When in Tuscany one Christmas, we took a vineyards and wine making tour. These lovely casks are in a Greve winery. A Cuban Christmas before President Trump curtailed U.S. relations. Dinner was a delicious mojo pork. WHEN IN ROME, DINE WITH THE LOCALS; CELEBRATE HOLIDAYS WITH SOMETHING DIFFERENT (give turkey, ham the bird and try duck) Keller and Cookie dine in Cuban Restaurant in Phenioux STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Turkish appetizers. a mezze party platter, made a lovely holiday meal in Istanbul. ALTHOUGH WE ARE seldom in the United States for the holidays, we always celebrate -- sometimes with paella and sticky pudding, maybe borscht and bagels, rijsttafel and raisin pie. Paella is served for special occasions, and whenever friends gather in Spain. This one featured crab, chicken breasts, mussels, shrimp, ham and calamari rings served with rice. Although we plan our basic trips and destinations years in advance, once we arrive, we're spontaneous diners, up for anything. WE ASK THE locals, consult the hotel concierge, see what people like, where they dine on "our" holiday. Some of our best culinary adventures happen by the seat of the pants. Christmas and Hanukkah "on the road" meals are no different. When in Rome, Spain, Greece, Israel, or Argentina, you can be sure it's a holiday -- somewhere, even if Christianity is in minority. If you're outside the country, on a ship or in a hotel with a group of Americans, there will be a gathering staged to celebrate the holiday with traditional fare. Many places worldwide celebrate their own versions of Christmas, while only a few countries joined our Thanksgiving celebration: Canada, Germany, Grenada, Japan and Norfolk Island and China. More and more Chinese are celebrating Thanksgiving -- to express thankfulness to those who have enriched their lives and even though there are few Christians in China, it's becoming a popular holiday there. Everyone knows Santa, known as "Sheng dan lao ren" or Old Christmas Man. People give apples on Christmas Eve, called "Ping'an Ye" meaning peaceful evening, translated from the carol 'Silent Night'. Desserts in northern Spain. Have paella in Barcelona and drive north to San Sebastian for apple tart and bar cookies. IN CUBA, CHRISTMAS is a big feasting and family day. In Havana, the day is not complete without a good mojo pork, similar to our pulled pork with spices, lime and orange. That made an early, memorable holiday for us, before relationships were severed, sadly, by President Trump. Another tasty holiday meal was a gorgeous paella cooked by friends in Madrid. We continued the feasting fest the next day with a dessert orgy in San Sebastian. Potato latkes with sour cream and apples usher in Hanukkah in Haifa. Friends served fabulous potato latkes once for a Hanukkah meal in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Complete with the requisite applesauce and sour cream, of course. 'Eating Europe' fun food tours, click here IN TURKEY, we found duck. Istanbul’s vibrant expat American community keeps holiday traditions alive. Tourist-savvy Turks advertised a feast at our Hilton's Bosphorus Terrace Restaurant. While it was not promoted as holiday fare, turkey, mince meat, ham and pumpkin were are on the buffet line, and we were invited to a table reserved by other Americans. We chose the Turkish cuisine, that wonderful fusion of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Eastern European and Balkan favorites. We enjoyed mussels stuffed with rice, nuts, and raisins. stuffed vine leaves and squash flowers, purslane with yogurt and garlic, roast lamb and meatballs. Cheese and red wine began a memorable French Thanksgiving meal for us in Provence. AS WE STROLLED to work off the meal, we smelled the intoxicating aromas of Cantonese and Szechwan cooking. Following our noses to the nearby Dragon Restaurant in the same complex, we found classic Chinese fare being enjoyed by French, Moroccan, Italian and Australian diners. We peeked in the Dragon Restaurant as the chef was serving this beautifully sliced duck -- in Istanbul. We dined on a festive holiday cheese plate in France, making a meal of those fabulous bleus, bries and munsters. The French love their cheeses and offered many different types, from camembert to roquefort and boursine that we scarcely had room for the creme brule. Happy Christmas and Hanukkah it was. Dutch meal anytime treat, click here Steak and lamb in meat-loving Argentina make a Christmas meal we thoroughly enjoyed. THE PEOPLE of Buenos Aires don’t need an excuse to party. But Christmas gives them one, in the city's major restaurants and hotels. The biggest celebration is at Kansas Grill and Bar in upscale San Isidro. As the name implies, the food is inspired by high-end American steakhouses. Our holiday meal lived up to expectations, artfully served by a tango dancer on break. We had steak and lamb, not turkey or ham, and wonderful pie -- pecan, not mince or pumpkin. Ole! UP NEXT: New Year's traditions and celebrations around the world are as varied as the people of the many lands where a bridge might be wrapped in a bow and food rules. We take you to a few favorite spots where we've ushered in the new year -- from Singapore with its magical lights and gardens, to Bora Bora and Fiji, where Santa arrives in a kayak, to Times Square, soon to "drop the ball." Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays for a fresh look at travel, the arts, nature, family, food and more. whereiscookie.com

The largest of the "Dali Triangle" museums in Catalonia is in Figueres, crowned with enormous eggs. The Dali Theatre-Museum is a magnificent, over-the-top creation designed by Salvador Dali himself. He supervised construction upon the remains of the former Figueres Theatre of his childhood. It is one of three museums operated by the Dali Foundation, all worthy of visits. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers at the Gala Dali Castle in Pubol, a place of exuberant creativity nd financed by Dali and given to his wife Gala, for her entertainment and liasons. Salvador Dali supervised the "redo" of the former Figueres theatre, where he showed his early work. The stairway of Dali Theatre-Museum is one of many eye-catching features including this huge face, probably Gala. HELLO, DALI! SPANISH ARTIST CREATED UNIQUE BODY OF ART Flamboyant maestro of dreams and delusions created a "Dali Triangle" of three unique museums in Catalonia, Spain STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Planning the ultimate Dalí museums Spain itinerary means diving into the surreal world of Salvador Dalí -- from his flamboyant hometown museum in Figueres to the coastal retreat of Salvador Dalí House-Museum and the romantic "kinky castle" at Gala's home, purchased by the artist for his sexually driven wife to entertain her paramours. A polar bear greets visitors to the Gala and Dali house in Portlligat, Cadaques. It is one of many bizarre and intriguing features of the home. IT WAS a dizzying three days in "Dali Triangle," a trio of museums in Catalonia devoted to the art of Salvador Dali. His works are controlled by the Dalí Foundation which operates three very different museums in Figueres, Púbol and Portlligat in Cadaqués. We joined 1.5 million people who make a pilgrimage each year to the three points of the "triangle." Elegant interior of Gala's bedroom in the Portlligat home, featuring twin beds with vibrant drapes, vintage furnishings, and a unique arched architectural detail. Dali needed written permission to visit there. Each of the 3 museums is unique, worthy of a visit. To craft your Dalí Museums Spain Itinerary, it's best to savor them on separate days, to spread the wonder -- giving each museum its own "breathing room" and devoting time to each place. They deserve the attention and you will need the time to sort, digest and ponder this maestro of dreams and delusion. WE HAD visited the Dali Theatre-Museum twice before and years apart since it was inaugurated 50 years ago in 1974. We decided to revisit the unique museum as it entered its second half- century of entertaining a worldwide audience. We needed the grounding and reminder of his scope. Dali's exquisite jewel artworks: dazzling gold, precious stones. Many were gifts to Gala. THE MUSEUM in Figueres is a culmination of the eccentric surrealist's life work, conceived and designed by Dali, who visited daily to supervise. The place is as intriguing and mysterious as Dali. Its broad range of work begins with his earliest artistic experiences and follows into his final years. An homage to the sultry star Mae West has its own room. In Figueres, Mae West has her own gallery. In other galleries, Dali's detailed landscapes need a magnifying glass to fully appreciate his immaculate tiny brushstrokes. On close inspection, one finds intricate trees, people and objects that might go unnoticed. Our guide borrowed a fellow tourist's phone to show the detail of a postage-stamp-sized detail: an entire cityscape emerged to our "oohs and aahs." There are dozens of drawings, too, and if you aren't sufficiently dazzled, the Dali-Jewels gallery near the building's exit will push you over the top: 41 exquisite gold and stone jewels. THE TWO less visited museums are a Medieval castle in Pubol, which Dali bought for his wife, muse and equally eccentric Gala, and the Salvador Dali House-Museum, the most personal of the three. Dali's castle gift for Gala came with strings attached -- not by him, but by her. It is in the municipality of Cadaques, in a village on the bay known as Portlligat. (Sometimes spelled as two words, usually as a single word.) Dali and Gala (center) entertained the Walt Disneys and others. FANS OF Dali will find each place offers fascinating detail with insights into the life of the man who lived from 1904 to 1989. He was named after a dead brother and raised by a tyrannical father which naturally shaped him and influenced his art. He studied in Madrid and in 1929, he met Gala, Russian wife of a surrealist poet, Paul Éluard. She became Dali's muse and partner and they moved into a small house in Portlligat in 1930. They expanded it as they purchased nearby fishermen's huts. In 1969, Dali began converting the 12th Century castle in Púbol into '"Gala's Castle" collecting textiles, antiques and murals to create a splendid setting where Gala reigned. Designed as a gift to Gala, the castle became her private home for entertaining. Dalí could visit only with Gala's written permission. The approach to Dali's Portlligat home gives a feeling of the peace that the artist felt there. THE HOME on the port is our favorite -- the complex of transformed fisherman's huts is a maze of eccentric adornments -- a stuffed bear, a mirror that seizes morning light, dozens of personal effects. From his bedroom Dali could see the coast. He built a beautiful