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Story By Christene Meyers Photos by Bruce Keller "The Carpe Diem Kids" Knowledgeable American born guide Leandra, left, with our enthusiastic party enjoying delicious Japanese food and beverages in a tour that ranges from appetizers to desserts, a full range of both new and familiar dishes. Prowling lantern-lit side streets of Kyoto with our savvy American guide, we found an evening with Ninja Food Tours Japan to be more than a food tasting tour. Leandra guided us through a tasty immersive in flavors, traditions and culture of old Japan. From tiny family-owned restaurants to bustling mall shops and local alleys with sizzling aromas, she shared her beloved Kyoto one memorable bite at a time. We devoured fresh caught seafood and kelp, sipped several kinds of sake and feasted on succulent wagyu in a tangy balsamic sauce. We enjoyed soymilk donuts, deep fried tuna, marinated veggies and Japanese whisky. Strolling between stops helped break up the gastronomic orgy as we ventured beyond typical tourist stops into the city's culinary hub. A tasty dish of marinated vegetables and chicken artfully garnished -- beautiful and flavorful. The ambitious company's carefully curated culinary experiences connects participants to food culture in three different cities -- Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka. Our guide, an Arizona transplant, moved to Japan in 2017 to complement her Japanese studies. Her affection for her adopted city's cuisine shown as she guided us through atmospheric neighborhoods, greeting friends who served tastings both familiar and new, all favorites of Leandra She began her Japanese immersion as a teen and speaks the language fluently. So through her lively stories, we learned about foods we'd never have discovered on our own. Culture, cuisine merge on Kyoto food tour What makes the Kyoto experience compelling is the blend of culture and cuisine. One moment we were walking beneath glowing paper lanterns near centuries-old wooden buildings, and the next we were tasting perfectly grilled yakitori, yummy tofu specialties, seasonal street foods, and desserts unique to Kyoto’s sweet tooth. Food tour participants get close-up views of the delicacies offered, served by genial waiters and servers. Kyoto Food Tour highlights with Ninja Yes, Kyoto is famous for its temples and gardens, but a a Ninja food tour in Japan reveals secrets many travelers miss. The city's culinary landscape unfolded in a blend of history, mystery, and juicy bites. Besides treats in hidden haunts, our journey included dishes inspired by the skill of ninjas -- thus the tour's name. It's fun food with a twist of adventure. A hidden food stall in Kyoto's narrow alleyway glows with lantern light for a magical Ninja food tour experience. The Concept Behind Japan's Ninja Food Tour Ninjas originated in the mountains of ancient Japan and were known for their stealth, secrets and for blending into their surroundings. Leandra's Ninja Food Tour captured this spirit in quiet streets with local spots. As pseudo Ninjas, we moved from one hidden gem to another, sampling food that locals cherish but tourists rarely find. Thus, we: Avoided crowded tourist traps Tasted unique dishes with historical roots Learned about Kyoto’s food culture in an engaging way Savvy Ninja guide Leandra knows Kyoto like a native. After earning a degree at Arizona State University, she continued her studies in Japan. What to Expect on Ninja's Kyoto food tour Our Ninja food tour with Leandra lasted nearly four hours and covered five tasting stops, plus additional treats. We walked through atmospheric residential neighborhoods tucked away behind temples. We sprinted through crowded malls with hundreds of shops and dozens of restaurants. The range was impressive, from informal food stalls with quick ramen meals to family style cafes, cozy sweet shops and formal eateries with lavish whisky menus. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers pause at a fun poster during a Ninja food tour. Food tour favorites included fabulous shrimp tempura, roasted sweet potatoes or yaki imo, perfect sashimi, yakitori chicken with ginger and citrus sauce, grilled eggplant with miso paste, deep fried mushrooms with minced chicken, matcha powder pastry and refreshing ice cream -- a pleasing variety of tastes and textures served with pride, grace and stories. Kyoto is known in Japan for its fine array of sakes, often called rice wine but actually made more like beer. Broths, seasonings, garlic and miso along with noodles and sweet red bean paste were offered in a variety of tastes -- sometimes subtle, sometimes bursting with flavor. Whether wrapped in paper, like our donut, or served on an elegant platter, the offerings exuded charm and freshness. We were three couples, a baby, and guide. A good time for all. "Sake to us" -- with rice wine delights from local breweries Kyoto’s sake is highly regarded. We tasted several varieties to appreciate the subtle differences in aroma and flavor, influenced by the water and rice used in brewing. Tips for Enjoying Your Ninja Food Tour Our food tour took us into shops to view offerings we would soon be enjoying in restaurants. To get the most out of this culinary adventure, keep these tips in mind: Wear comfortable shoes: For narrow streets, alleys and possibly several flights of stairs. Come hungry and don’t overeat before the tour: Portions are tasting size but add up. Ask questions: Guides love sharing stories about food and local culture. Bring some cash: Some small vendors don’t accept cards if you order extra items (ours were included.) Although Japanese don't expect tips, our guide was grateful for ours. Be open to new flavors: Some dishes might be unfamiliar; give everything a try. Part of the charm of a Ninja Food Tour is seeing shops and displays with foods that you'll sample. Beyond Food: The Ninja Experience We loved our Ninja food tour because it was more than eating. We loved Leandra's anecdotes about culture. This encouraged us to book other tours, including a Kibuki theater evening and a geisha show. Friends enjoyed a tour that included ninja costume rentals and chopstick making lessons. Whether you are a foodie, history buff, or just a curious traveler, the ninja food tour offers a fresh perspective. We recommend advance reservations. For more information or to book: www.ninjafoodtours.com/ Instagram @ninjafoodtours If you're going on to Tokyo, we recommend the Tokyo Pass, a digital, smartphone-based sightseeing ticket that grants travelers cash-free entry to Tokyo's top museums, gardens and cultural attractions. It also offers optional unlimited subway rides: mytokyopass.com The whisk is an important part of the time honored Japanese tea ceremony. COMING SOON: We offer tips on seeing bears in the wild as Yellowstone Park opens for the season, and we share more delights of Japan, spotlighting a pair of distinctly different Tokyo hotels. Each personifies an aspect of Japanese hospitality, from art to literature to culinary treats and the beloved tea ceremony. Travel with us to Shiba Park Hotel and Park Hotel Toyko, learn about the excellent Tokyo Pass for value and convenience, enjoy a trio of unusual museums, visit shrines, a vintage train and more. Remember to explore, learn and live and follow us for a fresh spin on travel, the arts, performance, nature and more. Please share the link: www.whereiscookie.com

