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

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

A spectacular gannet sanctuary in New Zealand offers a rare opportunity to view these graceful, enduring birds close-up, here with their young chicks near the end of their breeding season. EXPLORING BELOVED BIRD'S BREEDING GROUND IN SANCTUARY NORTH OF AUCKLAND A sea of gannet parents and their young stretch out toward the southern end of the Tasman Sea, awaiting migration. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER COMING FACE TO face with hundreds of gannets is a thrill of a lifetime. We have the good fortune to know gannet-loving friends in Auckland, New Zealand. Their home is an hour's drive from the beautiful Muriwai gannet breeding site. So Barbie and Tom graciously organized an outing when they learned of our interest in this fleet, handsome and able-bodied bird. At Muriwai, Tom Wellington and Barbie Davidson, right, hosted Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers to a splendid day of gannet viewing. At Muriwai, Tom Wellington and Barbie Davidson, right, hosted Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers to a splendid day of gannet viewing. WE FOUR DROVE to Muriwai, a popular coastal community on Auckland's west coast, to watch the graceful birds, famous for their endurance capabilities and long flights. These stalwart birds can fly 300 miles at 60 miles per hour. Their excellent vision allows them to spot fish from 100 feet or more. So it's no surprise that paleontologists have unearthed the fossilized remains of an extinct gannet species that lived in what is now Portugal during the Miocene epoch, some 15 million years ago. POETS CONSIDER the northern gannet to be symbolic of the perfect marriage between wind and sea. They can live 15 years, and besides being graceful, strong and long lived, they are "somewhat monogamous," experts claim. That means the parents separate when their chicks leave the nest -- presumably amicably. They usually bond again the following year, perhaps just needing a change of venue. A young girl is one of the fascinated to uristsand locals who admire Muriwai's gannets. NEARLY AS LARGE as an albatross, the northern gannet has a heavy, sharp bill, pointed tail and long, slender wings. We were thrilled to watch dozens of adults with their young. Catching them in February before they leave in March, we were thrilled to watch dozens of adults with their young and "teen-agers." The mature gannet is snowy white with black wingtips and a downy crown washed with gold. The young ones have fuzz, froth and fluff, and the juveniles have speckles and greyish feathers. A close-up of a mature gannet with lovely blue and gold. ALTHOUGH gannets can be seen occasionally from most places along the coasts of New Zealand's main islands, most Kiwi gannetries are situated off the North Island, where our friends live. The Muriwai colony inhabits two vertical-sided islands, and the viewing spot is a pleasant stroll from the parking area. We were lucky to observe both adults and juveniles, and relieved that dogs aren't allowed because they would disturb the nests on the sandy banks. About 1,200 pairs of gannets nest in Muriwai from August to March each year, caring for their single young in nests just centimeters apart. Gannets normally lay only one chalky-blue egg, using their webbed feet to warm the eggs. Of three, New Zealand's largest mainland gannetry is at Cape Kidnappers with around 5,000 breeding pairs. Farewell Spit and Muriwai are the country's other two. Several stages of gannets can be seen in this photo, from the fuzzy young, to mid-sized juveniles to fully grown adults. Several stages of gannets can be seen in this photo, from the fuzzy young, to mid-sized juveniles to fully grown adults. YOUNG GANNETS forsake their nests at about three-and-a-half months. Then, like many human Kiwis, these birds head across the Tasman Sea for Australia's east coast. Their arduous maiden flight can take from six to 15 days from Muriwai. There are other gannet colonies in the world. England, Scotland and Wales hosts several -- at Troup Head, St Kilda in Scotland, and on Grassholm in Wales. Bempton Cliffs is home to the only mainland breeding colony of gannets in England. Northern Hemisphere birds arrive at the colony from January and leave in August and September. They migrate from the coast of Africa, another remarkable gannet journey. These tiny endangered Humboldt penguins are among the stars at Sea Life Park in Honolulu, among the tropical delights there. UP NEXT: While we're in a birding frame of mind, come with us to Sea Life Park in Honolulu, where the rare, endangered Humboldt penguin is making a comeback thanks to researchers and diligent care. The tiny, tropical bird is among other attractive residents, including dolphins and sharks. We explore the well tended exhibits and take time to feed the budgies, too, at this popular wildlife park, animal sanctuary and aquarium. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, performance, family and more. Please share the link and consider a free subscription: www.whereiscookie.com

Artist Mark di Suvero's "Beethoven's Quartet" is a stunning work. An art tour participant in the left of the photo gives a sense of the enormity of the monumental piece at Tippet Rise Art Center. ART CENTER SPREADS ITS WINGS, INVITES GUESTS TO EXPLORE LAND WITH BILLION YEAR HISTORY STORY By CHRISTENE  MEYERS Geologist John Weber earned his doctorate at Northwestern University and has made a name for himself studying plate tectonics around the world. Here, he explains shifts in the earth at Tippet Rise, over 3 billion years. PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER MONTANA'S STUNNING  Tippet Rise Art Center is a music, art and nature showpiece reflecting its founders' love of the arts and nature and their desire to welcome the public. This year, the enchanting center entertained a different group of visitors. The engaging complex invited guests to "Geo-Paleo Tours,'' exploring the ancient geological history of the sprawling 12,500-acre, working cattle ranch. A man made piece of art, Domo, is one of three  pieces at Tippet Rise created by Ensamble Studio of Spain. Here, Cookie is dwarfed by the massive 2016 sculpture. POISED AT the convergence of two contrasting regions -- the Beartooth Mountains and the Great Plains -- Tippet  Rise hosts world class players of classical and cutting edge composers. It is also home to a unique combination of geologic wonders, from fossilized marine life to ice-age gravel deposits. The art center celebrates multiple connections between nature, art, architecture, and music.   WE HOPPED  in two comfy vans with a small group of  a dozen-plus fellow "geo enthusiasts" to study some of the oldest rocks on planet Earth. The sea shells we find on our hikes along the West Fork of the Stillwater River prove the existence here of early marine life in what expert John Weber calls "upturned limestone palisade fins."  We joined other lucky guests who signed up early to tour the acreage, making a series of stops to meander past grazing cattle and explore the land. We gained insights into ancient geological and paleontological features, glimpsing into the past as we viewed rocks, valleys and ledges with ancient history scattered across the art center’s acreage. We learned that a mile-deep sheet of ice once covered the Beartooth Mountains we know and love today. Difficult to imagine, but true. Geology fascinates Karen May, who uses career experience to enhance the "hands on" tour at Tippet Rise.  