Malta is an enticing, beautiful place, if you've been before, or have yet to go. Here near the Blue Grotto, a series of lovely caverns carved by the wind and sea. Malta is a friendly place, easily accessed from Italy. WRITE YOUR OWN TICKET FOR THE NEW YEAR -- ISLANDS, PARKS, CITIES BECKON STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER If you've considered a wildlife expedition, go on line and look. The options abound -- from Antarctica to Africa, the Galapagos and our fine national parks. IT'S FUN at the beginning of a new year to ponder then plan the next year or two of travel. Because we're on the road so much, we book our trips two and three years ahead. Most people work only a year or a few months ahead. For us, planning is part of the fun. We don't book according to what's "hot" although many people do. But it's always interesting to find out what's trending. Our homework often puts us ahead of the curve. American cities leading popular tourist spots list are New Orleans, and New York. Here, breakfast at "Nawlins'" Cafe du Monde. For 2019, the forecast for popular places are Cuba, Japan, Singapore, Italy (particularly Cinque Terre and Rome), Greece and Paris. Prague and London are on the "hot spots" radar and Sydney, New Orleans and New York are again predicted to be popular with tourists in 2019. Pearl Seas Cruises offers an enticing 11-day cultural tour of Cuba, with more ports than any other line, here Havana. FIRST, NARROW the field, make it fun for the travelers, whether couple, family or group of friends planning a holiday -- domestic or abroad. From the music, food, cars and culture of Cuba to the rain forests of Peru and Brazil to the fjords of Norway or New Zealand, here are basic considerations: * City, beach or countryside? Lots to do or quiet, chill time. Cruising is a great option. * Hot, cold weather? Beach, skiing, diving, etc. * New adventure or pure relaxation? Educational? Cultural immersion? The Venetian harbor in Chania, Greece, is not well known by Americans but is a popular holiday spot for Europeans. * Shopping, culture or the rush of discovery? If you like theater, shows, opera or concerts, consider places like Prague, London, Vienna, New York and Las Vegas. Architecture, antiquities? Think Rome, Venice, Petra. Cuba is opened up now and Pearl Seas Cruises has a wonderful expansive itinerary aboard the smart, small Pearl Mist. Cairo is slowly cleaning up its act after the political unrest of the past decade? Turkey is coming back on the radar after cruise lines pulled out. * Budget savvy or going for broke? Somewhere in the middle? * Who's traveling? Family, friends, partners, college buddies, boyfriend, girlfriend? Maybe you're traveling solo and want to meet people? * Independent travel, with room and time to strike out on your alone? Or do you prefer everything organized and pre-paid for you Las Ramblas in Barcelona is a vibrant, lively place for culture, food, music. * Off the beaten track to a "undiscovered" place, or a tried and tested destination? ALWAYS BE daring and creative, once you settle on basic preferences. If you truly want to see a place and can't coax anyone to come along, go solo. Put yourself out there and meet people. Look for singles-friendly tours. Or consider treating a niece, nephew, cousin, sib. Most cruises have singles happy hour every day. Think outside the box. If you have your heart set on Malta -- a clean, progressive and welcoming place with great food, pretty scenery and friendly people -- don't be put off if the flights are too high. Fly to Rome, enjoy, then take a connecting flight or ferry to Malta. Architecture, antiquities, history lure us back to Rome multiple times, here for a pause at the famed, restored Trevi Fountain. HIT THE library or book stores. Stock up on brochures, travel books, magazines. We keep a huge box of files, newspaper clips, magazine pieces with features on places of interest. We're big fans of Rick Steves and catch his helpful shows on Public Television. We also enjoy the Lonely Planet books -- and we hold out for the print edition, although Kindle is available. If you're "bucket-listing" remember the Seven Wonders of the World await. Colossus of Rhodes, Great Pyramid of Giza. Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Lighthouse of Alexandria, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Statue of Zeus at Olympia and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus. If you want to see the Amalfi coast as you've never seen it before, consider CBM Tours. The letters stand for Can't Be Missed and you'll truly not be sorry. You'll see little pockets of land and sea. UP NEXT: While we're in a planning mode, consider a tour. There are month-long tours, day trips, world cruises with all the details tended to. We've been enjoying day trips the past few years, and came upon CBM Tours on this recent two-month foray on the Mediterranean and in southern Europe. Expert guides with extensive history backgrounds guide in small groups with interesting commentary and the ability to swing off the road into a view spot like the one at left on the Amalfi Coast. Remember to explore, learn and live.

With her sails unfurled, the world's oldest still functioning sailing vessel will soon take to San Diego Bay. WORLD'S OLDEST STILL OPERATIONAL SAILING VESSEL MAKES HISTORY AT 155 YEARS OLD STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The beautifully maintained Star of India at sea. FOR AS LONG as I've been a part-time San Diegan, the Star of India has been a beacon on the waterfront. She's a beautiful sight to behold, built in 1863 on the Isle of Man, and with many miles around the world under her majestic sails. The mint-condition, full-rigged iron windjammer will make a sail in San Diego Bay and out around Point Loma. "Royal" is the operative word, for the Star of India is truly sailing-ship royalty. She spent the first of a many-decades career transiting the sometimes rocky seas from Great Britain to India and New Zealand, hauling freight and whatever else was trading. Years later, she became a salmon hauler on the route from Alaska to California. With her sails unfurled, Star of India is a gorgeous sight to behold on San Diego Bay. THE STAR of India was built in 1863 at Ramsey in the Isle of Man as Euterpe, a full-rigged iron windjammer ship. Sometime in the last century it was sold for a pittance to San Diego and languished in the harbor until 1957 when activists launched a movement to save her from further neglect. For the past decades she has sailed sometimes as often as once a year, with a crew of 60 and no more than 150 passengers. California recalls sailing's glory days Five years have elapsed since the last time Star of India sailed, so the opportunity to join her under sail this November makes for a unique experience Star of India is a lovely sight at night. On two days, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17 and 18, the Star of India sailing celebration takes place, including the rare opportunity to