STORY By Christene Meyers PHOTOS By Bruce Keller "The Carpe Diem Kids" Blue sky and billowing clouds invite Hawaii Nautical passengers to a beautiful catamaran in Honolulu. If you’re in Hawaii and haven't gotten on a boat yet, you're missing something spectacular. We're Hawaii regulars and spent two days of our latest trip with a favorite family run company, Hawaii Nautical. It operates on three Hawaiian islands -- Maui, Oahu and the "Big Island" of Hawaii. Each island and several harbors offer stunning choices of ocean pleasures -- from turtle and whale watching to snorkeling, sunset and dinner sails. Celebrating our 25th visit to the islands, we focused on Honolulu. We let Hawaii Nautical, Waikiki and the great Pacific cast its spell on us, joining dozens of other global travelers. Sun, sports, comfort and marine life It's difficult to beat Hawaii for water sports and sunshine. Hawaii Nautical's catamarans are conveniently located and offer large, spacious room for fun. Add to the mix, a sleek and comfy fleet with beautiful catamarans and more, and an appealing slate of choices -- snorkeling, whale watching, sunset cruises, what's your pleasure? All guarantee to entertain, engage and make you want to book another outing. Hawaii Nautical knows what it's doing and lets you do it all, too, on a variety of vessels and offerings to suit your preference and adventure threshold. A three-generation family outing with the Ganner family of Redwood City. That's little Peny in the background. We recommend Hawaii Nautical for its sense of fun, which comes with a safety oriented protocol in each of its varied offerings. Great care is given to making sure you're comfortable and have sufficient beverages while enjoying, a pleasant commentary. State of the art equipment is on board and first and foremost, the crew makes sure you are safe. Hawaii’s largest family-operated ocean activities provider has a handsome fleet of vessels serving many harbors across the three islands it serves. Each setting is unique. On both the Big Island and Oahu, we took three generations out for a dinner cruise. At Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, the boat came right up to us on our resort's private beach, just a few minutes walk from our hotel room. Diamond Head is a sight to behold any time, but especially cloaked in a rainbow after a tropical rain. Hawaii Nautical Finds Whales First, as you board, you'll be greeted by an enthusiastic, friendly and helpful crew. Their cordial welcome prepares for fun and instantaneous aloha spirit. It’s like sailing with hip pals who know where whales hang out and where to find the best snorkeling coves. A humpback breaches to the excitement of passengers aboard Hawaii Nautical. On this recent trip, we took both a whale watching excursion and the sunset catamaran cruise which offers spectacular views of Diamond Head. Within a few minutes, we were away from the crowds and traffic with the wind in our hair and cocktails in hand. The humpbacks were waiting -- and we weren't disappointed. We like to visit in winter for the whales, with peak season into March, and some still around now. So right now is a good time to book a hotel for next year. Humpbacks, called kohala in Hawaiian, are still being seen because from November to May they migrate from Alaska to warmer, shallow waters of Hawaii. There they mate, give birth and nurse their calves. We were thrilled to see the tail slaps and breaches as they leaped in the water. Aboard Hawaii Nautical catamaran, before passengers embark, the crew readies the ship Snorkeling Time! Snorkeling, however, is prime time right now. We're just entering the best period for this favorite Hawaii sport -- starting now and extending through September when the waters are calmer and visibility is better. Snorkeling can be enjoyed year-round. We've taken the clan to spot great fish in winter months, too. The outfit's boats stop in pristine spots, and they provide all the gear you need. When I dare to snorkel -- a stretch because I am always a bit scared -- the crew is right there. They helped us all navigate the ocean's gigantic aquarium. Our family saw green sea turtles (honu) and many tropical fish. Why Hawaii Nautical? A stroll to the boat is fun with Hawaii Nautical, here on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is one of three Hawaiian Islands where the family run business operates, offering many activities -- snorkeling to whale watching and sunset sails. While there are many boat tours out there, we like the friendly, family run, personalized touches which are a tradition with Hawaii Nautical. We've taken many excursions with them and never feel crowded or rushed. The boats are beautifully designed and spacious, and the crew makes sure we see marine life while treating the ocean with respect -- even cautioning to use only reef-safe sun screen. Bravo. If you’re in Hawaii for a few days, consider booking a trip or two with Hawaii Nautical. Whether you're a dolphin or whale watcher, or prefer a leisurely sunset cruise with island snacks and sips, you'll be captivated by the aloha spirit, contagious once you step aboard. We've taken many ocean adventures and offer this as unsolicited praise for a well run operation that shows its pride in beautiful islands while sharing their wonders with us. More information or to book: hawaiinautical.com/ Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers on a stroll in central Kyoto, framed by one of many temples. UP NEXT: Japan. From the snow-dusted peaks of the Japanese Alps to steam rising from a bowl of ramen in a lantern-lit alley, we invite readers to share a journey through a land where tradition and modernity dance in perfect harmony. From using the terrific Tokyo Pass, to food tours and temples, to tea ceremonies, bonsai, museums and rafting adventures, we share the many facets of this intriguing country. Come join us for sushi, emerald valleys and gracious people, whose politeness is as natural as the country's beloved cherry blossoms. New travel stories, tips, trends and unforgettable experiences at whereiscookie.com

The countryside around Julian, California, offers fine hiking, fun places to stay, bird watching -- and a peaceful get-away. Lilacs bloom and welcome to verdant countryside and Julian hospitality. ART, MUSIC, FUN PLACES TO STAY, SHOPPING, BIRDS, FLOWERS, APPLE PIE AND A FINE ITALIAN RESTAURANT STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Spring flowers lead the way to a lovely late April and a pleasant May. A VISIT TO Julian, California, is a journey back in time to a more innocent, leisurely day. People still say "hello" and strangers with a map might find themselves guided to their destination -- "why it's just up the street and around the corner. I'll take you. I'm going that way." Lake Cuyamaca Lodge is lovingly run by a husband-wife team who take pleasure in providing scenery, comfort and individual attention. My California squeeze and fellow traveler was born in San Diego and spent childhood time in Julian with his family, thus his fond memories. Whispering Pines Villa offers hospitality, privacy, attentive service and a tranquil, rejuvenating retreat from the world's cares. After a decade of visiting in spring and autumn, I'm gathering my own memories, too. Bruce Keller and Christene (Cookie) Meyers, kick back at Romano's in Julian, a family-run enterprise with fine fare. If you stop by Lake Cuyamaca Restaurant for a meal, you may be lucky to catch David Dobler. WE VISIT the bed and breakfasts and air BnB offerings, and there are plenty from which to choose here in this little mountain town about 90 minutes from the city. San Diegans come for a weekend respite of peace and quiet in a natural setting. This spring, we admired a glorious patch of yellow and purples -- the first of the iris, the last of the daffodils, lupin and lilacs. Julian is also famous for its apples and the hills and valleys were a cloud of ivory and pink. It's a splendid sight for this Montana kid, missing spring under the comforting cloak of the Big Sky. You feel your blood pressure dropping on the pretty drive northeast from San Diego. WE STAYED this time in a charming cottage in Whispering Pines Retreat. We heard bird song -- finches, jays and red-winged blackbirds as I wrote -- enjoying a "cuppa" in a quaintly furnished cabin, while fixing supper and relishing the solitude. The Yorkies snoozed at my feet and all was right with the world -- for a few precious Julian hours. The once historic gold mining town segued to a welcoming mountain village famous for apple pies, wine, ice cream, hiking and biking trails. We always dine one night at a great family run Italian bistro called Romano's. Julian is also famous for its festivals and holiday decorations and it always feels like a holiday at Romano's. THE APPLE CAPITAL of the world offers a get-away both soothing and exciting. There's plenty to do besides the famous fall apple fest. Think history. The town was founded just after the Civil War, and is nestled among oak and pine forests as old as Robert E. Lee. Surrounding the town are the The view from Lake Cuyamaca Lodge is stellar and peaceful. Cuyamaca Range and the south slope of Volcan Mountain. We followed the road to Lake Cuyamaca for a night, for a delightful stay at Lake Cuyamaca Lodge and a fine meal with live music at nearby Lake Cuyamaca Restaurant. The