While hiking and examining maps, graphs and  rock samples, we learned that the melting and slipping of the ice sheets created over time the valleys and streams we see today. The past came alive as we learned of the shifts, turns and eruptions which shaped the landscape we explore on foot, bikes and off-road vehicles. Through the enterprise of Tippet Rise founders Peter and Cathy Halstead, the art center undertook these geo tours to complement the concerts of classical music and exhibits of huge contemporary outdoor sculptures. Expert geologists take participants on a lively, energetic hike to explore Tippet Rise and its rocks, limestone cliffs and fossils. Hikers also learn of volcanic eruptions which shaped the land. Photographer Bruce Keller enjoys several hikes in Tippet Rise's 12,000 acres.   We drove past massive contemporary art pieces, learning that millions of years ago, gravel encrusted plateaus spread out on Tippet Rise. These remain on the ranch, eroded from the rising Beartooths. We walked this land on four hikes through the varied land, climbing and touching many intriguing formations. WEBER showed us fossils that might have gone unnoticed but for his sharp eye. Hard for this musician and writer to wrap the brain around billion year old rocks -- or to grasp that "younger ones'' in our area of the Beartooths are only 75 to 80 million years old, mere kids in the planet's geological evolution.  One tour participant, a geologist with her master's degree, studies Montana's landscape from her summer home in Bozeman, returning to Seattle in the winter.  She and others considered the nearly four-hour adventure "enlightening, mind boggling."  Another excited tour hiker, a musician and fan of the musical component of the art center, said the "Geology and Landscape" tour is a lovely complement to the art and music, and a much older component of what makes Tippet Rise unique. Spotlight on Center's art  A thin shaft of white is likely bone, preserved in the rock. A dozen geology buffs enjoy several hikes over a period of hours, moving from place to place in vans, to explore the Tippet Rise geological wonders, sculpted over the ages. "WE ARE SO lucky to have this in south-central Montana, and so close to Yellowstone Park," he said. My observant Keller also noted how the "geo tour" is another way the center's founders exhibit environmental consciousness. The Halsteads are "environmentally savvy," he observed, in the way they minimize impact on the land. Buildings are warmed and cooled by geothermal systems and lit by solar power. The place is beautifully designed so that even deep parking lots are camouflaged by the hillsides.  A well organized construction project has brought in trucks and other equipment to build a state of the art sound studio, latest project in the wings. THE GEO-PALEO tours reflect a partnership between Tippet Rise and the Yellowstone Bighorn Research Association (YBRA). Funding comes from Princeton Geological Association, dating back to a 1936 agreement made at the foot of the Beartooth Mountains near Red Lodge, Montana. YBRA’s distinguished faculty includes Weber, who guided our tour, the last of the season. The concert season began Aug. 18. A March lottery determined lucky ticket holders for the short season of world class performers. The coveted concerts end Sept. 17. Check the website Wednesdays for rare but occasional tickets.  tippetrise.org   Elvin Dhimitri of Opera E Lirica in Rome, gives a brilliant concert of "The Four Seasons." UP NEXT: We're in Rome, seeing splendid buildings, fountains and artwork. A highlight of the week was a brilliant performance of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" featuring Italy's most famous violinist, Elvin Dhimitri. The concert rocketed to the top of Cookie's "Lifetime Top Concerts" -- tying for first place with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, with a host of other highlight concerts on a burgeoning list. Then we're off to Madeira, and whale watching off the coast of Oregon. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on life, nature, the arts, family and more.

TONY WINNING FESTIVAL SURVIVES FIRES, LAYOFFS, TURMOIL, PANDEMIC, FINANCIAL WOES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The audience begins to file in and take seats in preparation for "The Three Musketeers" at Allen Elizabethan Theater. The "pre show" Green Show is a tradition at Oregon Shakespeare, which has struggled since COVID and fires put a serious strain on the much loved fest. Oregon Shakespeare's outdoor venue, the Allen Elizabethan Theater, presents two plays: "Twelfth Night" and another work. YOU CAN'T keep a good thing down. The award winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival is proof of that time honored observation. As the embattled festival heads into autumn and its Oct. 15 closing, it's a perfect time to salute the labors of hundreds of staff and thousands of supporters who are rallying to save the Tony winning regional theater and southern Oregon gem. SINCE 1935, the enterprising OSF has produced an impressive docket of hundreds of plays -- from Shakespearean tragedy to farce and contemporary comedy, musicals and drama. The festival has garnered international raves for turning out as many as eight or 10 polished productions running in repertory fashion. The elegant Ashland Springs Hotel is an oasis for this column's team and a loyal international clientele. Traditionally, the festival begins in spring and continues into autumn. COVID clipped the festival's wings, shortening the season and number of works. But OSF is learning to fly again. The operation includes three theater spaces and other buildings, occupying a four-acre campus fronting one of Oregon's prettiest sanctuaries -- the peaceful, well loved Lithia Park. Nearby is the Plaza, a bustling and varied complex of shops and eateries in this charming southern Oregon town of 21,600. Front and center is Ashland Springs Hotel, the elegant grand dame in a town full of interesting eateries and welcoming B&Bs with a range of other accommodations for all budgets. Ashland Springs remains our favorite for its beauty, superb service, charming nature inspired artwork, comfort and proximity -- steps away from the festival. Ashland Hills is just a couple miles away from town center, and has proximity to hiking and nature. Both properties have fine restaurants. The house lights dim, the stage lights go up, a ray of hope for a continued future of a much loved institution, OSF. IN 2020, AS OSF struggled with the pandemic and fire, radical lay-offs were instituted. 400 staff and 80 per cent of the workforce were gone, but with determination, financial gifts and adjustment, the festival survived. Even pared down, the quality and diversity of founder Angus Bowmer's dream live on. Bowmer, a clever Scotsman, created the fest in 1935, staging boxing matches to fund his theatrical vision. His early festivals offered variety and originality, making theater lovers of sports fans and vice versa. Today's shortened playbill still honors that concept through new work and classics with the trademark inventive OSF spin: gender-bending, colorblind "play's the thing" bravado. Ashland Springs Hotel is at the center of the city, a lovely oasis elegantly restored by an enterprising couple. It's our favorite. If you want to be closer to nature, Ashland Hills is a nice option. The festival has yet to recover from that near knock-out punch. Besides the layoffs and other emergency measures, a fundraiser was devised. "The Show Must Go On: Save Our Season" raised $2.5 million to complete the 2023 season. But insiders say the fest is not out of the woods yet. Former artistic director Nataki Garrett, whose "Romeo and Juliet" won raves. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers in Lithia Park, Ashland, Oregon. TURMOIL AT THE TOP and revamped financial goals result in what OSF board chair Diane Yu calls "a more sustainable business model." The goal "is to foster strong relationships with local businesses, audiences, and donors, to strengthen our fragile infrastructure." Online productions and amped up educational outreach are also planned. Along with financial turmoil and recovery from both fires and pandemic, artistic director Nataki Garrett's resignation added to the fest's challenges. She resigned after death threats and racial slurs and Tim Bond was named to take over as new OSF artistic director Sept. 1. Garrett is missed -- known as she was for her vision, dynamism and for putting a new, fresh spin on classical works while inviting fresh perspectives in new productions. Her "Romeo and Juliet" this year was an engaging, contemporary interpretation of the great love story. She wrote inciteful program notes. A young actor spreads her wings in the Green Show, a popular feature. IN ITS GLORY days, up to 2019 -- before the woes of the pandemic -- the festival reached an attendance of an impressive 360,000. Each patron averaged three shows. We encourage readers to help keep the tradition alive, check out the website, catch the end of the 2023 season ("Rent," "Twelfth Night," "The Three Musketeers," and more). Check out OSF's unhinged "It's Christmas, Carol!" over the holidays and watch for the 2024 season. Consider a donation to sustain the troubled theater and continue founder Bowmer's vision. Supporters worldwide hope the festival continues. www.osfashland.org or 800 219-8161www.AshlandSpringsHotel.com or 885 795-4545 www.AshlandHillsHotel.com www.LUNACafeAshland.com www.LarksRestaurant.com Oregon Cabaret Theatre presents a lively season of shows, including "Kinky Boots" which added shows because of sell-out audiences at the popular venue. UP NEXT: We have a fun story for theater lovers as we step inside another Ashland institution, the town's lively cabaret. Fashioned from an old and stately church with a famous chandelier, it is a historic Oregon landmark. So while we're in an Ashland frame of mind, don't overlook Oregon Cabaret Theatre where "Kinky Boots" is winning raves. It's just across the street from Oregon Shakespeare Festival and well worth your time for an entertaining evening or afternoon. Then we're off to Florida's Kennedy Space Center, a week with the whales in Depoe Bay, Oregon, a visit to a stunning Portland, Oregon, grotto, and a ride on a trolley in Montana's state capital, Helena. Remember to explore, learn and live with us for a fresh weekly spin on nature, performance, family, travel and more.

Birds are plentiful at Brevard Zoo, where guests can feed lorikeets and cockatiels. Heron and other birds native to Florida and other places enjoy the sun in beautifully landscaped grounds. These handsome longhorns snooze while Brevard Zoo visitors admire them.They are also known as Florida Scrub or Florida Native. FLORIDA ZOO IS HOME TO 900 WELL CARED FOR CRITTERS AND BIRDS, WITH OUTREACH AND EDUCATIONAL EMPHASIS AND THOUSANDS OF HAPPY FANS AND SUPPORTERS Flamingos are a favorite display at Brevard Zoo, where more than 100 live. Enjoy the video at story's end. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IT BEGAN with a dream, and blossomed into a thriving enterprise attracting more than a half-million visitors last year. The 75-acre Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida, is testimony to what a few determined people can do. The beautifully designed, nonprofit facility is home to more than 900 animals representing more than 195 species. Zoo residents come from Florida, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The zoo has won awards and kudos for its responsible and professional care of its animals. We happened upon some of the critters at feeding time and the passion the staff has for the animals was obvious and fun to see. Bruce Keller enjoys a kayak experience, above, and below, Cookie paddles nearby. The beautiful zebras at Brevard Zoo are from Kenya and Ethiopia and can live up to 30 years. One of the zoo attractions is an area that can be enjoyed from a kayak, as Cookie shows. A pair of injured bald eagles were rescued and "rehabbed" at Brevard Zoo and are living out their lives in protected environment because they would not survive in the wild. THERE'S SOMETHING magical about a fine zoo, and Brevard is that. It is the proud result of the work of 16,000 Brevard County residents who came together in the early 1990s to design and construct it. Their efforts make it the largest volunteer built zoo in the world and the locals are justifiably proud. People pause, chat, notice, point and discuss the animals and birds. They learn and grow, appreciating nature and recognizing how precious the non-human inhabitants of our planet are. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers enjoy the end of a perfect afternoon at Florida's award winning Brevard Zoo in Melbourne. Enjoy the flamingo video at left. INFO, tickets, special events:brevardzoo.org THE ZOO has also developed a series of remarkable conservation programs, increasing the numbers of many Florida species, supporting international programs and developing training programs and workshops. It is proud of its first-ever breeding season for the country's most endangered bird: the Florida grasshopper sparrow. Bravo, Brevard! IT WAS FUN to watch children the day we were there. Many came, in organized school outings, to admire the animals, ask questions, feed the birds. The zoo is proud of its long established partnership with Brevard Public Schools. Through memberships and contributions, the zoo also boosts the region's financial health. And it is internationally accredited, which means it meets stringent standards in caring for its to giraffes, rhinos, big cats, hundreds of colorful parrots and more. Its well presented interactive experiences include giraffe and bird feedings, a children's water play area and kayaking. WE THOROUGHLY enjoyed our four hours there, strolling the well marked grounds, taking a kayak trip into the mangroves, pausing for lunch at one of the welcoming picnic areas. Most of all, admiring fellow inhabitants of the planet, appreciating the meticulous care they get here at Brevard Zoo. From left, Bruce Turk, Katie MacNichol, Conner Marx, Jacob Bruce, Ciarra Stroud, Christopher M. Williams in a masterful take on the classic Robert Louis Stevenson tale. --Aaron Rumley photo BEST BET: A brilliant production of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is held over through Nov. 19 at San Diego's North Coast Repertory Theatre. Six gifted actors are directed with imagination by Shana Wride, in Jeffrey Hatcher's intriguing adaptation of the Stevenson classic. Wride, accomplished on both sides of the footlights, guides a versatile ensemble in a stylish retelling of the story of a good man's struggle with his evil twin. Evocative lighting, a dramatic and minimal set and handsome Victorian top-hats and tails enhance the savvy production, with Bruce Turk and Conner Marx superb as Jekyll and Hyde. Spot-on music, striking costumes and versatile actors shining in multiple roles make this a play-goer's gem. Director Wride and her gifted cast illuminate the story’s good-versus-evil theme in all its complexity. Delightful dialects add to the drama of this well told tale, an interpretation exciting to behold. Northcoastrep.org The Grotto in Portland, Oregon, is a sanctuary for many, a beautifully landscaped retreat conceived by a priest 100 years ago to fulfill his promise to God if his mother survived. UP NEXT: A calming, quiet place for meditation and admiration of nature can be visited in Portland, Oregon, where The Grotto attracts our garden loving road trippers. Developed by a priest in 1923, the beloved Grotto is a sanctuary for Portland residents, and visitors and pilgrims from around the world. The beautiful creation atop a dramatic bluff includes sculpture, gardens, ponds, pathways and meditation benches, paying tribute to faith and the power of prayer. It is a popular wedding setting and regular mass is held, weather permitting. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, the arts and more.