view the world's oldest active sailing vessel from aboard three other legendary sailing vessels. The trio of escort ships will join "Star" on the historic occasion as she sails through San Diego Bay and heads out off Point Loma. Guests may reserve tickets aboard the other vessels visitors find at the Maritime Museum for passage on: Keller was delighted to help keep the Californian sailing, since he has sailed for all his life and loves it! • Californian, the official tall ship of the state. • San Salvador, the 1542 Spanish galleon replica built in San Diego by staff and volunteers. • America, a replica of the historic yacht which won the America’s Cup in 1851. Tickets are $249 per person for all ages and includes a catered breakfast, lunch, drinks, and celebratory champagne. Each ship will carry an on-board historian to enhance guests’ understanding of Star of India, the history behind all vessels and the city's world famous Maritime Museum. Check-in is at 9 a.m. and ships will return to the Museum at 5 p.m. The San Diego skyline is the backdrop for the Maritime Museum. The museum sponsors many other activities and educational events throughout the year, including school tours and concerts. The Hausmann String Quartet is on tap Nov. 11, the weekend before the Star of India companion sail. The San Diego based quartet will play Haydn aboard the Berkeley, an San Diego's Hausmann Quartet is on tap, too. 1898 steam ferryboat which operated for 60 years on San Francisco Bay. It -- like the Star of India and Berkeley -- is a national landmark, also part of the city's proud Maritime Museum fleet kept largely afloat by a devoted group of sailing enthusiasts and volunteers. Space is limited and includes admission to the Maritime Museum. Haydn, known as the father of the string quartet, is an ideal choice for a pleasing afternoon in San Diego harbor. For more on the concert or Star of India sail, go to sdmaritime.org Cookie, left, and one Of Rome's top guides, Lucilla Favino. UP NEXT: Southern Europe beckons now that summer is over and it's off season. Come enjoy Rome and other wonders when the air is crisp, the streets are not crowded and the monuments are open and welcoming. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays for a novel look on art, travel, music, theater, nature and family. California recalls sailing's glory days

Malta's famed Blue Grotto is an enchanting series of caves accessed by small boats to the delight of worldwide tourists. Mesmerize: to entrance, dazzle, bewitch, charm, captivate, enchant, fascinate, transfix, grip, bedazzle or hypnotize..... STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Come have a bite, perhaps the catch of the day, with vino. MALTA'S MYRIAD CHARMS have an addictive quality. In five visits, I've found myself wishing we'd stayed longer, eagerly planning the next visit. This small but interesting Mediterranean country is less than 100 kilometers from Sicily and has many Italian traits, including a love of churches. Rabbits abound on Malta, so enjoy a rabbit stew. Nearly everyone speaks Italian, but Maltese is the major language, a pleasing blend of several tongues, including Arabic, because of the proximity to Africa. Other languages are French and English. The country's closeness to two continents inspires Malta's art, music, architecture, food and eclectic feel. Valletta at night offers a beautiful sail-out. Maltese society, striking architecture and 300-plus churches reflect centuries of foreign rule by the Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Sicilians, Swabians, Aragonese, Hospitallers, French, and British. THE FOOD is gloriously rustic -- a tasty blend of southern Italian meats and seasonal vegetables, with hints of north Africa's fabled spices. We tried the fish pie, lampuki, the rabbit stew, delicious bragiolie -- beef olives -- succulent soups and sheep's and goat's cheeses. The kapunata, a Maltese take on ratatouille, is not to be missed. The artwork is colorful and beautifully hand-crafted, reflecting the country's ancient, multi-cultural history and influence of both African and the European peoples. Maltese shopkeepers are genial and welcoming, as these two in Valletta prove. (We bought kids' t-shirts and a dress.) MALTESE history goes back to the dwindling years of the last Ice Age. The ancestors of today's Maltese came after Malta "broke apart." It was once a high mountainous land connected to Italy. But when the Ice Age ended around 10,000 years ago, the sea level rose and Malta became a group of islands. A few dozen centuries later, about 5,200 BC, Stone Age farmers from the neighboring island of Sicily spied an island across the horizon. They arrived in Malta in search of greener pastures and began to farm the land. FOR MANY centuries, the culture flourished -- with astounding temples and a peaceful, diverse citizenry. The lovely walled city of Valletta was established in the 1500s on a peninsula by the Knights of St. John, a Roman Catholic order. Its magnificent fortress grew on the arid rock of Mount Sceberras peninsula, which rises steeply and with grandeur from two deep harbours, Marsamxett and Grand Harbour. In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte took Malta away from the Knights on his way to Egypt. The French presence on the islands was short lived. The English, who were requested by the Maltese to help them against the French, blockaded the islands in 1800. British rule lasted until 1964 when Malta became independent --to the cheers of its population, estimated now to be an industrious, multi-lingual 437,000 people. With a land area of 316 square kilometers, Valletta -- Il-Belt -- is the tiny capital of this intriguing Mediterranean island nation. Malta's appeal includes ancient sculpture, colorful crafts, several hundred churches and a pleasing culinary menu. The citizenry is friendly and educated. MUSEUMS, palaces, cafes and grand churches dot the landscape and elders recall the Siege of Malta -- a military campaign from 1940 to 1942. The battle played a strategic role in World War II as Malta, then a British colony, pitted the air forces and navies of Italy and Germany against the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy for a decisive Allied Victory. Baroque landmarks include St. John’s Co-Cathedral, whose opulent interior is home to one of the world's most famous paintings, Caravaggio's masterpiece, "The Beheading of Saint John." Delos rises from the sand of centuries ago, a magnificently preserved relic. UP NEXT: Delights of Delos. The Greek island's stunning ruins include Doric temples, markets, an amphitheater, houses with mosaics and the iconic Terrace of the Lions statues. We took a boat trip from nearby Mykonos to spend a day among the ruins. The island's Archaeological Museum displays statues excavated from the site. It's worth a day trip to view the wonders and imagine life in a sophisticated village, deserted for a reason no one knows. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each Friday.

