Take a tasty bite of Brisbane on a fun, enlightening food & history tour

 

Brisbane is a mecca of fun ethnic food from family places to elegant dining options, romantic
couples' favorites, live music haunts and a range of other enticing Queensland eateries and bars.
Here Doodee Boran diners enjoy a first-class variety of noodles, soups, curries and more.

Bruce Keller, Jamie-Lee Howard and Christene "Cookie"
Meyers sample hidden gems of Brisbane's extraordinary
food offerings in a delightful history-food walking tour.

FOOD TOUR THINKS OUTSIDE THE BOX WITH A RANGE OF 'HIDDEN HAUNTS,'  LIVELY EATERIES & HISTORY LESSONS

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

THERE ARE FOOD TOURS and then there's Delectable Tours. As an outing, it's a prime cut, pure gourmet all the way. 

Before and After bar features the erudite
Riley, who takes tourists through a
tangy tasting of Amaro, that distinctive
and flavorful Italian aperitif.

It combines local offerings with history and a delightful sampling of the city's best food and drink.

The owner of this small, creative business in Brisbane, Australia, thinks outside the box. Jamie-Lee Howard loves her job -- giving visitors a memorable time while showing off Queensland's best culinary offerings. A fascinating  history lesson is served along the way by this animated   entrepreneur who knows and loves Brisbane. You can't go wrong in her company, for she serves an easily digestible mix of history and her city's past, choosing stops at some of the best of Brisbane's contemporary food scene.  

WHAT'S YOUR PLEASURE? Coffee, gin, seafood, fresh produce, Asian fare, gourmet, family style? Name your field of interest and she'll arrange a tailored tour. Or you can choose from an appealing variety of existing tours all designed with charm in mind, plus a nod to the local food ecosystem and its workers.

WE BEGAN in Before and After, a gem of a cocktail bar where host Riley greeted us to chat about the various specialty Amari, those tawny brown spicy infusions perfected by Italy. We nibbled on a delectable grilled cheese sandwich complemented by samplings of that flavorful, herbaceous Italian liqueur.

The Queen Victoria monument was
placed in Brisbane in 1906, a few
 years after her death. It is part of the
city's history and our tour began here.  

The sandwich oozed with warm,  tasty Shropshire Blue cheese, the ambiance was exquisite with muted lighting, comfy seats and soft jazz music as Riley introduced us to various samplings. Delicious marinated olives rounded out the stop-- an enticing blend of fragrance, sights and tastes.

MISS DEMEANOR beckoned  for adventure's next chapter. This happening spot in Brisbane's colorful Laneway offers an appealing range of sharing options and main courses including what many consider the town's best loaded burger, succulent fresh fish and more.   

The homemade chickpea falafels are gorgeous -- cooked to perfection and so satisfying we wanted to linger while the band tuned up with a jazzy guitar riff.

Keller sipped a tangy IPA, one of dozens of beers offered, while I enjoyed an agreeable Te Mata Estate sauvignon blanc as we nibbled. The falafels are legendary here, the best we've had outside the Middle East, with perfectly spiced puree and dukkha -- nuts, and seeds seasoned and blended into a paste. 

A mix of young and older folk visited and noshed. 

Howard grew up on a farm and her respect for those who toil to produce homegrown fare shines. "We want to give visitors more than simply a tasting of great food. We are about connecting with local producers, uncovering stories behind the dishes, exploring our culture through food, drink, fine cuisine," she says.

You might walk by this unusual
landmark, marking Brisbane's oldest
lane, Burnett with plenty of street
art and fun bars and eateries.

A unique spin on the yummy
Italian dessert, tiramisu, is
made with matcha in one of
Howard's fun food tours.

 

Miss Demeanour's is a Brisbane favorite, a popular spot
for delicious brunch and burgers, great beer, live music.

Brisbane at night is a sight to behold, a city of
four million with a wealth of colorful eateries.

 THEN LIVELY Doodee Boran eatery was next. It's a happy place, abuzz with families and small groups tucking in to the signature spiced raw salmon and succulent chicken pad Thai.