Cocoa Village boasts a super food tasting experience with entrepreneur Halim Urban, who runs his popular tour with wife Jessica. With 20 years in the food business, they offer lively sampling options. FLORIDA FOOD TOUR OFFERS FUN WALK, DELECTABLE TASTINGS, CITY HISTORY, PLEASANT COMMENTARY AND MORE Ribs and brisket, sausage and all the trimmings are on tap at Crydermans Barbecue, beloved institution which offers a range of feastings. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IMMERSE YOURSELF in Cocoa Village, tasting its fabulous food, strolling its pleasant streets, enjoying the story of this historic town of 20,000 people. Your lively guide shows you around town and stops at favorite dining haunts while pointing out art and architectural highlights. Cocoa Village has been around a long time, since fisherman founded it in 1860. It is known for fine food: delicious burgers, brisket as good as any in the world, pizzas with pizzazz, succulent seafood, fabulous barbecue and bakery, and satisfyingly tender deep fried alligator. It boasts a variety of fun ethnic restaurants, ranging from an eatery serving mean drunken noodles to a quaint bakery with mouth-watering curried chicken salad served on a warm croissant. Ossorio's chicken curry salad with balsamic vinegar on a warm croissant is yummy. Gator bites at Pub Americana, deep fried and tasty. WE ATE ourselves silly -- well not quite -- at four distinctive and different eateries. First, Pub Americana, a colorfully decorated, popular dining joint serving tasty gator bites. Then on to the welcoming and busy Ossorio Bakery and Cafe, a flashy Asian restaurant called Thai Thai serving fabulous drunken noodles, and a classic "meat house" called Cydermans, one of the town's most popular places for an authentic, succulent range of meats of every description. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers, on the food tasting trail in the fun town of Cocoa Village, Fla. Halim opens the door for a tasty helping of drunken pork noodles at Thai Thai, where he once worked. The Original Cocoa Village Food Tour is well planned and bountiful with friendly hosts and chatty personnel in the eateries. The attractive town -- on the east coast of Florida -- is just a 45-minute drive from downtown Orlando. Besides its food, fun nightlife and theater, the area is famous for its fine beach, gentle surf, laidback lifestyle and unspoiled, natural landscape. We met several couples and many families, enjoying relief from "big city life." Food tour Halim guides visitors in a tasty tour of Cocoa Village food treats, here at Pub Americana. Our amiable guide, Halim Urban, runs the Original Cocoa Village Food Tour with wife Jessica. The pair has flair, a low-keyed charm and vast knowledge of the quaint little town they calls home. Over 200 merchants run pretty galleries, intriguing shops, attractive restaurants, bars and more. The town's ethnicity ranges from French, Mexican and Cuban to Thai, Chinese and Greek. HALIM PROUDLY described the cattle farming, citrus growing, fishing and luxury travel that mark the town's early days. Walking from restaurant to cafe is a superb way to sample the food as well as the spirit of the town. We had a great time and heartily recommend these tours. Several options and themes are offered by the enterprising Urbans. Airboat Rides, out of Melbourne, offers fun swamp tours with gators, birds and lively chat. THEN TO work off the treats, head for the swamps for a different kind of "feasting" -- this one with the eyes, to savor the moist green mangroves, the call of birds and the swoosh as alligators slither through the water, bobbing and surfacing in search of a meal. WE RECOMMEND recommend Airboat Rides. Its small, smart staff of locals launches fast but comfy boats from two locations with spirited commentary and knowledge of the swamps. The operation's main launch is from the Lake Washington Boat Ramp and Park in Melbourne, at the headwaters of lovely Upper St. John's River. More information: Village Food Tours: www.villagefoodtours.com Airboat Rides Melbourne: www.airboatridesmelbourne.com Magnificent lions await a visit in Florida's Brevard Zoo, home to exotic and endangered animals from all over the world, a highly praised facility for its preservation efforts. UP NEXT: While we're in the neighborhood, we visit a world class zoo in Florida. Come with us to explore one of the nation's highest rated zoos. Brevard Zoo, a 75-acre nonprofit facility in Melbourne, Florida, is home to more than 900 animals and more than 195 species from Florida, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The zoo was the vision of volunteers in the early 1990s and is internationally know for its education and preservation efforts. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, the arts, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com

The Palms at Indian Head offers a tranquil, beautiful escape from city life, with its open airy feel. DESERT HIDEAWAY DESERVES YOUR VISIT STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The property boasts an Olympic size pool, which is a popular place to be as temperatures heat up in the desert.  You'll find unsurpassed desert views, privacy and solitude. YOU'LL STEP BACK  in time at the Palms at Indian Head -- to a world where nature artfully complements man-made beauty. It's a unique hotel which feels both laid back and sophisticated, thanks to careful development by a visionary couple. David Leibert and Cynthia Wood saved  the complex from neglect when they bought and lovingly  restored the main building where stars of cinema's golden age relaxed. Imagine Clark Gable, Lon Chaney, Will Rogers, Bing Crosby and Marilyn Monroe lounging by the pool. Pretend it's 1950. The stars are enjoying the bar, golf, a quiet place to read, relax, swim and visit. EVERYONE  was relaxed then, and  the creative owners have preserved that "laid back" feeling at the 20-acre, 12-room resort, built in 1947. Thanks to the enterprising owners and their love of nature, you can soak up the ambiance, wander on a nearby nature trail, enjoy a leisurely meal or swim in the pools. Nearly eight decades after the property was conceived, Leibert and Wood are patiently restoring it to its glory days -- with their own spin and tasteful   The hotel's gallery showcases a tasteful mix  of fine art, often reflecting desert imagery. Here's a Michael Weelden's piece. architectural changes. (The original bungalows were lost to fire but are mostly replaced by a charming boutique hotel over the lobby and lounge, and a few guest cottages on ground level.) The two were inspired by the beautiful trees on the property -- California's famous fan palms, Mexican palms and date producing palms near the pool. Thus the name, which also reflects the inn's location. It is located at the base of Indian Head Mountain,  a stately summit in the gorgeous San Ysidro Mountains. The town is Borrego Springs and the area is the Anza Borrego Desert, named after Juan Bautista de Anza, a Spanish explorer who explored the region in 1774. Borrego refers to the bighorn sheep that inhabit the area, and is the Spanish word for lamb. Framed by a soon-to-bloom ocotillo on a Palms bike ride.     