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Lights, action, enjoyment. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks brings a pair of works to enthusiastic audiences from Bozeman to Cody, Wyo., Helena to Superior, and parts of Idaho with a stop in Washington state. The award-winning endeavor is presented free and sustained by grants and donations. "Love's Labors Lost" was on tour in an earlier production. Notice the elaborate costumes, and a stage that is collapsed, packed up and transported via truck dozens of times per season. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER ONE OF  Big Sky Country's treasured institutions is Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. The ambitious touring theater is beloved by thousands, and with good reason. Joel Jahnke ran Shakespeare in the Parks for decades. His vision of bringing the Bard's work to the people continues with Kevin Asselin, current artistic director. A troupe of seasoned actors  doubles as costumers, technicians, designers and fund-raisers for one of the state's most enterprising organizations. The troupe tours the Rockies each year to the delight of playgoers from eastern Washington to northern Wyoming and the prairies of Montana. With a schedule that would challenge most actors, the young, limber company presents two plays in repertory fashion. While theirs is a mostly Shakespeare repertoire, this year's docket features "The Three Musketeers," adapted from the Alexandre  Dumas work, along with "Measure for Measure," which many consider among Shakespeare's finest. I FIRST INTERVIEWED Executive-artistic director Kevin Asselin sustains the original vision.  Joel Jahnke, the energetic impresario of Montana's Shakespeare in the Parks, many years ago. Through the years I've keep track of the company headed for decades by this visionary man. He believes the touring troupe's mission has always been "to serve rural areas and people who might not normally be able to afford or have access to quality theater." My first of many interviews with Jahnke was in 1976, three years after the company was founded. He spent 35 years at the helm as director and is crucial to its success and longevity. Kevin Asselin has been the company's executive director since 2014 and is continuing Jahnke's crowd-pleasing tradition. THE CROWD at a recent production of "The Three Musketeers" in Fishtail Family Park was an eclectic blend of locals -- Republicans and Democrats, students, families -- a mix of tourists new to Shakespeare in the Parks, and devotees who haven't missed a year for decades. A tender moment in "The Three Musketeers" recently in Fishtail, Montana.  "We' re about finding ways to come together regardless of political or socioeconomic differences. That belief forms the backbone of the company's success," Asselin says. What makes the endeavor noteworthy is that in a single day, the company transforms an empty space into a believable theatrical stage -- complete with balcony, set and costumes. The feat is remarkable when one considers it is done day after day with little time off and in unpredictable weather. DONATIONS  are welcome and the website shows you where to catch the next show. The company's outreach extends beyond Shakespeare in the Parks to a school program and other fund-raisers and presentations. The season began in "hometown" Bozeman for a rare week. Usually stops are a single night, or sometimes two. The troupe returns to  Bozeman for Sweet Pea Festival, visits Butte and Big Sky, then heads west into Driggs, Pocatello and Salmon, Idaho.  A young girl is head over heels for her night at the theater. OTHER STOPS included Silvergate, Big Timber, Powell, Cody and Worland Wyoming, Roundup and Townsend Gardiner, Boulder, Forsyth, and a swing into Beach, North Dakota, in July. The August run includes western Montana and a stop in Liberty Lake, Wash., northern Montana towns and Missoula in western Montana, then two weeks in September in Philipsburg, St. Ignatius, Superior, Anaconda, Deer Lodge, Whitehall, Livingston, Three Forks, White Sulphur and a finale in Bozeman with "The Three Musketeers" at Grand Chamberlain Park. The road home, outside of Fishtail, at sunset, which is when the plays end this time of year. Check the schedule for a play near you by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. "We love it when we get to stay two nights," the company members say. "It's a real treat not to have to move everything every day."  For tickets or more information: ShakespeareInTheParks.org

In late spring and into summer,   temperatures in the Alps can dip to 15 °C (59 F), and there can still be snow on the mountain tops, as Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers discovered recently during a ride on the famed Bernina Express. HISTORIC RAIL TRIP OFFERS SPLENDID VIEWS ON BERNINA EXPRESS The viaduct  outside Tirano offers spectacular Alps viewing. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IT'S BEEN OUR dream for 17 years  to take a train trip through the Swiss Alps and transit the terrain of some of the world's highest mountain ranges. Both of us love mountains and winding trails. We both love trains, too, so the irresistible combination came to us via Bernina Express. We viewed several villages from the train's panoramic windows.   The famous train connects Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy by crossing the rugged and lush Swiss Engadin Alps. For most of its journey, the train runs along the World Heritage Site known as the Rhaetian Railway.   Picturesque sights abound, including this cafe, Restaurant Alp Grum in Poschiavo, Switzerland. WE BOARDED  in Tirano,  a picturesque Italian village, the northern Italy counterpart to the little village chosen for filming "The Godfather." People are friendly and family oriented. They love their dogs and keep tidy, small gardens.  It's a lovely place to stroll the winding streets as we did from our  B&B, the delightful Ostello del Castello. (More on that in next week's feature on Tirano.)  Framed by Lake St. Moritz are Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller, on a unique train trip from Tirano, Italy. AFTER RESTING a couple days following a hectic time in southern Europe, we were ready to resume our adventures. We walked the mile from the hotel to the train station to await our departure from Tirano. We'd booked our reservations weeks before and found our seats in a comfy car resembling the Vista Dome of my youthful train travel. Glass ceilings in these first class cars offer a panoramic experience. Note in booking that not all the cars have these expansive windows and ceilings. AS WE  traveled, we reveled in the green of the Alps, its rugged terrain, villages and meadows, snow capped peaks, alpine lakes and a remarkable viaduct. While we were on our train, friends took the Bernina Express going the opposite direction, a four-hour, 90-mile journey from icy Switzerland to sunny Italy.  We reversed, starting in Italy and wending our way through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges to St. Moritz.  So while we were digging light jackets out of our backpacks as temperatures dropped, our friends were shedding their sweaters as the weather warmed. Bruce Keller enjoys a stunning view enroute to St. Moritz. Right outside our window, skiers readied their gear for an afternoon on the slopes. The train makes a stop or two along the way for photos.  We saw skiers and sunbathers in a day. The train  was built in 1896-1904 and is itself a UNESCO World Heritage site. We appreciated the train's clean, spacious seats. First class is a bit more, but worth it. Everyone was in good spirits and we met delightful people -- Americans, Australians, French, English, German, Swiss, Italians -- all bonded by an appreciation of the spectacular sights we enjoyed together.  A PLEASANT  attendant circulated with a refreshment trolley, offering light snacks, tea, coffee, wine and souvenirs. It is allowed to bring your own food and drinks, including wine, as several passengers did. It's a thrill to have experienced this wonderful journey. If you love trains, mountain scenery and adventure, we highly recommend this outing. For more information: The Chur–Tirano route runs daily between Chur, Switzerland and Tirano, Italy. In summer, the train continues from Tirano to Lugano some days.St . Moritz–Tirano: This shorter route runs between St. Moritz, Switzerland, and Tirano, Italy. The classic Bernina Red Train route offers panoramic carriages and requires advance ticket reservations. We took it from from Tirano to St. Moritz. Tickets begin at about 29 Euros. www.berninarailway.com For rail and ticketing elsewhere in Europe: www.eurail.com Strolling the streets of Tirano, Italy, are Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers, The charming village was our base for exploring northern Italy and taking Bernina Express.   UP NEXT :  We spent a few relaxing days in Tirano, based at the charming Ostello del Castello, a unique family run inn in Tirano, Valtellina, Italy.  Host Andreas and a welcoming staff made us instantly at home and we were surrounded by spectacular views, geraniums in window boxes, and the clanging of cowbells to greet the morning.  We'll visit Tirano and its treasures with tips on combining the train trip with a village visit. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on nature, travel, performance, family and the arts: www.whereiscookie.com