place is famous for home cooking -- tasty American meals served in a rustic room with lake views. A tackle shop adjoins and it's your last chance for the famous Julian apple pie. Live music may be on tap on weekends. Check to see if the gifted David Dobler is playing. JULIAN'S EAGLE and High Peak Gold Mine lets you step back in time into a real gold mine dug out of a mountain with picks and your own pan. In many ways, the gold mine Julian has an annual October Apple Festival, celebrating the fruit that keeps people coming back. is a metaphor for Julian itself -- a throw-back to the late 1800s. Remove the autos and modern dress and imagine your great-grandparents strolling the streets of Julian. Dogs are welcome, too, for us an essential. Julian makes tourists welcome and summer finds life centered around the outdoors. The whole township of Julian is a Designated Historical District. Its image as an early California frontier town with pioneer store fronts, historic sites and guided tours of the mines explains its continuing modern appeal. We also heartily recommend Pheasant Hill Cabin and Julian Lodge, both popular and often booked. Tourism is Julian's largest industry. Enjoy yourselves. We always do. UP NEXT: Nothing compares to the thrill for this pair of whale watching photographers and writers as observing a mother grey whale and her months-old baby, heading back from the Baja to Alaska for the season. We delighted in a long look at these wondrous creatures this week with San Diego Whale Watch and its savvy naturalist and boat captain. A grey whale cow and her young calf are observed off the waters of San Diego in a thrilling day on the ocean. We'll share the magic in the next whereiscookie.com Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each Friday for a novel approach to the arts and nature driven travel. New travel stories, tips & unforgettable experiences Follow our journeys at WhereIsCookie.com #Travel Blog #Travel #Adventure #Culture #Music n theater #WhereIsCookie

FAMED GLASS ARTIST'S SHOW ENCHANTS, ENGAGES, ENTERTAINS GLOBAL ADMIRERS Chihuly's glasswork is both inside and out in Seattle; here flamingo-like shapes seem to preen and sunbathe amongst well-coordinated flowers. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" I FIRST DISCOVERED the magic of Dale Chihuly's glass creations at the Desert Botanical Garden during my Phoenix, Arizona, years. His free blown and functional glass work delights and intrigues, celebrating color, honoring life. Some of his lush shapes in Chihuly's Garden and Glass seem to spill out, encouraging touch. (It is not allowed, understandably, to do so.) So we couldn't spend nearly a week in Seattle without visiting this Tacoma hometown boy's "Chihuly Garden and Glass." Chihuly's 'Garden and Glass' WE HAD our favorite CityPASS ticket booklets, a great way to see a great city, saving both time and money. We were delighted to move quickly into the gallery. Cookie takes in Chihuly's magic. Dale Chihuly's "Glasshouse" presents his magnificent artwork in Seattle Center. The exciting exhibition, in the shadow of Seattle's iconic Space Needle, is a wondrous collection of a few of his finest indoor and outdoor works. Staged in the booming Seattle Center, inside and surrounding a towering glass and steel building, Chihuly's show enchants with its lovely play of light and color, his sense of whimsy and the voluptuous nature of his compositions. Keller photographs this glass "flower." Chihuly's 'Garden and Glass' installations seem to be alive. They climb up walls, float from the ceiling, flow onto the floors and surround the viewer with the artist's sense of wonder and gratitude. Chihuly's "Glasshouse" is a 40-foot tall glass and steel structure holding the exhibit, which includes this homage to sea life -- complete with coral, ferns and the underwater life one might see on a scuba dive or snorkel adventure. It's obvious that Chihuly enjoys his life, appreciates the wonders of nature and celebrates his presence on the planet with every piece he creates. His installations are a marvel to behold. Born in 1941 in Tacoma, Chihuly studied in Wisconsin and received an MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. He lived on a kibbutz in Israel for a time and nurtured a fondness for Italy -- known for its magnificent glass creations. His work is influenced by his time there, studying renowned glassblowers, taking workshops. Back in the U.S. in 1971, he founded the famed Pilchuck Glass School. Living in primitive conditions, with two other teachers and 16 students, the artful commune built glass furnaces and began blowing glass. THE BEAUTY and grace of Chihuly's work is influenced by his time in Florence and Venice, where he studied with the masters of the famed Burano glass. No, this is NOT a Chihuly piece. We included it because this creation is in Burano, Italy, where he studied. Artist Dale Chihuly is known for his graceful glass sculpture. Here, he inspects his own showing in Seattle Here, he inspects his own showing in Seattle In 1976, while visiting England, Chihuly was involved in a head-on car accident and flew through the windshield. His was blinded in his left eye but, after recovering, continued to blow glass until he dislocated his right shoulder in a 1979 bodysurfing accident. He is still at the center of the action, with a studio on the water in Seattle, and his work displayed from the British Isles to South America and Australia. Most major U.S. cities have hosted a Chihuly exhibit -- usually in a botanical garden. I've seen his work in Toronto and Oklahoma City, and in my home of Scottsdale, Ariz., where -- as in Seattle -- we heard kudos for the master in multiple languages. Boston, Atlanta and many other cities around the globe have borrowed his masterworks to entertain audiences, sharing Chihuly's daring and invention worldwide. His fondness for the desert has brought him and his work back to Phoenix several times. His chandeliers often sell for six figures, and he is valued now at about $10 million -- not bad for spending nearly a half-century doing something he clearly loves. If you're in Seattle, don't miss it. https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/about/exhibition At night, the place lights up for an extra dimension of wonderment. Consider CityPASS, which gets you here and to many other venues on and off the water, at bargain prices: NEXT UP: Another garden, this one in Victoria, B.C., awaits. This time, the flowers are real, though. Butchart Gardens welcomes us -- and you -- with 50 acres of floral finery and spectacularly kept displays. Japanese, Italian and English gardens are all beautifully maintained by a staff of 50 greenhouse and grounds workers, and a full-time administrative staff. The beloved Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C., welcome then enchant visitors from all over the world. Here, a zinnia and dahlia garden delights. New travel stories, tips & unforgettable experiences Follow our journeys at WhereIsCookie.com #Travel Blog #Travel #Adventure #Culture #Music n theater #WhereIsCookie Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each weekend, when we move around the globe in search of nature-and-arts driven travel. whereiscookie.com

