rose to popularity with the troops in World War II. Children grow up with spam and it is an important part of millions of diets -- from Hawaii to South Korea.  Spam is celebrated in Honolulu all year, especially during the city's annual "Spam Jam" held each year. We happened to be in Honolulu this week and took in the lively festival where a major street is blocked off for two dozen food and art booths to celebrate all manner of Spam delights. Thousands rock out to live  Hawaiian music, not minding the long lines. It's a truly fun time. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on food, family, travel, performance, nature and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Four happy Spam Jam patrons head for a picnic table after choosing their dining fare. SPAM, SPAM, SPAM....CELEBRATING  POPULAR PRODUCT IN HAWAIIAN FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND FUN   STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Even Honolulu's doggies get in the "Spam Spirit."  SAY WHAT you will about Spam, that pink, salty staple of soldiers in World War II, and a favorite part of every Hawaiian's diet. Spam has longevity, large appeal and love behind it. Nowhere is that affection more apparent than in Honolulu during the annual Spam Jam which we attended.  Acclaimed Honolulu chef Christopher George of Shorefyre, a popular eatery, is among those whose creativity originated the festival. He manned one of the most popular food booths, specializing in poke and gourmet pizza.   Lines snaked down Kalakaua Avenue as throngs lined up for his succulent poke bowls and Spam pizza, a delicious, spicy nod to the Naples invention with pineapple, Spam and red pepper.   Don't mess with this Spam lover! PEOPLE LINED  up for not just the Spam treats -- from tacos to wraps, skewers, pizza and more -- to Spam t-shirts and other memorabilia. Mostly, folks were there to have fun, enjoying Hawaiian singing, storytelling and the chance to revive a festival that was on hiatus during COVID. Part of the proceeds go to various non-profit causes, so that's a pleasant incentive. "It's the perfect way to celebrate Hawaii's love for Spam and help others," Barbara Campbell, co-founder of Waikiki Spam Jam Festival, told Pacific Business News. After being shut down for three years, folks are in a "Spam Fest" mood. Bartender James at our  lovely Hokulani Hotel said, "It's great fun to have the Spam fest back in business." "We all love Spam," he said, pouring a customer's festive drink at the hotel's rooftop bar overlooking the festival. Children grow up on Spam, he noted, developing a love for it as infants. Despite all the jokes we've heard about Spam, the product does serious business.  Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers join the throngs at Honolulu's merry "Spam Jam." Below left, nori or seaweed, with rice and Spam, a favorite snack.   Hormel produces it in Austin, Minnesota, known as "Spam Town USA." There are 15 kinds, from pepper to chorizo to turkey, hickory smoke, garlic, bacon and more. Everywhere we went, we saw Spam offerings. That's because by the end of WWII, Spam had been adopted into local Hawaiian culture. FRIED SPAM  with rice is a classic dish, with scrambled eggs or a fried egg on top of the rice. Cookie opens a Spam musubi.  Our Japanese bartender called it "Portagee Steak" which is what many Hawaiians call Spam. It's often listed as such on menus, a nod to the long Portuguese heritage on the islands.  A favorite local dish here is Spam musubi, which we tried -- where cooked Spam is placed atop rice and wrapped in a band of nori, a form of nigiri sushi. Hawaiians consume seven million cans of Spam a year serving it in Spam eggrolls, Spam fried rice, Spam tacos, Spam burritos with beans, Spam kebobs, Spam wonton, Spam sushi, Spam with Korean barbecue sauce and Spam mac and cheese.  Just about anything you'd do with chicken, pork or beef you can do with Spam.  And Hawaiians do. Why not try creating a Spam specialty yourself" Here's a recipe for "Spam Loco Moco":  Executive Chef Christopher George of Shorefyre is well known for his  inventive dishes and philanthropy. INREDIENTS:  8 slices of Spam (one can)  2 tablespoons butter; 1 cup chopped mushrooms; 1 cup chopped onion; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tblsp cornstarch; 3 tblsp water; 4 cups cooked rice; 4 eggs cooked how you like; 3 tablespoons each chopped Italian parsley and green onion, tomatoes if desired. Directions:  In large skillet over medium heat, cook Spam 3 to 5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from skillet. In same skillet, melt butter. Add mushrooms and onions and cook over medium-high heat 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown and tender. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to mushroom mixture; bring to boil. In small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a smooth paste. Add to broth mix in pan, whisking until combined and thickened. Spam loco moco is served in many Hawaiian homes & cafes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide rice among 4 plates. Place 2 slices of Spam on top of rice. Serve gravy sauce on the side or top with gravy before serving. Either way, add 1 egg, scrambled, poached or over easy. (Most people prefer over easy.) Garnish with chosen sprinkles -- parsley, green onion and tomato. View from Hotel Hokulani.  FOR PROXIMITY  to Kalakaua Avenue, a major lifeline and Honolulu's main street, we recommend Hokulani Hotel.  When the street was blocked off for the festival, it was possible to move down the sidewalk easily to the welcoming Hokulani.  The hotel is popular with both American and Japanese tourists for its city views, friendly staff, fun Italian restaurant and rooftop pool and bar.  One can enter from street level or up an escalator to the second floor lobby, which features fresh orchids and a staff that understands the Hawaiian spirit of family or ohana:    shorefyre.com https://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/en/resorts-and-destinations/hawaii/oahu/hokulani-waikiki-a-hilton-grand-vacations-club From left, Dylan Woodford, Leonardo Cecchi, Max Oliver and  Hannah Battersby dance and delight. Photograph by Richard Andert BEST ON THE BOARDS:  "Footloose" at Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is reaping raves for its dancing, energy and touching story. Themes abound in the saga of a talented young man who challenges a "no dancing" edict in a small rural town. It's a metaphor for the need for freedom, healing, forgiveness, change and personal growth. Songwriter turned screenwriter Dean Pitchford took a 1980 news story about high school students challenging an 80-year-old ban on dancing in their small Oklahoma town and scripted the hit 1980s film. This lauded production is adapted from the later Tony nominated Broadway musical, featuring music by Kenny Loggins. The energetic cast touches the heart and the dancing delights all ages.    www.svvac.org/ www. simivalleyculturalartscenter.thundertix.com/events/209730 One of dozens of exhibits at the Bishop Museum. The extraordinary complex celebrates the cultures of the South Pacific and the wife of founder Charles Reed Bishop. UP NEXT: While we're enjoying Hawaii, don't miss a visit to the world renowned Bishop Museum.  Come with us to an extraordinary space, where we'll explore the culture of the  vast South Pacific and its colorful islands. The museum's carefully curated exhibits feature the cultures of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, the Hawaiian Islands and more. The Honolulu museum is famous for its focus on the native peoples of Hawaii. It goes beyond to explore the history of other fascinating islands -- from French Polynesia to the Cook Islands.  You'll see artfully designed exhibits, beautiful tapestries and feather work, wildlife exhibits, musical instruments, hands-on displays to encourage learning, and a fascinating study of the early sailors who transited the Pacific. Then we explore another spectacular museum in Wellington.  The extraordinary Te Papa Museum is among free attractions in this lively New Zealand city. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on the arts, travel, nature and more at  www.whereiscookie.com

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is an architectural, cultural and artistic wonder. Wellington's delightful complex entertains, educates and engages thousands each year. We left our balcony room on Celebrity's Eclipse to enjoy a day in this marvelous free museum.   Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers explore Te Papa's treasures from  Celebrity's lovely ship, Eclipse. Wellington is an engaging stop on a fine and varied Celebrity  itinerary.  