THE OWNERS'   love of nature and impeccable artistic vision blend in this unique place. You'll hear Frank Sinatra tunes as you check in.  If you stroll the grounds, you'll see remains of the original hotel bungalows, lost to fire. Owners Dave Leibert and Cindy Wood at Machu Pichu. The two travel widely  and run two Borrego Springs venues. Replacing them are the boutique hotel and a popular restaurant, Coyote Steakhouse. Another local favorite restaurant is the more casual Red Ocotillo, also owned by Leibert and Wood. THE TWO  have worked hard to make their restaurants and the inn welcoming. All around the Coyote Steakhouse, you'll hear chirping birds.  We also saw rabbits, a roadrunner and dozens of charming little lizards on the walkways. G ifted pianist Joey Ross plays weekends at the Palms, here with musician Cookie enjoying. Steve Hunter also plays from time to time. Enhancing the desert's pleasures is a lovely gallery offers artfully showcasing landscapes, appealing pottery and imaginative paintings. On weekends, gifted pianist Joe Ross offers a range of beautifully played classics, '50s and '60s pop, light classics and occasional Scott Joplin ragtime. A genius at variety and smooth segue, he plays inventive medleys with hypnotic force in a repertoire ranging from French impressionists to jazz and the Sinatra repertoire which is synonymous with the inn.     THE MENU  at the Steakhouse is superbly chosen, with artful, tasty salads and a range of entrees including steaks, chops, seafood and chicken  -- all beautifully  prepared.  We've tried the steaks, salmon and chicken -- all delicious. Of the many appealing appetizers, the tasty ahi tartare and crab cakes are treats.  Lobster, osso bucco, special holiday offerings  and other delights are offered and if you dine before 6 p.m., enjoy a price break on a prix fixe meal. We end with the sugar-free cheesecake, and there's often homemade berry cobbler. An after dinner tradition is a stroll: the property rests on land once occupied by the Cahuilla Indians and the mountain profile of a reclining Indian frames the property and inspires a closer look during after the satisfying meal.  It's also beautiful at dawn and dusk.  We parked our bikes outside the Palms' gallery, which offers a nicely displayed and tasteful mix of paintings and sculpture. THE BUILDING  that now houses most of the rooms was constructed in 1958 in the famous California "Mid-Century Modern" style -- with Mondrian influences. The architect is unknown but David and Cindy narrowed the field to Joseph Eickler, Cliff May and Albert Frey, all noted for their flair in the style of the day. IN THE DAY  it was called Hoberg's Desert Resort, and guests reveled in the star-studded night sky. We did the same recently, after hiking and biking the  retreat and exploring nearby Palm Canyon. The stars -- like the inn itself -- have a timeless appeal. Information: To book a room at the Palms or reserve a table for dinner at Coyote Steakhouse: stay@thepalmsatindianhead.com 760-440-6824 To book redocotillo.com 1 760-767-7400 Dine in or take out. For expert tips on organizing your time & what to see: andrea@GotoBorregoSprings.com BEST BETS:   Erica Marie trades her apron for sexy cocktail dresses, food banter, songs.  A merry mix of music and food chat takes the audience on a spin around the globe in "I Can Cook, Too." This engaging work is gracing the stage at New Village Arts in Carlsbad through May 26. It's served hot, sassy and sizzling by singer-actor Erica Marie Weisz backed by a terrific musical trio and fun lighting and sound effects. Inspiration for the piece came to Erica Marie during the exile days of COVID.  She found therapy in isolation by combining her two loves: musical theater and cooking. She sings, sashays and flirts, stirring up a couple dozen tunes, all with dining, food and romance references. The songs are served in "courses" and the range is impressive -- from sultry Peggy Lee songs to Edith Piaf's signature piece, a ballad from "Sunset Boulevard," Jerome Kern's "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and more.  New Village stalwart Olivia Pence joins Erica Marie for a stirring rendition of "Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy" made famous by Judy Garland and her daughter, Liza Minnelli, and beautifully delivered here. Weisz's wit, energy and her clever script pair cooking and song with help from a brilliant "sous chef," pianist and musical director Patrick Marion. It's a tasty romp with bass player Martin Martiarena and percussionist Jon Berghhouse. What fun to see gifted faces in San Diego musical theater together. Marion's flawless accompaniment includes an accordion cameo in "La Via en Rose." This marvelous production comes dressed with a half-dozen costume changes and an hilarious audience participation number that brings the house down. The show sent this Broadway Baby tap dancing down memory lane. For tickets:  (760) 433-3245  or newvillagearts.org Bruce Keller prepares to help hoist the sails on California's official tall ship, the Californian. It is one of many nautical treasures one can board and enjoy at Maritime Museum of San Diego.   ON TAP : Ahoy, maties. Kick off the summer with an adventure on the sea.  It's almost Memorial Day weekend and with that comes the beginning of summer tourism. Here in San Diego, we're ready to welcome ocean loving tourists. The city's world class Maritime Museum of San Diego offers a wonderful immersion in nautical lore and life on the high seas.  An impressive collection of vessels includes the Californian, our state's official tall ship, so we step back in time with a four-hour sail on it, and help hoist the sails.  It is a showpiece of the much loved museum with knowledgeable docents to help you step back in time, visiting a pirate ship and a submarine.  The Museum is a treasure trove of vintage vessels -- the steamship Berkeley, the famous Star of India, which rounded the Horn in the early 1800s, and the San Salvador where famous movies were filmed. Then picture yourself on a yacht with a beautiful view, live music, a glass of your favorite beverage and delicious food.  It could be a brunch or dinner cruise aboard City Cruises, coming to readers soon. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, performance, the arts, family and more.