terrace, put his spin on a Greek statue and decorated his swimming pool. Dali chose the bay for his home. He spent his last years there after his wife, Gala, died. You've likely heard of the world famous Salvador Dalí Theatre Museum in Figueres but not many outside of Spain know about Dalí ’s house in Portlligat or his wife’s castle in Pubol, often called "the Kinky Castle" because Gala entertained her young lovers there. Some believe Dali encouraged and watched her liasons with voyeuristic enthusiasm. Dali's "The Persistence of Time," his most famous work. Dali was a master of self promotion and Gala was an expert at getting the best prices for his artwork. GALA DIED in 1982 and was buried on the Castle's grounds. Then Dalí remained in Port Lligat, establishing his final studio. In our three days, we came to know Dali better. He was flamboyant -- he wore sweeping capes and grew his signature mustache early in his career. He was sensitive, felt things deeply and reacted with passion to slights. But the visionary artist strayed from the avant-garde, eventually alienating comrades through his outspoken support for Franco and his idiosyncratic flair. His prodigious creativity cannot be denied for it spawned paintings, sculpture, fashion, advertisements, books and film. His ending was sad: he was badly burned in a fire and spent his final years wheelchair bound. More information on tickets and booking. Reservations are required: www.salvador-dali.org; reserves@fundaciodali.org Antoni Gaudi's Guell Park is full of magical creations. Come along to visit one of Barcelona's beloved attractions. ON TAP: We're in an "art state of mind," visiting both nature's creations and some of the world's greatest museums in Spain, England, the Caribbean and in the U.S. Coming in the next weeks are pieces on Antoni Gaudi's magical Guell Park in Barcelona, the caves of Barbados and Bermuda, a beautiful crater in Ponta Delgada and the masterpieces within the fabulous Museum of Modern Art in New York City. We're mingling with famous artist creations, paintings and painters as we head to the real west and a Montana museum celebrating the work of cowboy artist Charles Russell. Meanwhile, keep on the sunny side, visit a museum, treat a friend or relative to an art gallery stroll and remember to explore, learn and live. Catch us weekly for a fresh spin on performance, art, travel, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Sofiero Palace and Gardens in Helsingborg, Sweden, opens its gates for a three-day festival. Vendors set up late Thursday. Dahlias the size of dinner plates are wet with morning dew at Sofiero. Stunning Sofiero Palace and Gardens -- Europe's most beautiful park -- invites people in for a weekend festival STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A clump of climbing roses forms a Valentine heart at 'Europe's most beautiful park' a title earned by the palace and grounds in 2010. WHEN KING Gustav VI Adolf planted his first rhododendren in 1907, he had no idea how his handiwork and love of gardening would blossom. This weekend's huge festival invites the public to Sofiero Palace and Gardens, one of Sweden's most popular attractions. On the grounds that host world class entertainers such as Sting, thousands of Swedes plus Danes from across the Sound are enjoying the palace's annual Garden Festival, a treat for the senses. Jazz musicians were setting up Thursday evening, along with gardeners, artists, craftsmen and caterers from across Sweden. THE PUBLIC is flocking to buy bulbs and cuttings, potted plants and bouquets while lunching on their own goodies or sampling dozens of ethnic food vendors' specialties. Lovely Helsingborg is just across the sound from Denmark. King Gustav Adolf who died in 1973, photographed at Sofiero Palace. After Thursday's rains subsided, dozens of vendors began setting up a festival at Sofiero Palace. SOFIERO was one of the Swedish royal families country mansions, bought from a farmer in 1864 by Crown Prince Oscar of Sweden. The royals enjoyed it as a get-away -- and created a feeling of countryside within the grounds, right in the center of Helsingborg. While it was beloved by several of Oscar's descendants, the royal who made it famous and beloved by the public was Oscar's grandson, future King Gustav VI Adolf, who with his wife Crown Princess Margaret turned it into a spectacular park and garden, planting over 400 varieties of rhododendron and designing spectacular gardens along a picturesque stream leading to an outdoor nook where they took afternoon tea. Rhododendrons flower over a magnificent ravine and frame the Sofiero Palace Gardens, where organic produce is grown. WHEN MARGARET died and Gustav eventually remarried Lady Louise Moutbatten, it became their official summer residence. They began the tradition of "open houses," one of which is unfolding now through Sunday in form of a famous festival. (The city of Helsingborg has operated the castle and grounds since Gustav's death in 1973 when he willed it to the city for public enjoyment.) IT TRULY is a wonderland, a riot of color and floral abundance. Dahlias the size of dinner plates stand upright with help of wooden stakes cleverly driven into the ground beneath the foliage. Hundreds of multi-colored fuchsia hang their heads in elegant excess. Roses climb up trellises and clump in fetching shapes -- several reminding of Valentine hearts. Bulbs for sale at Sofiero Palace in Sweden catch Cookie's eye. On our Thursday visit, we enjoyed bee blossom, wild carrot, poppies still abloom in almost September, and displays of every kind of bulb and tuber, adding to the draw of this southern Sweden outdoor event. THIS GRAND weekend festival of flowers in Helsingborg, Sweden, is testimony that 150 years of tradition and love of gardening can bridge the gap between classes, continents and generations. For more: www.sofiero.se Mystic View Cabins invite you to travel from a Scandinavian garden fest to the wonders of rural Montana. COMING SOON: Mystic View Cabins in rural Montana, USA, offer another kind of splendor, thousands of miles from Scandinavia. Our time travelers zip back and forth across the oceans, to sample the good life -- today in Sweden, and soon, in the Beartooth Mountains of Montana, where cabins near Fishtail offer solitude, natural wonders and a place to recharge and rejuvenate. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Wednesdays and weekends at: www.whereiscookie.com

The lavender flowers of the lilac are associated with refinement, grace, elegance and grief. Walt Whitman's poem, "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd" mourns the death of Lincoln. The poppy bloomed on much of the Western Front in World War I, and is a symbol of remembrance in the United States, Canada and elsewhere. PRETTY PETALS, SWAYING STEMS, BOUNTY OF BLOOMS ARE TREATS OF SUMMER Gran planted the thrift, this one "joystick red. What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet. --from "Romeo and Juliet" STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WHEN IT RAINS, we stay indoors and accomplish plenty: writing, repairing, tidying, packing for the next adventure. But when the sun's out in Montana, who can stay inside? Nature's call is seductive, with a bonanza of blooming wonders. Housework be damned. That can happen when it rains. Its time for Road trip flowers in Montana The iris has come to be a symbol of hope, valor and friendship When Mr. Sol shines, we answer the call. We drink in the fresh mountain air, stroll about the yard and admire the iris, peony, poppies, lilacs, columbine, daisies, snapdragons and bluebells. My grandmother Olive, a lifelong lover of flowers, quoted James Russell Lowell's "The Vision of Sir Launfal in this much loved poem: "What is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days; Then Heaven tries the earth if it be in tune, And over it softly her warm ear lays...So is my memory thrilled and stirred...." The columbine are spectacular this year The columbine are spectacular this year, It's hard not to be stirred and thrilled by a day in the Beartooth Mountains of Big Sky Country. Poets and historians, travel writers and nature lovers have waxed about Montana's beauty. John Steinbeck's homage is my favorite: “I'm in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love."And love it is for me. My paternal grandfather Gustav Nystul came West in 1912, purchasing property now known as the Beartooth Ranch between Columbus and Absarokee. He named it Sunnyside Ranch, and sunny it was. I remember lilacs blooming through spring snow, daisies in June, snapdragons in July, a haven of hollyhocks in August. John Lennon said "Love is the flower you’ve got to let grow” and those of us in love with Montana know that feeling. Buddha loved nature and its transformative powers: "If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly our whole life would change.” Remembrance is what we think of with the poppy Remembrance is what we think of with the poppy. Road trip flowers in Montana - I remember my grandmother's love of the sea pink thrift, a beautiful bundle of blooms, and her affection for the poppy. For her and other Victorians, the poppy was an enduring symbol of remembrance of World War One. Winnipeg born, Gran's strong ties to Canada were lifelong. She and millions of North Americans wore poppies on Remembrance Day. Lady Bird Johnson, championing her wonderful beautification projects said, "Where flowers bloom, so does hope." The iris, whose botanical name is iris xiphium, symbolizes hope. It is my favorite flower blooming this time of year. My grandmother said it represents cherished friendship and valor. She taught us that her beloved iris is the inspiration for the fleur-de-lis, symbolizing the royal family of France. A court jester's hat does come to mind with columbine. The columbine, she believed, resembles the hat of a court jester. Indeed it does. My late sister Peny named her only daughter Amarylla, inspired by her love of the amaryllis, a brilliant symbol of pride. The daffodils were waning when we arrived at High Chaparral, but I love that this flower indicates rebirth, new beginnings and eternal life. It also symbolizes unrequited love. I like to think, though, that we are worthy stewards of the land and that our love for Montana is reciprocated. Jake Shimobokuru is perhaps the most famous ukulele player. UP NEXT: Come learn the ukulele with us, explore its rich and fascinating history and discover how much fun it is to play Hawaii's famous instrument. The trusty little wonder of a stringed instrument came to the Islands with Portuguese fishermen and has become a much loved part of the allure of Hawaii. Most famous of its players today is Jake Shimobokuru. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each Friday for a unique take on travel, the arts, nature, family and more.

