SOUTHERN EUROPE'S SOPHISTICATED CAPITAL CITY HAS MUCH TO OFFER Somewhere over the rainbow is the delightful city of Lisbon, Lisboa in Portuguese, awaiting your discovery. This stunning view is taken from a second-story room in the renowned Altis Belem Hotel in the Belem district, near famed Belem Tower. A stroll from the Altis Belem Hotel took our travelers to nearby Belem Tower. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER AH, WHAT a lovely city. You may want to start with a tourist card: Using the Lisboa Card in Lisbon is one of the easiest ways to explore the city Unlimited Public Transportation Ride Lisbon’s metro, buses, trams, and even trains to Sintra and Cascais without buying individual tickets. Free Entry to Top Attractions Skip extra fees at major sights like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower—huge savings for first-time visitors. Exclusive Discounts Get 10–50% off museums, tours, restaurants, and shopping across the city. Saves Time No waiting in ticket lines or figuring out fares—just tap and go. Easy and Stress-Free Perfect for navigating Lisbon’s hills and neighborhoods without worrying about transport logistics. Great Value for Sightseeing Pays for itself quickly if you visit just a few major attractions and use public transit regularly. Includes Day Trips Covers trains to popular spots like Sintra and Cascais—no extra ticket needed. Ideal for First-Time Visitors Helps you see more of Lisbon in less time with maximum convenience. The Tagus River meanders through the Alfama, or old quarter, urging walkers to follow it, and soak up the sights, sounds and smells of centuries of progress, a horrible earthquake and more explorers per capita perhaps than any small country. Old and sturdy, with exciting new buildings going up, Portugal is proud of its maritime tradition and its knowledge of the sea. The museums of Lisbon celebrate the rich history and culture of this Portuguese capital city. The Maritime Museum is perfect for families who adore all things nautical. My partner, Keller, was fascinated. We went back a second day. The museums focused on everything from Lisbon's rich maritime past to decorative Portuguese tiles, and everything in between A wooden ship in the Maritime museum is said to be a replica of Vasco de Gama's. THERE'S A FADO museum paying tribute to the national musical form, and other gorgeous museums, hidden gems with colorful artwork, tucked in the corners and streets near fun restaurants and inviting squares. To appreciate the city’s dramatic stone architecture, take a guided walking tour. It will point out the fascinating Maritime Museum, one of the most important in Europe, evoking Portugal's domination of the seas. Its colossal 17,000 items are installed in the west wing of Jeronimos Monastery, and include model ships from the Age of Discovery and onward. The oldest exhibit is an beatific wooden figure from a ship said to represent the Archangel Raphael that accompanied Vasco de Gama on his voyage to India. Lisbon is rich in sculpture. LISBON IS as fascinating and cohesive as other larger European cities, with its gorgeous architecture and beautifully preserved old quarter. The city fairly glistens in its prime seaport spot. Lisbon's gothic and Romanesque cathedral features many tombs, including Vasco DeGama's. One of Europe's most unsung and least visited cultural capitals, Lisbon is often overlooked in favor of Paris, Rome and the Scandinavian capitals. Altis Belem hotel's amenities are world class, including fine beverages. BUT THERE is so much to do in Lisbon you might plan a week. In only a few days, one can a lot of Lisbon's art and sailing lore. Many of which turn out to be those glorious large and small museums, churches and castles. Almost everything is made more affordable by the purchase of a Lisboa Card, offering free and discounted admissions to dozens of activities including the Metro. With its people welcoming, proud and polite, the nicely dressed Lisboans are eager to serve up a meal of seafood or sausage, with a glass of port, for which Portugal is known. IMPRESSIVE monuments abound in Lisbon, many along the banks of the river. The monument to the "Discoveries" is one of our favorites, where Prince Henry the Navigator sits at the helm of an enormous marble ship's bow. The Discoveries monument in Lisbon is a stunning ode to exploration. It honors Portuguese explorers who contributed to the country's famed "Golden Age of Discovery." Seeing it is a must, along with a visit to the serene Jeronimos Monastery. Don't miss the Golden Gate replica and the enormous Christo Rei Statue across the river. We strolled to Belem Tower, from our hotel. Built in the early 16th century, it is a prominent example of the Portuguese Manueline style, with hints of other architectural styles. The structure was built from lioz limestone and thus withstood the earthquake that leveled much of the city. The Alfama offers many unique sights, including this door. OUR RECENT visit featured a stay at the Altis Belém Hotel and spa, a five- star design hotel in Belém, walking distance to the castle and overlooking the Tagus River. This unique hotel makes clever use of Lisbon's Golden Age of Discovery, complete with 50 themed luxury rooms and five suites. Beautiful paneling and locales visited by Portugal's daring navigators and explorers take the traveler to Mauritania in Africa, through India and Japan, and even across the Atlantic to Brazil. You'll also enjoy the gourmet treats from Restaurant Feitoria, where we had several late suppers and beautiful buffet breakfasts. The Spa is highly recommended, although in our full five days, we didn't have the time to get there! COMING SOON: What fun to live in the west and be part of an exciting stewardship program. Stillwater Protective Association is having its major fundraiser today and we'll share the goods with you Wednesday. Plus coming soon: Travails of building a major addition. It takes skill, talent, elbow grease and patience. Do our travelers have that? At least one of them has all four. The other lacks a couple of the imperatives. Remember to explore, learn and live and visit us Wednesdays and weekends at www.whereiscookie.com The Stillwater Protective Association maintains a "good neighbor" credo.