IT'S PERSONALIZED, HISTORIC, COMFY, WITH SPLENDID SCENERY, COMMENTARY AND COCKTAILS! Cookie takes notes as Candere glides into Lake Union. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Born and raised near Seattle's waters, Captain Dylan knows his boat and town. Among the houses you'll see is the "Sleepless in Seattle" one, at far right. Famous houseboats and floating homes in Seattle are concentrated in Lake Union area, along Westlake Avenue North and in Eastlake. A DAY ON the waters with Candere Cruising offers a pleasant, friendly, welcoming way to enjoy an insider's look at Seattle's water pleasures. In this day of mass production and "take a number" tours, Candere provides that rare opportunity to customize your own outing, to see what you want, drink what you like and enjoy literate, engaging commentary about a region beloved by the boat's captain. WE CHOSE Seattle based Candere Cruising after scouring dozens of brochures....... looking for a unique Seattle outing. Having visited many times in all seasons, we wanted something fresh to photograph and write about. We found it in spades. Or shall we say, "in a native son's waters." Candere means "to glow or shine" and your trip does both. Candere Cruising a family endeavor and small, hands on enterprise, the operation is an entrepreneurial dare for a father-son team. "We wanted to come up with something unusual," says Dylan McCoy, "so we devised the idea of a private cocktail cruise." He knows Seattle better than most, and told its lively history from the water's point of view -- from logging shacks and Depression era slums to millionaire hideaways and state-of-the-art technological creations. THE COCKTAILS are indeed part of the attraction, but for us not the main event. (I drink a bit of white wine and my partner-photographer Bruce Keller drinks non-alcoholic beer.) Those with tastes for stronger spirits will not be disappointed as Dylan will ask your favorite beverage before you meet your custom tour. Candere Cruising will take you inside Seattle's lesser known waterways, as well as into the more familiar parts of the city's vast water networks. With his expert hand at the helm, we cruised Lake Union, viewing Seattle's wonders close-up: seaplane take-offs and landings and Seattle's much photographed Space Needle. We checked out Gas Works Park, the Fremont Bridge and St. Marks Cathedral, with interesting trivia about the floating homes for which Seattle is known. Candere is just the right size for a small party, with a cover that can come down in case of rains. While on the lake, we asked to see the house boat made famous by Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks in the classic romantic comedy, "Sleepless in Seattle." It sold for two million bucks three years ago and sits at the end of a story-book dock with a flower-lined entry off Westlake Avenue North on the lake, probably one of the most iconic properties in Seattle -- right up there with the Space Needle. Cruising along, we perused the city's modestly maintained and oldest floating home. Then there were the yachts -- nothing modest about them. Over the top, elegant, sleek. Dylan regaled us with stories of the classic cruisers and multi-million-dollar vessels docked all along the waterways. OUR TRIP with Candere Crusing offered a delightful way to enjoy Seattle's varied waterways and learn something about this fertile, interesting part of the Pacific Northwest. Our young entrepreneur, Captain Dylan, helped restore his beloved sailboat with his dad, and the two intend to keep their small, personable enterprise hands on. You can book the motor boat or Dylan's sailing vessel, for a few couples, a single couple wanting privacy and romance or a family having a reunion or birthday party. Prices vary and are based on what you want to see and how long you will be out. Candere Cruising logo My husband is a sailor and helped with minor logistical sailing details but Dylan doesn't need help. Recently, he began a partnership with another small charter company. "Our goal is to involve a variety of independent charter boats in the area to offer a mix of experiences and adventures on the water," Dylan says. "As we build, we hope to give back to our community. We're thinking 'Adventures with a purpose,' using profits to fund environmental projects and support worthy causes." UP NEXT: We visit Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, our favorite of this quiet and diverse grouping of islands south of Spain. A remarkable man, the late Cesar Manrique is responsible for giving the island a unique architectural character with splendid buildings merging land and sea, creature comforts and the wonders of nature. Architect Cesar Manrique gave the island its unique stamp. His creative genius marks many of Lanzarote's buildings. Explore, learn and live and catch us each weekend for a novel approach to nature, travel and the arts. New travel stories, tips & unforgettable experiences Follow our journeys at WhereIsCookie.com #Travel Blog #Travel #Adventure #Culture #Music n theater #WhereIsCookie

Adventure Cat is a beautifully designed, smooth sailing vessel available for a variety of sailings. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Enjoying the sea breeze, two of our "catamaran companions" on a unique sailing trip in San Francisco. A SAIL like you've never had before. That's the promise that enticed us to book a relaxing afternoon with Adventure Cruises on a recent San Francisco visit. What a way to see the bay! As veteran Bay Area visitors and veteran sailors, we always look for something new -- on the water, if possible. San Francisco from Adventure Cat at night, its lights aglow. Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller aboard Venture Cat on a brisk, sunny sail. We found it in this adventure, which offers an exhilarating, fast, thrilling catamaran ride across the occasionally choppy waters of San Francisco Bay. In this sleek catamaran, we were seldom aware of the waves. Nice! ADVENTURE CAT offers a variety of sail adventures: private charters for a special party or celebration, sunset sails, bay sails and city lights. The spacious catamarans have a distinctive logo -- a sleek black cat. And a fun blog follows the adventures of the crew and clients. Naturally, a nautically inclined cat is featured. We recommend Adventure Cat for many reasons, including the spacious nature of the catamaran. We joined only a handful of other guests, so we had our run of the boat for custom-made viewing and a stable, safe ride. Nothing like fresh air and occasional waves on the deck -- all right up our alley. But the protection of covering in the cabin is also an option. FOR FAMILIES looking for a sail that both educates and provides fun, or couples seeking a romantic evening out, Adventure Cat is a perfect choice. It was a highlight of this recent San Francisco visit. Our captain made sure we saw the most popular attractions, including the seal lions gathered by the wharf -- complete with sound effects and a distinctive aroma. We didn't see whales -- although friends did the week before -- but we spotted many pelicans, dolphins and the aromatic sea lions. Our sail took us around the infamous prison on Alcatraz Island, before we zipped underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and headed back, all the time admiring the city’s famed skyline as the crew pointed out famous San Francisco landmarks Seals and sea lions at Pier 39, part of the much photographed pastiche of sights greeting sailors who board Adventure Cat. SAFETY is always a concern on boats and the crew makes sure there's no jumping or climbing. Strong netting allows the more daring to experience the feeling of having the waves rushing right under the feet while relaxing in the sun. We were comfortable just luxuriating on our private bench, using our rain coats when the wind whipped up. We did come once inside the protected cabin, which is an option if it's windy. Large viewing windows allow sights of land, sky and water to float by equally visible. Soda, beer and wine are available at the cabin bar. WHAT WE loved most about this sailing catamaran was the quiet ride. No sound of engines once the sails are hoisted -- yet we were impressed with the speed. We didn't need the audio tour, but it is available in seven languages for international guests. As we zipped away from one of the world's most dramatic skylines, we felt the thrill of viewing this exciting city from a unique vantage point. We felt pampered on our almost private sail. A first-rate sail begins with an enthusiastic crew and knowledgeable captain on Adventure Cat. WE CHOSE the 90-minute "Bay Sail," one of several sails offered by this ambitious enterprise which shows off this iconic bay from a prime vantage point. We had our run of the boat for a generous 105 minutes. We didn't dare to gild the lily, but the jovial crew urged adventuresome sailors to test the expansive deck netting as a trampoline. No takers. But a couple who joined our small, pleasant group spent the entire sail relaxing there and cuddling. "Cookie and Keller" with Alcatraz behind them. A couple times, it was fun to hear them squeal in delight when they got a spray from the bay's brisk waters. BECAUSE WE tour often and have been on many a sail, we're very aware of service, value and knowledge. We like commentary, and the crew had answers to all our questions. They were both articulate and personable, and know and love their boat and the world of sailing. A catamaran sail on the bay. Good for the spirit. For more info or to book: www.adventurecat.com For getting around in San Francisco, free admission to many attractions: www.citypass.com This meal was an impromptu discovery in northern Spain -- an appealing array of parador snacks -- pizza (born in Italy), asparagus, sweet potato fries with aioli, N/A beer for Keller and a Spanish white wine for Cookie, all served with flair. UP NEXT: Food, glorious food.... All travel, whether near or far, is enhanced by a good meal, tasty snack, hearty breakfast or appealing appetizer. We take you around the world with us to bars and bistros, modest cafes and five-star restaurants. We're not snobs by any means, and some of our most delightful taste treats have been in small, unexpected "finds." Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, dining, cruising, nature, family and the arts: www.whereiscookie.com Please share links with like-minded friends and family. We appreciate it. New travel stories, tips & unforgettable experiences Follow our journeys at WhereIsCookie.com #Travel Blog #Travel #Adventure #Culture #Music n theater #WhereIsCookie