WELLINGTON MUSEUM OFFERS SPLENDID EXHIBITS, WEALTH OF ART, CULTURE, HISTORY,USER FRIENDLY WONDERS Great day tour for Celebrity cruisers STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A WONDERFUL MUSEUM  with myriad exhibits and inspiring insights into New Zealand's rich culture awaits visitors to this small, intriguing country. You'll find a stunning array of displays as varied as the country itself when you visit this six-story masterpiece on the waterfront. We highly recommend this for cruisers. Wellington's Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongerewa is truly "a container of treasures." It's one of many exciting stops on Celebrity's New Zealand itinerary, a 12-day immersion in fjord country and the contrasting cities that make New Zealand appealing. OPENED IN  1998 after the merging of the National Museum of New Zealand and National Art Gallery, the Te Papa museum has an auspicious, older pedigree. Its holdings go back more than a century, to a collection established in 1865. In those days, the museum was known as the Colonial Museum. It was renamed the Dominion Museum in 1907, and in 1936 it was relocated to a new building. More change, mergers and moves were to come before its present incarnation. THE MUSEUM   building is itself an architectural wonder, befitting the marvels inside. We toured the museum with a family of fellow travelers we befriended on our Celebrity  cruise, which includes a stop in Wellington. It was fun watching their grade-school kids delight in the spirit of invention and innovation the exhibits offer. Scholarly research forms the basis for myriad exhibits, but a sense of fun and discovery prevails. A Maori meeting house, for instance, was built to specific detail. It is watched over by a proud Maori docent who stands sentinel and answers questions from curious kids and adults. Our new friends also learned how to hold a ukulele and guitar. They practiced on a Maori drum, and wandered nearby to experience the sounds and vibrations of an earthquake. Rugby, gay rights and rock 'n' roll all share the spotlight in this marvelous place, which also takes a look at the Commonwealth's influence through the years. Birds play a part in the museum's exhibitions, too, where the beloved kiwi's life and times are described and vividly displayed. A Maori meeting house is kept watch over by a Maori docent, who answers questions and keeps vigil as Celebrity Cruises guests explored. Gallipoli's horrors are described in detail in an emotionally charged exhibit. Celebrity's Eclipse provides a way to see New Zealand's  varied cities in style, comfort and smooth sailing.   WE DIDN'T HAVE time to browse all 800,000 artworks, photographs, collection objects, and botanical and zoological specimens -- that would demand several more visits. But did take an hour to see one of several changing exhibits, an intense study of World War I's Gallipoli campaign, which brought the horrors of war home in huge sculptures, recordings and artfully curated displays of soldiers' personal effects.  The rich history of New Zealand as a point in the Pacific Island "triangle" involves many religions which are artfully explored at Te Papa. New Zealand's kiwi is the focal point of an intriguing exhibit. Emphasis on indigenous and contemporary art honors the heritage of the complex. For many years, the museum shared space with the National Art Gallery, which had incorporated into the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts. Bruce Keller hams it up inside one of many exhibits which encourages visitor participation. DURING  ITS name changes, quality has reigned -- from its 1972 morph as the Dominion Museum to the National Museum, then years later when a parliamentary act in 1992 merged  two institutions -- museum and art gallery -- and the present name emerged.  Besides a history, art and culture lesson -- from refugees to dinosaurs -- the museum expertly combines learning with fascination and fun. You can step inside various masks and armor, pretending to be a knight or an extra in a science fiction film. Witness a giant squid in an enormous display. We enjoyed the museum with families, school groups and couples from all over the world. Don't miss it if you're anywhere near "Kiwi Country." It's awe inspiring. And Wellington has other treasures, including the home and garden of groundbreaking modernist writer Katherine Mansfield. www.katherinemansfield.com/ www.tepapa.govt.nz/ The "Lost in Yonkers" cast is tremendous, a gifted ensemble directed with empathy and tenderness by Jacquelyn Ritz. This top-notch production is a must-see for theater lovers for its terrific timing, and artful blend of humor and pathos.  