The soothing environment of La Casa del Zorro is designed with comfort and relaxation in mind, but there is plenty to do if you're an "active type." Something for everyone, since its 1937 opening. Below, sunset from La Casa del Zorro's pool area is a gorgeous sight ELEGANCE, AMBIANCE, NATURE MAKE A STUNNING, RELAXING RETREAT STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER STEP INTO a world of pampering perfection with artful touches at every sun-soaked turn. From left, Bruce Keller, Christene "Cookie" Meyers, with UK pals, Sue and John Speight. International visitors enjoy dinner at Fox Bistro, always a fun night out. This is your world for a few treasured days at La Casa del Zorro, a true find if you're looking for a place to unplug, enjoy and indulge your senses. The light is lovely in this jewel of southern Coachella Valley. Each sun dappled corner of this well managed place welcomes you to picturesque surroundings. You feel healthier the moment you enter the cozy yet elegant reception area where veteran host Mona or one of her able colleagues checks you in. The whole tasteful place is right out of a desert painting. Carefully planted cacti, palms and desert perennials grace walkways framed by subtle Spanish colonial architecture. Nature-inspired touches greet the visitor -- weathered stone, polished wood, showy seasonal perennials. Hotel La Casa del Zorro is a perfect place to hike, relax with a favorite book and beverage at the lap pool, or choose from a life-size chess game, horseshoes, bocci ball, croquet, ping pong, yoga, pickleball, tennis or shuffleboard. The spa has a fine reputation for its pampering. We brought our portable Scrabble game, but didn't have time, choosing a complimentary bike ride instead. Yoga instructor Paul, a native of Holland, at the gazebo where yoga is offered. Live music is often offered at dinner, here Cookie admires! As the day dwindles, an elegantly served meal awaits at Fox Bistro, often with live music. Earlier, you've enjoyed complimentary breakfast. Admire celestial wonders from a star-gazing theater or relax by the kiva fire pit. A DVD player and complimentary movies are yours, too, if you're not yet lulled to the arms of Morpheus by the calming ambiance of this unique and restful place. I BEGAN my day twice with a rejuvenating complimentary yoga meditation class. The resort's instructor is an amiable Dutchman, Paul, who has studied and taught this restorative mind-and-body art for many years. Lucky California to be the recipient of his talent, since leaving his native Amsterdam to settle near Borrego Springs with his business-career wife. He was the "frosting on the cake" -- a wonderful, calming treat during a perfect three days, one of many surprises and delights. Walking trails lead the way to tennis courts, a yoga pavilion, individual cabanas, desert plants. We visited with friends from England. They, too, found the resort a pleasure and spent several hours basking in their private poolside cabana, treasuring each sunny moment -- a treat after a soggy, chilly winter in their native Yorkshire. IF YOGA is not your thing, a game of tennis might be the ticket. Or simply stroll well marked nature trails. Enjoy a few hours with a good book by the immaculate pool -- or share a cool beverage poolside in your own cabana, using your complimentary drink coupon, a lovely touch. With a history dating back to 1937, the hotel has survived change and is flourishing. You're living a life of ease, comfort and relaxation. So enjoy it. Back inside your room, stretch out to admire desert inspired paintings and sculpture. Each guest room and casita is individually adorned with artwork and antiques. Artful appointments are part of the charm -- each room has unique pieces. The place is beloved for its understated elegance, superior service and artful decor. Bruce Keller and Cookie Meyers take to the desert on desert paths near the resort. It's a serene, get-away in the Anza Borrego desert is just a mile from the small friendly town of Borrego Springs. But it is light years away from the rest of the world as the only five-star resort in the area. Happily, the resort has survived several names and physical incarnations. A few years ago, the Zorro was lovingly restored by a dynamic investor-developer-hotelier trio. Jack McGrory, Casey Brown and Jack Giacomini blended contemporary convenience and amenities with classic desert architecture with a pleasing nod to nostalgia. A world-class golf course, perfectly manicured, is steps away at La Casa del Zorro. THE ZORRO opened in 1937 as a small desert lodge, evolving into today's world class resort. Through the years, Hollywood discovered it, and San Diego social and business icons hob-nobbed, golfed, sunbathed, swam, drank and dined here. Another view of the changing light, a constant pleasure. Ricardo Breceda's sculpture is nearby, another treat. Presidents Nixon and George H.W. Bush, actor Marlon Brando and others came, seeking the solitude and serenity that mark a visit. Noted sculptor Ricardo Breceda maintains a shop on the property and his whimsical metal creatures grace the grounds and surrounding properties. One of his friendly T-Rex creations greets guests! And a world-class public golf course is minutes away. Rams Hill is one of the most beautiful in the world, a spectacular $22 million Fazio desert course. And famed sculptor, Ricardo Breceda, has positioned dozens of his whimsical art pieces in the desert surrounding the resort. This is worth a few hours on its own, a lovely complement to the resort's artwork. "Keller and Cookie" learned about the deadly effects of tsunamis, in a recent visit to Hilo's Pacific Tsunami Museum. UP NEXT: It's nearing hurricane season as we visit a museum dedicated to one of the fiercest forces of nature, the tsunami. One of the only museums devoted entirely to this horrifying act of nature is in Hilo, Hawaii, and gives a fascinating overview of the deadly waves and damage they've done. We learned about the origins and causes of tsunami waves. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and explosions all have the potential to generate a tsunami. We found the museum riveting and hope you will, too. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, family, the arts and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Pit Stop Hawaii Food Truck is famous for its tacos and sliders and quick, tasty fare. The popular diner is a favorite with locals, and a favorite stop on Waikiki Secret Food Tour for its tasty shredded pork tacos. STORY By Christene Meyers Photos By Bruce Keller "The Carpe Diem Kids" Waikiki is famous for sunshine, surf, and that iconic stretch of sand along its famous Waikiki Beach. But beyond beach towels and catamarans lies another unforgettable lure -- the flavors of Hawaii. Waikiki stretches like a lazy afternoon. For us, in more than 30 visits, its charms are what attract other visitors from around the globe: sunshine, sea and fabulous food. Waikiki is an appealing stew of many traditions and influences, reflected and merged in a diverse culinary scene. The flavors are a delightful fusion of native Hawaiian ingredients, Asian spices, Portuguese contributions, local culinary techniques, showcasing the rich history of cultural exchange that defines the area. Wander through the bustling streets lined with palm trees and surf shops, where you’ll encounter everything from traditional poke to innovative fusion dishes. The vibrant markets and eateries offer a taste of Hawaii’s agricultural bounty, with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and locally sourced ingredients taking center stage. Lanterns and colorful landscape greet strollers and participants in the Waikiki Secret Food Tour, here at the Royal Hawaiian Center which is a collection of shops, boutiques, restaurants and familiar international brands. With breathtaking views of Diamond Head and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, a food tour of Waikiki is not both a culinary journey and a chance to immerse yourself in the spirit of aloha. We experienced the unique blend of history, culture, and cuisine in this iconic neighborhood, meeting new friends and creating memories in paradise. On our latest Oahu adventure, we joined a Honolulu Food Tour booked through secretfoodtours.com. We discovered great food served with culture, history, and the true taste of Waikiki one stop at a time. If you’re searching for the best food tour in Waikiki, authentic Hawaiian flavors, and hidden local eats near Waikiki Beach, here’s what we discovered. Why Take a Waikiki Food Tour? Waikiki has hundreds of restaurants, cafes and snack shops. It can be overwhelming. A guided Honolulu food tour takes the guesswork out of the experience and introduces you to places you might walk past, without realizing what you’re missing. With our savvy local guide, Stella, we explored hidden corners, learned about Hawaiian history, and tasted seven carefully curated stops each representing a different flavor of the islands. This tour is perfect for: First-time visitors to Oahu Food lovers wanting authentic Hawaiian cuisine Couples looking for a fun daytime activity Travel bloggers (like us!) seeking local stories Anyone wanting a break from cruise ship or resort dining We met near the beach, by a statue of the great Hawaiian king, David Kalakaua, a visionary monarch who restored once forbidden Hawaiian traditions and traveled the world. Then the 12 of us were on to a delicious “learning meal,” stopping along the Waikiki Historic Trail to admire and ask questions about other statues of Hawaiian figures who shaped the state’s history. Stella's knowledge of Hawaiian history greatly enriched the tour. 1. Chocolate at Manoa Chocolate Food tour guide Stella serves