A group of elk saunters across the highway leading to Mammoth Hot Springs NATURE'S WONDERS ABOUND ON A CRISP AUTUMN DRIVE THROUGH NATION'S OLDEST NATIONAL PARK STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A horseback ride in the crisp autumn air hits the spot. WE ARE LUCKY to live within a few hours of one of our nation's most beautiful places. An annual autumn trip through Yellowstone National Park is a tradition we honor and enjoy. On this year's trek, we took along a California friend. Phyllis had never visited Yellowstone and although we didn't have time to give her a complete "immersion," we shared a few favorite nooks and crannies of this magnificent wilderness recreation area. Yellowstone is set atop a still active volcanic hot spot. Bruce Keller and Phyllis Broker admire the scenery from a spot framing the Lower Falls, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The smells of sulfur and steam from the hot pots and geysers can be appreciated without leaving the car. But we always make a pilgrimage on foot to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, as viewed from the Lower Falls. That was a big hit with Phyllis, who lived much of her life in New England where nature offers hills, not craggy canyons and towering mountains and rivers. PHYLLIS WAS amazed and pleased that with limited time and a long driving day, we could view bison and elk from the road. Twice, in fact, they pranced across the highway, stopping traffic. The 3,500 square-mile wonder is mostly in Wyoming, but we Montanans claim Yellowstone, too, since three of the five entrances are in our state. Bison and steaming geysers catch the eye. The park also spreads into Idaho, near West Yellowstone. "Our park" features dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs and gushing geysers, including its most famous, Old Faithful. It's also home to hundreds of animal species, including the ones we saw last week. We've found through the years that our autumn treks are perfectly timed. With thinning crowds and colorful foliage, fall is a spectacular time to visit Yellowstone. Many of the park’s iconic animals tend to be more visible in the autumn, when cooler temperatures prompt them to move about more. DAWN AND DUSK are the best times for spotting wildlife, but with autumn days growing shorter one doesn't need to get up as early, or stay out as late to take advantage of these prime times. We witnessed several careless activities with wildlife: one family attempting to photograph a child in the same frame as a bison. Bad idea. Rangers advise maintaining a distance of at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards from all other wildlife. Remember, too, that they are on the move to lower elevations as winter draws nearer. Bears are more elusive, but can be seen. This grizzly bear was not far from the East Entrance. IF YOU'RE looking for lodging, know that guest facilities and services gradually start to close in the fall. Prices also drop a bit in autumn, and there are appealing fall lodging packages. Check the park’s website for the fall closing schedule, weather and road updates. IF YOU GO: Individuals hiking, biking, skiing etc. pay $20 per person; an annual pass, $70; motorcycles or snowmobiles pay $30 and private vehicles are $35. A lifetime senior pass to the parks is $80. www.yellowstonenationalpark.com UP NEXT: Why not cruise close to home, in the U.S.A while we're waiting out the pandemic? American Cruise Lines offers enlightening, safe options to foreign travel. We recently spent a week in the Pacific Northwest aboard American Pride, one of a fleet of American's unique boats. Attentive service, luxurious large staterooms, small passenger loads, top hygiene and Covid enforcements provide a comfortable, pampering "domestic way" to travel, enjoying our vast and varied land. American Cruise Lines offers a variety of domestic cruises across the U.S., from the Columbia River to New England. Here, the fleet's sleek new riverboats cruise close to shore. In a three-part series on domestic cruising, we explore the Lewis and Clark trail on the Columbia and Snake rivers, offer options for traversing the Mississippi, Great Lakes, New England and contemplate the Sacajawea legacy, including a lovely Montana inn in Three Forks, named after her. All aboard American Cruise Lines' vessels. Remember to explore, learn, live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on the arts, nature, family, travel and more: www.whereiscookie.com New travel stories, tips & unforgettable experiences Follow our journeys at WhereIsCookie.com #Travel Blog #Travel #Adventure #Culture #Music n theater #WhereIsCookie

The approach to the Tetons can once again be enjoyed from the southern part of Yellowstone National Park. Three of the five entrances have been reopened, offering many familiar sights. MONTANANS ROLL UP THEIR SLEEVES, GET TO WORK REBUILDING AFTER THE WORST FLOOD IN 500 YEARS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER MORE THAN a week after catastrophic floods changed the course of Montana rivers, destroyed hundreds of homes, washed away bridges and closed Yellowstone National Park, massive repair is underway. Yellowstone reopens with flooded homes are being dried out, soaked bedding, furniture, appliances, discarded. Dumps and landfills are open extra hours. The state is forever changed. East and West Rosebud Rivers have cut new channels, Rock Creek and the floods around Red Lodge have put a huge dent in summer tourism. Other tourist towns are hurting. Cooke City, Silvergate and Gardiner which rely on tourism are lamenting the loss of rafting and hiking customers. Owners of restaurants and shops depend on the summer season of selling their wares -- food, souvenirs, equipment, snacks and beverages -- to carry them through the long winter's expenses. Residents of Stillwater County in the Nye area must use Grove Creek Road in the country, to get to Absarokee from the road's entrance above Fishtail, adding a long wait. A pilot car and stop light monitor traffic flow. 'WE'RE STILL contending with the financial effects of COVID, which shut us down two years ago," a Red Lodge restaurant owner told me. She said, "Now this. It's going to be a sparse summer and a rough winter." The pandemic hurt Yellowstone two years ago, reducing the park’s June 2020 tourist visits by one-third before the park rebounded later that summer, then had a decent 2021 season. IN OUR NECK of the woods in Stillwater County, it took me 90 minutes to get from our place on the West Fork of the Stillwater River to grocery shopping in Absarokee, a normal half-hour drive. That's because of a detour along Grove Creek Road above Fishtail until the bridge ut of Absarokee over the 419 Highway to Dean can be rebuilt and that road reopened. Rock Creek flooded Red Lodge streets. The historic Yodeler Motel, far left, was virtually destroyed. historic hotel, the Yodeler Motel, was badly damaged WHEN YELLOWSTONE reopened on Wednesday, officials warned that major park roads and bridges are still washed out. But three of the nation's oldest and first park's five entrances opened, to cheers from hundreds of tourists whose cars lined up more than two miles long. THOSE WHO could afford to wait out the flood, and extend their travel plans, holed up in nearby towns to await the reopening. Many