Toledo stands proud on the plains of La Mancha, a testimony to the possibility that three cultures can coexist in peace. HISTORIC CITY IS HOME TO ARAB, JEWISH, CHRISTIAN FAMILIES WITH CENTURIES OF HISTORY AND BEAUTY ALL AROUND STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Toledo stands proudly on the Tagus River banks on the La Mancha plains. TOLEDO APPEARS in the morning mist, like a mirage. Rolling hills of Castilla La Mancha make way to a majestic walled city here in central Spain. We see and feel the look of antiquity as we make our way up a series of six separate and very modern escalators.Spain is the world's number one tourist destination and one of the elements to insure this top rating is Spain's ability to balance new, modern buildings with revered ancient structures. Toledo is known for its enticing pastries, many almond based. EUROPEANS know Toledo as "the second Rome." On the banks of the Tagus River, it towers majestically heavenward. Toledo indeed is an ancient and proud city, known for its mostly peaceful merging of cultures. Jews, Christians and Muslims have long inhabited its winding streets and stunning vistas. Well worn stairs bring the tourist down to Toledo's plazas and churches. The square outside the Cathedral of Saint Mary in Toledo hosts celebrations, concerts and gatherings through the year. As capital of this beautiful region of Spain, it is also famous as the home of the well known Renaissance painter El Greco, or "The Greek." One of El Greco's most famous paintings is "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz," and we visited the tiny church of Santo Tome, where the painting holds court and thousands of tourists have paid homage. We couldn't resist a stop for pastry filled with almond cream. Churros, flan and chocolate filled buns are also famous here, as well as an almond flavored cheesecake Keller pronounced "fabulous." AFTER ZIPPING up modern escalators, we descended a series of well worn stairways, wending our way down to Toledo's squares, plazas, bakeries, craft shops and churches. Santa Maria la Blanca of Toledo is now a museum, preserved by the Catholic church. It was built as a synagogue in the 1100s by Moorish craftsman. Entering the Moorish Bisagra Gate and Sol Gate, built in Mudéjar style, we found ourselves in the bustling old quarter, where its Plaza de Zocodover is a lively meeting place. On we went to the church for a look at the El Greco painting, one of the most visited paintings in the world. We continued our leisurely walk through the town’s pleasant jumble of streets, down more stairs onto cobblestone lanes. Weathered façades weave Moorish and Spanish elements, testimony to the influences Toledo has embraced over centuries. Churches, paintings, history are part of the charm of Toledo. TOLEDO'S MOST unusual building was one that has served as synagogue, church and mosque. Muslim workers built it for the Jewish community under a Christian regime back in the 12th Century. Although designed in Moorish style, it incorporated Jewish symbols and the central arch with its lovely scallop design served to store the congregation's Torahs. Now a museum, it is known as Santa Maria la Blanca and symbolizes more than any other building the blending of three faiths as well as Toledo's surges of disharmony. For while Toledo earned the moniker "city of three cultures" the country's major religions did not always live in peace, as the building's moving history reveals. By the 1400s, anti-Semitism was gathering momentum and Jews were being persecuted throughout many Christian kingdoms. The synagogue was converted into a church, the Santa María la Blanca, with a lone Star of David the sole reminder of the building's earlier purpose. JEWS WERE given three options: conversion, expulsion or execution. Soon the entire Jewish Quarter was deserted. Jews left with only essentials, hoping their exile was temporary, and that they would soon return to their homes, businesses and comfortable life. The wait lasted generations. Our guide told us with great emotion of three tourists he has met from three continents. Generations and centuries later, the three hold their ancestors' keys to homes in Toledo. They pass them on, holding them dear as a sacred symbol of hope and faith. Flamenco is known throughout the world as a symbol of Spain. UP NEXT: Flamenco! Come join us to honor this colorful dance which has captivated the world through the centuries. A spiritual experience revered by generations and passed on through the centuries, we explore the meaning of the dance to Spaniards. So come explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays for a unique look at travel, the arts, nature, family and more -- on the road with Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce William Keller through whereiscookie.com

A misty blast of water from the whale's blow hole helps us see him, as our Hornblower boat moves closer. For sailors worldwide, the San Diego skyline is one of the prettiest. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THE AIR was crisp and fresh, the sun shone bright and our group of 200 aboard Hornblower was in the mood for whale watching. We were NOT disappointed! The Hornblower bar did a brisk business as nature lovers from Europe, Asia and North America cast off from San Diego Bay in search of migrating grey whales. A frisky dolphin dives near the boat to our delight. While we motored out, a lively commentary began with a capsule of the magnificent whale's life and travels, his breaching, "spyhopping" and mating habits. We followed the main channel past Harbor Island, Shelter Island, graceful yachts, sailboat races, our exotic submarine base, popular restaurants, the U.S. Coastguard Station, our Navy Base, and into the ocean, a scenic 40-minute journey. For us, it's a pilgrimage we make several times a season, a lovely way to enjoy whale watching as well as to admire one of the prettiest skylines and harbors in the world. San Diego's abundant pleasures include the opportunity to observe one of nature's grandest creatures close-up and we take full advantage as often as possible. We found this great grey near Alaska, where we also saw humpbacks. THIS TRIP, we saw about 10 grey whales -- in peak migration season -- each one about the width of a basketball court. Two of our sightings were of mating pods, three whales each. The greys often mate in a trio. We've seen babies with their mothers in April, heading north. But since the gestation period is 12 months, the ones we see mating these year will give birth next year. We'll be looking again in April for the mothers and calves. Keller took this photo last April, a thrill for both of us. Dolphins are also a delight on our whale watching expeditions. They frolic, jump and dive for us, enjoying their captive audience. http://youtu.be/8NjCuIetD3Y The whales know we're nearby and don't seem to mind. Some experts speculate that they are naturally curious and trusting, which could explain their near demise at the hands of the ruthless and greedy whalers of yore. These beautiful creatures travel at about five knots (about six miles per hour), so when a boat captain or passenger spots one, we slow down -- usually from five or six miles out, although we've seen them at closer range. Someone hollers "thar she blows" and gauges the direction off the boat -- 2 o'clock, 11 o'clock, etc. A mature gray whale heads into a deep dive. Their spectacular journey is over 10,000 miles roundtrip, for us, the best opportunity to view. We've taken whale watching ventures in Hawaii, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Polynesia and Iceland - but have never had better whale watching than right here in our own back yard. This year, we've been out only twice, not our usual half-dozen times, exploring the 70 miles of coastline in the migration path. Another grey whale "spyhop" off the coast of San Diego near La Jolla. It's prime whale viewing season. The gray whales start swimming south from Alaska in October, passing the coast off San Diego from December through February, and again in March and into April, when they head north. But it's not unusual to see a northbound whale this time of year. For as our captain said, "The whales don't have a time table. And it varies year to year, season to season." SO WE TRY TO catch the mighty grey whales coming and going. After spending time in warm Baja California waters so their young can grow strong and pregnant cows gain weight, they make the journey north again later in spring. This remarkable trip of 20,000 creatures represents the longest known distance any mammal migrates on an annual basis. Experts from San Diego's Natural History Museum enhance the trip with information and dialogue with curious passengers. Another whale watching adventure Wonders await aboard Hornblower's whale watch. For this Montana girl and my San Diego born partner, it is an extraordinary spectacle. In summer, the legendary blue whales -- the largest animals on Earth -- feed offshore the San Diego coast. Once on a summer cocktail cruise, we spotted a blue. We've also seen humpbacks, fin whales, pilot, minke and even killer whales off our gorgeous waters! www.hornblower.com View the Whale & Dolphin Watching Brochure Jeffrey Scott Parsons as Bobby Child is surrounded by a terrific tap-dancing ensemble in a fine production of "Crazy for You" by San Diego Musical Theatre. *************************** BEST BET: Magnificent tap dancing and winning Gershwin tunes grace Horton Grand Theatre, San Diego, in a satisfying production of "Crazy For You." The thoroughly fun, old-fashioned musical features snappy numbers performed with panache by a terrific ensemble, a well tuned orchestra, colorful set and a series of show-stoppers ala Busby Berkeley. Impressive season opener for SDMT, the lovingly crafted endeavor of producers Erin and Gary Lewis. Through March 3. sdmt.org Madrid's stately boulevards are handsome and inviting even in winter. NEXT UP: Madrid. Think elegant boulevards, baroque palaces and expansive, manicured parks. We take you to this exciting and historic central Spain city, renowned for its rich repositories of European art, including the Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velázquez and other Spanish masters. The heart of old Hapsburg Madrid is the portico-lined Plaza Mayor and we'll be there! Remember to explore, learn and live and visit us each Friday for a fresh take on travel, nature, the arts and family.