Palm Desert is a haven for sun seekers, hikers, bikers, lovers of the desert and its beauty.  Since 1989, tourists and locals alike have something else to attract them to this unique part of the country: the Desert Symphony. The Desert Symphony has a full orchestra of 60 gifted players, from all walks of life.  MUSIC SOARS ABOVE PALMS:GRASSROOTSEFFORT BLOSSOMSTO PRODUCE A SYMPHONY WITH60 PLAYERS ANDA FIVE-SHOWSEASON STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and courtesy Desert Symphony Headlining the March 6 gala to celebrate Desert Symphony's 35th anniversary are Daniel Emmet and Pia Toscano, at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage. The Desert Symphony will accompany the duo. THIRTY-FIVE years ago, an ambitious group of Palm Springs residents decided to organize a symphony, to bring orchestra music and musical events to the area normally associated with golfing get-aways, movie stars and admirers of the desert, its relaxed lifestyle and scenery. The Indian Wells Symphony was born in 1989 and soon adopted its present moniker, the Desert Symphony. With the energy of volunteers and support of local businesses and its enthusiastic long-time president Nancy Tapick, a driving force in the region was born. The Symphony's annual gala takes place in the showroom of Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage, on March 6.  The reach of the symphony extends to future musicians in Coachella Valley, through programs for school children. "Our goal is to inspire them to become musicians and music appreciators," says Tapick. The Children’s Music Discovery Series offers programs ranging from a string quartet to a wind octet, supervised by the symphony's music director and drawing from the talents of the orchestra, whose musicians have played with major symphonies in the country.   The organization proudly encourages young musicians through scholarships.  Several have gone on to professional music careers.    The Desert Symphony of Palm Springs presents five concerts yearly, including popular entertainers, singers, musicians and acrobats -- plus a major gala  fundraiser.  Performances are enjoyed by both locals and tourists at McCallum Theatre.  THROUGH THE years, the symphony has hosted -- and accompanied -- a "who's who" of popular performers, including its first big name, singer Glen Campbell.    A roster of other famed artists followed including Andy Williams, Jose Feliciano, Peter Nero, the Gatlin Brothers, Tommy Tune, Art Garfunkel, Roger Williams, Jack Jones, Kaye Ballard, Michael Bolton, Jason Alexander, The Texas Tenors, Neil Sedaka, Crystal Gayle, Melissa Manchester, Peter Frampton and recently, Mary Osmond. Next up this season is noted singer Tony DeSare. He promises an evening of treats, celebrating the music of Frank Sinatra, who lived in Palm Springs for many years while touring the world and making films. The Feb. 29 concert is DeSare's second performance with the Symphony.  The first was so well received he was invited to return. Singer songwriter Tony DeSare will headline a concert accompanied by Desert Symphony.  New York born DeSare promises to "do my best to conjure the magic of the music from the Great American songbook with a few surprises sprinkled in."  The jazz and soul singer is also a songwriter and musician and may take a turn at the piano in George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue."  "I’m excited to be working with the wonderful Desert Symphony again," says DeSare, about his return. Then just a few days later, this year's gala features pop duo Daniel Emmet and Pia Toscano performing at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage, Wednesday, March 6 . Cocktails are at 5 p.m., dinner at 5:30 p.m., and the concert at 8 p.m. The duo, discovered by Marie Osmond, presents a show, "Simply the Best."  Through years of an impressive five-part season, the Symphony has earned a reputation as one of the finest orchestras of popular music in the southwest United States. Glen Campbell was the first big name to play with  the Desert Symphony. Many other stars followed.  Singer Tommy Tune is one of many luminaries to perform with Desert Symphony, now 35 years old. In its early days, the season  featured great works from the world of classical music, including Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms. "The orchestra began a slow transition toward  “pops,” says Tapick, when residents and visitors expressed interest in lighter fare.  The board listened, introducing the present format which includes popular entertainers accompanied by the 60-piece orchestra. The Desert Symphony has performed and partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley, the Rancho Mirage Public Library, the City of La Quinta, La Quinta Public Library, the Palm Desert Public Library, and McCallum Theatre, where it presents its docket of five annual "star" concerts. Two final concerts round out the season, a John Denver tribute concert March 27, and "Let's Hang On" April 11, a quartet featuring the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.    For more on the Feb. 29 concert, March 6 gala or the symphony season, call 760 773-5988.       More is more at Oscar's with dancers, acrobats, big wigs and lots of bosoms, eye lashes and make-up Here's Diamond Evvon, with her chest armor.  Oscar's owner and producer Dan Gore as Cheyenne Demuir will zip line from Oscar's  balcony in drag March 10.  UP NEXT: Drag is time honored, and the drag show at Oscar's in Palm Springs is celebrating its sixth anniversary the weekend of March 9-10. Owner Dan Gore plans a special appearance during two performances of Sunday's "Bitchiest Brunch." He will zip line into the house in full drag -- from the balcony to the stage area below. Risque fun is all part of Oscar's brunch birthday party.  Two Sunday shows will feature Gore, dressed as his alter ego Cheyenne Demuir, with Oscar's gang of beauties performing, too. Emcee Anita Rose as the wisecracking spirit of Oscar's keeps the fun and jokes rolling.  She has headlined the brunch show all six years of its run and is a favorite with the packed houses. Book a seat for  laughs, bottomless mimosas, endless irreverence and more. Oscar's also has a great restaurant and many other shows to consider. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on the arts, travel, nature and family. Check out oscarspalmsprings.com/events/ and look for more arts and travel pieces at: www.whereiscookie.com

A short pleasant walk from the hop on bus takes visitors to Museo Evita. It's also an easy taxi ride from most of the centrally located hotels.    MUSEUM HONORS LEGACY OF ICONIC FIRST LADY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER STEPPING INTO the Evita Museum in Buenos Aires is a walk back in time to the days of glory for the woman whose life took on legendary proportions in Argentina.  Known simply as "Museo Evita," the museum is in a building built in the early 20th century, designed as the home of a wealthy family. Before its incarnation as a museum, it housed administrative offices and earlier,  a shelter run by the internationally known personality who rose to fame and power although not elected to high office. EVA DUARTE  Peron's foundation acquired the stately home in 1948 to help needy women from all over Argentina. Social workers addressed their health and housing problems and proposed solutions. The museum's gift shop offers mementos and books, photographs and postcards of Evita's life. EVA DIED in 1952 and after the Peron government was overthrown in 1955, the home served as an administrative venue. In 1999, it was transferred to the Eva Peron National Institute for Historical Research. The museum opened in 2002 for the 50th anniversary of Eva Peron's death. On a lovely spring day, we stepped inside the fascinating museum with Peron fans and curious tourists from all corners of the world. Many weren't born during Eva's lifetime, but knew the "Evita" story. EVA DUARTE rose form the ranks of a humble rural family in the village of Los Toldos. She was born May 7, 1919, in a single-story brick house in the agricultural town 180 miles from the Argentine capital. With a