hotels and motels in Cody, Wyo., West Yellowstone, Livingston, Big Sky and Bozeman were full with "no vacancy" signs. We met a couple from Maine who got the jump on the flooding and were among the first of 10,000 people evacuated from Yellowstone to find lodging. Last Sunday afternoon, they booked five nights at Sawtelle Lodge in Idaho, 17 miles west of the park and were grateful to find lodging. Their reservations at Old Faithful Lodge were extended to this week. The Roosevelt Arch. the ceremonial entrance to Yellowstone National Park, is at the north entrance, now closed. Last fall, Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers made an annual pilgrimage. The town of Gardiner is hurting now. TO GIVE PERSPECTIVE to the amount of water in Montana and parts of Idaho and Wyoming; in a three-day period last week, Yellowstone received two to three times the typical rainfall for the month of June. Precipitation has already been more than 400 per cent above average across northwestern Wyoming and southern Montana, according to the National Weather Service. Lake Hotel is open again, and there are vacancies; prepare to pay around $397 per night -- book soon. FRIENDS ON their way to see us from California reported a new "even-odd" number park entry system that seems to be working well. Cars with license plates ending in even numbers can enter the park on even days. Odd-numbered license plates allow odd-day entry, so they were able to enter Thursday. Here's why the park is still partly closed. Roads in the park were damaged, making travel unsafe, so many reservations were cancelled -- some booked for months or a year. Ironically, it is now possible to find rooms -- amazingly. As more roads open in July, the hotels and campgrounds will likely be fully booked again. but the brief closing and ensuing cancellations opened some space. OUTSIDE THE PARK, in towns such as Livingston, Red Lodge and Fromberg (where the raging Clarks Fork flood damaged 100 homes), brimming rivers and streams that run through the towns has caused record damage that continues to be assessed. Another friend's parents' home in Livingston has two feet of water in the basement, sheds, garage and out buildings are flooded, and gardens buried under mud and silt. The home itself is still dry. In work clothes and tired, Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers pause after helping neighbors remove furniture and debris in preparation for redoing a beautiful guest house on the Stillwater River, which produced record water. PARK Superintendent Cam Sholly said that the two northernmost entrances -- North and Northeast -- will remained closed: Gardiner/Mammoth and Cooke City/Silvergate. That's the park's bird-and- wildlife-rich section where considerable road and bridge damage was done. Park rangers stressed that many of the premier attractions are again viewable, including the legendary geyser Old Faithful, the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone and several hot pot areas. Already, the surge in sightseers has helped the local recreation industry bounce back. One World Trade Center, also known as Freedom Tower, stands proudly in the area destroyed by terrorists on "9-11" and is part of our Fourth of July tribute piece. UP NEXT: Fourth of July weekend approaches in the land that we love. Despite heartbreaking damage of the flood, the crushing dent in tourism and destruction of many peoples' homes, roads, bridges and property, we celebrate America next week with a look at our country's magnificent ability to rebuild and rebound, to celebrate, despite adversity and challenge. Nowhere is the American spirit more evident than in the recovery of the massive destruction on the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the Twin Towers in New York. Now, Tower One World Trade Center stands as proud testimony to a resilient, generous and determined people. We're proud to be American and have many friends worldwide who love our country and visit it for its wonderful cities and countryside, parks and monuments, theater, architecture, museums, restaurants and variety of landscape. They also note the welcoming spirit of our people. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh look at nature, the arts, family, travel and more: www.whereiscookie.com New travel stories, tips & unforgettable experiences Follow our journeys at WhereIsCookie.com #Travel Blog #Travel #Adventure #Culture #Music n theater #WhereIsCookie

Zion National Park is a splendid unfolding of nature's dramatic rock, water, light and more. Zion National Park If has been sitting on your bucket list, this is the year to check it off. Beyond the iconic red rock cathedrals and gravity-defying hikes, this year brings a mix of brand-new luxury, restored access, and unique milestones that make it the ultimate time for a Southwest escape. Restored Access to Emerald Pools: After two years of construction, the Emerald Pools Bridge has officially reopened. This restored connection from the Zion Lodge directly to the Emerald Pools trail system means you can once again easily access one of the park’s most lush and iconic landscapes without long detours. Post-Hike Recovery at Zion Canyon Hot Springs: Just outside the park in La Verkin, the newly opened Zion Canyon Hot Springs offers a world-class recovery spot. With 50 pools inspired by global springs like the Blue Lagoon and the Dead Sea, it’s the perfect place to soak your muscles after tackling the Narrows. The Rise of Black Desert Resort: For those who want "rugged" by day and "regal" by night, the Black Desert Resort (now the largest in Utah) is officially open. Located amid ancient lava fields, it features a championship golf course that hosted both LPGA GORGEOUS NATIONAL PARK IN UTAH IS PROUD TESTIMONY TO POPULARITY OF OUR TREASURED PARK LAND STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" As soon as visitors disembark the shuttle, they can shop for drinks or souvenirs and await the buses that tour the park. THE PIONEERS who first drove their wagons into this stunning natural wonder, would probably be amazed at the traffic in Zion National Park today. Long gone are horse and wagon. But hundreds of cars line the nearby roads, at a variety of well-marked shuttle stops. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers hike one of Zion's trails. So popular has Utah's first national park become that one must take a shuttle into the park and then get around in little touring buses. Still, it's a wonder to behold. We recently joined hundreds of fellow park lovers to retrace the same paths native people and pioneers walked. IT WAS WARM -- a hot and dry day -- 100 degrees -- so we made certain we had water bottles and sun hats. Then we set off on tour buses, winding under the park's massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red. One has the option of exiting the bus at various stops, to soak up the scene under a brilliant blue sky. We were dwarfed by towering cliffs as we hiked through the park's beautiful wilderness in a series of narrow canyons. Christene "Cookie" Meyers hits the trail. Zion stands as proud testimony to popularity of national parks in the U.S. Millions visit from around the world. We heard an international mix of language -- Japanese, Italian, French, German and Norwegian -- during our three-day visit. The only disappointment was the inability to drive through the park and take our time in our own vehicle as we can still do in Yellowstone. But we understand the change from private cars to group transportation. THE ZION shuttle program began a few years ago, following suit with programs begun in other national parks since 2,000. According to a Zion National Park Service spokesman, the parks began operating shuttles because of traffic overload. The attempt to reduce both traffic and the parking problems caused by cars has been successful and millions of tourists now use shuttles in several of our most popular parks. "The shuttle system has restored tranquility to Zion," a park ranger told us. He explained that the shuttle system has helped restore vegetation and maintain the park's natural landscape. So which of our national parks are the most popular? Hikers and nature lovers from around the world drive in a tour bus to various stops for exploring Zion. In 2018, Zion ranked fourth among America's most visited national parks, ahead of Yellowstone, which came in fifth