San Diego in spring is a sight to behold -- with blue skies, feathery clouds and a dinner or lunch cruise aboard Hornblower. "To what purpose, April, do you return again? Beauty is not enough." --Edna St. Vincent Millay STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Cookie and Keller welcome spring aboard Hornblower. SAN DIEGO offers many pleasures from world class theater to water sport and fine dining. Its year-round beauty is a huge plus, and it's at its finest in spring. Chief among San Diego's attractions for this Rocky Mountain girl is the gorgeous climate. Dry warm weather makes San Diego a "most desired" city. The beauty peaks now when many of our annual 30 million visitors call. Water and the nearby ocean provide sport, beauty, fine dining, viewing and fishing. So whether whale watching with Hornblower or enjoying a dinner cruise in November, hiking among desert flowers in March, relishing summer's bloom bonanza in June, balmy ocean breezes in July or holiday cheer in December, there is no "bad time" to visit San Diego. "America's finest city" deserves its moniker. San Diego is abloom. IT IS HOME to a large sport-fishing fleet, a major ball park, state-of-the-art cruise terminal, train travel and airport and many fine theaters including the world renowned La Jolla Playhouse, which sends productions to Broadway, recently its Tony winning "Come From Away." "Diana," a stunning new musical by the creators of "Memphis" is selling out. Another brilliant play, "A Jewish Joke," was developed by San Diego's inventive Roustabouts Theatre Co. and brilliant actor Phil Johnson. It opens soon off-Broadway, directed by North Coast Repertory Theatre's gifted artistic director, David Ellenstein. San Diego's sunsets are legendary, here above La Jolla. Camp Pendleton and its Marine Corps base bring money and people to the region and San Diego is homeport to a huge Pacific Navy fleet. Balboa Park offers a 1,200-acre urban oasis with welcoming parks, natural vegetation zones, green belts, gardens, and walking paths. It houses a variety of world-class museums, theaters, and the famous San Diego Zoo. Balboa Park dates back to 1915-1917, built for the Panama-California Exposition and the canal opening. La Jolla Shores beckons to tourists from around the world, here two youngsters from the Bay Area at play. ALTHOUGH we're only 1.3 million, San Diego boasts an abundance of lively neighborhoods and attractions: Gaslamp Quarter, La Jolla, Little Italy, Pacific Beach, Liberty Station and the impressive fleet of the Maritime Museum with impressive historic vessels, a submarine and the enormous USS Midway Museum. Find ethnic restaurants, fine dining, street food, craft beers, buskers and distinct flavors -- from Carlsbad and Del Mar to the north to Point Loma, North Park and Old Town farther south. ORIGINALLY named San Miguel, San Diego was discovered in 1542 by European explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who has a lovely lighthouse named after him. The gorgeous bay and San Diego were given that name in 1602. European settlement in San Diego County began in 1769 with Mission San Diego de Alcala. From 1821 to 1848, we belonged to Mexico until in 1850, after the U.S.-Mexican War when we became a state. The connection endures, through San Diego's immediacy to Mexico. Legoland beckons Cookie, her niece Amarylla, left, and kids Peny and James. We share an international border and Tijuana and San Diego are an international metropolitan area where visitors, including cruisers, travel south to enjoy luxury spas, beachfront resorts, golf courses, festivals, celebrations, colorful neighborhoods, and nightlife. Sports teams, even with the Padres gone north, are part of life here as is world famous Legoland, a huge family theme park. Add to that attractive mix research, manufacturing, biotechnology (Qualcomm and more) and world class medical centers -- including Scripps Green Hospital, where Keller received his liver transplant nearly two years ago. One can catch the Coaster in San Diego and take the train north to Seattle. Palm Springs offers a beautiful, relaxing or invigorating get-away. UP NEXT: Palm Springs has long been a haunt of the rich and famous. Come with us to see where Frank Sinatra and Liberace, Sammy Davis Jr., Loretta Young and many others escaped the pressures of Hollywood. Come with us to visit this picturesque city in the Sonoran Desert of southern California, known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses and spas. We'll visit the famous Tram and stars' homes with abundant examples of midcentury-modern architecture. Meanwhile, explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays for a fresh look at travel, the arts, family, health and nature.

Barry Manilow last week in Las Vegas, at 75, singing, playing, engaging with the audience. He returned to Broadway in 2019, to critical acclaim and will encore his popular Las Vegas Westgate show later in 2021. TOP TIER, VERY BEST ICONIC STARS STILL DRESS THE STAGE, TOUR, CONNECT WITH THEIR AUDIENCE EVEN INTO THEIR DOTAGE STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IN THE LAST few years, we've seen a host of aging entertainers in live performance venues. Each one was satisfying. All received standing ovations. In 2020, we joined a packed house at the Westgate in Las Vegas to watch Broadway bound Barry Manilow. Sprightly and now 77, he endeared himself with a generous 95-minute show, playing his own tunes and a Bette Midler does specialty performances, including this one at the Academy Awards. . Elton John at 72 still tours, and will return to his Las Vegas gig. Chopin prelude that inspired one of his hits. Bette Midler at 75 proves herself still "Divine." She gave three encore numbers, donned a mermaid costume and displayed her usual sexy chutzpah when we saw her at Caesar's a couple years ago. Mick Jagger, 77, couldn't quiet the crowd for the whistles and cheers at his desert concert in 2018. Cher, 74, rocked the Vegas house both times we saw her -- oozing charm with two dozen costume changes. She's planning a 2021 tour. TONY BENNETT headlined with Lady Gaga in a world tour at 90 and despite Alzheimer's, plans a 2021 concert tour.r Gordon Lightfoot at 82, Willie Nelson at 87, earn consistent ovations. Soon to turn 92, Bob Newhart's one-man comedy show charmed at Harrah's Rincon. Rich Little, 82, delighted us at the Laugh Factory in Vegas. Paul McCartney turns 79 in June of 2021 -- still composing and occasionally taking the stage. Elton John, a kid at 73, is still touring, although tapering back on his energetic Las Vegas shows. We're EJ groupies -- four times at Caesar's. Jazz pianist Marian McPartland was in her late 70s when she played a Billings, Montana, concert. Here, center, with writer Christene Meyers and marketing specialist Corby Skinner. WHY DO THESE aging stars continue to perform? Because they like it and we like them. They draw huge crowds, perform with enthusiasm, connect as they entertain. We've grown older with them, so it's charming to see them age gracefully, bowing to standing "Os." When we were coming of age, in the early days of rock and folk music, our parents were listening to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and the amazing Tony Bennett, whose popularity spans decades and generations. Rock and folk music were unifying cultural forces. Now those rockers and folk artists are growing older. But they still rock out, perhaps with a little more delicacy. Willie Nelson is still a crowd-pleaser. We see him at Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay here in San Diego, and 25 years after I interviewed him in Montana. With his signature red bandana, his throaty but tender style and self-deprecating wit, he's a joy to behold and still has the chops. At 86, Nelson's voice is weakening, but, he still picks a mean guitar and is sharp as ever. Willie Nelson in an interview during a tour that took him to Big Sky, Montana. He is Although she was a youthful "60- something" when we saw Angela Lansbury in "Sweeney Todd," she played Madame Arcati in "Blithe Spirit" when she was 91. She is 93. Tony Bennett plans a summer 2021 tour despite Alzheimer's. Who knows if he'll tour again, but he has a new record out. I LOVE seeing performers I grew up with, ones my parents and even grandparents loved. I had the good fortune to see Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole, Marian McPartland, Barbara Cook, Rosemary Clooney, Alberta Hunter and other greats. Seeing the marvelous Bobby Short twice at the Carlyle in New York was a highlight. He was in his mid-70s, still brilliant. The king of longevity is Bennett, who turns 95 in August and is just out with a new album. We've seen him five times (three times with Lady Gaga, twice solo). Magnificent. Ringo turns 80 in 2021. Johnny Mathis will be 85. Angela Lansbury was 62 when I saw the actress-singer take the Tony for her Mrs. Lovett role in "Sweeney Todd"; 30 years later, we saw her in "Blithe Spirit" in Los Angeles. Other legendary stars: Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Mel Brooks.... Leonard Cohen toured until a year before his death in 2016. McPartland did her wonderful "Piano Jazz" National Public Radio show into her 90s and was 95 when she passed in 2013. be 95. NEIL YOUNG, a mere 70, is still recording and performing. Bob Dylan, elusive at 78, continues to keeps a low profile as we know from his rejection of the Nobel Prize. Leonard Cohen at 77 was still touring, but ill health forced tapering back, to mostly recording. He died at 82 in 2016. I last saw Billy Joel when he was 66. At 70 now, he's still a kid. Rumors of another tour are out. It's not the money. Most are financially secure and could quietly disappear into a life of golf, travel, reading or lazing about. But they thrive on performance; they need the connection. THIS WAS obvious when we saw Manilow last week in his fabulous show. He did his hits, dressed the crowd, shook hands. Grace. That's what these veterans share. Bravo, brava. May it continue thus. UP NEXT: Montana is calling -- and we answer! Come with us to Big Sky Country, where the deer and the antelope play. We'll take a few side trips to Red Lodge, Livingston, Cody, Wyoming, and more, and share some of our favorite photos of real cowboys and the true wild west. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each Friday when we post a novel look at the arts, travel, nature and family. We welcome your feedback at www.whereiscookie.com

A men's bathroom in Singapore offers greenery along with sparkling clean urinals. Not all bathrooms abroad are as clean or nicely appointed. BATHROOM POINTERS WHILE ABROAD: KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN AND CHANGE AND PAPER IN YOUR POCKET Bathroom art is sometimes whimsical. Here we find a trio of famous artists out for a drive: Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo and a bloody Vincent VanGogh. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IF YOU'VE spent time abroad, you've likely experienced confusion while trying to answer the call of nature. Where to go when you have to go? You're saying to yourself, "I need a bathroom now." Your eyes have scoured the scene to no avail. Often in a strange place, you can't find a john, or when you do, you have questions. Maybe there's a turn style with a stern looking woman standing by. Do you pay her, and how much? Is there toilet paper? Unisex? How do I flush the damn thing? LOOK FOR signs. One might say "WC" (short for water closet). It will usually say "toilet." It's not a "restroom" or "bathroom" although we'll call them by our familiar names here. But abroad, those words are not widely recognized. At a WC abroad, you might find little drawings or cartoon figures of a man and woman. Signs might say "men and women" in the native language, so bone up on the language: Sometimes in Europe, asking for a "bathroom" will literally lead you to a room with a bath, and no toilet. Ask for "WC" "toilet," "bano" etc. Hombres, mujeres; männer, frauen; hommes, femmes; uomini e donne; madames, monsieurs; menn, umen; Etc., A few words of homework. This nicely decorated men's WC is in Provence. In Japan, we found this on a bathroom in a Kyoto restaurant: "men and umen." Nice to see the distinction because we don't read much Japanese. In Greece, we saw this sign: Άνδρες Γυναίκες so we've learned to recognize the Greek for "men and women." It never hurts to ask, or wait until the door opens and see who walks out or in. This toilet sign in Portugal made us laugh. Who knew people would stand? FORTUNATELY, most service people and many of the citizens abroad speak English. In many countries, it is compulsory in schools, but we always carry a Berlitz translation book and learn a few words and phrases in the native tongue. My college French helped a lot in Paris: "Où sont les toilettes s’il vous plaît?" always brought a smile and a friendly point to the restroom. But don't be offended if your best foreign language question is answered in English. Knowing a few words, though, always opens doors, wins friends -- and helps find bathrooms. A spotless toilet in a European hotel off the lobby. The more remote your destination, the less likely of widespread English, making it all the more important to know a few key phrases and words. SMALL-TOWN foreign toilets tend to be functional, reasonably clean, and tiny, often at the back of the shop or restaurant, or maybe up the stairs or down the basement. Remember: most of these places were around before modern plumbing. IF YOU ARE near a restaurant or bar, you may have to purchase something to use the restroom. Most cafes and restaurants will have a toilet for customers to use. This is usually included with a purchase and you'll might see a sign that says "customers only, no public toilet." So grab a chair and a drink or snack. It's "toilette" or "toilet." A bathroom is where you bathe. Some places allow non-customers to use the toilet for a small fee, in Europe, usually a Euro. Recently, in Provence, the waiter explained to four of us that purchasing a cafe au lait was expected in return for use of the loo. No problem. Four Euros each well spent. A few more tips, gleaned from years of travel: A men's room in the famous Sydney Opera House offers a view of the architecture while you relieve. *Always carry a few sheets of toilet paper or a tissue. Many foreign toilets don't provide it, or you'll find it out of stock. We take pocket-sized tissue packs in our backpack or my purse. And if you see a wastebasket near the toilet, you'll know the plumbing is likely fragile. Use it for your paper, instead of flushing. You'll find in some places with older systems, the paper is NEVER flushed down the toilet. I know, it's not the American way, but when in Rome....or China, or a beach on the south of France.... *IN OLDER hotels and restaurants, you'll sometimes find a pull string instead of a handle. In modern bathrooms, you may see a push panel above the toilet or two buttons or a large split button near the tank or on the top -- one for light flush, one for heavier. It's a water conservation method. Someone with a sense of humor decorated this toilet display, a urinal in Honolulu. The rule of thumb in small or older toilets or on a tour boat or bus: Don't put anything in the toilet that doesn't come naturally from your body. * PAYING to use a public WC is a European custom that annoys some Americans. We never quibble because the city or village is offering a service and water is expensive. Pay toilets are the norm at highway rest areas, train stations, and even at some sights — so keep your change for a john. Recently in southern France, we found a WC with a self-cleaning toilet seat and a spray for the floor. This classic "squat" toilet was in a unisex facility in a Turkish museum. * Often the toilet itself is free, but an attendant in the corner may sell sheets of toilet paper. A common sight is the tip dish by the entry. Many attendants leave only bills and large coins in their tray, but the local equivalent of a dollar is plenty, so don't be intimidated. But do smile and be polite. It usually