gift for performance, she took her dreams of becoming an actor to Buenos Aires, and was playing bit parts when Argentina's Juan Domingo Perón,  met her. She caught his eye; the attraction was mutual. We enjoyed photos of them and displays of stunning dresses she wore at functions in Buenos Aires. The museum also features photos from her 1947 European tour, when she made headlines charming international leaders and even had an audience with Pope Pius XII. Eva Peron and President Juan Peron were married in 1945. Historian Santiago Regolo offers insight into the popularity of Eva Peron, known as Evita. Social justice was her platform. DESIGNER DRESSES of silk and taffeta are displayed with objects and mementos that belonged to Evita. Interactive exhibits focus on turning points in her life, including her career as an actress, her campaigning trips to elect Perón,  her devoted political and social work, her illness, death and funeral. Photos and films show her speaking to enthralled crowds, and offer insight into her massive appeal during Argentina's turbulent times of the 1940s and 1950s. Evita gave downtrodden people hope. ARTISTIC CURATORS have woven contemporary objects into the museum's mix for a fascinating glimpse of Evita, her husband and the changing landscape of the country. After meeting then Colonel Perón in 1944 during a charity event at Luna Park Stadium, she became a tireless advocate for the poor.  That event benefited victims of an earthquake. The people she helped remembered her and voted for her husband. She was the first First Lady to actively campaign and beat the drum for her spouse. Eva and Juan Peron at their country home. THE BUILDING'S history begins with its tenure as a private home. The Perons acquired Casa Carabassa because of a mutual attraction to its French and Italian touches. To Eva, these flourishes suggested a boutique hotel. The Carabassa family had purchased it in 1923, adding their touches before it came to the attention of the Perons in 1948. After its tenure as a refuge for women, it evolved into today's unusual museum, which includes a room used by school children in an educational program. Their artwork leads to a pleasant café which offers both indoor and outdoor seating, a restful space to contemplate Eva Peron, surrounded by beautiful, mature trees, the song of birds and views of lovely gardens A wealthy patrician family designed the elegant home, now museum, more than 100 years ago. The Peron family is still controversial in the country.  Some consider his rule to have been a dictatorship run by self-serving egotists. But Perón followers including historian and professor Santiago Regolo praise the couple's efforts to eliminate poverty and dignify labor.  One wonders: Were they inspired, generous leaders passionate for the poor, or the  demagogues their detractors claim them to be? Perhaps a bit of both. Beautiful tiles, marble and iron can be seen throughout the museum. BUT THE popularity of Evita cannot be denied.  According to professor Regolo, "The Peróns gave their name to the political movement known as Peronism, which in present-day Argentina is represented mainly by the Justicialist Party. Eva's legacy lives on." The party personifies populism in the form of a strong charismatic leader, Regolo said. Argentina's present leader is not a follower of this movement. Eva Peron, known to the people as "Evita," was a model and actress before rising to fame as First Lady. EVA -- KNOWN as "Evita" -- has had a rebirth in popular culture and is known worldwide through the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. The Tony winning play and subsequent movie trace her immense popularity,  particularly with working-class women.  The intensity of the support she drew from the people is said to have surprised even Juan Perón himself, Regolo said.  She used her power with lower economic classes to helped enact reforms and policies, and give women a footing they had not had in Argentina. She also helped bring about the passage of Argentina's women's suffrage law, Regolo added.  Peron's first wife died of cancer, as did Evita.  He married a third time nine years after Evita's death in 1952.    Museo Evita is well worth a visit whatever your politics, for insight into the life of a remarkable personality. More information and tickets: museoevita.org.ar   Enjoying a morning at a Buenos Aires landmark, La Confiteria Ideal, dating to 1912, are from left, Bruce Keller, Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Rolando Ossowski. The cafe's remarkable history includes notoriety as a tango performance spac e.   . UP NEXT: Walk around the blocks with us in Buenos Aires. Come with us for a spectacular guided tour by a native son, Orlando Ossowski, whose knowledge of the city of his birth is extraordinary and detailed.  We'll wander through Buenos Aires with economist, opera aficionado, gourmand and history buff Rollando, visiting his favorite haunts including famous hotels, restaurants, government houses and a beloved bakery and restaurant, the elegant and historic Confiteria La Ideal. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on the arts, travel, performance, family and more:   www.whereiscookie.com

ARTIST DREW HIS INSPIRATION FROM GREEK VILLAGE AND THE BIRD NESTS HE LOVED AND STUDIED STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS Top photo: The colors and shapes of Casapueblo remind of Santorini, which inspired the architect. From the air, Casapueblo spreads out above the sea. Hotel rooms have ocean views and are not numbered. PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER AN ARTIST'S vision became his fascinating summer home, now an international destination for those with a sense of adventure and a yearning for invention. Casapueblo looks like nothing else we've seen in several South American forays. Its winding cave-like corridors and white free form architecture remind more of the Greek Isles its designer loved. If we didn't know better, we wouldn't believe we were in Uruguay, thousands of miles from Greece. Once inside, dozens of artifacts and artful lighting add a mysterious feeling. It is an intriguing building complex constructed by the Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. An African ant hill he observed also inspired his magical creation. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers outside the museum at Casapueblo. HIS EXQUISITE use of materials mostly in white, seems both whimsical and "alive." It almost undulates in a soft breeze and is beautifully integrated with the landscape of this arid area. EVEN THOUGH the property is expansive, the stone carved buildings give the feeling of "areas" -- comfortable, welcoming spaces. It is located in Punta Ballena, 13 kilometres from Punta del Este, where until Vilaro's death in 2013, it was his summer home and workshop. It now includes a museum, an art gallery, a cafeteria and an unusual hotel.. The museum showcases the artwork of Vilaró, whose paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and tapestries offer visitors a glimpse into his extraordinary artistic journey. The museum at Casapueblo offers insight into the exciting life of Uruguayan artist Carlos Vilaro. Vilaró was inspired by the mud nests and houses of Santorini's Mediterranean coast when designing Casapueblo, a fairytale house and museum near Punta del Este. The nests, which are typical of Uruguay's hornero birds, have a side opening that resembles an oven's mouth. Vilaró described the style as anarchic and avoiding sharp lines. Carlos Vilaro was inspired by Santorini, and its whitewashed Mediterranean look. He also loved bright colors. LOCATED ON a high rocky point jutting over the sparkling water of Punta Ballena, Casapueblo sits majestically as both a magical sculptured hotel and a museum. It is referred to as the “Greek island of Uruguay” or the “Santorini of Latin America.” The nicknames are apt because the structure’s Cycladic-inspired architecture enhances Punta Ballena’s sunset views to remind of the villages of Santorini which inspired Vilaro. He shared his passion with the world, christening it "house town" or "house of the people." The original