Tagus Cruises offers an appealing variety of sailings off Lisbon's lovely shores. Here, new friends from three continents enjoy a morning sail around Lisbon's iconic monuments and bridges. SAIL AWAY YOUR TROUBLES & CARES ON CALMING PORTUGUESE WATERS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The striking, monumental Padrão dos Descobrimentos -- Monument to the Discoveries-- stands 170 feet tall and is a major attraction by land or sea. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers at the marina ready to board Tagus Cruises for a "double header." IF YOU want a few hours away from it all, and love being on the water, you'll find no more relaxing outing than a sail with Tagus Cruises in Lisbon, Portugal. Tagus uses a variety of sailing vessels -- from graceful sailing yachts, to sailing and power catamarans. Your choice. There are also appealing  options for small and middle-sized groups looking for a peaceful time on the water with someone else in the "driver's seat."  We booked a sightseeing cruise, then were so happy we signed on for  a second cruise to enjoy the spectacular Lisbon sunset.   PRIVATE CHARTERS are also available, and booked regularly by locals.  We sailed on our first Tagus outing with a working couple from Lisbon, and a tourist couple from Australia.  The locals were celebrating a quiet day in their home town by taking a sail. Tagus Cruises is easy to find on the marina near Altis Hotel. Lisbon Tagus Cruises has a popular following among businesses, as well as the tourist trade, and with faithful locals who love being on the water and sharing their city's architecture, beautiful statues and bridges. OUR CAPTAIN  honored the Tagus promise to show off Lisbon's famous bridges and monuments.  First, he made certain we had a close-up view of Lisbon's Christ statue, patterned after the famous, larger Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He spent a good 15 minutes giving us a splendid view of "Cristo Rei," one of the most iconic monuments in Lisbon. The statue of Christ stands high above the southern banks of the Tejo Estuary, which we also viewed.  It is teeming with protected bird life and ranks as the largest wetland in the country and one of the most important in Europe.  Our nature loving crew explained that it is also a sanctuary for fish, mollusks and crustaceans. WHILE GETTING  unique views of the bridges, beaches, even the industrial area, we learned a bit about Lisbon's colorful history. It is one of the oldest cities in western Europe. Like many other European cities, it has been home to many and varied peoples and has seen its share of war and conquest. After the region was settled by the Celts, it was founded by those well traveled Phoenicians around 1200 BC, making it 400 years older than Rome. Passing under Lisbon's beautiful bridges. These highly educated people established a settlement called Ulissipo, becoming successful merchants, traders and colonizers until they were conquered by the Greeks and Carthaginians.  As a thriving capital city of Portugal, today's Lisbon maintains its strategic geographical position at the mouth of the Tagus, the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula and the river from which the cruise company takes its name. Lisbon TAGUS CRUISES earns its reputation for excellence. Besides being well maintained, its boats are new, shiny and small enough that we never felt cramped or crowded.  We had the run of the vessels on two separate outings with spectacular, smooth, sight-filled experiences on the water.  Best part:  we actually sailed on both outings, a pleasure since the winds were just right and we motored only briefly. SAILING   HAS  become one of my favorite  hobbies, since my lifelong sailor partner introduced me to it 16 years ago. Here are some of the reasons we love to sail: Being on a boat slows down time and helps one ponder. On a sailboat, we truly feel we're "getting away from it all." Lisbon's sights are muted and lovely on a sunset cruise. Sailing also offers the opportunity to learn.  It's fun to watch the crew man -- "and woman" the ropes and sails. Just watching, I've learned much about the technical skill and expertise necessary to be a good sailor. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers on a sunset cruise, framed by Lisbon architecture. As mentioned, we liked our morning sail so much that we booked a sunset sail for the next day.  Again, we tied it in with the excellent Lisbon City Card and convenient "hop on, hop off" bus connection.  A Tagus cruise also includes a beverage and the crew offered beer, iced tea or soft drinks. Don't forget: you'll want to tip the crew. A reasonable tip is 10 or 15 per cent of what you paid. Prices range from a reasonable 25 Euros for the one-hour tour on up to several hundred Euros for private  charters, if you're feeling flush or want to treat 15 or so of your favorite people. Remember the Lisbon city card will save you Euros, wear and tear and help with myriad museum admissions. We recommend the 3-day card. We can't wait to return to one of our favorite cities -- in a favorite part of a country we've come to know and love. More information on Lisbon, or to book: taguscruises.com   visitlisboa.com   Cookie eyes the camera with a still warm bag of freshly roasted peanuts from Lisbon's delightful market. Fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meats and a large offering of Portugal's famous port wine are sold. UP NEXT: "Taste Porto." While we're in Portugal, we move north to Porto, where we sample local a tasty variety of local dishes -- including the country's famous cod.  We also take you shopping in a beautiful market and learn about Porto's rich history, architecture and culture. We play a piano in a centuries old restaurant, and buy a bag of freshly roasted peanuts. We'll even share a recipe for a delectable Portuguese sausage and bean stew.  Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, the arts, nature, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com Please share the link

Entrepreneur Pedro Ribeiro, right, gives Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers a private tour of his unique art museum, a converted manor house and hunting lodge in Portugal. ART MUSEUM, PARK, LIBRARY, CAFE, WITH FILM, PHOTOS,PAINTINGS, SCULPTURE, COLLAGE, MEDIA ENTICEMENTS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Plants enhance Casa Sao Roque Centro de Arte, inspired by French and Belgian architecture with a nod to Porto decorative arts. Porto's Casa Sao Roque offers BOLD SPIRITS and colorful personalities of both past and present greet visitors at Casa Sao Roque Centro de Arte. The long gone owners of the splendid home in Porto, Portugal, left their mark. But the man who salvaged and renovated the building as it slid into neglect is the primary influence on the elegant home that greets the contemporary visitor. Art connoisseur Pedro Alvares Ribeiro fell in love with the one-time hunting lodge, built in 1759 by a wealthy Porto merchant. A former banker turned art collector and philanthropist, Ribeiro had a vision of what the home could become. "Besides, I wanted to give something back," he said. "I've had a lucky life." A SUCCESSFUL banking career augmented an inheritance from his entrepreneurial professor father and a wealthy grandfather who presided over a flourishing port wine company. This good fortune helped Ribeiro purchase the home and lovingly restore it. "I have done well and been fortunate in life," he reflects, "so I had in mind a place to share beauty with others from around the world, a museum if you will, but with excitement -- with components to engage the senses." Besides booking impressive international changing exhibitions, he integrated items from his private art collection. "For years, I've collected pieces. When I first saw the place, I envisioned them fitting perfectly here." And so they do -- including 16th Century African chairs, eye-catching ceramics and paintings from his private archives. Ribeiro talks about his restoration project in the building's beautiful glass winter garden. The Warhol show includes the artist's creations as well as personal film, and other significant material from his art career. THE HOME has a stately feel, with beautifully crafted windows and elegant detail at every turn. Viewers admire elaborate metal work, polished wooden finishes and new stucco with an "old" look to perfectly match the original. Said my engineer-contractor-photographer partner, Bruce Keller, "It's a show piece for meticulous detail. Every room is unique." Every detail in the house is exquisitely designed. The elegance of the home has survived. Here the former dining room, now exhibition space, is painstakingly restored. In 1759 when the home was constructed, it was on the outskirts of Porto, a charming northern Portuguese town which vies with larger