helps. We've met many cranky toilet attendants so we try to be nice with a tip. Who can blame them? They spend their day in rooms of stinky toilets with people who often don't have change. Be kind and polite and leave a few coins. * We've noticed more and more unisex toilets abroad, recently in both South America and Europe. Some European bathrooms have shared hand-washing facilities for women and men, with adjacent but separate toilet areas. And some restrooms make no distinctions for gender at all. Again, when in Rome. Remember to ask for the toilet, or "le toilette." * Most European, Asian and South American toilets are similar to ours. But in remote places or on the beach, you might find a more rustic facility. It might consist simply of porcelain footprints and a squat-and-aim hole. Sometimes they are in the shape of a urinal, but built into the floor. Keep in mind that many of our fellow humans sit on their haunches to use the bathroom. Some cultures call these "Turkish toilets," probably because they are commonly found in Turkey and that part of the world. Be flexible, polite, carry change and paper, and plan ahead. And of course, the rule of thumb: if you see a toilet, use it, even if you don't think you need one. Salvador Dali was eccentric from childhood into his final days. Here, near the end of his unusual life, he posed with his favorite cane. ON TAP: Hello, Dali! If you're intrigued by the imagination and eccentricity of Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali, come to his homeland with us to visit a trio of museums dedicated to his art, life and passions. We step inside a castle he bought for his wife-mistress-muse, Gala, and spend time in his own home on the seaside of northeastern Spain. Finally, we revisit his enormous museum in Figueres, where he was born and grew up. Then more art is in store: New York's famous Museum of Modern Art, and Barcelona's Gaudi homes, Sagrada Familia and an update on the Getty Center and Getty Villa, which closed because of the fires. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on the arts, travel, performance, nature, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Norwegian Cruise Line's colorful design carries through inside, with lively contemporary art and many other enticements. NCL's Spirit, anchored off Santorini, brought cruisers to land in comfy, efficient tenders, offering great photo opportunities of ship and shore. ALL ABOARD NCL FOR FREE-STYLE FUN, RELAXING CRUISE, ENGAGING PORTS, PRETTY SHIP, TABLES FOR TWO NCL's colorful ships make mid-priced cruising attractive to sailors such as this column's photographer, Bruce Keller. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A balcony aboard NCL's Spirit offers a lovely view of passing sights and cozy reading corner for Christene Meyers. SUN. JOY. Bliss, Sky, Jade, Pearl, Star. Those are NCL ship handles, and they lured us their way for a cruise aboard the Spirit. Aboard NCL's Spirit, seasoned travelers "Cookie and Keller" enjoyed dining, a table for two, top shows and terrific land tours. AFTER MORE than 100 cruises on ships large and small, top-drawer to modest, this Norwegian-Irishman and my Greek-Scandinavian sailor hybrid set our compass heading for Norwegian Cruise Line. We'd cruised NCL in the Caribbean decades ago, on the smaller Sunward, then on the much larger Norway, the former SS France. When NCL acquired her in 1979, the line spent $100 million on a glorious renovation, paving the way for a new era of cruising. A tour up the famed Amalfi coast, was part of the Spirit's attractive options. We loved those long-ago trips, and yearned for a return to the relaxation and pampering we remembered on NCL. This latest two-month trip included three cruises and three weeks on land. It was our 25th foray to Europe and the Greek Isles. We chose NCL's Spirit because we liked its "active relaxation" pitch, mid-size and fair-price ranking. (Our trip included three cruises, so we didn't want to break the bank.) AS TRAVEL and arts writers, musicians, and romantics celebrating an anniversary, we also wanted lively shows, a table for two and interesting artwork. We liked the itinerary, an important consideration. We were delighted that NCL captured our hearts again. NCL was the first cruise line to offer "freestyle" dining, a concept now used by many other cruise lines. Founded in 1966 with a sound reputation and 16 ships in her ever-expanding fleet, NCL's Spirit pleased us both, satisfying my need for R&R in pleasant surroundings, a lively casino, good gym and myriad dining options. It charmed my partner, feeding his lust for all things nautical with friendly officers who talked sailing with him and a balcony to view dock life below. This dessert was delivered to our room. Lively artwork is one of NCL's distinctions. The line has set trends in many areas of cruising. NCL tour groups are kept small so each person enjoys the history, here viewing viewing Our Lady of the Castle in Rhodes. NCL's Spirit took us on an 11-day journey with stops in Mykonos, Piraeus--Athens, Rhodes, Santorini, Chania, Valletta, Messina and Naples. We'd experienced all these ports but looked forward to returning, especially to Malta and Sicily, which many cruise lines don't offer as regular ports of call. As seasoned cruisers, we look for places we love -- but also like new ports and locales we've not visited in a while. Those were deciding factors on our choice of NCL's Spirit. WE LOVE the "freestyle" concept pioneered by NCL. Now copied by many other lines, it allows for deciding when, where and with whom to dine in the evening, the one meal most of us truly enjoy and kick back for on a cruise. Spirit also offered late-night dining options, another plus, and fun eateries including a delightful late-hours pub that breaks from set schedules. That flexibility includes casual dress options, ability to schedule entertainment and avoiding crowds. As arts writers, we enjoyed several on-board auctions, chatting with knowledgeable auctioneers. he auctions feature work by famed artists such as Peter Max and Guy Harvey, who were also commissioned for the eye-catching artwork on the Breakaway and Escape. We even ventured from our comfy patio to the lovely pool area, a playful modern extension of the ancient architecture we viewed in Greece and Italy. We enjoyed an evening sail-out of Valletta, Malta, a port which isn't regularly visited. ALTHOUGH WE are elite status on five other lines, through many cruises, we haven't yet reached that level on NCL. Still, we were invited to parties, and to tour of the bridge -- always a must. So taken were we with the trip's variety and professional, friendly service that we booked another NCL cruise, on Pride of America, the only mainstream ship sailing Hawaii itineraries with no foreign ports. We'll soon reprise the loop we took decades ago: stops in Maui, Kauai and both sides Kona and Hilo on the Big Island. Recalling our 13 blissful Atlantic crossings in Queen's Class aboard the QE2, we're also interested in sampling the "all suite" section of NCL's newer vessels. The "Haven" concept on the newer larger NCL ships offers a special all-suite section accessible only by keycard holders booked there, in the style of Cunard's famous first-class/tourist-class ship design. The Haven has a private bar and lounge, a custom restaurant, secluded sun deck, and private courtyard so guests have little need to leave the complex. www.ncl.com A bird's eye view of the Water Taxi is yours from Double Tree Suites Gallery One, Fort Lauderdale, where we next explore. UP NEXT: Come cavort with us as we head to Fort Lauderdale for a frolic with the alligators and the beautiful canals and grand hotels. We ride our favorite Water Taxis and check out the newly renovated digs at the Gallery One Double Tree. Then, an homage to celebrities at sea, including composer-pianist Andre Previn, and a host of others interviewed on the QE2 by Christene Meyers. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays for a fresh look at travel, the arts, nature, family and off-beat fun.