samples to our international group, surrounded by an array of tempting chocolate treats. The popular business has been crafting bean-to-bar chocolate since 2010. Our first stop was at Manoa Chocolate, considered Waikiki’s best and one of the island’s most respected bean-to-bar chocolate makers. If you’ve never had Hawaiian-grown cacao, you’re in for a surprise. The flavors are complex fruity, earthy and richer than typical store-bought chocolate. Stella daintily distributed a half-dozen tasty samples of handcrafted chocolate made from Hawaii grown cacao, explaining how cacao is harvested, fermented, and transformed into chocolate bars. Why this stop matters: Hawaii is the only U.S. state that commercially grows cacao. Starting the tour here set the tour’s educational tone. Sure, it’s about eating, but it’s also learning how local ingredients shape island cuisine. Coffee at Island Vintage Coffee No day in Waikiki is complete without coffee, and Island Vintage Coffee delivered. Famous for its 100% Kona coffee, the café blends Hawaiian-grown beans with island energy. We sipped freshly brewed coffee -- our choice of iced or hot -- while learning about Kona coffee farming on the Big Island. Its smooth, low-acid flavor makes Hawaiian coffee a favorite of mainland aficionados as well as locals like our guide Stella. Island Vintage Coffee serves açaí bowls and breakfast plates, but our spotlight was on its expertly brewed java. Island Vintage on Waikiki offers pure Kona coffee grown on the Big Island, flavorful but expensive. Why it’s a must-visit in Waikiki: It’s central, iconic and a favorite for both tourists and locals. If you’re Googling best coffee in Waikiki, this place consistently tops the list. 3. Portuguese Pastry at Penny’s Malasadas Guide Stella steps up to Penny's Malasadas on Waikiki for mouth-watering samples of the Portuguese pastry, introduced to the island by fishermen and now a popular sweet for visitors and tourists alike. Having sweets before our main courses, we carried our coffees to enjoy with malasadas at the next stop. They’re an island classic, and our guide recommends Penny's Malasadas when asked for a favorite malasada haunt. Malasadas were introduced to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants in the 1800s, and have been a local favorite ever since. They’re warm, sugar-dusted doughnuts without a hole -- soft, often filled with creamy custard, chocolate or other delights. Tasty and irresistible. Cultural insight: Hawaiian cuisine is deeply influenced by immigrant cultures: Portuguese, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese -- all blending into the flavors considered local Hawaiian food. 4. Spam Bento at Musubi Cafe You can’t talk about Hawaiian food without talking about Spam, that World War II invention served in dozens of ways and flavored with every spice imaginable. At Musubi Cafe, we enjoyed a best Spam musubi bento, queuing up with locals to savor this staple. Locals love the iconic grilled Spam on rice wrapped in nori, seasoned with soy and ginger. We enjoyed the annual Spam Festival last visit where the salty, savory Spam shows its versatility in surprising ways. Don’t be skeptical. One bite explains why Hawaii consumes more Spam per capita than anywhere else. Travel tip: Musubi Cafe is affordable, quick, and perfect for beach picnics. Best Spam musubi in Waikiki 5. Spicy Pork Barbecue at Pit Stop Sliders Pit Stop Sliders sounds casual and it is, with delicious, reasonably priced spicy pork sliders and tacos, barbecue and other slightly smoky and delightful comfort food treats, served island style. Our fifth stop was a true hidden food gem in Waikiki, a favorite of our small, convivial group. At a modest food truck called Pit Stop Sliders, we sampled spicy pork barbecue slider tacos bursting with flavor, topped with a zingy salsa. The pork was tender, slightly smoky, and cooked in a sweet yet savory sauce. It showcased the modern fusion side of Hawaiian cuisine: traditional barbecue mixed with contemporary flair. Comfort food, island style. A delicious, refreshing "freebie" on the food tour includes a stop for strawberry lemonade. Why this stop stood out: The portion was generous, the flavors bold, and the casual setting, back from the street, was a hidden gem we’d have missed without Stella’s guidance. 6. Poke Bowl at Maguro Spot Maguro Spot serves an award winning poke bowl -- colorful, with plenty of ahi, so fresh and flavorful. No Hawaii food tour is complete without poke and Maguro Spot serves what many consider the best poke bowl in Honolulu’s Waikiki. At Maguro Spot, our fresh poke bowls reminded why this dish has become globally popular. Fresh ahi tuna, salmon, blue marlin and shrimp choices were delicately seasoned and served over rice – brown or white -- with an optional variety of sweet and spicy sauces. Hawaiian poke focuses on quality fish and balanced seasoning. Maguro Spot was a tour favorite. Stella explained how each dish originated. In poke’s case, native Hawaiians seasoned freshly caught fish with sea salt, citrus and limu (seaweed) to create what has become a culinary “must-try.” For delicious, well seasoned poke, locals recommend Maguro Spot on Waikiki. Local tip: For the best poke in Waikiki, freshness is everything. Maguro Spot delivers. 7. Dessert at Island Vintage Shave Ice The lines are short and efficiently served at Island Vintage, a favorite shave ice shop on Waikiki. We ended on a refreshing high note at Island Vintage Shave Ice, Stella’s favorite. It's where she sends those requesting Waikiki’s best shave ice. By the way, it’s shave ice -- not “shaved” ice – another Hawaiian classic. Fine ice pieces are topped with tasty tropical syrups, sometimes finished with condensed milk or mochi. Our group enjoyed mango, pineapple, coconut, strawberry and other Island Vintage offerings, commenting on the rich, gourmet flavors and artful presentations. After six savory stops, this cool dessert was the perfect finale. Colorful and tasty shave ice is served on Waikiki's Secret Food Tour, here with mango and passion fruit syrups. Shave ice with many flavors of syrup is a must-try. The food tour wraps with shave ice, here mango and passion fruit, a tasty combination. What Makes the Secret Food Tour Special? Stella is a devoted Secret Food Tour guide, with extraordinary background on important Hawaiian figures, here Prince Kuhio, who did much to preserve and protect the Hawaiian culture for posterity. The Honolulu Waikiki Secret Food Tour isn’t just about eating. It’s about: Walking through Waikiki’s side streets Learning Hawaiian history – food, people, cultures Discovering Hawaii’s immigrant culinary influences Meeting small business owners Tasting local specialties in a single afternoon The pacing was relaxed, the walking and stops well timed, the portions ample and storytelling engaging. For visitors staying near Waikiki Beach resorts, this tour is easily walkable and requires no car. Waikiki Beach is just steps away from the food tour's many stops. Is the Waikiki Secret Food Tour Worth It? Absolutely. If you tried to taste this variety in a day independently, you would likely miss the cultural context and overlook hidden gems. You’d also spend time researching and might discover local favorites. With Secret Food Tours, everything is arranged and curated. You show up hungry -- your guide takes it from there. Tips Before You Go Come hungry Wear comfortable walking shoes Bring water Ask questions of the knowledgeable guides. Stella recommended bars, restaurants and stores as tour members asked specific questions. Book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons Final Thoughts from WhereIsCookie.com Bruce Keller and Christene Meyers like food tours because of the variety of stops, the opportunity to learn history and culture, making new friends from around the world and enjoying a variety of stops while getting exercise. Waikiki isn’t just surfboards and sunsets. It’s chocolate grown on Hawaiian soil, Kona coffee brewed steps from the beach. Portuguese pastries passed down generations. Spam reinvented. Fresh ahi sliced that morning. Hawaii's unique shave ice treats. Even after many visits, Honolulu's Waikiki Secret Food Tour gave us a deeper appreciation of Hawaii’s food culture, one bite at a time. If you’re planning a trip to Honolulu and searching for things to do in Waikiki besides the beach, this walking food tour deserves a spot at the top of your list. It’s a fabulous way to experience local culture through food. On many such adventures, Cookie and Keller find they’re not just tours. They are flavorful reminders that the best way to understand a destination is to taste it on a walking food tour. More information or to book: secretfoodtours.com UP NEXT: We're enchanted by Hawaii which we know well. We share our secrets and tips, taking readers on Oahu's top circle island tour run by E Noa. We'll visit a Buddhist temple, hit a world famous surf shop, view a battle sight, visit movie sets on a restful five-generation ranch, enjoy pineapple ice cream at Dole Plantation and discover the best place for shredded pork and stir fry. Also coming up are stories on southern Italy's boot tip and its fascinating caves, a salute to Route 66, Honolulu Zoo wonders, a glorious sunset cruise off Oahu, and money saving tips using CityPASS in New York, San Francisco, Seattle and more. E Noa Tours runs a highly rated Circle Tour of Oahu, as well as operating the popular Waikiki Trolley. Here, guide Turk visits with travel photographer Bruce Keller and writer Christene "Cookie" Meyers for at Dole Plantation. Remember to explore, learn and live and check back here often as we explore the globe. Sign up for weekly posts at our home page and let us know what you'd like to read about.