and Yosemite which placed sixth. Grand Canyon National Park tops the list, with Rocky Mountain National Park and Acadia National Park right behind. Each had over 4 million visitors. In Montana and Wyoming, Yellowstone's neighboring Grand Teton National Park had 3.88 million visitors. Outside the park, shuttle stops are well marked. One pays for parking though, and can use a credit card. The Narrows in Zion National Park is worth the hike. Our national parks are a treasure. IF YOU HAVE limited time -- and can choose only one hike -- we recommend going into The Narrows, the park's narrowest and most dramatic section, deep in Zion Canyon. The gorge walls are a thousand feet tall and the river sloshes over on the trail, so your feet may get wet. We carried an extra pair of shoes, based on a ranger's recommendation and were grateful to have the change. It's a challenging hike on a hot day, about 1.5 miles from the bus drop-off. But there are shady places to shelter on the way. Other popular hikes are Angel's Landing and Canyon Overlook Trail. Another beautiful area of Zion National Park is Zion Canyon, easily accessed along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, a curving road running along the canyon floor, with towering cliff walls on both sides. DO YOUR homework to prepare for Zion. There are many trails and various fees depending on if you are walking, on motorcycle, etc. We recommend reserving and paying on line to make the most of your time once you're there. Here's a website to get you started: www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/fees NEXT UP: "Raising Christena." Our 12-year old niece and my namesake, Christena, was born with Down Syndrome. The challenges of raising a child with a birth defect -- "special needs" -- is one shared by the child's entire family and support system. Christena's "Village," as Hillary Clinton called it, is a sturdy one with family, friends, doctors, nurses, speech therapists, musicians, teachers and more. Christena Robbie Cosgriffe, named after two of her aunties, is a happy well adjusted child with her special needs looked after. Here she poses with Aunties Olivia and Christene, and uncles Rick and Bruce, at a family gathering. Read how we're dealing with the challenge and remember to explore, learn and live: www.whereiscookie.com New travel stories, tips & unforgettable experiences Follow our journeys at WhereIsCookie.com #Travel Blog #Travel #Adventure #Culture #Music n theater #WhereIsCookie

GET A BIRD'S EYE GLIMPSE OF THE HOMES AND LIFESTYLE OF THE FILTHY RICH Fort Lauderdale's famous Water Taxi takes tourists and locals on the city's famous waterways, with ease and beauty. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER DECADES AGO -- before the white man set foot here -- water was the only way to get around in what is now Fort Lauderdale. It's still the most relaxing, prettiest and most interesting way to see the sights. One sees the beautiful back yards of the mansions from the canals. If you love star gossip and wouldn't shy from a glimpse of the rich and famous, Fort Lauderdale's your place. NFL stars, singers, musicians, actors, writers and, yes, porn stars invested in Fort Lauderdale. TO YOUR LEFT ladies and gentlemen: that's where Sonny and Cher lived for years. Down the way, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz loved their little white home on the corner. Andy Griffith lived nearby. He loved to come out in his own boat. ("Little" in Lauderdale may mean 5,000 square feet, so keep that in mind.) Over there -- that's the palatial estate where many "Magnum P.I." episodes were shot. There's the home of an oil sheik from Saudi Arabia. He bought his daughter a little place down the canal for a wedding gift last fall. WE'VE BEEN to Fort Lauderdale many times, always on the prowl for new adventures. Fort Lauderdale at night is aglow with street and water traffic. The town has exciting nightlife, beautiful waterfront dining, and gorgeous shops on fashionable Las Olas Boulevard, the Rodeo Drive of southern Florida. But the town's Intracoastal Waterway system makes its canals a unique and beautiful way to see the sights. You'll learn the city's history from the draw bridges of the historic Esplanade area, to the "spring break" beaches, resort areas, new homes and stately old ones. WHETHER YOU want history, scenery, eateries or a blend, Fort Lauderdale's Water Taxi service will deliver. Its main route travels in two directions, upbound and downbound. Is this croc for real? See for yourself on Fort Lauderdale's water taxi. DOWNBOUND takes you down to the New River, and the downtown Fort Lauderdale and the trendy yet historic Las Olas area. Upbound takes you “up” north, towards the Galleria Mall and Shooters Restaurant. The Hollywood Route, heads south to Hollywood Beach, the young crowd and beach life. It's a thrill to move via water taxi under one of the several Fort Lauderdale bridges. WE'VE HOPPED on and off many times and have always had entertaining, helpful crew. They know their stuff, like to chat about the locals and their mansions, and help you get where you need to go. In fact, the crew will happily help you plan your time in Fort Lauderdale, as you cruise past the town's sites. They know the history, the mansions, the stars, the sales prices and new and former owners of the sleek mega yachts. They share tips on the hottest restaurants, bars and attractions steps from water taxi stops. They offer discounts at the eateries and attractions for water taxi travelers. THE FORT Lauderdale Water Taxi runs year-round, closing only Christmas Day. During the huge upcoming Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, service will be limited because the waterways are the main boat show venues. Fort Lauderdale's water life is at the heart of the city. THE WATER taxis glide by the town's exciting nightlife, outdoor eateries, the famous shops of Las Olas Boulevard, beautiful beaches, yacht clubs and majestic cruise ships traveling in and out of Port Everglades. Nothing worldwide compares to Fort Lauderdale's Intracoastal Waterway. Its lovely canals are so unique and beautiful, they have earned Fort Lauderdale the moniker “Venice of America.” Water Taxi is the best way to see them! Cookie waits in the wind for a water taxi to take her to dinner. THE WATER Taxi can also take you to Hollywood! Hop on in Fort Lauderdale at Stop 5 -- The Hilton Marina/Convention Center -- and hop off in the heart of Hollywood Beach, steps from fabulous dockside eateries. The Hollywood trip allows visitors to transfer in Fort Lauderdale. And when much of the world is snow-covered, the Hollywood Water Taxi is prepared for any weather. It runs December through April and features a cabin with both air conditioning and heat, a full bar, snacks and restrooms. Flamingos abound in their brilliant plumage, and we visit them next. ON TAP: Fort Lauderdale's wildlife and flowers are world famous. Bonnet House beckons, with gorgeous gardens and the inspiration for the estate's name, the bonnet lily. In mid-Ft. Lauderdale sits a verdant acreage and home, show piece of a history-minded, arts loving family who gave it to Florida. Lauderdale has the bustle and hustle of a beach town, but with playful flamingos, crocodiles and a wildlife refuge. How does nature survive and thrive among high rises, condos and mega-mansions. The welcoming Hyatt Pier 66 puts us in the center of the action. We're about adventure tips with a sense of fun so take time to explore, learn and live. Visit us Wednesdays, weekends and as the muse invites, at www.whereiscookie.com New travel stories, tips & unforgettable experiences Follow our journeys at WhereIsCookie.com #Travel Blog #Travel #Adventure #Culture #Music n theater #WhereIsCookie