Lisbon for tourism. A four-acre park where gentry once hunted now attracts families. Porto's Casa Sao Roque was also Casa Ramos Pinto, and before that, was part of Quinta da Lameira, where the lord of the manor hunted. "It was typical of those owned by bourgeoisie and noble families from Porto," says Ribeira, explaining its various incarnations. Several more wealthy, noble names inhabited the place. In the 19th Century, it belonged to the family of Maria Virginia de Castro. In 1888, she married António Ramos Pinto, a well-known exporter of Portugal's famous port wine. They put their two fortunes together to improve the mansion, commissioning an intricate remodeling and expansion project supervised by distinguished architect José Marques da Silva. It took 11 years -- between 1900 and 1911 -- and included design of an elaborate garden, under the watchful eye of another well known figure, Jacinto de Matos. Immaculately restored and polished banister. That remains today, with carefully groomed camellia trees now over a century old. They are prized and cared for by Ribeiro and his staff. RIBEIRO IMAGINES life of the gentry in the day -- a small group of friends gathered at the manor house for dinner and a glass of port, to discuss art and politics, gaze at the rich valley below, watch wildlife and enjoy conversation as a pleasant breeze refreshed them. Perhaps they'd stroll the gardens, admiring the camellias, stooping to inhale the scent of herbs in the vegetable gardens, harvested by servants for meal preparation. Now, fast forward to 2023. Art lovers from around the world come to see the fruits of Ribeiro renovation. He's traveled the world to connect with fellow art aficionados, gallery owners and museum directors. As president and CEO of Casa Sao Roque, he books exhibitions to complement the building's unique architecture, art and history. On view now through Jan. 31 is an exhibit by Andy Warhol, famed American visual artist, film director, and producer. Americans know him as a leading figure in the visual art movement known as pop art. "Warhol, People and Things" is reason enough to visit the Casa, with an affordable admission under $10. The extensive exhibition focuses on Warhol and his influence across several generations of photographers, filmmakers, musicians and multi-media artists. We watched fascinating films with Ribeiro -- and admired works by Warhol, close friends and other contemporary artists from New York, Porto and Lisbon. The collaboration reached across the Atlantic to New York's Mishkin Gallery and Baruch College of the City University of New York. Ribeiro uses his international art connections to the museum's advantage. Also on view is the inaugural exhibition of one of his favorite artists. Ana Jotta's "Inventoria," is chapter one in a series of exhibitions devoted to the notion of Casa Sao Roque. A well stocked art library and pleasant cafe attract visitors for refreshment and reflection after they've toured the museum. The extensive Warhol exhibition borrowed from New York City galleries and museums. After a tour of La Casa Sao Roque, a Porto family enjoys beverages and dessert in a charming cafe and art book library. THE CASA alone is worth a trip to the exciting city of Porto. You'll find endless opportunities, diversions, and amusements in this northern Portuguese town which has been quietly garnering attention and attracting visitors from the southern Portuguese city of Lisbon. More info on the museum or to plan a trip to Porto: www.casasroque.art/pt/inicio/ www.portocvb.com www.visitporto.com www.portocard.city/en/ UP NEXT: Sailing the waters off the coast of Lisbon is an exciting way to spend a few hours. In a city famous for its bridges, Tagus Cruises offers unique sailing tours designed to show off the city's historic sights and famous bridges. We take you under the bridges and across the waters to the statue of Christ the Redeemer, and the historic Belem Tower. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, the arts, nature, family and more, at: www.whereiscookie.com Please share the link.

From the top: the Guggenheim Museum's innovative spiral ramp showcases its flowing, open gallery spaces. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS Photos By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City is an absolute must-see for buffs of both art and architecture. It stands out for its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. But its groundbreaking architectural design is an artwork in itself. The building itself is reason enough for a visit. Famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright considered it his masterpiece for its spiraling ramp which revolutionized museum structure. It took 13 years and more than $2 million to build the museum which is respected worldwide for its pioneering design and exquisite collection. The splashy, innovative artwork of Jackson Pollock is a draw among many treasures at the Guggenheim. Despite failing eyesight, Wright lived to finish the design, although the building wasn’t opened until after his 1959 death. Its unique shape broke away from traditional museum layouts, which Wright often criticized. His goal was to offer visitors a new way to engage with art. On our fourth visit, we explore how the museum’s design enhances one's art experience. We admire favorite artworks and changing exhibitions to more fully understand the museum's impact and influence on the art world. The Spiral Architecture and Its Effect on Viewing Art Wright defied conventional museum design by rejecting the idea of separate rooms and galleries. His continuous spiral ramp ascends gently from the ground floor to the top of the building, inviting visitors to experience art in a flowing, uninterrupted path. Students glean insight from a docent as they ponder a Robert Rauschenberg artwork. The museum is devoted to educating youngsters and school groups. Tourists from around the world and locals are devoted visitors, too. The spiral layout offers several advantages: Seamless Movement As we tour the artworks, we follow a natural path without backtracking, making it easier to view pieces in a logical sequence. Open and Light-Filled Spaces The central atrium allows natural light to filter down through the skylight, illuminating the artworks and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Unique Perspectives The curved walls and open spaces encourage viewers to see art from different angles and distances, enriching the visual experience. A recent spectacular exhibit by Rashid Johnson is typical of stunning changing shows at the Guggenheim. Current highlights through April include "Gabriele Münter: Contours of a World" and "Robert Rauschenberg: Life Can't Be Stopped." The museum is known for its cutting edge exhibitions, many debuting there. The Guggenheim Museum design is praised for its departure from the traditional boxed gallery concept. For us, this encourages an immersive and contemplative interaction with art. Key Artworks and Exhibitions Define the Guggenheim Museum Guggenheim had deep pockets and collected masterpieces from influential artists of the 20th Century. His discerning taste continues as the museum acquires groundbreaking 21st Century works which push boundaries and introduce new concepts in modern art. While we recognize Picasso, Pollock and Kandinsky works, we also learn about newer emerging artists. Here are a few of our "don't miss" pointers. "Woman with a Parrot" by Renoir (sometime called Woman with Parakeet,") is one of many treasures at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. We love returning to favorite painting while admiring new work, too. Stop to Admire These Iconic Artworks “Composition 8” by Vasily Kandinsky This abstract work exemplifies Kandinsky’s use of color and geometric shapes to evoke emotion and spirituality. “Woman with Yellow Hair” by Pablo Picasso A striking example of Picasso’s Cubist style, this painting challenges traditional representation through fragmented forms. Works by Jackson Pollock The museum holds several drip paintings by Pollock, showcasing his revolutionary approach to action painting and his famous "dripping" creations. We watch for Notable Changing Exhibitions which consistently grace the Guggenheim, introducing viewers to pioneering works created decades before various styles became mainstream. Ask a docent; grab a brochure. Do some homework before your visit. Changing exhibitions and artworks contribute to the Guggenheim’s reputation as a place where art evolves and challenges viewers. The Museum’s History and Its Role in the Art World Joining thousands of art lovers who have their photos taken on the ground floor of the spiraling Guggenheim Museum are Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller, collaborators on arts and travel feature stories. The Guggenheim Museum was Guggenheim's brainchild. He was