The sampans navigate the harbor in Hong Kong, taking tourists around for 350 Hong Kong dollars ($70 a couple, U.S.) You can get cheaper fares to take you around the Aberdeen area, if you negotiate. The sampan is part of Hong Kong lore, distinct because it is maneuvered with oars at the stern.  Retirees make up the majority of the sampan drivers. TAKE A MUSK OX RIDE, HOP A BULLET TRAIN, JUMP ON A JUNK, OR BIKE, BABY! In Halong Harbor, we were happily jostled about in our tour boat. Navigation to the famous caves nearby includes boats bumping each other.  ''I've flown around the world in a plane. I've settled revolutions in Spain.  The North Pole I have charted. But I can't get started with you.....'' STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Tuk-tuk time for Sue, Cookie, John and Keller in Bangkok. "WE'VE FLOWN  around the world in a plane. Been part of traffic tie-ups in Spain. Rode in sampans, tuk-tuks, Treaded snow in mukluks,it's true." Awaiting the famed bullet train in Tokyo, we joined tourists from all over. WE APOLOGIZE  to Vernon Drake and Ira Gershwin for taking liberties with their wonderful song, but we couldn't resist the segue to our travel modes and highlights story. During a 33-day Asia trek, we sampled a dozen water-borne vehicles: ships, barges, cruise boats, sampans, even a Chinese junk. We saw couples riding motorbikes in Vietnam and Thailand (with the girls sitting daintily side-saddle), and we boarded a tourist boat for a joyously bumpy ride in Halong Bay which took us to the famous caves. WE CRAMMED  ourselves into tuk-tuks in Bangkok, enjoying the company of friends from York.  It was our first time in the colorfully decorated, three-wheeled motorized vehicle used as taxis throughout Thailand. Stylishly dressed, this young Thai lady rides "side saddle" with her beau. In Hong Kong's famous Victoria Harbor, which separates the city from Kowloon, we sailed on a junk, the type that has transported Chinese merchants and precious cargo since the Third Century B.C. INSTEAD OF  hauling spices, silks, tea and produce, our lovely junk transported tourists from all over the world.  We sipped green tea and watched the world go by, circling the harbor three times, as the kindly tour guide indulged us and our seafaring delight. Hong Kong's famed junks are among the last left in the world. The junk is centuries old. IN VIETNAM , we biked past rice paddies and vegetable gardens, enjoying a close-up view of the musk oxen and water buffalo that farmers still use. This musk ox grazes in Vietnam, while  his owner rests in the early afternoon. In Japan, we beheld another wonder, the bullet train.  We took several rides on this super fast train, known as the Shinkansen, which literally means “new trunk line." We biked through rice paddies and enjoyed fresh air and visits with the friendly Vietnamese people. The bullet train reaches speeds of more than 250 miles per hour, zips to major cities and some of the small outer villages, and has never had a fatality (despite being shaken on its tracks during tsunamis and earthquakes.) It's a quick, comfy way to get around this efficient country. WHILE THE bullet train is known for its modern technology, older, time-honored modes of four-legged transportation are still in use. We saw both musk ox and water bison in the fields, and enjoyed talking to several of the workers, who proudly showed off their male oxens' reproductive jewels.   Point Arena Lighthouse is famous for rugged views. "See!" a farmer exclaimed, holding up his prized bull's tail. "He has very large ones. Makes many babies!" COMING UP: The historic Point Arena lighthouse makes a wonderful get-away if you're headed to northern California and Mendocino country.  It's lovely gift shop features unique, handmade wildlife magnets, the museum has a beautiful French made lens, you can stay overnight in a guest house, and even climb to the top -- for a bird's eye view of passing whales!

Project Hope in Columbus, Montana, offers hope for the new year and beyond to anyone in need in Stillwater County.  Here, the Project's next-door sister  shop, Laughing Ladies, aids the effort through antiques and vintage clothing. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER I'VE ALWAYS  been proud of the warm-hearted spirit of small towns. Project Hope in Columbus, Montana, is proof that good deeds and generosity can change lives. The non-profit organization provides help from the heart for needy families in Stillwater County -- a chilly place now that winter is upon the northern Rockies. An unassuming storefront leads the way to Project Hope. Project Hope is a volunteer effort with a little bit of everything, and help for the needy in Stillwater County, Montana. A window display shows the range of clothing, fashion accessories and more. Hope brings just that -- hope -- and warmth -- in warm winter clothing, welcome food, bedding, furniture and household goods. School supplies find their way to eager students, in donated books, paper, art, pens, pencils, writing materials, back packs and studying aids. THIS FROSTY  time of year, Project Hope's belief that people should not be homeless or hungry makes a real impact. This small mountain town is 40 miles from Billings, Montana's largest city.  Founded as a stage coach stop along the Yellowstone River, Columbus is home to middle-class families, the usual mix of working parents and stay-home moms.  There are retirees, too, and successful businessmen and ranchers.  But there are needy people, who may not be eligible for other aid. Through the town's generosity and a faithful network of volunteers, Project Hope was born. The Project relies on donations from the public, area stores and businesses. "We exist from grants, donations of generous residents, and a yearly fundraiser," a volunteer told me. Well tended clothing -- gently used -- is part of the charm of Project Hope.  Laughing Ladies, the Project's "sister store," is a charming vintage shop of unique clothing, antiques, art and sundries. Laughing Ladies contributes 30 per cent of its take to Hope. WE STOPPED BY  the pair of stores on an autumn visit to Columbus before the first snow. We came because a good friend, also a Project Hope volunteer, spotted a painting done by a woman who once lived in our 1881 log room in our renovated home in the Beartooths. Our friend recognized the setting and knew the artist's history with the place. Project Hope's fare ranges from kitschy to collectible, antiques, fun finds and more. A gorgeous mirror will hang in a Montana country home, a recent find at Project Hope in Columbus, Montana. We called to see if Helen Hereford's painting of the mountain and meadows of our beloved property might still be there.  It was! So Project Hope put it aside for us to come buy it. While we were there, we found another treasure perfect for the country place: a wonderful mirror artfully framed with cowboy boot pieces. We strolled about Project Hope and Laughing Ladies, enjoying banter of customers and volunteers, browsing the well organized pair of stores which so delightfully complement one another. There's also a consignment wing to the operation. MONEY EARNED  through these donated, resold items there, plus a percentage of commissioned items, go back to Project Hope. Home may be where the heart is, as the old saw goes. But "hope" -- make that Project Hope -- has a lot of heart, too. Happy New Year, Columbus friends.  Thanks for sharing, and keeping us mindful that generosity is a gift to the giver. Tony Bennett -- in his late 80s -- and Lady Gaga -- 28 -- have a fantastic vocal blend and we're excited to see them! COMING UP:   Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga hit Las Vegas for New Year's Eve and so do we! We'll be there for their sold-out show, "Cheek to Cheek."  Then we're Down Under at Australia's famous Sydney Opera House, plus a near miss with a terrorist, delights of the sea, new friends, fabulous food, Maori life in New Zealand, "Cheek to Cheek" for New Year's Eve -- Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, above, and Cookie and Keller, at left! Follow our adventures -- cheek to cheek (well, most of the time!) exotic birds, surfing and diving, bridge climbing and more.  Remember to explore, learn and live, and visit us Wednesdays and weekends at:   www.whereiscookie.com And have a look at our new novel, "Lilian's Last Dance," an Amazon e-book with free downloads to any device. Romance, adventure, history, film, theater, art. We think you will enjoy it. Let us know!