This alligator gave our tour boat the eye on a recent trip into the beautiful Everglades of Florida. Everglades caper: on the gator trail with gorgeous scenery, critters, beauty The swampy marshes of the Everglades hide and protect alligators and more. Nature lovers enjoy the outdoors at Florida's Everglades Holiday Park. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THE UNUSUAL merging of salt and freshwater makes Florida's Everglades the only location in America where both alligators and crocodiles live together! You can see the wonder yourself by taking an airboat trip in the Everglades. We did this recently, taking to the waters in search of gators. Visitors tour the small animal displays, with the opportunity to get up close and personal with friendly gators and snakes. We saw several in the wild, and an entertaining alligator demonstration as "dessert." You can jet out into one of the world's most gorgeous attractions and get close-up later with more gators. We did just that at Everglades Holiday Park, outside of Fort Lauderdale. A great day! Everyone has heard of the Everglades, a unique treasure of South Florida. But not all people venture into the largest remaining subtropical wilderness in the United States. We took a day to sample a small part of the park's 1.5 million acres of saw grass marshes, mangrove forests, and hardwood hammocks and wetlands. After your boat tour, Holiday Park naturalists offer a fun gator show. THE EVERGLADES is home to endangered, rare, and exotic wildlife. Fellow travel writers recommended the Everglades boat ride and we were not disappointed. Our amiable captain promised he'd find alligators in the swamps. He revved up the boat and we held on to our hats as we sped around the wetlands to several spots with terrific viewing. As we zipped across the "River of Grass" between viewing sites, we bounced in our fast boat to the thunderous sound of the motor. Those little journeys were brief and we were safe and comfortable with our 30 fellow tourists from around the globe. Alligators roam the Everglades; if you're lucky, you'll see one. As we moved through the swamps, we noticed several small boats of fishermen -- "local folks," our guide said proudly -- bringing in the largemouth bass for which the park is famous, in fact revered. Fishermen cast off from the park's dock, or take a boat as part of a guided tour. The park offers boat and gear rentals, bait, licenses and everything else one needs to lure large mouth bass, peacock bass and catfish. Swamp land of a unique habitat offers a happy place for the alligator. The beauty of the wetlands make it a photographer's paradise. WE WERE pleased to see two school groups visiting -- fishing, taking notes, listening carefully to guides. Others were hosting guests on the boats, enjoying a celebration, spending an afternoon in a natural classroom for all ages. The park stages birthday parties and corporate events, with chartered excursions and packages. It also offers pick-up and drop-off options to take you from your hotel in Fort Lauderdale or Miami to this beautiful wildlife habitat. WE APPRECIATE that the park is a family operation dating back nearly 40 years to 1982 when George Bridges left his tobacco farm to try his hand at the park. He mortgaged his house and built his first airboat in the backyard, and the idea took off. Everglades Holiday Park serves as South Florida's premier gateway to the Everglades, one of Florida's most interesting attractions. The place is a half hour from Fort Lauderdale, on Griffin Road, and attracts tourists from Miami, too, for the marsh expedition, live alligator presentations, a small animal "zoo" with petting options, meal service, fun souvenir shop and fresh water fishing. WE HAD A magical day at the park, exploring the wonders of Florida's most enchanting natural resource: the pristine Everglades. The magnificent ecosystem is an international treasure. The greenery alone satisfied our naturalists' appetites. The gators were frosting on the cake!

The Casa del Prado, also known as the Casa, and the adjacent Casa del Prado Theatre are historically accurate reconstructions of buildings from the 1915 exposition celebrating the opening of the Panama Canal. Spreckels Organ Pavilion houses the Spreckels Organ in Balboa Park, San Diego. The Spreckels Organ is the world's largest pipe organ in a fully outdoor venue. UNIQUE CITY PARK BREAKS THE MOLD WITH INVENTIVE BLEND OF NATURE, CULTURE AND 'PEOPLE PLACES' STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER MORE THAN 150 years ago, a handful of visionary San Diego citizens strolled through the California scrub and decided to set aside 1,400 acres for a city park. It became an oasis of culture, architecture, nature and the arts. Today, Balboa Park is one of America's largest urban parks and considered by many the jewel in San Diego's crown. Balboa Park offers several modes of transportation, including walking, for getting around to the museums and a fine zoo. In the middle of a bustling city, nicknamed "America's finest" sits this 1,200-acre urban cultural park. It is beloved by locals and tourists alike for its unique blending of open space areas, natural vegetation zones, green belts, gardens, restaurants, walking paths, theaters and museums. WITH ITS 17 museums, in fact, Balboa Park is a museum lovers mecca. Known for its widely diverse collections and cultural institutions, Balboa Park's museums attract scientists, theater lovers and fans of flight, automobiles, trains and art of all kinds. The San Diego Model Railroad Museum's marketing man, Fernando Beltran, and young train buff James Ganner. Penelope Ganner, left, and her brother James, had a private tour of the huge Model Railroad museum with Fernando Beltran. From satisfying a curiosity for local San Diego history, to the history of air travel, the art of the old masters, native American crafts and cultures of the world, it's hard to beat Balboa Park. ANY ONE of the museums would be a drawing card, but don't forget the world renowned San Diego Zoo, also part of this unique park. Balboa Park at night is a fairyland, with the Old Globe Theatre, center-right, lit up for a performance The magnificent concept was developed for the Panama–California Exposition held in San Diego for two years, between January 1, 1915, and January 1, 1917. The exposition celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal, and touted San Diego as the first U.S. port of call for ships traveling north after passing westward through the canal. .A STROLL through the park feels like a walk through the United Nations Assembly Room. You will hear languages from all over Europe, the Far East and Russia (San Diego boasts a large Russian population and there are frequent visitors from that part of the world.) Lunch time for a beloved gorilla. Maka is a star at San Diego Zoo. We recently made a double-pronged visit, entertaining young guests who wanted to see the impressive San Diego Model Railroad Museum and the famed San Diego Zoo. I'd told them about my favorite zoo inhabitant, Maka, the adored gorilla. San Diego Zoo is world famous, visited recently by three generations -- from left, Olivia Cosgriffe, Peny Ganner, Christene "Cookie Meyers, James Ganner and Amarylla Ganner, mother of the kids. We'd parked near the organ pavilion so had a pleasant stroll to our first stop, the railroad. Fernando Beltran, the museum's amiable marketing director, toured us around the 27,000 square foot museum, the largest such indoor exhibit in North America, and one of the largest in the world. The museum is on the lower level of the Casa de Balboa Building on the Prado and we spent two interesting hours there with our eight-year-old train buff and Beltran. WE TOOK a break in the pleasant coffee shop, and headed to the zoo, our second adventure and a 20-minute walk from the railroad museum. We eyed the bounty of animals from atop the zoo's double-decker bus, with a lively, eco-friendly commentary from Lee, who knows the zoo like the back of her hand and stressed what young and old can do to help preserve animals and habitats worldwide.. We hopped off to watch Maka for an hour. She gave us helpful directions to see the panda before she returns to China, delighted in telling about a precious baby porcupette and pointed out antelope calves, mini meerkats and tortoises, whose beautiful patterned shells shown in the sunlight. The dedication of the Bruce Meyers Poets' Garden in Montana attracted hundreds of arts lovers for a two-day festival highlighted by an appearance by famed poet Allen Ginsberg. Above, Corby Skinner and Christene Meyers. UP NEXT: Join "Cookie" (Christene Meyers, left, with friend Corby Skinner) as we visit the Bruce Meyers Poets' Garden on the campus of Montana State University-Billings. It was dedicated as a place for faculty and students to relax, study, paint, write and ponder. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays for a novel look at travel, the arts, nature, family, and unexpected ways to enjoy.