a brilliant philanthropist, successful American industrialist and shrewd art collector. He wanted to create a space dedicated to modern art and collaborated with Wright in a design which broke from traditional forms to reflect the innovative spirit of the art it housed. For decades, the Guggenheim has played a vital role in: Promoting Modern and Contemporary Art It has introduced American audiences to European avant-garde artists and supported emerging artists worldwide. Encouraging Experimental Exhibitions The museum often hosts exhibitions that explore new media, interdisciplinary approaches, and global perspectives. Influencing Museum Design Its spiral design has inspired architects and curators to rethink how museum spaces can shape the visitor experience. The Guggenheim’s presence in New York and its sister museums in Bilbao, Venice and Abu Dhabi have made it a global cultural landmark. Each is unique. One of art's great collaborations is personified in the museum, a gift of philanthropist Solomon Guggenheim and created with his collaborator, famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright who considered it his masterpiece. How the Guggenheim's Design Shapes Visitor Experience We consider the world's Guggenheim museums far more than museums. They offer magical journeys, reflecting how funding from art lovers benefits the world. We arrive by boat for the Venice museum. In Bilbao, we take a taxi from the cruise terminal. In New York, we take a leisurely walk from our hotel through Central Park and start at the spiral ramp which encourages a slow, deliberate pace, allowing time to absorb each piece without distractions or "breaks" in the flow of more traditional galleries which separate rooms, periods and styles. Each of the four Guggenheims encourages contemplation of the building and its surroundings. The Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice is approached by boat and like her uncle's New York museum contains a priceless collection of paintings the family collected as well as new, cutting edge works. The New York museum's open central space creates a sense of connection between different levels and artworks. Visitors can look down or up the ramp, gaining a broader perspective on the collection and the building itself. This design also supports diverse exhibition formats, from large-scale installations to intimate paintings, making the museum adaptable and dynamic. Practical Tips for Visiting the Guggenheim in New York To make the most of your visit, here's what we recommend: Start at the Top We did what many visitors do: begin at the top floor and walk down the spiral. This is easier on the legs and offers a natural flow. Take Your Time The continuous ramp encourages lingering. Pause to view artworks from different angles and distances. Find your favorites and pause at newer, unfamiliar works . Use the Audio Guide The museum's detailed audio tours that provide context and stories behind key pieces. Check Exhibition Schedules The Guggenheim frequently changes exhibitions, so plan your visit around current shows that interest you. Visit on Weekdays or Early Mornings The museum gets crowded, especially on weekends. We try to arrive early for a quieter experience before tour groups and school expeditions arrive. The work of painter and sculptor Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-!919) was collected by Solomon Guggenheim and is an integral part of the New York museum he founded and funded. The Guggenheim’s Influence Beyond Architecture The museum’s design and programming influence how museums worldwide think about space and visitor engagement. Wright challenged the idea that art must be viewed in isolated rooms, showing us that architecture is intrinsic to the artistic experience. We love the variety and elegance of the Guggenheim and the way in which its diverse exhibits showcase many cultures and backgrounds. We leave talking about art’s role in society and its power to inspire change and make us think. Visiting New York's Guggenheim and More with CityPASS We use this wonderful pass to enjoy a discounted bundle of prepaid tickets for top attractions in New York and many other major North American cities. You save up to 50% compared to gate prices. The Guggenheim is one of five options in a CityPASS package. More information or to reserve: guggenheim.org or email: visitorinfo@guggenheim.org CityPASS is available for many major U.S. cities (we've used it in Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, Philadelphia and our own San Diego.) It's well worth the investment to save money and enjoy discounts at a variety of don't miss attractions. More information or to book CityPASS: www.citypass.com @citypass and #citypassblog Exploring the cave houses of Matera in southern Italy and learning their fascinating history are Cookie and Keller. Check back here often for tips, insights and ideas for improving your travel experiences worldwide. COMING UP, A LIVELY MIX: We're excited about our trip to southern Italy and the boot of the heel, where we rented a car and explored the mysterious cave houses of Matera and Puglia's wonders. This seldom visited corner of southern Italy fascinates us for its gorgeous olive groves, cave house restaurants, welcoming people and fabulous food. Then we're off to enjoy Oahu's splendors. Honolulu offers a food tour not to be missed, Waikiki Trolley's fun island tour awaits and Kualoa Ranch offers a fascinating north shore adventure for "Jurassic Park" history, jeep tours, horseback rides and zipline fun. Plus a world class zoo and a dive into Waikiki Aquarium where an rescued monk seal is now a beloved rock star. Remember to explore, learn and live and check back often for tips on gratifying travel worldwide. Please share the links, too.

CRUISE JUNKIES OFFER WAYS TO NARROW THE FIELD FOR THE FIRST-TIME OR INFREQUENT CRUISER Bird's eye view for cruisers: A circle of yachts, large cruise ships and pleasure boats at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Crystal's Serenity remains our favorite of 102 cruises on many lines. STORY BY CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER I'VE NEVER MET a cruise ship I didn't like. But there's a world of difference between the small, intimate vessels and the huge "city on water" mega-ships of the past years. We've had a half-dozen requests recently from first-time and novice cruisers wanting help in narrowing the field. This cave above Toulon, France, offered a gorgeous view for a small group. We hope these hints do the trick. YOUR OWN personality and preferences will play into your decision -- large or small, glitzy or low-key, dozens of activities or an atmosphere of "amuse yourself." First, consider the ship size and number of passengers it carries. These are useful barometers. Large ships are often called "floating resorts" or "hotels on water." If there are 2,500 or more people, expect plenty of activity and lots of hustle and bustle. If you're traveling with only a few hundred others, the environment will be quieter and usually more intellectual. But we've met plenty of smart people on large vessels, too. On a large ship, you can be anonymous and keep a low profile, seldom seeing the same people twice. Ships pause in southern Spain before navigating the Straits of Gibraltar. Small ships foster a more casual feeling. Conversations, quiet games and making new friends are evening activities, rather than the lavish floor shows, a night in the casino or bar hopping. You might be dancing to a jazz trio instead of a 20-piece orchestra. Your choice! Many small ships are modest. Other small ships pride themselves on lavishness and upscale service. PLUSES of a large ship: *Mega-ships have lavish nightly entertainment and revues, many bars and restaurants, fully equipped fitness centers with personal trainers, many machines and TVs. The beauty of harbors and the sea can be enjoyed on ships large and small. *Large ships may offer a selection of in-room TV options, including movies, announcements, tour previews, even CD players plus a mix of music stations. *You'll find a large cinema on most big ships, with first-run and recent films each day. *Seminars, lectures, classes, dance lessons, bingo and other games are offered on large ships. You'll never be at a loss for an activity. If you're single or enjoy socializing, you'll be able to participate in theme parties and masquerades and socials inviting other like minded folk. *If you fear boredom, a large ship might be a better choice for your first cruise. With dozens of activities a day, only the most jaded person will depart the ship feeling unfulfilled. *Shopping: If you like to shop, head for big ships. Many have floating versions of all the fine shops we have on land. Large ships also offer extensive duty free shopping and daily bargains. Smaller vessels offer a chance to explore smaller