Photographer and Big Bus fans, Bruce Keller and Christene Meyers enjoy a return to Sydney, Australia. They used Big Bus Tours to reacquaint themselves with the city's top stops and architectural wonders. BIG BUS TOURS FILL THE BILL WHEN YOU WANT TO SEE A FAMILIAR OR NEW CITY   Tokyo's splendid cherry blossoms, on a hop on-hop off Big Bus expedition. Easy hop off for photos STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS  PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER  BIG BUS means large fun, wherever in the world you step aboard. We enjoy this inventive tour option in many cities around the globe and heartily recommend it. It's great for both newcomers to a place and those returning to a familiar town and simply wanting a refresher course on its high points. Either way, it's enjoyable and you're sure to learn something new. THE MEETING  places to board are always near familiar landmarks-- hotels, parks and gardens, markets, museums, government buildings, cruise terminals, stadiums, castles, cathedrals, concert halls. These are determined by careful research of the places tourists frequent. Barcelona is a beautiful city served by Big Bus.  The tours can help you tick off your bucket list -- whether it's Barcelona's Sagrada Familia cathedral you want to see, Big Ben in London or the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Tall buildings, centuries old castles and monuments, modern shopping centers, famed concert halls, museums -- Big Bus hits them all.  ONE HOPS on to the bus -- always in a central location in many major cities worldwide. Keep the ticket for future boardings. There are several pass options; the two-day ticket is our favorite. We've walked a couple short blocks from our hotels to board  Big Bus in Sydney, Singapore, New York, Paris, Barcelona and London-- favorite familiar cities. Big Bus covers the world-- from Darwin, Dubai and Dublin to Las Vegas, Prague and San Francisco. Radio City from the second story of Big Bus. If you love a city and are returning, it's a great option.  If you're new to a city, Big Bus is even more important in giving you grounding. It is a wonderful tool to help orient you so you can decide where you want to spend time or return. If you have only a couple days, Big Bus helps you hit the high spots. DRIVERS ARE courteous and helpful, the buses are kept clean, WiFi is free, and a lively narrative unfolds in many languages. Just plug in your complimentary headphones or bring your own, select the language channel and you're in business. The buses wind through a city, stopping at a variety of well known places. A map allows passengers to hop on and off, see the nearby attractions, grab a bite or a beverage to recharge and reboard from the same stop at specific intervals. Usually, we've waited less than 15 minutes. Keller and his nephew, James Ganner, hop off to enjoy San Francisco's Vaillancourt Fountain, and a stroll around the Embarcadero.  IN SINGAPORE, we hop off at the magnificent Botanic  Gardens. In Sydney, we hop off at Bondi Beach and the Opera House, or in San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf and the Embarcadero. However, you don't have to hop off at all. Many people simply stay on the bus and enjoy the loop -- usually a couple fun  hours. Often there are two loops -- distinguished by different colors.  Well designed maps help you make choices for your hopping off. It's a great way to people watch, and enjoy the city's neighborhoods, landscape, shops.  You'll cross major bridges, glide past government buildings, explore ethnic neighborhoods and learn colorful detail. Big Bus Tours officially goes back more than 13 years to 2011. But its history in tourism dates back further than its founding. The merger of two popular companies resulted in worldwide expansion as Big Bus Company of London and Les Cars Rouges of Paris blended. Both are proud of their longer histories: Les Cars Rouges dates to the late 20th Century and Big Bus has decades of history in the bus and sightseeing tour business. BESIDES THE CITIES  mentioned here, many more cities are served by Big Bus Tours, including such diverse tourist destinations as Abu Dhabi, Chicago and Vienna.  Tourists hop off Big Bus to see Marina Bay Sands, a Singapore landmark-- casino, parkway and more. In the United States, besides hitting the famous spots of the Big Apple, Big Bus Tours operates in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and many other cities. Big Bus is our preferred bus tour. It's user friendly, comprehensive, reliable, and you're sure to meet like minded fellow travelers. We've met folks on Big Bus who've become longtime friends, and fellow travelers.    www.bigbustours.com/ To book a tour or for more, click here: Photographer Bruce Keller smiles as a young kid munches on the flowers of his shirt. Hard to resist .  UP NEXT:  Goats galore in Maui. We explore a unique and fascinating enterprise, the Surfing Goat Dairy. Meet the charming kids, the elderly lady goats, the big daddy who has dozens of girlfriends. Learn how a Canadian man's desire to do something different developed into a flourishing enterprise. And check out the fabulous goat cheese and truffles created by the milk of these healthy, adorable and affectionate creatures. In the coming weeks, we'll explore a delectable food tour in Brisbane, and mingle with koalas and kangaroos in more rural parts of Australia.  Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature, family and more at www.whereiscookie.com For a taste of the goat story, here's a link: Preview of Maui's goat dairy, click here