At Monterey Aquarium, beautiful works of art are created from plastic and other junk pulled from our oceans. Eight million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans each year, a staggering amount. It poisons or strangles creatures who mistake it for food. WE HUMAN BEINGS HAVE CAUSED MAJOR PROBLEMS ON THE PLANET BUT WE CAN DO MUCH TO RECTIFY OUR MISTAKES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER EARTH DAY GIVES US TIME TO THANK AND HELP OUR FRAGILE PLANET The bluff above Torrey Pines State Beach offers a splendid view of the Pacific Ocean. When we hike it, we often find plastic and it goes in an old cloth bag we carry. WE SPEND many happy hours each year in nature -- on our oceans, rivers, lakes and streams. Like many of our readers, we visit national and state parks, estuaries, wildlife habitats and other places where we know we'll find birds, plants, animals. We hold our planet and its creatures in sacred space. But while we love Mother Earth, we are imperfect creatures and have unwittingly done our part to jeopardize the planet. So when Earth Day rolls around each year, we do our bit to help preserve the planet we so cherish. An artful turning of plastic rescued from the ocean, by a contributing artist at Monterey Bay Aquarium. CELEBRATED annually since 1970 on April 22nd, Earth Day holds immense importance as a global platform. Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson was a staunch environmentalist, deeply concerned about the planet's declining health. He believed the solution could be found in individuals and grassroots movements. He urged teachers and parents to expose young impressionable minds to an aquarium or nature driven place, encouraging them to respect our fragile planet and our fellow inhabitants. This launches them into little environmentalists. By teaching them to pick up plastic and cans, consider personal habits and be good stewards of the land, we're fostering respect and activism in future generations. Thousands of us plant trees, feed birds, plant gardens that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Many of us pick up trash and study pressing environmental issues like climate change, pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. As individuals, communities and governments, we can take action to protect our planet and ensure its sustainability for future generations. I believe this in my heart. I KNEW A lot of plastic goes into our oceans, but I had no idea that 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in the seas each year. Keller figures that’s the equivalent of dumping one garbage truck full of plastic into the ocean every minute. More than 171 trillion pieces of plastic are floating in the world's oceans, according to scientists' estimates. Plastic kills fish and sea animals and takes hundreds of years to break down. Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk in a light rain. Celebrate Earth Day by planting a tree, taking a walk, visiting a nature driven place -- a park, beach, river, preserve. UNFORTUNATELY, we people are the sole cause of the plastic debris destroying our oceans. The good news is, we have the power to solve the mess we created. Here are a few things we do in our life and home to help to help the Earth. It may sound corny, but if everyone does his or her bit, together we can make a huge difference. The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is a magical display of ribbons of light. * We are ridding our home of single-use plastics. * We ride our bikes daily and on errands whenever possible. We're considering a hybrid or electric car. * We support our local environmental watchdog grassroots resource council. * We try to recycle and compost properly. * We patronize farmer's markets and other places that avoid plastic packaging and always take our own cloth bags whenever we go to a store. Big Sky Country, near our Montana place in Stillwater County. Pristine places like this dot the landscape all across the United States. We feel a responsibility to keep it beautiful. * We take an old fabric bag with us in the car and on our bikes to pick up cans, bottles and other litter. * When we order a take-out meal, we make sure there are no plastic utensils, wrapping or plates. We look for places that use recycled materials when shopping or dining out. * We've planted 97 trees on our Montana place and each year we scatter native wildflower seeds to promote clean air and the survival of indigenous wildlife. Feels good to plant things. * We make presents of gift certificates to greenhouses and garden centers. Great way to thank someone who has done us a favor. * We are members of a variety of nature oriented foundations including Sierra Club, Arbor Day, National Wildlife Federation, Nature Conservancy, and many other agencies and non-profits that save and protect birds, trees, animals and the ocean. We love seeing families enjoying wildlife, here at Hilton Waikoloa Resort where it is possible to swim with the dolphins and learn about them. * We're taking shorter showers, using the dishwasher only twice a week, turning off the faucet while brushing our teeth. No more plastic in our lives Other ideas we're already doing or hope to implement: * Shopping at thrift shops and second-hand stores for toys and gifts for kids or when we need to replace an appliance. New stuff has lots of plastic packaging. Gentoo penguins frolic near Ushuaia. Visit a national park or just take a hike in the woods, or the nearest bird sanctuary or nature preserve. * Hosting a clothing swap or clothing repair party to encourage our friends (and ourselves) to recycle, mend or salvage old garments rather than buying new ones. We are donating a box a week of good, useable clothes. Women's shelters and many other places welcome good used items. I'm a packrat and like most of us, I have too much stuff. So I'm going through closets, try to winnow, share and make use of what is still useable. * Volunteer to pick up litter in a neighborhood or local park. Get a child interested. Take him on a whale watch or to a place where nature is revered. Exposure in youth creates lifelong environmentalists. * Get neighborhood kids to run a recycling drive for glass and plastic containers. Have a happy Earth Day! Do something to improve our imperiled planet. More info: earthday.org hawaiimagazine.com/see-how-kauai-artists-turned-marine-debris-into-art Special effects wizard Andy Schoneberg shakes hands with his creation of famed actor Humphrey Bogart. Also an actor, he played the part of Bogart in "Play It Again, Sam." UPCOMING FUN: Variety is our spice. We're talking with a Wyoming born Hollywood special effects artist and his make-up and wig artist partner. Find out how a kid from Casper made it in Hollywood. Then we're off to explore northern U.K with a train trip to Britain. And we celebrate our love of nature with visits to New York's Central Park and the city's fabulous High Line Park, created on a derelict rail site. All that and more, always with a look for the fresh and new. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fun look at performance, art, nature, family and more. Please share the links: www.whereiscookie.com