BEST ON THE BOARDS: What a pleasure to recommend Scripps Ranch Theatre's flawless production of Neil Simon's Pulitzer Prize winning "Lost in Yonkers," a highlight of San Diego's spring theater bounty. A brilliant cast, beautifully directed by Jacquelyn Ritz, delivers a first-rate interpretation of Simon's masterpiece. The story, set in 1940s Yonkers, centers around the struggles of a complex family: two motherless teen-age boys, their earnest and grieving father, a hardened immigrant grandmother, wisecracking mobster uncle, intellectually stunted but charming auntie and another auntie with a comical speech disorder. The engaging production unfolds on an eye-catching set which gives the perfect spin to Simon's moving yet funny storyline. It's a rollercoaster of loss, courage, independence, loyalty and yearning, with winning period costumes.  Don't miss it for the hopes and dreams we all have, and characters we've known and loved. The run is through June 11. Consider tickets for yourself and favorite theater loving friends.    scrippsranchtheatre.org   UP NEXT:    Memorial Day approaches and with it, an opportunity to remember and pay homage to those lost in war, tragedy or terrorism. We share our visits to memorials around the world that have touched us -- from Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, to Yad Vashem in Israel and the memorial to "9-11" in New York City. We explore the meaning of the word "memorial," whether honoring a person, tragedy or historical event. The influence of memorials exists in all of us. Then we're on to a month-long celebration of equality in PRIDE, with some of our favorite photos and commentary on a celebration that began at Stonewall years ago. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on nature, performance, history, nature, family and more. The memorial to the tragedy of "9-11" at the new World Trade Center building is a striking architectural accomplishment:   www.whereiscookie.com

Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers enjoy one of many splendid views on a day-long circle tour of Oahu, which takes tourists around the island with many interesting stops. CIRCLE TOUR FEATURES BEST OF A BEAUTIFUL ISLAND, FROM SCENIC STOPS TO CULTURE, ART, FOOD, SHOPPING, FUN Oahu's much visited Byodo-In Temple is part of the tour and one of its most popular stops. Take time to ring the gong.  STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IF YOU'VE been to Honolulu but haven't headed north for to circle this lovely island of Oahu, you're missing something varied, fun and wonderfully educational. So book a ticket back to Oahu, -- or pull up a chair for a whirlwind armchair tour of this intriguing island, with E Noa's entertaining and user friendly Circle Island tour and one of its most popular guides, Jacob, who likes to be called Humu. Shrimp tempura is served, tasty and local. From the moment you're picked up in the morning at your hotel, to the tasty  lunch -- prepared with seafood harvested at nearby shrimp farms -- to the end of a rewarding day when you're dropped back at your hotel, you'll learn, relax, enjoy and want to return.   Humu enlightens guests on his engaging tour with a pointers on places and natural history. WE WERE  up early to meet our bus, which arrived on time at Hilton Waikoloa Village where we were staying.  Other convenient pick-up and drop-off spots are at various other Waikiki hotels, a nice feature. Then our delightful sightseeing tour was underway with a spirited, heartfelt narration as we zipped out of town -- with a drive up Waikiki Beach. Humu pointed out major brand-name shops, historic hotels before he paused so we could admire the statue of famed Olympian and surf king Duke Kahanamoku. Surf fans festoon the much loved international legend with floral leis and we had time for a quick look, then away we went. Famous surfer Duke Kahanamoku is remembered in a bronze on Waikiki. A break from the bus drive comes with a walk through beautiful Waimea Valley's park to a lovely waterfall. We drove onward up toward Diamond Head, past high-end neighborhoods and some of the world's best known surf spots. Each stop was accompanied by Humu's eloquent commentary, and music -- some of it live, provided by our versatile driver-guide and his ukulele. (He even devised a fun game where last one on the bus at each stop had to dance a hulu to his ukulele!) His top-ranked sightseeing tour features a pleasant blend of Oahu's sights, nature, history, art, local lore and commentary. The island's natural wonders, favorite foods, cultural sites, surfing spots and shopping experiences are all explored.   "Local color" is provided in a stop at Waikiki. AMONG OUR  favorite stops was the 20 minutes we spent at Pali Lookout, with time to admire the ocean  below and take photos. We also delighted in the architecture and landscaping at Byodo-In Temple where we visited the sanctuary, strolled the grounds and lit remembrance candles. This elegant place is a smaller-scale replica of the 950-year-old Byodo-in Temple, a United Nations World Heritage Site in Uji, Japan. BATHROOM BREAKS were incorporated into the day, much appreciated. Again, thoughtful Humu's choreography was well timed and courteous. We hiked to a waterfall in beautiful Waimea Valley, and for lunch at a popular cafe, enjoyed shrimp fixed to order and harvested from a nearby local farm. This lovely rooster and his hen friend might be among the sights you'll enjoy on the day tour. ON THE WAY to the waterfall, we again had time for refreshments, then wandered through an impressive botanical garden, admiring nicely marked flora from Hawaii's vast repertoire of flowers, trees, ferns and orchids. We've traveled with this well organized company for several years and guides such as Humu, Kimo and Mike give great personality, individuality and depth to the day. Their personal anecdotes and asides really make each trip and these guides are among the best we've had in decades of global touring. Several of the guides are from three and even four-generation tour guide families and they know the islands like no one else does -- the neighborhoods, nuances, small off-the-beaten-track eateries and street art that might go unnoticed. Bathing beauties are part of the charm and photo opportunities on the E Noa tour. Most of the guides are of native Hawaiian ancestry so that's a plus, too. THE SHRIMP LUNCH  was a perfect mid-day break in a day of perfect day of touring, learning and relaxing. Shrimp farming is huge in Hawaii and we ordered that from a choice of several enticing preparations. Others enjoyed chicken, but the shrimp was hard to beat.  A vegetarian offering is also part of the day, all included in the fare. E Noa offers wonderful tours. From Pearl Harbor, a moving day trip, to its entertaining trolley ride options, check out this well established and highly rated outfit, a star in Hawaii's burgeoning tourist industry. enoa.com Keller and Cookie enjoy a movie tour at Kualoa Ranch . UP NEXT: We're in a Hawaii frame of mind with a culture cruise on the Big Island via a luxury raft in the Body Glove fleet. Come along to special coves and bays with insights from a noted historian and a chance to learn something you may not  have known about Captain Cook. And we're heading north on Oahu for a visit to Kualoa Ranch, 4,000 acres of beautiful land, where dozens of famous films have been shot. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, performance and the arts, family, food, and more: www.whereiscookie.com

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

Smiles abound in the Body Glove "Super Raft Tour" along the historical Kona Coast. We had our eye out for dolphins, whales and other boats, while we learned of Hawaii's fascinating history from a trained scholar. We had a fabulous sunset a bit later. BODY GLOVE RAFT RIDE BLENDS HISTORY, SCENERY, FABULOUS FOOD AND FUN   A skilled historian and storyteller gives history to adventure seekers aboard Body Glove's Super Raft, a fun expedition. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER YOU'LL  FEEL  as if you're almost flying as you glide over the waves along the fabled Kona Coat, on Ocean Adventures Body Glove Super Raft. We'd experienced the outfit's lovely catamaran a time or two -- always fun and relaxing -- but she's in dry dock awaiting the next season right now. So we booked the company's "super raft" for a lovely sunset dinner cruise. Besides combining history with beautiful scenery, it featured a poke bowl as tasty as any we've had in many years of sampling the island's fabulous ahi tuna. body glove  THE BEAUTIFUL   Kona coast came alive for our group of 15 nature and history enthusiasts as we zipped at 35 mph, leaving Kailua-Kona and traveling up the coast to historic bays and inlets. Our stops included  Kealakekua Bay, where on Valentine's Day, 1779, Captain James Cook died at the hands of an incensed crowd during his third Pacific voyage. Historians tell us he likely had it coming. A Kona coast rainbow is a spectacular sight. We learned that he and his entourage were initially greeted as gods. The indigenous people welcomed him and his men for several weeks of feasting, frolicking with the women, enjoying island pleasures. When he left the bay on his ships "Resolution'' and ''Discovery,'' he returned a few days later seeking repair for one of the vessels. Returning to the Big Island this time, his welcome was less enthusiastic. When Hawaiians supposedly took one of his longboats, he made a huge mistake.  