All aboard! Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers took a pair of spectacular train trips on a recent Celebrity cruise around New Zealand. Trains allow prime viewing of the country's spectacular scenery. Cruise tours are the best way to see the most in a short time in port. Celebrity's are tops. STEP ABOARD PAIR OF TRAINS FOR A TRIP BACK IN TIME WITH STUNNING SCENERY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Passengers have time to admire scenery and take photos. I LOVE TRAINS. My great-grandfather was a telegrapher on the Northern Pacific Railroad and his daughter, my gran Olive, grew up on trains. She passed that affection down the generations and I felt her presence as we hopped on the Marlborough Flyer for a step back in time to the days of World War I and steam locomotives. It was the first of two memorable train rides. We were in Picton aboard Celebrity's lovely New Zealand cruise on the line's Eclipse. A fun scenic tour is offered on this lovely heritage steam train from a majestic bygone era. The Flyer's carriages boast meticulous interiors. Our journey took us from Picton and Blenheim in Marlborough, New Zealand, to the picturesque village of Seddon, where we were greeted by a Johnny Cash impersonator, homemade pastries, wine tastings, friendly people and a gaggle of sheep. AS WE chugged along in the Flyer, we heard fascinating commentary about the historic WWI “Passchendaele.” It is named after a great battle and pays tribute to soldiers who worked for the railway and fell in that "Great War."  Built in 1915 in Christchurch, a major "redo" of the locomotive was engineered by Steam Incorporated in 2014. The locomotive's noble history  complements its reputation as one of the country's most successful of "AB Pacifics." Royals have boarded her and our group spanned the globe. New Zealand's trains offer close-up views of the track with winding curves, tunnels and time to admire the engineering. My train-loving partner and ever curious photographer, Bruce Keller, loves trains of all kinds and is particularly fond of steam trains. He enjoys "the sound -- the hiss of the steam, the feeling of nostalgia, the fun of being part of something that no longer exists in much of the world." THEN, IF YOU'RE planning a Dunedin stop, don't miss a trip on the Taieri Gorge Railway, one of the world's great train trips and Dunedin's top attraction. It departs  from downtown Dunedin's stately train station, to travel deep into the Taieri Gorge for eye-popping scenery: brilliant golden fields, grand old trees and gorgeous foliage cloaking the mountainsides. Cookie is front and center on a viewing station between carriages on a colorful New Zealand train trip. BOTH JOURNEYS  offer stunning landscape -- gorges, lush vegetation, tunnels, twisting roads, valleys and meadows. The quaint town of Picton is heritage-listed and has a welcoming charm while Dunedin's train station is a dazzling architectural wonder. Built in 1906, a magnificent Flemish Renaissance-style edifice features white Oamaru limestone facings on black basalt. Its dramatic "Gingerbread House" look is worth a visit, even if you're not boarding the train. We've taken the train journey three times and never tire of it. WHILE THE   Marlborough train ride has a leisurely classic look, a ride on the Taieri Gorge train has a sleeker, more contemporary feel. We walked out of the carriage into a small, open-air balcony, to admire passing scenery and take photos -- without the intrusion of windows. Dunedin's stately train station is an attraction in itself, but do book a Taieri train trip while there. Perfect weather (end of summer now in New Zealand) showcased dramatic scenery: Otago's hills, sweeping viaducts and verdant landscape. We appreciated two distinctive, different trains, each with class and character. Scenery of New Zealand's South Island is remarkably varied. BECAUSE IT  is vintage and lovingly restored to its century-old look, the Flyer takes pride in its classic, older rail car appeal.  Comfy seats are a rich burgundy leather and the wood is nicely cared for. One hears the soothing clickety-clack, but it's not bumpy.  The vintage car continues its "step back in time" with several photo stops. At the longer pause in Seddon, passengers stretch, shop and nibble. Seddon, named after a New Zealand prime minister, is 25 kilometers south of larger Blenheim, known for fine wine. The journey follows the banks of two rivers, the Awatere and Blind, home to choice grape growing regions. Their sauvignon blanc put New Zealand wines on the map. Many of our fellow passengers returned with bottles.   THE TAIERI trip offers another kind of spectacle -- equally engaging. The scenery is more rugged, and its history unfolds before the eyes. Wrought iron viaducts and hand-carved tunnels conjure images of hardship during this impressive endeavor 100 years ago. Train lovers should make a double-header of these two colorful, narrated trips offering history, waterfalls, streams, flora, livestock and more. They reveal how people live, work and build: www.celebritycruises.com info@pounamutourismgroup.com www.dunedinrailways.co.nz www.marlboroughflyer.co.nz ; siredmundhillaryexplorer.com ; www.taierigorgeshoreexcursion.com ; marboroughflyer.com www.newzealandrailways.com.nz And in the UK: www.britrail.com A lovely new play, "High Table," at San Diego's Diversionary Theatre features a gay marriage and unfolding complexities when a Nigerian family faces their confusion. It's an imaginative,  thought-provoking production, beautifully acted and directed. Stay tuned for another inventive work: "Monsters of the American Cinema" by an exciting San Diego playwright. diversionary.org 619 220-0097 BEST BET: San Diego theater is booming, with memorable March productions in a month dedicated to the lively arts. San Diego's Diversionary Theater's new play, "High Table," is a beautifully rendered love story told by a talented ensemble, directed with  skill, perception and emotion. The complex story unfolds with an evocative accompaniment of classical African chants and drumming. The cast's deft portrayals of departed ancestors parallels "real time" family, with accomplished actors playing multiple roles. The story unfolds with imagination and restraint. It's a touching, intricate work, exploring the myriad cliches facing the gay world, as well as complications of a gay relationship. What emerges is an enchanting, enduring love story.    Bruce Keller feeds a grateful kangaroo, communing with the graceful Australian figures, a national treasure. Up next! UP NEXT:  Wonders abound at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, a magical place located near Brisbane. You'll walk and talk with famous Australian animals in an 18-hectare koala sanctuary in the Brisbane suburb of Fig Tree Pocket in Queensland, Australia, the largest such sanctuary in the world. We're thrilled to have mingled with and fed the kangaroos and cuddled a sleepy koala. Come with us, remembering to explore, learn and live and catch us each week for a fresh spin on travel, nature, the arts, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com  Please share the link. .