ports. *24-hour room service and en-suite dining are usually a popular item on big ships. You will also find a florist shop and other specialty shops where you can surprise your partner with a gift or bouquet sent to your stateroom. SMALL SHIP advantages: *I'm a reader. Small ships encourage reading and intimate conversation. No "casts of thousands." *Tours are usually small and expertly run, with distinguished professors and guest lecturers describing the ports in a casual environment. (Head for a large ship if you want a huge auditorium with destination images on a large screen.) But we've met lovely kindred spirits -- experts in history, the arts and archaeology -- on small vessels. The glitz and beauty of large ships, here Royal Caribbean, are a big draw. *Ports of call are generally more exotic and harder to reach in small ships. Because they can maneuver in intimate ports and harbors, you'll see new villages and towns. If you cruise a lot, the itinerary is not important! Rome, Lisbon, Amsterdam. All great, multiple times. If you're just beginning your travels, ports play a larger role. Smaller ships can get into more exotic places -- here Tenerife in the Canary Islands, in a small, eight-person touring car. *Barge and river cruising: These naturally call for smaller vessels. We've barged the Loire Valley, Burgundy and Champagne in France, and on the Thames in England. Once, on an eight-day tulip barge trip in Holland, we were with only one other couple, an older Argentine husband and wife. We became friends and kept in touch. But if you happen to book a small vessel with only one other couple -- and don't get along for some reason -- it could be a long eight days. This has never happened to us. A small port, such as this one in the south of France, may be more appealing than a large, busy port in a major city. But each has its advantages. *Small vessels such as Seabourn and Silversea offer luxurious treatment and a fine passenger-staff ratio. Crystal's Serenity offers two floors of Penthouses, gorgeous food and drink, great amenities and extras, and terrific, small tours. In the tradition of "you get what you pay for," the luxury lines cost more. *Besides offering a cozier atmosphere, smaller-size ships tout their unique atmosphere, promising unusual experiences, both on board and ashore. Activities may include kayaking off a wilderness island in Mexico, trimming the sails and climbing the rigging, or island hopping in the Greek Islands. Lisbon's delights include the Belem Tower, which Cookie and Keller visited before their Atlantic cruise. BOTTOM LINE: What suits your fancy? Full circle to our earlier advice: consider your personality and private life. If you long for the Cookie plays piano whenever and wherever she's invited -- on cruise ships and, here, at Montana Jack's. She'll be there tonight! open ocean but can't stand the thought of an all-night disco, dining with a thousand others, or queuing up to get off the ship in a congested Caribbean port, you'll probably want a smaller ship. But if you're a veteran cruiser -- and count me as a junkie -- you can have fun in the floating resort, too. You can learn to maneuver the crowds, read and take in the shows, and tailor the cruise to your own liking. Remember to explore, learn and live and check us out weekends and Wednesdays at: www.whereiscookie.com

Artist Aki Narita calls her room design "Geisha Goldfish" incorporating two favorite elements of the Japanese culture. Art floor celebrates Japanese culture -- book a hotel room to enjoy the view of your own art show The approach to Park Hotel Tokyo leads one through lovely gardens. A plaque in each art room gives details about the artist, here is Aki Narita (see above). STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Park Hotel Tokyo rooms: ONE ROOM feels like an underwater hideaway, with red geishas and floating koi -- giving the geisha's role in Asian culture an aquatic-laced nod. Artist Kazuki Mizuguchi's "Castle" room is underway, celebrating earlier days of Tokyo's famed Royal Palace in shogun time. Down the hall, an artist labors over an elaborate homage to the Edo Dynasty. His feudal Tokyo of the 1700s shows stately shogun castles with gold and glitter. The Aki Kondo room, "Ota fuku Face," cleverly incorporates the room decor, including mirror and lights, into the artwork. Another room celebrates the carp, while nearby the fleeting beauty of Japan's fabled cherry trees is transformed to walls and ceilings. Down the hall, the "LuckyCat" chamber celibates the feline's charm. STILL OTHER artful rooms feature dragons, sumo wrestlers, the horse, the bath house, Mt. Fuji, the ocean's bounty -- all revered in Japanese culture, and all artfully presented. Park Hotel Tokyo's unique art floor -- high above the city -- features 18 rooms created by individual craftsmen and women. The project is unique to Tokyo, and the world, as it celebrates the diversity, vision and excellence of a thriving city's artists. From tasty east-meets-west breakfast to evening cocktails, the Park Hotel's lobby is a relaxing gathering place. Hiroko Otake's "Cherry Blossoms" celebrates the culture's love of the tree. Park Hotel Tokyo opened in 2003 and several years ago took a daring, expensive step. It shows art in its lobby, on walls and in guest rooms. AS THE FIRST Japanese hotel affiliated with the international Design Hotels group, Park Hotel Tokyo integrates refined architecture and quality hospitality with unique interior design, sculpture, displays and huge digital, high-tech projected art shows. Each Design Hotel reflects its culture and place. Yuko Matsubra and Emi Sotome work with the project, initiated in 2012, and are proud of its unique charm, popularity and evolution. THE HOTEL'S in-house design committee reviewed applications, choosing artists whose work celebrates nature and the culture's gift for integrating it into life. "All four seasons are present in the rooms, with a variety of color and emotion," says Matsubara. "The rooms touch the beauty of the soul, and we hope refresh mind and body much as a museum visit does," adds Sotome. THUS FAR, 18 rooms on the 31st floor are completed. The entire floor will be done, attracting businessmen, and both Asian and western tourists to bustling Shiodome Media Tower in which the hotel is located (from the 25th-floor lobby, on up, up, up.) "Yokai" by artist Nobuo Magome celebrates folklore. We enjoyed the figures of supernatural powers, which are well known elements of Japanese culture. The art floor isn't the only attraction. Regular art shows are held in the hotel's lovely lobby, and the bar's and restaurant's presentations are artworks in themselves. (We enjoyed both Japanese and western breakfast with visitors from France, Ireland, Australia and other Asian countries.) We met a delightful Italian bartender at the chic, internationally popular bar, and sampled delectable Japanese pastry in the bakery. There's also a business center, gym and spa. PARK HOTEL is a quick walk from Shinbashi Station Close to both the famed Tsukiji Fish Market and much admired Tokyo Tower. We watched from our room designed by artist Nobuo Magome. That is when we weren't studying the whimsical ghosts, phantoms and apparitions in this charming art floor room. COMING UP: Sudden death is difficult, but when a young person is taken unexpectedly, the pain is both severe and shocking. Nine-year old Marlee Rebecca Cluff passed away during our visit this week to Mendocino County. We enjoyed our short time with this "old spirit" musical muse who sang big band tunes and knew the constellations. We knew Marlee through our nephew, James, and his partner, Kelle, who live on Purple Martin Farm near Point Arena, Marlee's home. She died after a heroic lifetime struggle with congenital heart problems. After many surgeries, her valiant little heart gave out. We pay tribute to Marlee and family next Friday. Our specialty is travel with a twist -- as we put a personal stamp on each situation we visit. Marlee Cluff sings at Purple Martin Farm near Point Arena. The gifted child died April 7, and whereiscookie.com pays tribute to her life and legacy next.

The art of "fado" or music of the soul is a time honored, intricate and emotional rendering of Portuguese songs with a melancholy theme, sometimes of lost life or love gone wrong. Guitar Museum Portugal 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. Guitar Museum Portugal 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. Guitar Museum Portugal (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. Guitar Museum Portugal The 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 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. Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller climb Sydney Harbour Bridge a second time and share its wonders. 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.