He decided to take dramatic revenge and hold ransom Kalaniʻōpuʻu, the ruling chief (aliʻi nui).  The highly regarded chief reigned over the entire island of Hawaii and was a popular ruler. The decision to hold royalty in exchange for a small longboat was the fatal error of Cook's final voyage, and led to his death. Setting out from the dock, one enjoys seeing locals on the water. In season, dolphins and sometimes whales are also spotted. A delicious poke bowl is served during a peaceful sunset aboard the raft. THE STORY was expressively told at the site of Cook's demise by Body Glove's animated on-board cultural expert, who spoke at several picturesque stops along the way to the island's most famous bay.  The company is well known on the islands and Body Glove has garnered raves from customers and outdoor enthusiasts, water sports aficionados and critics.  It offers a variety of experiences from snorkel and dinner cruises, and in whale season -- December to March -- one of the highest ranked humpback expeditions, where we've also seen spinner dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, manta rays and more. Body Glove is also "nature and culture conscious" and travels with trained naturalists and Hawaiian history experts, a real plus. bodyglovehawaii.com ; 800 551-8911 The Body Glove "Super Raft" awaits at the harbor in Kailua-Kona, where it takes passengers on several fun rides. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers are exploring the seven seas on NCL vessels, here last week on a trans-Atlantic crossing from Orlando to Lisbon.   UP NEXT: Our travelers pay homage to their Scandinavian roots-(Keller's mother was 100 per cent Swedish and Cookie's maternal grandfather was 100 per cent Norwegian.) They've logged 133 cruises, recently on Norwegian Cruise Line's Bliss and Getaway. They've booked passage on NCL's new Viva,  one of the most lavishly appointed vessels afloat and the latest in NCL's Prima Class. Godparent for Viva is singer Luis Fonsi, five-time Latin Grammy-winning singer. Cookie and Keller are excited to be on board for the Viva inaugural, remembering to explore, learn and live. Catch them weekly for a fresh spin on travel, the arts, nature, family and more:  www.whereiscookie.com

Norwegian Cruise Lines is known for its flashy artwork and distinctive designs on the ship.  Here, NCL's Getaway is photographed on a recent trans-Atlantic cruise from Orlando to Lisbon.  The new NCL Viva has an artful design, too, in blues and aquas conjuring ocean waves.  NCL's FLEET WELCOME WORLD-CLASS SHIP VIVA WITH MANY ENTICEMENTS Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers leave Orlando recently on a trans-Atlantic NCL cruise to Lisbon aboard the Getaway. They're excited to be on Viva's inaugural. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IF YOU'RE  a fan of cruising and follow "cruise news," you know about the newest Norwegian Cruise Lines ship, Viva.  She's making quite a splash, at 142,500 gross tons and a length of 965 feet, about a fifth of a mile. She's a luxurious floating resort, the latest NCL "Prima Class" vessel. Viva boasts a staggering selection of activities and entertainment, from an array of musical options to a global offering of restaurants, elegantly designed areas to relax and unwind, and a thoughtful itinerary of favorite cities and less visited ports.  NCL's Viva offers an Infinity Beach area with inviting places to relax, swim, read, enjoy a beverage and watch the water. OUR RECENT crossing on NCL's Getaway previewed the offerings we'll enjoy on Viva. We booked the inaugural over a year ago when we heard of it from a fellow cruise enthusiast.  Special events are planned for Viva's first passengers. Joining us to salute the ship will be Viva godparent Luis Fonsi, five-time Latin Grammy-winning singer. We're excited about this Labor Day cruise because we'll visit favorite cities like Naples and Venice as well as cities not often visited: Syracusa, Koper, and Zadar.   