All aboard! North Yorkshire Moors Railway pulls out of the station with a full complement of passengers.  York's National Railway Museum has won national awards for its expansive telling of the country's rail history. MERRY OLDE ENGLAND NURTURES A DEEP AFFECTION FOR RAIL TRAVEL STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER TRAINS ARE  as much a part of English life today as ships were centuries ago. The National Railway Museum in York is the largest and most expansive in the country, known for its variety, welcoming layout and detailed exhibits.  We recently explored several rail venues in Northeast England and are anxious to expand our rail travel to other parts of the United Kingdom. Since the country's first steam locomotives chugged out of Stockton and Darlington in 1825, that pastoral corner of England has held rail travel close to its heart. People in all parts of the UK enjoy relaxing, soaking up views. Nowhere is the rail experience more rewarding than in the North York Moors. With lovely scenery, a beverage and perhaps a pleasant lunch, tea or dinner, train travel here combines three things the British love: countryside, history and sharing a bite, a cuppa or a pint. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway offers splendid scenery and a chance to relax and visit over a beverage or snack. QUEENS, SOLDIERS  and school children enjoyed rail travel dating back to the golden age of steam. We began our "train fix" with a history lesson at York's fine National Railway Museum, part of the extensive Science Museum Group. Admission is by donation and upon entering the expansive halls, wonders unfold: iconic locomotives, Queen Victoria's plush car, a detailed rail ambulance which saved lives during wartime, a magical mail car with a Eurail pass beckons fascinating film of workers tossing and collecting bags of post from moving trains. The Royal Scotsman, Orient Express --  trains, from antique to sleek-contemporary. BRITISH RAIL travel, much like train travel in the U.S., developed during the railway boom of the 1840s, with dozens of competing companies.  Through the 19th and early 20th centuries, these consolidated or were bought up  by competitors until only a few companies remained Miss Eastwood serves beverages aboard an old-fashioned steam train. . One enterprise that flourishes is the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. We joined 100-plus fellow train lovers for a pleasant journey from Whitby to Pickering.  Our hosts, John and Sue, arranged the trip -- she dropped us off via auto and John joined us in our red velvet car. We traveled through lush woodlands and picturesque villages, much as they were 100 years ago. We visited, relaxed and sipped beverages served by a smiling stewardess then Sue kindly met us to motor us home. We've trained around the UK through England, Scotland and Wales in past visits, and recommend it for its "no hassle" ease, speed and convenience. As passengers departed their trains in York, we headed for ours, in a lovely car taking us to London for six days.   SINCE THEY "do the driving," rail travel is a stress-free, comfortable way to travel, even on short notice.  A spontaneous trip can easily be arranged. Visiting BritRail's website is a good place to start.  You'll find passes for extended travel, sleeping cars and even package tours. The expansive BritRail train system offers a variety of excellent passes to suit every desire for travel in the UK. This trip, we experienced only a small part of BritRail's destination bonanza. Our York-London trip was a comfy two-hour journey to central London, then just a 10-minute taxi to our hotel. THOUSANDS MAKE  use of BritRail passes for the flexibility in using the UK's expansive national rail network to historic places. All major cities are served, including London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Brighton, Glasgow, Liverpool, Birmingham and many more.    Here are a few of the impressive variety of passes BritRail offers: Cookie and Keller visit York's famous Rail Museum which features all manner of train-related transportation, antique to contemporary.  The museum asks only a donation. BritRail England Pass  - travel the whole of England. BritRail London Plus Pass - travel Southeast England to Stratford Upon Avon, Bristol, Bath and Cambridge. BritRail Spirit of Scotland Pass - travel all over Scotland including ferry routes to the islands. BritRail Central Scotland Pass  - travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh via historical towns such as Stirling, Linlithgow and Dunblane. BritRail Scottish Highlands Pass - travel around the Scottish Highlands by rail with some ferry routes. BritRail Southwest Pass - travel from London (including busy Heathrow Airport) to Southwest England, to visit  the beaches of Cornwall or have a cream tea in Devon.   TO GET YOU  in a train state of mind, the York museum is planning fun holiday displays, including one featuring the original Stephenson's Rocket, which changed rail travel in 1829.  Another exhibit features "The Age of Innovation" when vicars, lace-makers and miners brought their own miniature locomotives to life. We recommend rail travel over renting a car in Britain, particularly for our fellow Yanks. To avoid driving "the wrong side of the road," why not ride the rails instead? nymr.co.uk ;   railwaymuseum.org.uk ;  britrail.com Bruce Keller, aka "Keller" and Christene "Cookie" Meyers on board the Madaket, on a cruise around Humboldt Bay. UP NEXT:  Did you know that there exists in  northern California, the country's oldest still operational ferry boat.  The Madaket proudly patrols the waters of Humboldt Bay, with a skipper who knows her business and shares information about the wildlife, economy, waterways, history and purpose of the charming ferry, which among other attributes boasts the smallest licensed bar in the state.  More next week.  Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn, laugh and live and catch us Fridays for a fresh look at travel, nature, the arts, family and more:  www.whereiscookie.com   Please share the links and tell your friends. We have a global readership of which we are very proud.

Bruce Keller poses by one of the UK's many efficient and comfortable trains. By using a BritRail pass, we were able to visit several cities during a brief trip, making the most of our time. TRY A TRAIN ON BRITRAIL FOR YOUR NEXT UK VISIT  STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IF A VISIT to the United Kingdom is on your bucket list, you might be overwhelmed by the variety of historic places vying for attention. Bruce Keller and Christene Meyers in Edinburgh's Waverley Station, an easy hop to Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle, many cafes and shops. The two and a Yorkshire friend met with Scottish family. A visit to Hampshire's Highclere Castle, where "Downton Abbey" was filmed, makes a pleasant train  trip. A package includes a trip on a classic British Pullman, a lovely brunch and castle tour. We visit England often, and had grown tired of renting cars.  This time, we let BritRail do the "driving" to make the best use of our brief time in a favorite destination. THE BRITISH  rail system is time honored. Our UK cousins really know how to run their trains. Theirs is one of the oldest rail networks in the world.  In the early 19th Century when most people traveled by horse, ships or carriages, those clever Brits were already riding the rails!    On this most recent UK visit, rather than the stress of renting a car and the confusion of driving on the other side of the road, we chose to travel by British Railway. We had several places to go, after crossing the Atlantic on Queen Mary 2. Our BritRail passes made it possible to combine historic landmarks, cities, castles we'd admired on TV, and family visitations.  In the same UK visit, it is possible to travel from Southampton Visiting old friend, well known Oxford scholar David Howlett, was a treat. He pointed out historic buildings, Bill  Clinton's student digs, some of the famed university's many colleges and favorite spots on quaint streets. A delightful day trip from London's Paddington Station. to see friends in Yorkshire, from London to connect with  Oxford friends, spend a day with family in Edinburgh, and  tour an English castle or manor house. "BritRail," as it is affectionately called, makes it possible to organize smooth train travel between whatever points your itinerary includes. It just takes a bit of planning. THE COUNTRY'S extensive rail network offers a variety of passes for various amounts of time. Do your homework because there are multiple choices for travel across England, Scotland and Wales. There are some discounts for youth and seniors and watch for promotions which can stretch your pounds with a bit of research and homework.  Over 20 Train Operating Companies (TOCs) make up the National Rail network of Great Britain. BritRail sells the passes and other companies operate the trains. Our passes were issued through ACP Rail, one of BritRail's star partners. So ACP Rail is where you need to get your BritRail passes, particularly if you are seeking a mobile pass. Passengers may use selected BritRail passes on all National Rail trains. Just know the boundary of your specific pass zone.   The ease of UK train travel made a family reunion possible.  