A young family shared steaming prawns and fish balls while waiting to share main courses of artfully presented street fare. An older couple enjoyed a handsome whole barramundi, that delicious firm Asian sea bass. The place is fragrant and friendly. Servers are delightful -- their smiles and graciousness complement the scents of ginger, soy and garlic, all accented by happy chatter. Customer service is a crucial component to Howard's enterprise.

LONGWANG Restaurant was the perfect capper of a delightful afternoon. It's an upscale place with an eye-popping cocktail list to complement unique Asian cuisine. We tried a matcha spin on the classic tiramisu -- soothing, pretty and flavorful. We were stuffed and desired only mint tea, but Howard enticed us to share this classic Italian offering while other enthusiastic diners enjoyed late suppers and snacks. We saw an array of seared sea scallops, pork, prawns, wontons and dumplings. A smooth, fragrant black bean sauce  accented several dishes.

 We admired Howard's effortless bits of history of this Edward Street landmark eatery, which served Queensland's first Asian offerings and consistently wins awards. We learned that Longwang has roots in Chinese mythology, and the name pays homage to the revered Dragon King.

SERVICE IN all four places was expertly offered, not pretentious or fussy but genuine, helpful, friendly and relaxed. Eateries are carefully screened for personality and customer service because Howard wants customers to return and tell their friends.

As a small, independent business drawing support from both locals and tourists, word of mouth means everything. She aims for repeat customers and relies on social media endorsements. People like thoughtful commentary and succulent foods served in colorful and historic venues. Keller calls it "the best blend of ambiance, culinary art, history and tastes of the city's best offerings."
Says Howard, "We get a lot of traffic from people who have been with us before, then come back and recommend us to friends, colleagues and family from all over the world. That makes me happy."

Click here for more on Delectable Tours

Actor Avery Johnson shares playbills for
the 53rd season of Montana Shakespeare
in the Parks, touring a five-state region.

Shakeaspear's educational wing, click here

ON TAP:  Montana's beloved Shakespeare in the Parks is touring again this summer, visiting an impressive 60 towns in a five-state area with two classics from the Bard. We visit two of the venues, talk with the actors about the rigors of their schedule, and enjoy their offerings. Then we interview the owners of Big Timber's Grand Hotel, where a major facelift is underway in this historic 1890 property, beloved by locals and tourists alike.  Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, performance family and more:

www.whereiscookie.com

click here for more Cookie 

Happy Fourth: Let's kick our holiday up a notch, learn something new

San Diego's Patriot Jet Boat is a fun red, white and blue adventure. We suggest doing something a bit
new this Fourth of July week, perhaps mixing the traditional with a new event to promote thinking.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

  

A family hike included talk about the Constitution. L-R: Bruce
Keller, Christene Meyers, Rick Cosgriffe, Connor Brocious.

I'M AS PATRIOTIC as the next guy or gal, but with the political tensions, shootings, riots, demonstrations and general unrest in our imperfect but glorious country, I'm up for something new this Fourth of July week.

Talking with young people this summer, I realized how little they know about American history, the crafting of the Declaration of Independence, the background of the founding of the United States. They're ready to jump in to the "No Kings" protests, as I did years ago to protest the war in Vietnam.  But what do they really know? Let's get some dialogue going. Let's learn something.

It can be a refresher course for adults, too.

From left: Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton
and our first president, George Washington.

What to know about "No Kings" click here

IS IT POSSIBLE, I wondered, to make learning fun, to take the "Gen Z" kids back to school without them knowing it?  To get them thinking, going to the library, looking at books again, offering an alternative to a life with strictly the internet and social media for company and resource? Sure, we all need modern technology, but let's use it to enrich not replace, and to broaden our understanding.

First, have everyone agree to put down  devices for a few hours to explore a new outdoor activity with conversation and dialogue, a 

San Diego put on a fine
 

history lesson in disguise. Why not combine the usual barbecue with a hike, biking, boating or raft outing, or a camping day or two, to get away from technology? During a quiet moment or stop for a meal or snacks, have a few questions jotted down and get conversation going on the country's founding. No dissertations, just highlights and questions to promote thought and dialogue:

*What did we not like about the tyranny of the monarchy?