Dali pushed the envelope, liked layers, analyzed endlessly, admired Freud and created an astonishing museum in his hometown A monastery in Figueres, a town with centuries old buildings, pleasant restaurants, and a fascinating Dali museum. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" There are museums, and then there are experiences that totally reshape how you see art. The Dalí Theatre-Museum is firmly the latter. Designed by Salvador Dalí himself, this striking, eccentric landmark rises from the heart of Figueres like something out of a dream. From its iconic red walls crowned with giant eggs to its maze of mind-bending installations, the museum invites visitors into Dalí’s imagination -- where melting clocks, optical illusions, and unexpected symbolism challenge reality at every turn. A visit isn’t just about viewing art; it’s about stepping inside the mind of one of the most unconventional artists in history. WIDELY TRAVELED and celebrated worldwide, Salvador Dali always returned to the sun-streaked villages of rural eastern Spain. He was born and died in Figueres, where he also had his first art show as a teen-ager. And he chose this town for the showiest of his three Spanish museums. Dali's playful touches abound, even on this staircase with its looming woman, likely Gala, Dali's longtime promoter, wife and muse. The land of his birth was familiar and inspiring and Dali never lost his appreciation for the terrain. The sunny, craggy Costa Brava (wild or rugged coast) was particularly appealing to him and his wife and muse, Gala. She played a huge role in development of three museums maintained by a foundation named after the famous, flamboyant artist. On our Dali Museum Figueres road trip, we dive into THE 'TEATRE-Museu Dali" (Dali Theater Museum) it is a highlight of Catalonia and eastern Spain. The Dalis lived several decades in their beloved Portlligat home. The Dali House-Museum in Portlligat and Gala Dali Castle House-Museum in Medieval Pubol round out his triangular museum legacy. Prepare for an intriguing melange of Dali imagery and iconography that can only be described as fantastic. In "Atomic Leda," with Gala as the centerpiece, Dali disguised himself as a swan and fills the painting with mythological allusions. In "The Argonauts," the artist's talent and attention to detail can be seen: on the foot of one of the Argonauts are wings with gold, rubies and emeralds. Dali's "Persistence of Memory" takes on time, mortality and more. This Dali work is a clever trick -- two and multiple figures. Depending on where you stand,you see a different painting. Bruce Keller checks out Dali's museum in Figueres, a three-level maze and treasure trove of Dali's creations. "The Persistence of Memory," perhaps Dali's most famous painting, tackles the weighty issues of time, mortality, the complex issues of being human, and more. It is not in Spain, but in the Museum of Modern Art, MoMA, in New York City. If you can't cross the pond right now to view Dali's delights, he is represented in the Big Apple, and has his own museum in St. Petersburg, Florida! (Where he also re-visited his famous 1931 "Memory" painting thesis. AND THE drawers. Dali gave new meaning to "chest of drawers" and his drawers are a metaphor for the many layers and secrets he believed we all possess. An admirer of Sigmund Freud, Dali said, "The only difference between immortal Greece and our era is Sigmund Freud who discovered that the human body, which in Greek times was merely neoplatonical, is now filled with secret drawers only to be opened through psychoanalysis." Dali's museum pays homage to Mae West in an intricate, colorful three-dimensional display. Drawers reign in Dali's art. They're everywhere. Mae West's room (Dali was fascinated by the buxom, be-wigged and earthy actress) features the risque West as only Dali could create her: she's part jewels, part furniture, part paintings. Her lips are a couch and there's a staircase for viewers to climb and for new perspective. THE HUGE, beautiful ceiling in the foyer of the building -- a former theater -- features Dali and Gala flying to heaven, watching their own idyllic burial and boat trip to the next dimension. Wow! Dali's childhood in Figueres affected in his decision to base his museum here, where he staged his first show. For splash and dazzle, only a couple other Spanish names vie for the eye appeal: Pablo Picasso, of course, and Antoni Gaudi, who died in 1926 when Dali was not quite a teen. Dali said, "I want my work to be like a single block, a labyrinth, a great surrealist object. 'PEOPLE who come to see it will leave with the sensation of having had a theatrical dream." From melting clocks to dreamlike installations, every corner invites curiosity, making it an essential stop for travelers exploring northeastern Spain by car. Up Next: Gaudi's imposing LaSagrada Familia is impossible to miss in Barcelona's skyline. It is still under construction. Antoni Gaudi, considered an avant garde architect, had his own dream, for he is the magician behind the fabled La Sagrada Familia. Gaudi's passion for 43 years of toil on "The Holy Family" is a curious homage to geometric perfection and sacred symbolism. Barcelona's eccentric, still-under-construction cathedral is replete with pineapples and an elaborate nativity facade telling the story of Christ's birth and the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity. The massive undertaking is to be officially finished late in 2026, the 100th anniversary year of Gaudi's death. THE 12 apostles are not yet fully installed, but -- look upwards -- and sometime in the next few years, the cathedral patrons hope to complete construction. What would Dali do with those cranes? Perhaps he would integrate the last one on the site, maybe in a "sculpture" making use of the crane's natural cross. How could he resist preserving the crane as the integral part of the project it created. (Then again, what would the Pope think?) Between the bay and parador Aiguablava and the city of Dali's birth, Figueres, Spain, are farm land and castles. COMING SOON: Dali's love of light and landscape are shared by many Catalans, who farm, fish and frolic in land that their ancestors have lovingly tended for centuries. Have a look as we drive this lovely corner of Spain, aglow in winter sun with its furrowed fields and castles. THEN we visit a first-rate parador named after the most beautiful village in Costa Brava, Aiguablava. Its fantastic food, gorgeous appointments, glowing blue water and backdrop of pine trees make a relaxing yet exciting get-away. Then back to Barcelona, where we take a closer look at Gaudi's gaudy and extraordinary masterpiece. As our story draws to and end for now On our Dali Museum Figueres road trip Our minds explore and wonder Perhaps Dali and Gaudi are sharing a sherry and debating in the great "teatre-museum" in the sky. What do you think?? Let us know..... Remember to explore, learn and live and visit us weekly for a fresh look at travel, performance, nature and more, with tips and insights at: www.whereiscookie.com

Bruce Kemp Meyers celebrated life and shared his acting talents, despite chronic heart problems. Bruce Meyers played Daddy Warbucks in "Annie." The title role was played by Becca Barthelmess and Lana Fox Gribas played Grace. Warbucks and Grace marry and adopt all the orphans. Our Airedale Gandalf played Sandy the dog, also adopted by the new family. OVATION: A birthday salute for Bruce Kemp Meyers and his lively life in the theater STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS Photos from CM Archives, scanned and digitized by Bruce Keller "A LIFE in the Theatre" is a wonderful David Mamet play about two actors -- one young and on the rise, the other in his sunset days upon the stage. It is also a fitting moniker for the life of Bruce Kemp Meyers, who would have turned 78 on April 1. We had fun with his "April Fools Day" anniversary. We had fun in general. We knew our time might be limited. Bruce Meyers played Curly in a high school production of "Oklahoma" in his native Ohio. WHEN BRUCE was called for his Army physical in Cleveland, during the Vietnam War, he was already a leading man. He'd played several leading roles, including Curly in a Shaw High School production of "Oklahoma," and was performing in a string of musicals at Kent State University in Ohio. He was surprised but not unhappy to fail the physical. "The doctor listened to my heart, paused, stared at