white building constructed in 1958 is the centerpiece of the complex which also houses a tribute to Carlos Miguel, the artist's son. He was one of 16 survivors of flight 571, a Uruguayan Air Force plane which crashed in the Andes on Oct. 13, 1972. THOUSANDS OF visitors come to enjoy the place every year. Hotel rooms don't have numbers. Each key has a unique tile design which matches corresponding tiles on the guest room door. Unique -- as was Vilaro. How to get there: Casapueblo is located in Punta Ballena, about nine miles (14.5 kilometers) west of Punta del Este, a 15-minute drive. It's a bit over two hours from Montevideo. We highly recommend Pablo of Dream Tour Uruguay. www.dreamtour.com.uy /dreamtour.com.uy Montevideo's winding streets and beautiful gardens are complemented by historic buildings and classic architecture. UP NEXT: Uruguay's capital city Montevideo beckons, then we visit historic Colonia and Punta del Este. While Uruguay is overshadowed on most tourists' lists by the flashier cities of Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, Montevideo has its own charms and is home to nearly 1.5 million people -- a third of the country's population. The city is an exciting place to spend a few days, with a fascinating past and many convenient side trips an hour or two away. The strategic placing of Montevideo gives it an interesting history, situated on the southern coast of the country, on the northeastern bank of the Río de la Plata. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live. Catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com

A "bonus concert" arranged just days before, capped a weekend opening as world class musicians performed at Tippet Rise' Art Center. Noted pianist Yevgeny Sudbin, left, thrilled the Olivier Music Barn audience Saturday with Chopin, Debussy and more. Sunday, his wife Sally Wei, and their gifted children performed a "pop up" family concert, receiving a standing ovation from the delighted audience.  Singer Ema Nikolovska charmed Tippet Rise concert goers with her dramatic voice and playful asides. AT HOME ON THE RANGE, INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN PERFORMERS DELIGHT AT FISHTAIL'S UNIQUE ARTS VENUE STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Concert goers include a mix of back packers, hikers, bikers and others, all mingling for a concert, this one at Domo. FROM THE world's great concert halls to a nature driven Montana venue, a slate of world-renowned performers graces Tippet Rise Art Center each summer. The 2024 season began last weekend, on this unique working ranch and arts venue where a select few of the world's great musical artists arrive each summer to perform.  They sing, play instruments and soak up nature with a packed house of  international music aficionados, selected in a drawing each March for concerts in several magnificent venues both indoors and in outdoor creations.  Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers have written about and photographed the venue since its beginning.   We spent time at this season's opening weekend with two Berlin based performers who sing the praises of the place. Toronto born mezzo-soprano Ema Nikolovska and Georgia born pianist Kunal Lahiry said they're hoping to be invited back "because the place is absolutely inspiring. From the Calder statue at sunrise to a walk in moonlight on the grounds, there's nothing like it anywhere else in the world," Nikolovska said as Lahiry smiled and nodded. "Inverted Portal" welcomes visits to walk around or through its expanses. It's one of many intriguing artworks, each one occupying separate space. Built without a budget, it's the multi-million dollar creation of philanthropists and artists Cathy and Peter Halstead, heirs to a fortune made by Cathy's father, Sidney Frank, who became a billionaire through his promotion of Grey Goose vodka and J ä germeister. Frank gave millions to educational and artistic endeavors and his painter daughter and her pianist-poet husband are following suit.  Tippet Rise incorporates their love of sculpture, music and nature in a unique artistic creation. Geology tours explore the land's history Alexander Calder's "Two Discs" on an early spring day, with snow still on the hilltops.   "We love this place," said pianist Lahiry, echoing Nikolovska's sentiment that "the landscape has moved us forever." He called the place "magical. The environment is gorgeous -- unlike anywhere else --  and the audience is so appreciative and sincere -- not jaded like some we've experienced in city venues."  The pair received two standing ovations at their Sunday concert, which featured wide-ranging vocal-piano works merging the poetry of Emily Dickinson with Schubert, Copland and others, including  contemporary composer Nahre Sol, whose "digital prayer" was performed by the pair with playful grace. Kunal Lahiry's expressive piano illustrates his virtuoso solo brilliance and ability to accompany Ema Nikolovska with sensitivity and precision. Nikolovska charmed the house with her range and power, and versatility in interpreting time honored classical work as well as modern, impressionistic pieces. With Lahiry's expressive piano, she emulated a buzzing bee, an insistent fly and sounds of the internet. Like the finest accompanists, Lahiry displayed his own dazzling technique to enhance Nikolovska's captivating voice. The two perfected their delivery in four years of intensive rehearsal. At the impromptu family concert, five members of the Yevgeny Sudbin family charmed and delighted. "Music saved us during COVID," Sudbin said. He introduced his gifted children and  talented wife, pianist Sally Wei, who also turned pages for her husband and children during duets.   Stephen Talasnik's "Satellite No. 5: Pioneer" incorporates space, and the artist's desire to show connection to land and our roots. Sudbin is considered one of the 21st Century's most accomplished pianists. Other performers chosen this summer include acclaimed  Frano-Belgian cellist Camille Thomas, award winning Cleveland Orchestra flutist Jessica Sindell, a trio featuring TR regular Anne-Marie McDermott, violinist Chad Hoopes and cellist Christopher Costanza, all lauded chamber players and soloists. IT WAS FUN  to notice license plates in the parking lot a short walk above the Olivier Music Barn: Michigan, Illinois, Vermont, Idaho, A packed house in the acoustically perfect Olivier Music Barn. Oregon, Utah and Illinois.  In the concert venues and restaurant, we heard French and German, along with various American and English accents. Hikers mingled with bicycle riders, concert goers and families enjoying     Cathy and Peter Halstead spent years searching for a perfect venue for their dream . lunch. The mixed crowd is a metaphor for the place, exactly what the Halsteads envisioned more than a decade ago. They explored the U.S. to find a setting to build their dream, desiring a place where people were free to move about the land, admiring sculpture and nature, appreciating it as an extension of their enjoyment of the musical arts. Mission accomplished.  The season continues through Sept. 15 with internationally famed quartets, soloists and ensembles, masters of violin, viola, cello oboe, flute, piano, bassoon, clarinet and more. tippetrise.org Enjoying a day in Rome, by the Trevi Fountain, are from left: Bruce Keller, Christene "Cookie" Meyers, Rick Cosgriffe and his partner Jane Milder. The couples spent two weeks in Europe   UP NEXT:  "Travels With My Brother."  My sibling Rick and I have traveled in Europe several times, but it had been decades since we explored together.  We changed that when Bruce Keller and I met Rick Cosgriffe and Jane Milder for a Mediterranean cruise, for an exciting, adventure filled two weeks together. We explored ports in Portugal, France, Spain and a few days in Italy. It's a wonderful memory, the reason we urge readers to "seize the day" as Labor Day weekend approaches. It's a carpe diem world so time to fulfill  travel dreams, particularly with loved ones. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh look at travel, performance, nature, family and more:   www.whereiscookie.com