Bruce Keller, Margaret Ganner, Christene Meyers, Gerrard Ganner, Jane Brodie and Sue Speight met  for a day in Scotland. The Ganner party took the train into Edinburgh from their nearby town, while Cookie Keller and Sue came by train from Yorkshire. THE HUGE VARIETY of passes and tours allows one to custom design a specific itinerary. Because there are so many choices, you'll have to narrow the field. First, determine what places you really want to see and how many days you have. Then review the options at the website. What's your pleasure? Do you want a scenic trip through Scotland, cultural delights of village life and rural England, a visit to an abbey or castle where a favorite PBS program was filmed? We truly enjoyed seeing where PBS productions were filmed. Access to the famed "Downton Abbey" and "Brideshead Revisited" sites are easily arranged. Perhaps you wish to visit the town of your ancestors to look for family roots and records. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal in Yorkshire are the largest of its kind in Europe, a vast ruin  open to the sky, popular with locals and tourists. A train trip from King's Cross to York then a short taxi ride make a lovely day trip.   TO MAKE the most of your time, arrange your itinerary before and don't be unnerved if your favorite abbey or castle is a few kilometers from the nearest train stop. If you want to see Fountains Abbey, for example, take the train from London to York, then take a taxi or hitch a ride with a friend to see the abbey.  An amiable steward offers beverages and snacks. WITH OUR  Yorkshire friend, Sue, we booked a train to Edinburgh using our passes. She purchased a single roundtrip ticket from Darlington to Edinburgh, arranging to sit with us.  This enabled us to spend the day with our Scottish relatives. They were eager to show us highlights of Scotland’s magnificent capital city,  treating us to a Scottish meal at a delightful restaurant, regaling us with the city's Cookie relaxes on BritRail with a splendid view, comfy seat to see the picturesque English country. history while we strolled Princes Street, bought souvenirs and stopped for a bagpipe trill at Scott Monument, the world's largest monument to a writer. On another trip, we toured the Royal Yacht Britannia and heard the mid-day gun salute from Edinburgh Castle. To do that would have meant overnighting, but we accomplished a lot in a single day's journey. We're forever fans of BritRail and the variety of passes which save time, money and nerves. If you want a pass, ACP Rail is the only distributor for BritRail pass especially on the Mobile-Pass. More information or to book: www.acprail.com/ www.britrail.com/britrail-passes/britrail-pass/ www.visitbritainshop.com/au/en/uk-travel-passes-and-transport-tickets/britrail-passes Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers in front of the intriguing Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach. COMING UP:  A treasure trove of Latin American art, by both famous and emerging artists awaits in the fascinating, user friendly and beautifully curated Museum of Latin American Art. The metal sculpture in front of the Long Beach museum is typical of the work at this extraordinary museum which is the only facility in the United States dedicated to both modern and contemporary Latin American art.  A unique sculpture garden is part of the pleasures of this intriguing and imaginatively curated museum.  We step inside to reflect on the diversity of sculpture, paintings and more.  Meanwhile remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on art, nature, performance, family and more. Thanks for sharing the link, too: www.whereiscookie.com

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS You  have to love a city that in a few week's time offers vocal jazz with Manhattan Transfer in the historic Balboa Theatre and classics played with vintage instruments by Bach Collegium in the The art deco charms of the 1924 Balboa Theater are thanks to careful restoration. It is the grand dame of downtown, adjacent to Horton Plaza and the Lyceum. imposing venue of Balboa Park's History Center. Add a world-class Puerto Rican brother-sister chamber concert and klezmer tunes with knishes, both at the Lyceum Theatre downtown in colorful Horton Plaza. The always inventive San Diego Repertory Theatre is hosting the 20th annual Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival. We were part of a rousing opening night Tuesday, for Guillermo and Ivonne Figueroa's "standing O" recital. The talented violinist and pianist kicked off the festival's lively slate of performances with Fritz Kreisler, Felix Mendelssohn and photos of their extraordinary musical family in the intimate Lyceum space. The fest continues in San Diego and other at North County venues with more spellbinding music, theater and plenty of Jewish soul. Kudos to curator, organizer and director Todd Salovey, associate artistic director of the Rep, for tackling daunting booking and scheduling challenges. On tap are free events and reasonably priced concerts and  performances. The fest runs through June 18    San Diego Repertory Theatre makes its home in the Lyceum. Other intriguing highlights are “Chagall,” a new theatrical musical with dance presented by John Malashock and Yale Strom; Soulfarm, a Mediterranean flavored band from Israel, featuring Grammy-winner C. Lanzbom; and the popular Klezmer Summit featuring "Jews in Jazz" with ensemble Hot Pstromi and the remarkable talents of lively 94-year old cellist Fred Katz. The Summit is June 3, complete with complimentary kosher knishes sponsored by Schmoozers.  We've booked that and "Steal Heaven," the story of controversial activist Abbie Hoffman. He's still raising Cain, raising the Pentagon and raising the next generation of social game-changers. San Diego Rep's artist-in-residence Herbert Siguenza depicts Hoffman nestled in a Jewish home for the aged, plotting the course of America's future. The  lively Lipinsky Family Jewish Arts Festival offers reasons to visit the Lyceum Theatre and Horton Plaza.  The one-night performance takes place in the Lyceum Space on Thursday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. An excuse to revisit the charms of Horton Plaza. Looking for something in Oceanside --  an impromptu event tonight? One of the festival’s most popular musicians returns with a joyful selection of Jewish and Klezmer classics. Alexander Gourevitch was born in the Soviet Union and trained as a classical clarinetist.  He is a principle musician with Tijuana’s Orquesta de Baja and plays klezmer to express his Jewish soul. Gourevitch will be joined by his band Freilachs, featuring  Ara Ghukasyan, violin, Oxana Bulgakova, piano, and Carlos Maria, percussion. The concert is tonight (Wednesday, May 22) at 7:30 p.m. at the Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, Calif. Tickets are $5. Call (760) 435-3720. Check out the rest of the festival's impressive list of performers and venues, survey the complete line-up of stellar events and book tickcts at   http://www.sdrep.org or call (619) 544-1000. Variety. Quality. Venues. San Diego is southern California's city with musical soul and a remarkable performing arts docket.  San Diego Opera produced "Aida" last month, we've heard classical music, Manhattan Transfer still has it! Smooth harmonies, delightful jazz arrangements and a brilliant accompanist. Tim Hauser, right, is the only original member and makes his home in San Diego. jazz and Broadway tunes within the month.  We just booked a tango show for next week. That range is typical of the lively musical arts scene here. We were thrilled to obtain last-minute tickets to Manhattan Transfer, favorites or ours since the early 1970s. This enduring quartet, with a stellar pianist, includes Alan Paul, Cheryl Bentyne, Janis Siegel and Tim Hauser, who makes his home in the San Diego area. "I'm delighted to be playing here," he said, "because tonight I don't have to sleep in a hotel." We had delightful seats in first-row balcony of the beautiful Balboa Theatre downtown. A perfect setting with its glorious art deco arches and brocade wall paper and hints of velvet, for our trip down memory lane. The quartet delivered all its hits, changing coats, adding hats and costume props from a wardrobe on   stage. Fun stuff! "Boy From New York City" and "Chanson d'Amour" showed off two very different The Balboa Theatre is the cornerstone of Horton Plaza. styles -- be-bop and romantic ballad -- no problem. The quartet does it all.  "Java Jive" and "Operator" were precisely but swingingly sung, in the smooth, close harmonies which identify the group.  There have been two major manifestations of Manhattan Transfer; Hauser is the only person to be part of both. They take their name from the 1925 novel, "Manhattan Transfer," by John Dos Passos, and pays tribute to the quartet's New York ties. Their much honored pianist and arranger Yaron Gershovsky is a hugely important component.  His talent in many ways make him the star of the show. And the venues in San Diego play more than supporting parts.  Balboa Theater is 1924 gem, surviving decay and neglect and a 20-year closure to return in 2008 with a $26 million restoration. On the Balboa's docket are the Canadian Tenors May 31 and Mainly Yaron Gershovsky's genius as pianist-arranger makes him an integral part of the show, here in the Balboa Theatre. Mozart Festival June 13. Check out the summer schedule at SDBalboa.org or call 619 570-1100. COMING UP:  We take to the ocean -- beyond the two bays --  in a 27-foot sloop,sailing out of Harbor Yacht Club. Then we're off to Las Vegas, answering the call of gambling with all its glory. Remember to  explore, learn and live. www.whereiscookie.com posts each Wednesday and Saturday. Tell like minded people and join the fun.