me, put the stethoscope back on my test, listened again and said, 'You have a serious murmur, but it may save your life'." Christene and Bruce Meyers, in a scene from Showstoppers" at der Schwartzwald Theater. That was in 1965. The malady was diagnosed as aortic valve stenosis: the aortic valve had narrowed, reducing blood flow, a sometimes fatal condition. Doctors advised monitoring it, which he did during graduate school and in Montana where in 1967 he took a teaching post in the English department at then Eastern Montana College, now MSU-Billings. Bruce Meyers, Karen Jackson, Lysa Fox in "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" at BST. WE MET in the classroom (I was his writing student), married in 1970 and didn't dwell on the problem until he felt increasing weakness. So early in 1976, doctors John Heizer and Hewes Agnew replaced the valve at then Deaconess Hospital in Billings. A few weeks later, he was cast in the lead of Tommy Allbright, in "Brigadoon" at Billings Studio Theatre. Hewes and his wife Susan Agnew sang in the chorus. All the time, he continued teaching writing at the college, a legacy that would eventually include three generations of grateful students. For us, the best of times were on the boards -- usually I playing piano and music directing and Bruce in a major or leading role. During a prolific period beginning in the 1970s into the early 1990s -- from "Brigadoon" and right up to his death while rehearsing "The Apple Tree," -- ours was a wonderful life in the theatre. We logged nearly 50 collaborations at BST, the Fox Theater, MSU-Billings, Gramma's Drammas and Der Schwartzwald Dinner Theater. Our efforts helped save the old Fox Theater, now the Alberta Bair Theater. BRUCE WOULD, I'm sure, be happy that I continued my creative life -- conducting and playing piano, traveling, teaching writing workshops and seeing dozens of plays a year. I believe he would like my third husband, Bruce Keller, and get a charge out of his moniker, "Bruce the Second." He and my second late spouse, William Jones, were friends; the four of us -- Bill and his wife Debbie and Bruce and I -- traveled a few times together before we both found ourselves single. I've written about the strange co-incidence of the names of my three partners: Bruce Meyers, William Jones, Bruce William Keller, and of the huge role theater plays in my life. Bruce Meyers, center, with three of the Kit Kat Girls in a 1977 production of "Cabaret" at BST. Above left small photo: Bruce and Christene in "Our Town," a "Save the Fox" fundraiser, 1979, at the Fox, now ABT. I THINK fondly of those hectic, fulfilling days. Often we'd be rehearsing one show, reading scripts for another and performing a third. I'd come home from a full day at The Billings Gazette, where I was film reviewer and arts editor, and Bruce would be upstairs grading papers after teaching at MSU-Billings. We'd grab something light to eat -- no alcohol until after the show or rehearsal. Then we'd head for the boards. DURING 17 performances of "Cabaret" at BST in 1977, it was so cold that the lines the emcee utters in "Wilkommen" rang true: "Outside it is winter, but in here, it it so hot! Every night we have to battle with the girls to keep them from taking off all their clothes. Who knows? Tonight we may lose the battle." Vint Lavinder and Bruce Meyers in "Man of La Mancha" won raves in a held-over production at der Schwartzwald. BRUCE WAS a trooper. For him, the old theater adage, "the show must go on" was a solemn oath. He was a professional: learned his lines, supported other actors, was early for rehearsal, never missed a show. Even when he was in recovery from his open-heart surgery, or in pain from hematomas and bruising, he was dependable. His damaged heart was huge. During rehearsals for "Good," Bruce's mother Dorothy, his biggest fan, was dying of cancer. It was one of Bruce's favorite roles, in a complex play about the conflicted feelings of a brilliant professor in Nazi Germany. Our dear friend Vicky Coffman directed. For weeks, Bruce flew weekends to his native Cleveland, Ohio, to visit his ailing mother. He returned from his final visit hours before she passed away. That night before the show in Petro Hall at MSU-B, Vicky came into his dressing room and offered to cancel. Bruce declined, but asked that the performance be dedicated to his mother. Vicky granted the wish, announcing it to the audience. It was flawless, with a standing ovation. LYA FOX, now teaching at Western Illinois University, as head of the BFA musical theater program, is one of many Bruce influenced. "He taught me so much. He had a beautiful, quiet confidence -- a dear, wonderful artist, supportive to everyone he worked with." At MSU-B, where he taught creative writing and English for 25 years, two annual scholarships each year honor Bruce's memory, helping English majors achieve their degrees. Contributions are welcome to the MSU-B Foundation. They still come in these many years later. I'm listening to "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning" now, thinking of Bruce as Curly and wishing him a happy birthday in that great theater in the sky. Break a leg! More info: https://msubfoundation.com/programs/scholarships/ https://www.collegexpress.com/scholarships/bruce-meyers-memorial-english-endowed-scholarship/2007501/ "Sweeney Todd" at Oregon Cabaret Theatre was a sell-out, before the pandemic, beautifully acted and directed. Below right, the warm and welcoming space in Ashland, Oregon, is a dinner theater cabaret setting. UP NEXT: For years, the Oregon Cabaret Theatre has been entertaining sell-out crowds in a beautifully restored church in Ashland, Oregon. Back in business after a brutal pandemic year, the Oregon Cabaret Theatre is up and running with an exciting season. Across from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Cabaret is part of our annual trek to Ashland, a worthy complement to the OSF and its three distinctly different theaters. We'll preview the new season, now underway. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each week for a fresh look at the arts, travel, nature, family and more. Please share the links: whereiscookie.com The Allen Elizabethan Theater at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland, Oregon, photographed during a tour. Ready for your next adventure? Discover more travel guides, tips, and hidden gems on WhereIsCookie.com

The Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres, Spain, sets the tone for a magical day, with its egg-topped facade. NOT ONE, BUT THREE MUSEUMS PAY HOMAGE, CELEBRATE DALI, INTRIGUE VISITORS In the heart of Figueres, the legacy of Salvador Dalí comes vividly to life in one of the most unusual museums in the world. The Dalí Theatre-Museum is more than a gallery—it’s a surreal experience designed by Dalí himself, where melting clocks, dreamlike installations, and bold eccentricity blur the line between art and imagination. Visiting this iconic destination offers travelers a deeper look into the mind of a genius who transformed an entire town into a living canvas. “Without an audience, without the presence of spectators, these.... would not fulfill the function for which they came into being. The viewer, then, is the ultimate artist.” Salvador Dali, 1959. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The Carpe Diem Kids Salvador Dalí Museum Figueres travel guide There are museums, and then there are experiences that completely reshape how you see art and the Dalí Theatre-Museum is firmly the latter. Designed by Salvador Dalí himself, this striking, eccentric landmark rises from the heart of Figueres like something out of a dream. From its iconic red walls crowned with giant eggs to its maze of mind-bending installations, the museum invites visitors into Dalí’s imagination—where melting clocks, optical illusions, and unexpected symbolism challenge reality at every turn. Visiting here isn’t just about viewing art; it’s about stepping inside the mind of one of the most unconventional artists in history MENTION Spain's flashy Salvador Dali and what comes to mind? Dali's "Soft Self-Portrait with Fried Bacon" was painted in 1941. The clock face melting off the table, the elaborately manicured mustache, the piercing eyes, a sense of regal daring in everything he did. Dali pushed the envelope in the art world and in his personal life. He teased, flirted, played. He made his audience think. He was a fine painter, capable of elegant representational work, but he achieved international attention through his splashy surrealist creations: “The Eye of Time” with its piercing and glittering clock face as eye. His own playful “soft” self-portrait, with bacon! An art lover is dwarfed by a gigantic female figure atop a Cadillac, with boat and palm. One of Dali's favorite cars lends mystery to the place. THE BASKET of bread, inching its way off the table is an apt metaphor for Dali. He walked a high wire in the art world, maintaining his balance when taking artistic chances. His partner and eventual wife, Gala, inspired his “Atomic Leda” and “Galarina,” for she was his lover, muse and soul mate, model for many of his fantastic and fanciful works. WHAT FUN he would have been to interview, perhaps in one of his lavish sculpture gardens, surrounded by antiques that he and his enthusiastic partner collected throughout Europe. DALI WAS born in a beautiful corner of rural Spain in 1904 and lived to be 85, spending his most fertile period with Gala, whom he married in 1958. Together, they created three museums. One was developed from a castle with elephant sculptures adorning a labyrinth of huts built by fishermen and woven together by the couple between 1930 and 1970. One of Cookie's favorite Dali sculptures in Figueres. VISITORS MAY enjoy myriad aspects of Dali’s life in all three museums, which emphasize his insistence that the visitor/viewer participate in the aesthetic experience by entering Dali’s eccentric world. Our entree into his world began in Figueres, with his enchanting brick and egg-festooned museum and theater. One enters through a massive courtyard with a Cadillac and giant female sculpture of a winged Venus. LIKE DALI, the figure is over the top. In many respects, the artist lived a “normal” life. He had one major, long relationship, stayed mostly in his beloved birth land, and cultivated passions for food, travel, theater and art. A detail from Dali's "Palace of the Wind" ceiling includes Dali himself. But “normal” obviously bored him, so his Cadillac sports a mythic woman, rising to greet the beyond. A palm tree holds up a boat. A woman’s golden locks are, upon closer inspection, dozens of corn stalks. From a close-up perch, a sculpture resembles a couch. But at long range it becomes Mae West’s lips. Each tableau intrigues. Cookie and Keller at Parador Aiguablava on the Dali trail. DALI DIED in 1989, but his legacy lives on through a foundation which preserves his work in the three splendid and lavish venues. In Figueres, the Dali Theatre-Museum, inaugurated in 1974, presents his broad-range of work in a “more is more” theme. From that imperious giant Venus figure with Cadillac in the courtyard, framed by the palm and boat, to the Mae West room and the world of Dali is opulent, glittery, energetic and fun! Come with us to visit the other two Dali venues! COMING UP: Dali's world offers the visitor a fascinating aesthetic experience, but museums are only part of it. Add food, sun, vino, antiquities as we travel through Dali country to a unique parador on the rugged Costa Brava. Dali's love of food and wine is explored through our own "taste tests" then we visit a 12th Century village which inspired Dali, and revel in sunlit pleasures of a remote corner of eastern Spain. Remember to explore, learn and live, and visit us This is just one stop on the journey find more destinations, itineraries, and travel tips at WhereIsCookie.com

Vintage autos from an impressive, world-class private collection, are wowing visitors in Malaga's auto museum. Cookie under-dressed - finds herself in a wondrous collage of color. Luxury meets art and fashion in Malaga's unique car and gown display. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER At the Malaga Automobile museum PICTURE YOURSELF in a sleek Bugatti or elegant Bentley, motoring to the opera or an exclusive cocktail party. Each of 10-plus auto exhibit areas is accented by vintage clothing, accessories, artwork and descriptions of the era in this artful museum. You must have the proper attire -- something elegant to match your fashionable transport. No worries if you were alive in the gilded era -- when autos were works of art, money no object, and wealthy men and women dressed to the nines. We spent a delightful afternoon in the museum-friendly city of Malaga, Spain, where one of its latest jewels is the fantastic Museu Automovilistico. Bruce Keller takes a close-up look and pictures himself behind the wheel - vrooooom, vroooooom, vroooooooom. Housed in a stately historic building, an old tobacco factory, the museum opened in 2010, drawing raves and shrieks of delight from both auto buffs and fans of fashion. THE MUSEUM houses the private collection of Portuguese car fanatic, collector and investor Joao Magalhaes. His impressive collection is valued at over 25 million euros, and is one of the most important vintage car collections in the world. The museum houses 80 vintage and modern cars, artistically arranged with fashionable gowns and unusual travel memorabilia from the Roaring Twenties, on into the 1930s, '40s and '50s. Finery and furbelows, flouncy, sleek, ornate and fun, are beautifully displayed at the museum. An elderly fellow tourist enjoying the museum during our visit remarked that the first car in the exhibition is so old it looks more like a horse-drawn carriage -- minus the horse. My husband pointed out its tiny motor, which put her into a reverie, remembering travel in her grandparents' car decades ago. WE FELT definitely under-dressed, a bit like misappropriated extras in "The Great Gatsby" as we wandered through nearly a dozen breathtaking displays. Each one artfully takes up a theme and an era -- Belle Epoque, Art Deco Thirties, Dolce Vita Fifties, English Tradition, etc. The variety of splendid attire would be the envy of any theater's costume shop -- from vintage apparel of our great-grandparents' youth, to more contemporary and timeless clothing. The cars follow suit -- from that early "horseless carriage" to an "alternative energies" exhibit with a space-age solar-powered model. While it is attractive it is not nearly as exotic, as the custom Rolls-Royce with its beautifully festooned crystals. Antique car and matching gown at the Malaga auto Museum Each display area showcases autos, along with artifacts, art and finery. In the Malaga Automobile Museum WE ADMIRED flashy cars with flames painted along the sides and powerful sound systems. We wandered by gorgeous autos owned by stars, royalty and the rich and famous -- Bugatti, Auburn, Bentley, Jaguar, Ferrari and Mercedes. We enjoyed bling on the costumes and bling on the cars -- lots of gold and plenty of sparkle, including a ritzy black Rolls-Royce customized with Swarovski crystals. The beautifully curated auto and fashion museum also boasts vintage posters and artifacts, nicely preserved -- polished collectibles from a bygone age. IN MUSEUM-loving Spain, Malaga is not the largest city. But it may have the most impressive variety of world-class museums. We visited about half of the bounty, including a first rate art museum which focuses on Andalucian art – the Museo Carmen Thyssen. Space age vehicles are also on view, with modern clothing and space wear. When we encore our Malaga trip we'll visit the highly regarded Wine Museum, where one can learn about Malaga’s own vintages. Besides the Malaga Automobile Museum, another impressive private collection resides in Malaga's Glass and Crystal Museum, which also features antique furniture and paintings, all arranged by period. Contemporary art lovers will enjoy Malaga's CAC (Centro de Arte Contemporaneo), Andalucia’s foremost cutting-edge space. NEXT UP: And we'll soon be giving a nod to Piccaso, native son, who is immortalized in both a beautiful museum and in his birth home. And soon we're enjoying close-up views of the beautiful grey whale. during migration in California The magnificent grey whales are migrating now and we've been watching them with wonder, off the southern California coast. More than 20,000 of the graceful creatures pass by our San Diego base, on a 10,000 mile journey from Alaska to the warm waters of Baja, Mexico. There they'll give birth and then make the return trip. We're on the scene to share the wonder, so close we can see the barnacles and baleen with which they filter food. Remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us each weekend for a novel twist on the arts, nature and travel.