The new tower stands proudly where the Twin Towers were. The sound and sight of running water provide comfort and reminder to family, friends and visitors at the new Tower One memorial in New York's financial district. Each of the nearly 3,000 victims of the 9-11 terrorist attack is remembered with a rose on his or her birthday. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Carpe Kiem Kids THE HORRORS of September 11, 2001, will never vanish. But the beautiful new tower, sturdy stone slabs, soothing water and engraved names of victims help ease the pain of atrocities committed by terrorists on that sunny autumn day 20 years ago. We've twice visited the new One World Trade Center and are moved by the reverence people pay as they view the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, New York City. 9/11 Memorial & Museum One WTC is the tallest building in the United States, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and the sixth-tallest in the world. Its 104 stories tower a symbolic 1,776 feet above sea level, providing a symbol of hope for many U.S. citizens and people around the world. Bruce Keller pays his respects at the stone slab monuments in the 9/11 Memorial Glade. ONE WORLD Trade Center (nicknamed 1WTC) stands for the unwavering optimism of our country, which continues to look forward and dream big. The stone slab monuments, named the 9/11 Memorial Glade, recognize "the health impact of 9/11 that caused cancer, death and disabilities." Many have perished or are still suffering from their contact with smoke and toxic debris. As a reminder of the horror: On a perfect autumn morning, September 11, 2001, members of the Islamic extremist group Al Qaeda coordinated four attacks using hijacked commercial airliners in the United States. Four planes crashed, killing scores of innocent people going about their normal lives. Tower One stands a symbolic 1,776 feet high, representing American spirit. Family and friends of the martyred victims take photos or shoot film. First, the two iconic towers fell. The Pentagon sustained major damage from a third plane. A fourth plane went down in Pennsylvania, diverted by a heroic group of passengers. Nearly 3,000 victims lost their lives. Countless more suffered immediate injuries and long-term health issues. Memorials sprung up and lasted for months on the streets of New York. Visitors to the new monument also leave flowers and notes which are archived for the nearby museum. ON OUR SECOND visit to 9/11 Memorial & Museum a few weeks ago, we paid our respects in preparation for this week's solemn 20th anniversary of the attacks. We saw parents, children, spouses and friends gently touching the beautiful granite engravings, surrounded by flowing water. Many wiped tears. According to architect Michael Arad, the pools represent “absence made visible.” Although water flows into the voids, he said, "They can never be filled." The sound of the cascading water makes the pools a place of tranquility and contemplation separate from the bustling noises of the city. Names of the 2,983 people killed in the 2001 and 1993 terrorist attacks are inscribed on bronze parapets edging the pools. Nearby, the 9/11 Memorial Museum's permanent collection extends the moving experience. One sees an unsettling repository of material evidence, primary testimony, and historical records. Again, many people were weeping. THE 9/11 attacks changed America, and the world, forever. May we long remember. Consider CityPass, which gets you around in New York and many other venues the water, at bargain prices: Click here to book CityPASS UP NEXT: When the Fox Theater was built in 1931 in Billings, Montana, it was one of the last of the great art-deco Fox theaters built in the United States. It has undergone another transformation -- with more than $13 million behind the project. This weekend, lovers of live performance celebrate the remodeling and the building's 80th birthday with a grand, gala "reopening." Headlining the show is Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth, with a street party following. The Fox Theater may not look quite like it did in 1931, but the Billings, Montana, landmark is celebrating an expensive renovation. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each week for a fresh spin on travel, nature, family, the arts and more: www.whereiscookie.com. Share the link.

Trained historians and knowledgeable graduate students and professionals lead interested tourists to a series of both well known and undiscovered food and beverage haunts in "Eating Europe," located in a growing number of European cities. Here Alexander Nallin shares facts, fun and fanciful stories with a group of international foodies and tourists in London. Photographer Bruce Keller, left, and Cookie (Christene Meyers) sample fish and chips at Poppies, a legendary London eatery where Poppie himself sometimes appears. FOOD, FUN, HISTORY ON THE ROAD THROUGH GREAT CITIES IN 'EATING EUROPE' AND DELIGHTFUL TOURS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Carpe Diem Kids Best Food Tour Eating Europe COMBINES TWO favorite past times: sampling food and soaking up history in a new city. There promise: We give people a taste of Europe they'll never forget by exposing them to real food, people and neighborhoods. Our mission is to leave travelers with an unparalleled, non-touristy food experience in undiscovered neighborhoods of the world's most fascinating cities 5 star rated on TripAdvisor and Google in undiscovered neighborhoods of the world's most fascinating cities. Delicious cheeses from various European countries were offered at one stop. What do you call it? "Eating Europe." The delightful brainchild was designed to bring great cities to life through a combined experience of cultural immersion and culinary sampling, two mainstays in a visit anywhere. Best Food Tour Eating Europe guides are carefully chosen to have an interest in both the city's history and the foods served in all types of pubs, eateries, shops, bistros, cafes and more. The food stops are thoughtfully chosen to illustrate variety in each city. You can see their photos on their website and get to know them before the tour OUR GUIDE, Alexander, brought London's east end to life, regaling us with anecdotes and insights into kings, queens, scoundrels, lords, ladies and ladies of the evening. We began our combined gastronomic-history adventure near one of London's oldest and best known pubs, "Ten Bells." There, in 1881, Jack the Ripper hung out and lured his victims, all prostitutes, to their grim deaths. The tour was capped with a tasty wedge of rich chocolate pie served with cream and tea. London's restaurants, pubs and cafes serve up a medley, here a sandwich from Beigel Bake, a legendary restaurant is typical of Eating Europe's varied haunts: quality, history, fun. Our seven tasty and filling treat stops offered a pleasant mix, from a melt-in-the-mouth bacon sandwich, to a satisfying warm bread and butter pudding, nicely varied cheese plate, delicious fish and chips, a spicy curry trio, bagel with tender brisket and a wedge of sinfully delicious chocolate pie served with clotted cream and steaming Earl Grey tea. Eating Europe guide Alexander takes ten foodies and culture buffs through London's engaging and varied east end. The tour included schools, churches, businesses, charities and of course the food stops. Alex's stories enhanced the dining. OUR DINING companions were an interesting, international mix of professionals, students, retired folks, and a pair of honeymooners, celebrating their recent wedding in Ireland. We agreed that all the samplings were delightful and the itinerary well conceived. The order of the dishes fell comfortably into Alexander's lively comments. His scope ranged from the city's Roman days, when the first villas were constructed, to Henry VIII stories -- he built a military camp here -- to modern times and the neighborhoods' gentrification. Fabulous lamb curry was served along with a vegetarian offering and chicken dish at one of Eating Europe's nine East London food stops on colorful Brick Lane. Through Alexander, east London came to life -- it's his stomping ground -- and his free-wheeling commentary about theater, soup kitchens, churches, schools and neighborhoods was engaging. His territory is