Cookie and Keller take time for a quick cocktail during their guided tour of The Royal Suite on Serenade of the Seas. Would Queen Elizabeth and President Obama join Cookie? WHAT DO THE SIMPLE FOLK DO? LET'S BOOKA ROYAL SUITE TODAY Top penthouses offer luxury.  Cookie covets the "Royal" suites. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS,  PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and archives WHY CAN'T  I stay in the presidential suite every time I cruise? (Or at least in the palatial owner's suite or the spacious royal suite.) Cookie and Keller play during a visit to the Royal Suite on Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas. I'd appreciate my lavish surroundings, making certain to use every drawer and chair (and each of the several bathrooms!)  I'd play the piano.  I'd tip the butler well when he organized an intimate, little party for 50 of my closest new cruise-loving friends. Special suites and penthouses on ships are large as many peoples' homes. I'D INVITE  Queen Elizabeth and President Obama. Perhaps they'd be in the neighborhood and could drop in.  I picture us in a lovely port, surrounded by yachts and elegantly clad folks, dressed up for a Cole Porter kind of evening. Perhaps Monte Carlo...... SO WHAT  am I waiting for? For my financial ship to come in. Alas, with three or four cruises a year, I'd be beyond bankrupt if I traveled in only top penthouse accommodations. BUT I CAN DREAM. Years ago, in one of my 13 voyages on the beloved Queen Elizabeth 2, we splurged for Queens Grill class and dined one evening with a pair of British gentlemen who had booked the Presidential Suite for a two-week journey up the Norwegian fjords then a crossing from Southampton. A Queens Grill suite aboard the new Queen Elizabeth features 2,249 square feet of space. It's yours for $7,299. They remarked that their digs had a beautiful grand piano and the two lamented that neither of them played. I entertained many nights to high praise. Some people cruise months and some even live on ships. IF YOU  book the best rooms on any of the higher-end ships, you can expect to pay tens of thousands of dollars. A 10-nighter from Venice on Regent Seven Seas is $14,249 for the penthouse. Seabourn's 10-day Mediterranean Isles penthouse is $8,999. Silverseas's silver suite is $9,250 for nine nights. Crystal's Baltic 10-dayer is $9,780 for the penthouse. For now, Cookie and Keller visit Presidential suites, play piano on ships, and look forward to winning the lotto. THE FUN  and pleasure of having actual "home-size" rooms while you're afloat is so appealing that one enterprising ship, The World, was designed to appeal to cruise lovers with deeper pockets than mine. The World's suites compare to the finest presidential or owner's suites on luxury cruise lines.  But you own your own floating home. Owner's suites offer all the comforts of home. RETIREMENT  living aboard an ocean liner  can be   interesting.  A friend bought into The World and traveled   the globe for years, renting out her home when she went ashore.   TWO WEALTHY  Florida friends retired on ships, spending 40 weeks a year cruising, and the other three months visiting friends and family around the world. They cruised out of Cookie played piano on a recent cruise, as a guest in the Royal Suite. Stockholm, Barcelona, Lisbon, Athens, Ft. Lauderdale, San Diego, Southampton and wherever their adventures took them.  They choreographed their schedules so that they could sail into a port one morning and leave that afternoon, sometimes back-to-back on the same ship, sometimes on another ship, another itinerary. This contemporary presidential suite, left, offers a work table, spacious dining and living areas,  bedrooms and a butler's pantry for party preparation.  Above, right, a more classic owner's suite. YOU CAN spend $50,000 to $100,000 or more if you have deep pockets, to sail for a month on the best digs on the world's top cruise lines.  Presidential penthouse, royal suite or owners suite prices vary, depending on the lavishness of the digs. This video lovers' penthouse suite  features a large flat-screen TV. WE LOVE  the loyalty program at Royal Caribbean and would adore to cruise in the Presidential Family Suites aboard Freedom of the Seas. We'd book if we could engineer a trip with a few other couples. We'd share four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a private balcony and a living area with sofa bed. I predict a musical party at sea! THERE ARE  spacious living areas with comfy sofa beds and dining table, private balcony with another dining area, lounge chairs aplenty.  Up to 14 guests can be accommodated.  We know one couple who booked it for their party of four: themselves, their daughter and grandson! What do the simple folk do? Juan Cabrillo was the first Anglo in San Diego. COMING UP:  From the "cream of the crop" suites shipboard, to creamy cheese at the historic Rogue Creamery and Cheese Shop with the "world's best blue cheese." It's in Central Point, Oregon.  But first, we take a look at explorer Juan Cabrillo and the discovery of southern California.  At  www.whereiscookie.com   We'll continue our adventures in ancient Ephesus with its wonders, and have a look at Jerusalem at Easter time. Please share our blog link with your friends. Remember to explore, learn and live!