Friends from the UK, John and Sue Speight, visited Cookie and Keller in Montana, where we took them exploring. We met on a Southeast Asia cruise from Hong Kong to Singapore, shared two weeks on the road and determined to keep in touch. They hope to return to the U.S. and we will visit them soon in their Yorkshire, England, home. Virginia Mock and Brent Morgan visited us in Montana after we spent two weeks together in the Caribbean. We met at a musical theater trivia contest and took them to Tippet Rise Art Center. FROM ISRAEL TO ENGLAND, NEW ZEALAND TO NORWAY, TRAVEL CONNECTS US WITH FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER OUR HAPPIEST times are when we're traveling, partly because of the newness and enrichment it brings, meeting like-minded people along the way. Bob and Sue Hulbert, left, traveled to Montana and we often visit them in Los Angeles. Bob and Keller explored Saudi Arabia together. We have also traveled together in San Francisco. Here we enjoy Disney Music Center. Friends. Global, curious, liberal thinking people we've met exploring Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East, the Far East, Europe, the United Kingdom and the Americas -- U.S., Canada, Brazil, Peru. Barbie and Tom Davidson, right, of New Zealand, joined us on Times Square in New York City for Broadway shows. We met in a chorus on a trans-Atlantic cruise. Cookie was pianist and Barbie conductor. WE HAVE a large, loving, fun-seeking circle of international friends and we've met them all on our world travels. They contribute richly to our lives, enhancing our perspective on the world, educating us in new ways, providing insight into their cultures and thought processes, priorities, family life, ideas and goals. When we lecture about travel, and share our stories and photographs, we remember with fondness meeting people with whom we've stayed in touch. Carlos Montero of Ecuador, met Keller on a scuba dive 45 years ago. Fred Fisher, right, shares our love of east Africa. Together for paella dinner. When we say, "You must come visit" we mean it. And if our new road-tripping friends invite us, we probably will do so, as we've done with friends in Norway, Israel, Australia and elsewhere. Jerusalem journey, Israel highlight WE'VE MET many wonderful couples on trans-Atlantic cruises: Yosh and Shula from Tel Aviv, Ronna and Larry from Florida, Michael and Doc from Washington, D.C., Virginia and Brent from Arkansas, Lawrence and Patrick from Sydney, Australia, Nam and Freida from Melbourne, Bev and Sidway from Denver, while exploring the Amazon, Barbie and Tom from New Zealand, John and Sue from England. Friends through cruising, touring and trivia contests are planning a reunion. And so many others. Our Yorkshire pals visited us last summer for a memorable trip through Montana's prettiest places, with a dip into Yellowstone National Park, Cody, Wyo., and Red Lodge. We met on a Southeast Asia cruise from Hong Kong to Singapore, took a sidetrip to Bangkok and prowled the hiking and bike paths of Vietnam together. Yosh Wichman and Bruce Keller at the Dead Sea. Shula and Yosh hosted us to a fabulous Israel tour. When we heard during dinner that Montana was on their bucket list, we invited them. During their visit, they extended an invitation to Yorkshire, and we'll soon be with them again enjoying the cathedrals, history and landscape of their beautiful corner of the world. Cookie and Shula Romero Wichman of Tel Aviv enjoy dinner in Las Vegas. Table mates on our cruise ship, the Speights, invited us to tour Bangkok with them, here in a tuk-tuk to the Grand Palace. OUR ISRAELI friends, Yosh and Shula Wichman, were our trivia buddies and fans of my piano music on a cruise through the Canary Islands with an Atlantic crossing. We met on a jeep tour of the craters of Tenerife, along with another adventuresome couple, Ronna and Larry Schultz. We've kept in touch and cruised and vacationed again with these friends, meeting up in Florida, the south of France and Las Vegas. All these friends are world travelers. Our mutual spirit of adventure, love of language, history the arts and architecture fuel our curiosity. We all share a hope for world peace and these similarities fuel our desire for travel. Yosh and Shula met our ship a couple years ago in Haifa and toured us around the wonderful country, a land I've visited multiple times. It was a magnificent two-day tour, from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. TAKE A CHANCE on new friendship -- join a table, say hello to the folks across the aisle, ask if there's room for you at the trivia table. It could be the beginning of an enriching new experience. Venice is captured from the rooftop of the Hilton Molino Stucky Hotel. UP NEXT: Venice is one of the world's most visited, photographed and written about cities. Come with us to explore the palaces, squares, cafes and museums, all of which make Venice so memorable and inviting. Take time to visit the outer "lagoon islands" while you're there, or if you're planning a trip for later this summer. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch a new post each week on travel, the arts, nature and family at whereiscookie.com

Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers relax on a Thanksgiving Day in southern Spain. TREASURE EACH DAY, APPRECIATE YOUR BLESSINGS, COOK & DINE OUT, & REMEMBER: TEMPUS FUGIT Cookie and Keller tried something new last Thanksgiving, when they took to a dune buggy on the sands near Cabo San Lucas, giving thanks for travel. Cactus ATV Tours offers a fun time on the sand. BE THANKFUL, SHAKE UP YOUR ROUTINE, MAKE A TURKEY WIGGLE, JUMP ON A DUNE BUGGY! STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Last Thanksgiving, we were in the Canary Islands for a Thanksgiving fruit drink here. A favorite Thanksgiving meal for us on the road is lamb skewers and a Greek salad, this one in Santorini. WE GIVE THANKS this week for our family and friends, for decent health, and being double-vaxxed and triple-boosted. We are traveling the world again after a rough run with the virus. As we look around the table -- counting empty chairs -- we realize how fleeting and precious life is. We vow to make the most of each day, to embrace the world with kindness and compassion, to help others when we can, to be gentle with ourselves. For sometimes, we're our own harshest critics. WE VOW TO appreciate and share our many blessings -- which we often take for granted. Warm clothing as winter approaches, beautiful stores in which to shop, the means to buy whatever we want. We're grateful for the pleasure of concerts and theater. The fun of cooking a meal together, or enjoying a dinner out. These are joys and advantages we don't take lightly. The delight in art, the pleasure in sharing a meal are two of humanity's most basic and rewarding rituals. SO ENJOY the shopping, preparation and serving of the meal -- whether in your own home, or with friends and family. Do something new to spread the thanks this holiday. Consider that sharing our bounty of food can be an important part of the holiday. Volunteer to help feed the homeless. Or if you have a single neighbor or friend who might be spending the day alone, make a plate for him or her or invite the person over. You'll be amazed at how much it means. When you make dinner, consider incorporating a favorite family recipe handed down to you. That ties the meal in with the memories. HERE, BY special request, is my dear creative Gran Nystul's famous Turkey Wiggle recipe: Gran's Thanksgiving turkey was chosen to be large enough for her tasty "Turkey Wiggle." Turkey wiggle: made of the leftover turkey, rice or noodles, pepper and tomatoes and black olives. Gran Nystul's Weekend Turkey Wiggle delighted family and neighbors GRAN NYSTUL'S WEEKEND TURKEY WIGGLE 2 lbs (4 cups) leftover turkey meat, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 c turkey or chicken stock 1 l/2 c uncooked white, brown or wild rice or 3 cups uncooked noodles 1 can (14 oz) chopped tomatoes or three fresh ones, diced 2 medium chopped onions (optional two cloves of diced garlic) 1 green or red pepper, chopped 1 c green olives and 1 c black olives, chopped ¼ c pimentos, chopped 8 oz mushrooms, sliced and sautéed in butter or olive oil (if using canned, drain juice but save to moisten casserole) 16 oz package frozen peas, mixed veggies, peas or corn 1 can of mushroom soup or cup or so of leftover turkey gravy (Gran improvised; use what you have, be creative. That's the beauty of "wiggle.") PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees. Combine ingredients in large saucepan, bring to brief boil. Transfer to buttered casserole, cover with foil, bake 30-35 minutes until liquid is absorbed but casserole is still moist. Top with croutons or crumbled leftover stuffing. Sprinkle with grated or shaker cheese-- gouda, gruyere, parmesan, sharp cheddar are fine. Delicious with a spoonful of chutney, salsa or cranberry relish. BTW, historians tell us the turkey feast probably did not derive from the Pilgrims who may or may not have eaten the bird for their "Thanksgiving." They probably ate venison, and they'd have used their fingers. Gran would not have approved of that! Casa Mila -- La Pedrera -- is a monumental, magical place with inspiration from Gaudi's visit to Mount Monserrat. NEXT STORIES UP: We're off to Las Vegas for holiday shows, then on to Barcelona. Put these two contrasting and engaging cities on your bucket list. We love Sin City, and Spain's most lively town. Vegas is the brainchild of Bugsy Seigel and Antoni Gaudi was the architectural genius who left his mark on Barcelona. So come to the Vegas Strip then Gaudi's showy Casa Mila and Casa Batllo. We feature the Vegas Bugsy couldn't have imagined and the Barcelona Gaudi created. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live. Catch us weekly for a fresh spin on entertainment, travel, the arts & more. Get yourself in the holiday spirit at "Rouge," an exciting new show in Las Vegas, with flashy lights, sexy dancers, gorgeous bodies, festive costumes.