indeed rich with history. SINCE 2013, more than 25,000 guests have sampled Londo's Eating Europe tour. The fun walking-eating tours have been sampled by more than 150,000 people in the program's other cities. (Amsterdam's is on a canal boat!! Next for us.) We couldn't see everything in this huge London region known for its ethnic variety and tapestry of cultures. But we got a time-travel sampling, admiring trendy new neighborhoods, lively street art, brick offices, churches and an occasional mansion built in the silk trade's glory days. BETWEEN BITES, and cuisine-based conversation over four hours, we enjoyed historic architecture, artful graffiti and Alexander's well told tales. Brisk walking between samples helped us feel less like gourmands and more like gourmets as we visited markets, shops, bakeries, pubs and restaurants, usually meeting the owners or managers, which added to the experience. The murals off Brick Lane are part of the tour's fun. We were happy to find the streets uncrowded as we explored hidden alleys, listening to the history of each eatery. One legendary restaurant is famous for its bone marrow, tripe and "nose to tail" eating. We learned that our beloved "bagel" is really spelled "beigel" as Beigel Bake illustrated. Fabulous. The immersive Eating Europe concept was developed to combine fun dining with a city's traditions and culture. As promised, this was delivered with flair, obvious through Alexander's passion for the city in which he lives. He shared history, architecture, ethnicity in a nuanced educated but not preachy fashion. The beauty, art and variety of European bars and eateries makes the immersive Eating Europe tours a hit. The food-walking combo makes an enjoyable way to experience a new neighborhood. Eating Europe blends fun dining with lively history in European cities, with a focus on meeting "food folks." EATING EUROPE is now in nine cities: Rome, Florence, London, Amsterdam, Prague, Naples, Lisbon, Strasbourg and Paris. Expansion is underway so check out the website for updates on new cities. Thumbs up, tummies happy, for this marvelous eat-walk-smile touring venture. eatingeurope.com UP NEXT: While we're on the subject of great eating, come with us to sample rijsttafel, that magnificent Indonesian invention which originated in Southeast Asia and spread to Holland. The colorful meal is savored slowly and consists of a selection of spiced rice dishes and succulent small plates. It crossed the seas to the Netherlands because of the long interest of Dutch sailing and enterprise in Indonesia and is considered a specialty dish in Amsterdam. No place makes it better than Blue Pepper Restaurant. Come enjoy a look at the history and appeal of this intriguing and complex culinary invention. Come with us next week to sample rijsttafel, as Cookie is about to, first in line at Amsterdam's popular Blue Pepper Restaurant. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each Friday for a fresh spin on travel, nature, the arts, family and more.

It's "kangaroo communion" as Bruce Keller feeds two hungry critters at Lone Pine near Brisbane, Australia. We flew 7,513 miles to commune with these curious creatures in one of the world's largest and best run animal preserves, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.. CRUISE BRISBANE'S WATERS, WALK, TALK WITH THE ANIMALS IN AUTHENTIC AUSSIE ADVENTURE Plus a delightful, informative boat ride to get you there in sight-seeing comfort Brisbane's Mirimar II offers the best, most scenic way to get to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary It leaves from downtown Brisbane, making its way through the city and into beautiful woodlands STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Carpe Diem Kids WE'D HEARD STORIES of a relaxing boat trip to a place at Lone Pine where we feed active kangaroos and contented koalas. People remembered their time on the river to a world famous sanctuary in the suburbs of Brisbane. Those stories don't do justice to this marvelous place where critters are protected, loved and cared for as if they were royalty in a penthouse. One has to see it to believe it. The Koala and River Cruise and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary deliver. We booked the five-hour Koala Cruise excursion not knowing what to expect, but we'd read rave reviews and other travel writers endorsed it. The wildlife shows at Lone Pine are extraordinary. Here, a bird of prey has his eyes us as he flies close overhead. WE CLIMBED aboard the sleek and comfy Mirimar II. The Skipper was glad to see us as the boat had seen little activity since COVID and was just beginning to recover from the lapse of bookings and temporary curtailment. We settled in to perfect seats on the top deck for a fascinating narrated boat journey to the Koala sanctuary. Both Lone Pine and the boat that takes you there are treasures. While Lone Pine's title implies a focus on that sleepy resident of Australia's thousands of eucalyptus trees, the premier attraction is also home to dozens of contented kangaroos, shy dingos, saltwater crocodiles and a bounty of beautiful birds. Beautifully trained sheep dogs are in residence, too, along with stealthy birds of prey, who perform with skilled trainers in a breathtaking show. A mother kangaroo and her large joey seem happy to be among Lone Pine animal lovers. ONCE COMFORTABLY on board, with coffee from the snack bar, we traveled up the river a leisurely 20 miles to Lone Pine. There we disembarked and walked a brisk uphill trail from the jetty, up a tree-lined path to the sanctuary entrance. The Mirimar Koala and River cruise has been taking visitors to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for over 70 years and is a "must do" experience while in Brisbane. We cruised through Brisbane's historic landscapes, iconic attractions, pastoral scenery home to mansions, and interesting wildlife habitats. We were happy to listen to the entertaining recorded commentary, with occasional asides from the knowledgeable captain. We entered the sanctuary for nearly three hours to explore. Some people stopped for lunch at the cafe, but we'd brought our own snacks, so took off to study the trails and decide where to go first. WE HEADED for the kangaroos and weren't sorry. Lone Pine is the world's first and largest koala sanctuary. But first, we passed by 130 koalas, most of them snoozing with a few brought out for photos. We learned that the koalas have a light schedule, working only a few days a week and then for a couple hours at a time. They lead a pampered, well tended life. For under $20, visitors can hold a koala under the watchful eye of a trainer. The pretty creatures "work" on a revolving, pampering schedule are are not over-taxed. The kangaroo feeding was joyful. The pellets we purchased look like dog kibble and were nibbled gratefully up by the 'roos right from our hands as we stroked and talked to them. We walked among them, petting, smiling, watching them nurse their young. We enjoyed several shows, including a lively birds of prey show -- dramatic as two trainers coached the birds to fly back and forth, over our heads. The Australian sheep dog and sheep shearing shows were fast-paced and fun. Views from Mirimar are great with not a bad seat for gazing. We missed the platypus swimming but admired a giant alligator, complete with his trainer's affectionate allegory. Then lorikeet feeding -- more fun! The animal haven boasts 70 species of Australian native animals in a spacious natural bush setting befitting the world's first and largest koala sanctuary. The boat stays long enough to allow time for the changing shows and naturalist talks. Activities are spaced so that one has time to wander leisurely. LONE PINE is thoughtfully designed. Signs point to various trails and shows so if you're interested in the sheep dog or birds, you can be on time and find a good seat. Its 44 acres allow animal lovers to explore and find places of individual interest. Families, couples, student groups and singles looking for a nature-driven diversion are comfortable at Lone Pine. Cookie is thrilled to feed the 'roos. The unique restaurant and food service area are lined with koala cages so one can munch lunch and watch the sleepy critters at the same time. Occasionally, we saw one rouse himself slightly to snack, dreamlike, on