For this couple, the world's great cruise ship lines offer opportunity to perform magic, dancing, and other treats. SINGERS, HOOFERS, MAGICIANS ANSWER SEA'S SIREN CALL TO ENTERTAIN PASSENGERS Gowns, boas, beautifully pressed and stored, await their time  in the spotlight.  A stage hand does inventory. An actor's life for talented singers and dancers aboard Royal Caribbean.   STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER SPACE IS SMALL , but spirits  soar  for thousands of Broadway babies singing and dancing their way around the world on top cruise ships. For these talented hoofers, jugglers, comics, singers and actors -- would-be Broadway babies --  production values are large aboard the best ships, including  Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas. Full-scale but shortened versions of Broadway hits such as "Chicago" are produced to the delight of audiences as the ship moves through the waters...... Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas is a floating palace with delightful venues and showcases. Additional entertainment on upscale cruise lines ranges from classical guitar, jazz piano and versatile duos,  to acrobats and even ice skating. BACKSTAGE  on a moving ship, there is truly a place for everything.  On a multi-thousand-ton vessel filled to capacity with passengers and crew, the entertainment is a huge draw.  Cruisers -- especially those who've logged many miles on the world's oceans and around her ports -- expect and desire top shows. We want sets that sparkle, special effects that dazzle, costumes that convince and a fine orchestra. Violinist dazzles her audiences with classical, jazz tunes. That happens aboard today's top-ranked ships. They audition around the world, rehearse usually in Florida or California, then set sail to engage and enthrall us while we're enjoying our holidays on the water. WE RECENTLY  spent an entertaining morning with the dancers, singers, instrumentalists, magicians and comics aboard Serenade of the Seas, in the Royal Caribbean International fleet. Feathers for a fancy headdress await performance time backstage. She was in the last few days of a splendid Atlantic crossing from Barcelona, to Cadiz (with a land tour into Seville), through the Canary Islands and into the Caribbean, finally docking at the port of New Orleans. THE SHIP-SHAPE , energetic ensemble came from Atlanta, Los Angeles, Tampa, Chicago and other U.S. cities -- with a few Brits and Aussies thrown in the mix. The Centrum on Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas is used for fancy acrobatics, to the delight of the audience. Most had been with the company for several years -- one for 14 -- and all described with animation and enthusiasm their at-sea adventures. THEY WERE FULL  of fascinating anecdotes.  One daughter of a Royal Caribbean seamstress described her "family affair" with the sea, and her mother's talents at letting costumes in or making them larger, depending on the size of the performer. A passion for percussion and foreign ports led this drum set's owner to a touring life. WHILE THE  production rigors call for shapely and fit performers, the bodies range from small and short to tall and thin, and a few of the specialty singers are not necessarily tiny.  Thus the expensive costumes must be able to be let out or taken in as the performer's size dictates. Costumes are mended and laundered on a regular basis, to keep them shiny and sparkling.  And an inventory is taken after each show to make certain everything has been returned to its place. THE DAY  we toured the backstage area, we walked past gleaming percussion instruments and behind the stage curtains to a well organized world of hats and shoes, gowns and sequins, and a veritable steamer trunk of props. COMING SOON: Tips on the intricacies of renting a car abroad, inside Oregon's internationally famous Shakespeare Festival, a traveling musician's life, explorer Cabrillo and his legacy and monuments in San Diego, Ashland Oregon's lively cabaret, plus a view from the bridge and a visit to the venerable Queen Mary, now a Long Beach hotel. Remember to explore, learn and live, and please tell your friends to visit us Wednesdays and weekends at: www.whereiscookie.com

The view from our balcony at Hotel Mas La Boella: tranquil, at sunset, welcoming, quiet, serene and beautiful. The resort sports a noted restaurant and convention center, with an imposing 12th Century home as its centerpiece. The estate's thoughtful design incorporates elements of the 12th Century home and mill, honoring southern Spain's  legacy of producing some of the world's finest olive oil.   STORY BY CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and courtesy Hotel Mas La Boella ONLY AN HOUR-PLUS  drive from bustling Barcelona, an oasis of calm and pleasure awaits. Hotel Mas La Boella is a beautifully designed boutique hotel with 13 elegant suites -- each distinct and artfully decorated -- named after the estate's bountiful variety of grapes and olives. We discovered this paradise while researching unusual places to stay, a tradition in our ten years of visiting southern Spain with its enticing array of boutique hotels and paradors. DRAWN TO  picturesque and historic Tarragona province, we were intrigued by the allure of La Boella. Foodies and olive fanciers, we loved that we'd douse our bread with oil made from the estate's own trees.  We appreciated that one of southern Spain's famed chefs creates the restaurant's delicacies.  Fragrant Tarragona wines and 300 other global offerings complement Manuel Ramirez' beautifully presented plates. A simple, delicious appetizer olive begins the feast at Espai Fortuny. BEAUTY AWAITS  the beholder everywhere.  Various elements are at play, all enhanced by nature.  The place has history -- a 12th Century country house is equipped with the latest technology.  So the hotel is pampering and serene, yet completely modern.  Our balcony offered stunning views of the olive groves, gardens and vineyards.  Our suite was beautifully enhanced with pleasing paintings evoking nearby nature. Yet we could be on line, catching up on work. La Boella's stunning beauty extends inside and outside the estate. Everything is constructed with the highest standards in the estate, popular for weddings, parties, luxurious events and conferences. We strolled the grounds, admiring the mill where La Boella's famous extra virgin olive oil is made -- and we toured the factory, enjoying a tasting after.  Olive oil is serious business in  Mediterranean countries, each believing its product is superior.  We'd be hard pressed (no pun intended) to  find more delicious olive oil than that produced at La Boella.  We poured it over our beautifully cooked eggs.  We dipped our bread in it.  We became olive oil junkies in our several days there.  And we came home with bottles which we proudly and sparingly use, remembering a special time in a peaceful place. Lauded Catalan chef, Manuel Ramirez, sets the tone for exquisite meals,  artfully prepared with quality ingredients, including the estate's own olive oil. THE LOVELY HOTEL  is recently constructed, but has the feeling of  age -- with lacquered wood, huge windows, gorgeous giant beds ("more for dreaming than sleeping," they say. And it's true.) Breakfast at La Boella features freshly made muffins and rosquilla (donuts.) Service is an art at a La Boella meal. Here, Cookie chooses cheeses for dessert. WE ENJOYED  leisurely meals at the resort's highly regarded restaurant, which even in late autumn was frequented by locals as well as other lucky travelers. Service is an art form at restaurant Espai Fortuny, where we capped the day with elegant, tasty lamb and fish, handsomely presented, accented with the resort's greens.  Olive oils, made on the estate's mill, and other condiments await guests. La Boella's fine wines and extra virgin olive oils are sold in a lovely shop. Stairway to the stars (and our suite) with a leather covered hand rail. For more information: website: laboella.com ; email: info@laboella.com   Keller took this photo on our last night at one of our most memorable resorts:  peaceful, beautiful, satisfying. OUR HOME on the Costa Daurada was as fragrant as it was picturesque.  Orange trees, lavender, magnolia, rosemary and soothing sounds of a fountain all beckon us back. . A bighorn sheep waits out the winter near Nye, Montana. UP NEXT: Taking a break from winter, Montana is truly a state for all seasons and reasons, but our favorite times are when the sun shines brightly so we can look for birds, the leaves aren't yet on the trees (or have just been shed) and we don't need three layers of clothing to fend off the freeze.  Coming up: a look at Montana in all its seasonal splendors -- including the transition from autumn to winter, for many, the favorite time to view birds and wildlife, and truly feel the change of seasons. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each Friday for a fresh look travel, art, nature, family and whatever strikes our fancy.