TRANQUIL GARDENS AND ARTFUL HOUSE CHARM VISITORS WITH FEELING OF COUNTRYSIDE Artist Frederic Clay Bartlett designed the unique home which he and his wives decorated with treasures from Europe and their own artwork. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER AT THE historic Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale, manatees swim, frolic and even give birth in the waters below the boat house! Bonnet House is situated on a coastal barrier island -- with a walkway to the Atlantic Ocean on the east of the property, and the Intracoastal Waterway bracketing the West. SO WHILE manatees lead their life of leisure, a full fledged tourist town is booming all around the refuge. For Lauderdale is a unique blend of town and country. Fort Lauderdale's unique waterways nurture tourism and a special home. During our visit, we hopped out of a taxi in busy traffic and stepped into the peace and tranquility of the Bonnet gardens, where we saw heron and many other showy birds. No wonder that in 1984 the home was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Bonnet House is nestled in the middle of Fort Lauderdale. NAMED AFTER the lovely bonnet lily, the land on which the home stands was a wedding gift to artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife Helen, from her Chicago father, Hugh Taylor Birch. After Helen died, Frederic married Evelyn Lilly, and they continued collecting, traveling and painting. Frederic died in 1953, but Evelyn lived many more years, gifting the estate to the state in 1983. Their art studios, antiques and collectibles provide an intimate look at their eclectic and whimsical artistic life, their travels, friendships and energy. THE BONNET HOUSE is far more than a home. Fort Lauderdale at night: lively city with a country estate within. It is a living, lively testimony to lives well lived, in harmony with the natural world and art both collected and painted themselves. The home's treasures include a gorgeous two-story painting studio and many original works, with approaching walkways decorated with carousel animals. The artistic gifts of designer Frederic Clay Bartlett, and the artful wife he led with both his first wife, Helen, and his long lived wife, Evelyn, are testimony to the artistic taste they nurtured. We walked the family's beloved Nature Trail, which took us back in time to a rare piece of old South Florida. Imagining a time long before the Birch and Bartletts communed with nature here, we pictured the Indians fishing and harvesting crops as they did from 2,000 B.C. Europeans came later, exploring from 1,500 A.D. and eventually building beach shelters in the 1870s. Keller arrives via water taxi to the Bonnet House and more. A well versed docent at Bonnet House, Frank Schmidt, regaled Cookie and Keller with stories about the home. He is one of many proud volunteer docents, who shares his love of the Bonnet House and Fort Lauderdale. A well versed docent at Bonnet House, Frank Schmidt, regaled Cookie and Keller with stories about the home. He is one of many proud volunteer docents, who shares his love of the Bonnet House and Fort Lauderdale. NEXT UP: Ephesus and its wonders. Ephesus beckons -- and we answer the call. Come with us to explore this ancient, wonderful ruin in Turkey, with its fascinating past. We're all about adventure, excitement, and exploring, always with a sense of fun. We'll go next to the amazing Ephesus, on the Turkish coast. Remember to explore, learn and live. Visit us Wednesdays and weekends at: www.whereiscookie.com Slowly the pace of settlement accelerated, until today's Fort Lauderdale, a bustling city. New travel stories, tips & unforgettable experiences Follow our journeys at WhereIsCookie.com #Travel Blog #Travel #Adventure #Culture #Music n theater #WhereIsCookie

If you enter Oslo by boat, you will transit Akershus Harbor and its Renaissance Fortress STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER 'The Carpe Diem Kids' A statue honoring playwright Henrik Ibsen invites one to the National Theater. MY NORWEGIAN is showing, so indulge me, please, as I wax affectionately about Norway's capital, Oslo. It's a proud city, which grew from a rustic 9th Century village to a bustling region of nearly a million people. Cookie and Keller in Akershus Harbor, Oslo city center. Oslo is also a city of graceful architecture, scenic landscapes and rich history, proud of its artistic heritage and long legacy of maritime life. For art lovers, it's a place to honor Norway's great dramatist, Henrik Ibsen, and its most famous painter, Edvard Munch. Both men's accomplishments are featured in many places in the city -- from galleries to concert halls, parks to museum exhibits. FOR FANS of the sea, Oslo offers world class maritime museums celebrating Norway's centuries old shipping history. The country has long been a major player on the world's oceans. In 1875, Norway was the world's third largest shipping nation with 60,000 sailors. The first regional shipowners association was formed in Norway in 1899. The Norwegian Maritime Museum is rich in experiences and activities with indoor and outdoor exhibitions in a unique maritime environment. The waterside Viking Ship Museum displays impressive Viking ships from the 9th century. Oslo's Radhus, Town Hall is a striking building with twin red brick towers. THIS BUSTLING capital of Norway sits on the country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord. It’s known for its green spaces, many on picturesque Bygdøy Peninsula. If you're feeling athletic, the Holmenkollbakken is a ski-jumping hill with panoramic views of the fjord and a world class ski museum. A word about safety. Unlike other European cities, you'll have little to worry about in Oslo. Crime is nearly non-existent, people are helpful and speak beautiful English, city streets are clean. Norwegians proudly tell visitors that they're more likely to fall off a cliff or be hit by a meteor than be attacked in Oslo. Oslo's maritime history is celebrated in a pair of striking museums along the water. Oslo is also a wonderful city to navigate -- whether solo or with a family or group. WE'RE BIG FANS of city passes and the Oslo pass is a nifty one, offering entry to more than 30 museums and attractions, free travel on all public transport and other attractive perks. If you enjoy museums and public transportation, it's cheaper to get the Oslo pass before your trip. You'll likely want to buy some Viking art, also known as Norse art. Viking souvenirs abound, because since the 10th Century, my Viking ancestors adorned myriad objects with carving and fine metalwork. Oslo's Nobel Peace Center is a proud testimony to Sweden's generous inventor, Alfred Nobel, and his ideals. The Viking symbol is found on everything from bedspreads to tablecloths, coffee mugs to plates and pajamas. I love my sterling silver earrings -- shaped like Viking helmets. Set sail on NCL WHILE STOCKHOLM is home to the Nobel prize hall, Oslo is proud of its Nobel Peace Center. One of the six Nobel prizes, the Peace Prize, is awarded in Oslo; the others in Stockholm. The recipient of the coveted peace prize is chosen by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Inside the graceful building is a permanent exhibit about Swedish born Alfred Nobel, who -- like his native country -- had deep ties to Norway. Two Americans, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barrack Obama, won the Peace Prize, given annually to someone who has “done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.” Sculptor Gustav Vigeland donated his enormous and unique sculpture collection. FINALLY don't miss Viegland Park, with its 212 enormous sculptures by Gustav Viegland, the country's most prolific and generous sculptor. He worked in granite, bronze and wrought iron over a period of 40 years, donating the lion's share of his imaginative work to Oslo. The Park is one of the most popular attractions in Scandinavia. visitoslo.com/en/activities-and-attractions/oslo-pass/ The culture of Japan is celebrated at San Francisco's Japan Center, where an entire neighborhood features all things Japanese. It is beloved by locals and tourists alike in this interesting, ethnically mixed city. UP NEXT: Perhaps you're missing international travel. You're not alone. So if you'd like a taste of Europe, South America or Asia without leaving the continent, join us next week for a special column on "foreign pleasures close to home." The piece will feature ethnic neighborhoods, with museums, restaurants, architecture and attractions that reflect the influence of other cultures, but on our own continent. We have suggestions for visiting U.S. and Canadian cities with a European feel -- San Francisco, New Orleans, Montreal, Victoria and more. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us weekly for a fresh look at travel, nature, family and the arts: whereiscookie.com New travel stories, tips & unforgettable experiences Follow our journeys at WhereIsCookie.com #Travel Blog #Travel #Adventure #Culture #Music n theater #WhereIsCookie