* What is a democracy?

A protest against the War in Vietnam from the
writer's archives. Mingle fun with learning by
generating a discussion about our sacred rights:
freedom of religion, to assemble, to speak out.
 

What amendment allows protests, free speech

* What is the Bill of Rights?  The Constitution? The Amendments and how they were instituted? The Gettysburg Address and Emancipation Proclamation and how they shaped Civil Rights. 

* Why is the Civil War essential to understanding American history?

Don't preach. It's a turn-off. Make this fun. The idea is to get dialogue going, to pique interest and appreciation of our freedoms.

A scene from "Gettysburg," one of a host of excellent films
to give young and old background of U.S. history. 

Our founding fathers challenges, click here

HOW ABOUT a family/friends game in someone's back yard? I grew up with miniature golf and it was so much fun -- cousins, neighbors, several generations. Baseball, pickleball, basketball, badminton, volleyball. Then when everyone is unwinding, let the discussion begin.

Macy's Fireworks Display is one of the nation's largest.
Fireworks remain a staple part of our celebrations.

Why we separated from Britain, click here
In writing this article, I'm learning more about our history. The Declaration of Independence is a wonderful document to re-read. It can easily be printed out and used to begin a dialogue.

Civil War series by Ken Burns, click here

Then there's nothing wrong with barbecues, parades, block parties, fireworks displays, outdoor concerts. All part of Americana. Watching a film with historic background or political overtones is a great capper to the day. Ken Burns' brilliant, award winning Civil War Series is tops. Many more:
 Suggestions for Fourth of July movies

FIREWORKS ARE beloved by me and my clan.  They still come into play: Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks light up New York City from the East River. The Montreal festival -- the world's largest fireworks competition -- is on now,  featuring pyrotechnic companies from around the world: L'International des Feux Loto-Québec overlaps our Fourth. It began June 26 and continues to July 31.

Democracy in action
is this classic about
politics, corruption
and ethics, 1939.

Macy's fireworks details, TV time

Washington, D.C. continues the U.S. Capitol's patriotic tradition of a stunning fireworks extravaganza on the National Mall.
Other much anticipated Fourth Fireworks shows are planned in Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Portland and our home base of San Diego. We've  seen thrilling Fourth of July fireworks displays. Parades and fireworks in Honolulu and Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and Reno thrilled us. Many cities around the world sponsor Fourth of July festivities, often staged by expats. Paris, London and Sydney host free fireworks shows to entertain hotel guests and other visitors.

Wherever you are -- U.S. or elsewhere -- whatever your citizenship, make it a fun, learning week. Then continue the knowledge buzz into the year.

Miss Demeanour's is a Brisbane treasure, with delicious
brunches, burgers and live music. A fun haunt on a food tour. 

UP NEXT:  Take a bite of Brisbane.  This exciting, historic Australian city has a wonderful enterprise, Delectable Tours, which features unique eateries and a delightful walking tour with flair and appeal. You'll walk the streets where Australia's first penal colony was settled, tasting delicious fare prisoners might only have dreamed of:  marinated olives, family made pad Thai,  grilled cheese with fragrant aperitifs, chickpea falafel, tasty raw salmon and gorgeous tiramisu with soothing mint tea. Enterprising owner Jamie-Lee Howard shows off her city with pride. You'll stop at hidden haunts, combining her lively history lesson with delectable bites. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh slant on travel, food, family, performance, nature, the arts and more. Please share the links:      

Click here for more on fun travel

Goats galore in Maui: enterprise yields quality tours, cheese and more

Owner Jay Garnett of Surfing Goat Dairy in Maui has his hands full.  After decades in the corporate
world in his native Canada, he took over the enterprise in 2023. He is involved in all aspects of the
growing operation -- from customer service to tours, goat health, cheese manufacturing and more. 

CREATIVE ENDEAVOR WITH GOATS IS PERFECT FIT FOR ALBERTA BORN ENTREPRENEUR 

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS 

Bruce Keller smiles as a young goat tries 
to munch on his colorful Hawaiian shirt. 