a eucalyptus branch. One youngster remarked, "Look, mum, they poop in their sleep." Lone Pine has excellent signs and marks to guide you to exhibits, shows and place to place. ON THE RETURN voyage, our Mirimar companions savored our time in a magical place. The bar was open for beverages and snacks, as we motored past those stately homes with a capsulized commentary. Prices for both the boat ride and sanctuary entry range from $55 to a family ticket for $250 Aussie dollars. The handsome boat also does charters. MORE INFORMATION & tickets: mirimarcruises.com.au/lonepinekoalasanctuary.com/ BEST BETS: Anton Chekhov's masterpiece, with its elegant prose and stirring story, meets David Ellenstein's stylish direction of a dream ensemble in Northcoast Repertory Theater's thoughtful production of one of theater's great plays, "The Cherry Orchard." The story of an aristocratic Russian landowner returning to her family estate just before it is auctioned touches the heart and tickles the funnybone. The moving story of class struggle and life changes shines with both humor and poignant moments. The San Diego production is getting raves for its timely appeal. Although written 120 years ago, the timeless tale grips and stays, a complex study of social change and the intricacies of relationships. It runs through April 2 in this intimate, appealing venue. northcoastrep.org 858 481-1055 With the city skyline as a backdrop, Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller travel the waterfront of Brisbane, Australia. UP NEXT: We're off to fun, bustling Brisbane, then on to natural wonders in Katoomba, a gorgeous mountain town near Sydney where we feature a delightful hotel, Mountain Heritage Inn, to enhance your visit with spectacular scenery and first-class ambiance. First, the busy capital of Queensland, Australia, on the meandering Brisbane River. It's deeply connected to water sport, culture, nature and life on the river. This hip, modern-day city pays homage to its past in stately homes, parks and country estates. From free ferry rides to an animal preserve, rock climbing, botanical gardens, art galleries and kayaking, it's a town of many faces, moods and pursuits. Come with us, remembering to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, family, the arts and more, at: www.whereiscookie.com

A happy, well fed group of travelers and foodies finish a fun Savannah tasting tour,with guide Brenden Davis giving the enthusiastic group a "thumbs up" send-off. SAVANNAH FOOD TOUR OFFERS DELECTABLE TASTINGS, LIVELY COMMENTARY, HISTORY, FACTS, AND WALKING TO WORK IT OFF Food tour participants sweetened their day with tastings of delicious honeys at Capital Bee Company in Savannah, one of many colorful and tasty stops on the lively and varied tour. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" WE'RE FOOD tour junkies. We love tasting new dishes, dining in small, interesting cafes and restaurants, visiting places where the locals hang out. Christene digs into a double-fried pork chop with a tangy sauce. WHEREVER WE GO in the world, we try to work a food tour into our visit. We've sampled tapas in Barcelona, crab cakes and key lime pie in Fort Lauderdale and Key West, sushi in Kyoto and fish and chips in London. All on food and walking tours. Zunzi's is as colorful as its chicken sandwich has a double sauce with a four-letter-word that locals love to order. Our latest culinary adventure was in Savannah, where tastings ranged from a tasty chicken sandwich with two sauces at Zunzi's, to a satisfying double-fried pork chop, honey straight from the hive, a southern style taco with peach salsa, the best grits and shrimp we've sampled, and irresistible ice cream. A GOOD GUIDE makes a Savannah food tour work. Sure, the food is important. But having a lively, knowledgeable guide is the key to a successful, enjoyable tour where participants learn something about the city as well as its culinary offerings. Food served with fun and facts! We hit the food tour jackpot with our excellent guide, Brenden Davis. His genial manner, knowledge of Savannah's finest eats, and a keen sense of humor kept us amused while we tasted and strolled this historic and beautifully designed city. Davis has a background in radio and TV and is an experienced actor as well. Savannah's food choices range from hearty soups to beautiful salads with farm fresh produce. Here, a delectable shrimp and grits at 22 Square. Savannah Taste Experience is a perfect way to enjoy the city's finest and most fun fare, and learn something about the town. (Here a tasty chicken sandwich with pickle, tomato and lettuce.) FOOD, FUN, FACTS Savannah food tour experience is all its title implies. The "experience" began at Zunzi's, with Davis introducing himself and giving each of us a turn at introduction. Then a sketch of his own life and background -- he's from Detroit and broke with family tradition to eschew a law or medical degree in favor of radio, improv and comedy. Before we munched a delicious chicken sandwich, he gave us an overview of central Savannah and its art, architecture and history. Then we strolled to the other five stops, continuing our delightful culinary extravaganza. Besides the leisurely look around the downtown, the tour included a half-dozen of Savannah's most interesting eateries. BEFORE EACH stop, Davis offered casual commentary. Fancy Parker's Urban Gourmet, he explained, is famous for its made-from-scratch Southern-inspired food. It's an expansive, inviting space where locals and visitors come for addictive double-fried pork chops and other specialties for breakfast, lunch, dinner or late-night snacks. It's not all fried options; add beautiful salads, "she crab" and more. The place was originally an 1899 gas station. Then on to Capital Bee Company, which rose to local fame with its attractive array of honeys - more than 30 - all pollinated by Georgia bees on flowers ranging from the rare to the abundant. Tacos southern style are a Savannah favorite, Davis explained. The state's famous Georgia peach is the main ingredient in a spicy salsa gracing our tasty tacos at Java Burrito Company. 22 SQUARE offered the best grits we've tasted -- with a creamy butter and cream sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp. We returned the next day for dinner at this popular place, named after the nearby square, and a favorite eatery with locals. We enjoyed a dish of Leopold's Ice cream to end our gastronomic romp at Savannah Taste Experience Marketplace. The company offers several other tours besides the one we enjoyed. Each focuses on a different aspect of southern life, particularly life in Savannah. The tours include: Southern Fried First Squares Port City and Walktails Barbites (an inviting happy hour tour.) The enterprise also has a fun book, "Savannah Food: A Delicious History," available on Amazon A lovely complement to the food tastings is a chance to learn something about the history of charming Savannah. The tours are reasonably priced because the tastings make for a fine meal. The groups are kept small -- usually no more than 10 or 12. Prices range from $52 to $79, a bargain. We booked on line, or you can call: 912 221-4439 www.savannahtasteexperience.com info@SavannahTasteExperience.com Brenden Davis offers commentary, humor, history and fun food facts on a lively tour. Savannah's Mercer Williams House is eye catching and a much loved landmark, next stop at whereiswookie.com. NEXT UP: We continue our look at a city of grace and history: Savannah. It has much to recommend it, from lively theater and restaurants to a world class contemporary art museum and an abundance of homes with fascinating pasts. There's a terrific trolley, ghost tours and harbor cruises. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fun, fresh look at the arts, nature, travel, family and more.

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 at the Honolulu's Spam Jam fest, 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. Executive Chef Christopher George of Shorefyre is well known for his inventive dishes and philanthropy. Why not try creating a Spam specialty yourself" Here's a recipe for "Spam Loco Moco": INGREDIENTS: 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. Spam fest main street 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