ON OUR  Atlantic crossing earlier this month, we lazed about our Deck 10 balcony, enjoyed first-rate entertainment including Latin dance and a Broadway show, and strolled deck 8 with its lovely indoor and outdoor dining and relaxing spaces.  Find dining and decadent desserts are part of the allure of an NCL cruise.  Viva's welcoming design follows suit with this novelty, also on deck 8. Features include the Ocean walk glass bridge, infinity pools and an inviting space called "Infinity Beach." With its floating resort motif, a firepit and dining options await at Indulge Outdoor Lounge and Indulge Food Hall, billed as an "upscale open-air marketplace."  As on our Getaway, NCL prides itself in a range of dining options, several centering in Viva's Ocean Boulevard seaside restaurants. The beautifully designed outdoor promenade is a 44,000 square foot walkway wrapping around the ship. Besides enticing dining options, the area boasts a three-story speedway and pulse-pounding slides for the daring.  CRUISE LINES vie for "over the top" offerings, new ways to attract the world's growing cruise clientele.  Style, luxury and innovation are the bywords. Wealthy cruisers look for a high staff-to-passenger ratio to increase their service. Dining can be a classy affair on the new Viva, with elegant tables and views of the ocean. NCL    attracts these high-end cruises in the way the liners of yore did. NCL offers quiet, relaxing places to unwind, here Getaway's Vibe Beach Club on deck 17.  Viva sports a Vibe, too, for guests 18 and older. While Cunard's classic ocean liners offered first-class areas exclusive to "deep pocket" travelers, NCL ships have a separate "ultimate luxury" area called The Haven. It's the equivalent of Cunard's "Queen's Class" travel, a separate area for travelers who expect the best in luxury cruising. On Norwegian vessels, including the new Viva, the Haven includes personal concierge and butler service, luxurious suite accommodations and many amenities. Haven guests enjoy a private sundeck with its own infinity pool, hot tub, sauna and cold room, lovely lounging areas, a private restaurant and exclusive bars. Top entertainment awaits on Viva, as on Getaway, with Broadway caliber shows, such as "Million Dollar Quartet."  A range of entertainment includes ethnic bands, piano, vocal duos, comedy, game shows and specialty acts including magic.  OUR GETAWAY general manager, Mario Markovic, noted that Haven usually quickly sells out but that all NCL guests have access to fine dining options and ship entertainment. Guests in inside cabins save money by utilizing handsomely designed public spaces. NCL cares about environmental impact, and Viva's Metropolitan Bar is Norwegian's sustainably-focused bar.  Because dining is a big attraction for cruisers of all budgets, myriad options await on Viva, including the Mediterranean-inspired Palomar, traditional hibachi-style Hasuki, gourmet French fare in Le Bistro, a contemporary sushi house Nama and American fare in Surfside Cafe and Grill. Specialty restaurants cost a bit extra, but some visits are often included in the fare. It's worth it to augment the fine dining available to all cruisers. NCL WAS AMONG  the first line to offer "freestyle cruising" where guests dine when and with whom they choose. The globe-trotting line cruises Alaska, Bermuda, Australia and New Zealand, Hawaii, Bahamas, Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean and more in options ranging from world cruises to weekend getaways. NCL transits the Panama Canal and offers a popular week-long Hawaiian itinerary on Pride of America. Watch for specials at  ncl.com Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller aboard a vintage caboose on Dunedin Railways in New Zealand. A mutual love of trains takes them on many fun trips. UP NEXT:  Train, train, train. Wherever we go in the world, we look for an opportunity to travel by train. Trains get us "up close" to enjoy the countryside, historic sites, rivers, peaks, fields, animal life and gardens. We see how people live in a relaxing and colorful way, and at a slower pace than air travel affords. We "look" without the strain of driving a car, and get a leisurely feel for a new city, state or country.  All aboard trains in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Europe, Japan and San Francisco, where our nephew James is our knowledgeable guide, a youthful aficionado of train travel. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for  a fresh spin on travel, nature, the arts, family and more:   www.whereiscookie.com