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER 

IF YOU LOVE goats, you will be in billy goat heaven at Maui's lively Surfing Goat Dairy.

It's an appealing place to spend a few hours. We toured with manager-owner Jay Garnett, who bought the business from a German couple in 2023. They retired, leaving a legacy of goats, surf boards, and a successful dairy which Garnett is expanding in creative ways.

The project came together as Garnett was recovering from a polo accident and had time to research his plan to make a life change. Doing his homework, he found the Maui place for sale and began negotiations. The rest is history.

GARNETT IS hands on -- literally.

He feeds the goats, delivers their babies, arranges tours, caters lunches and tastings, sweeps, milks, shovels poop and repairs what needs fixing. He is an idea man, people oriented and constantly expanding the business.

Maui goats are delightful tourist attractions.

He works with the dairy's veterinarian to give the guys and gals their vaccinations. His intuition and eagle eye -- call it goat ESP -- can detect if one of the herd needs attention, doctoring or other special care. He has assisted in delivering hundreds of kids -- including several sets of twins and even triplets.  He also acts as chief  marketer for the dairy's fabulous goat cheese and goat truffles.

Check out turtles, wildlife in Hawaii

HOW DID the place its catchy name?

Two contented kids.

A catchy logo beckons.

"The German couple who started it in 1999 shared two interests -- goats and wind surfing. The name was catchy and it fits the spirit of island life," says Garnett, who owns and manages the place 

with a small group of Canadian investors.

He took over the enterprise a few years ago, with high hopes. He also admits to a sentimental attachment to Maui, where he was married 30 years ago. 

Moving to the verdant slopes of this beautiful part of Hawaii, he has made it grow by goat leaps and bounds.

The original owners retired nearby and Thomas and Eva Kafsack, occasionally come to visit and keep an eye on the progress of their pet project, Garnett says. "Eva considers the goats her children."

She, like Garnett, likes to hand-feeds the goats, and Garnett has learned as Eva did to be midwife, helping deliver the newborns in birthing frenzies when the females go into labor en masse.

"They tend to give birth at the same time, so the place can be really jumping," Garnett says. He recalls one birthing period when he  

helped deliver more than two dozen kids over a period of just a few hectic, demanding hours.

Garnett, 53, is a man of broad and varied interests. He has had his hand in myriad businesses -- coffee growing, online grocery operations and liquor imports. He once helped a cannabis company go public.

The subtle flavors of the Surfing Goat Dairy
cheeses have won acclaim and awards.

He got into the goat business because it interested him. "It has so many facets," he said. "I like doing whatever needs to be done on the farm. Every day is new 

Jay Garnett is always on the go, here making sure
tourists are entertained as he plays with the goats.

-- always something different. He demonstrates this by excusing himself from the goat pens to step behind the counter and arrange catering plates for a reception.

SURFING GOAT Dairy is nestled near Kula, on the slopes of Haleakala in what is called "Maui’s Upcountry." Maui’s largest commercial dairy is known throughout the islands. "We are a culinary and ag-tourism haven where visitors are welcome to experience the magic of cheese-making," says Garnett.  We joined a couple tours, part of the interactive goat experience. Our trek around the grounds included watching workers in the dairy, visiting the truffle counter, sampling delectable goat cheeses, playing with the kids.  The dairy has won awards for its gourmet goat cheeses, always in high demand. "And we're proud of our gourmet truffles," says Garnett.  "We're committed to quality, flavor, and the spirit of aloha."

The subtle flavors, he says, are developed from the combination of uncommon breeds and the rich land that nourishes them.

Surfing Goat Dairy offers appealing, entertaining
tours, award winning cheese and delightful viewing.

GARNETT IS also making structural changes to improve the property, expanding the existing store, increasing its offerings and building space for new products. The unique goat cheeses are popular all around the area, with much of the business going to restaurants and eateries.
"We're always looking at new products, new markets," he says.

Maui aquarium one of world's finest
MORE THAN 25,000 tourists came to the farm last year. We also visited nearby attractions -- the Aliʻi Kula Lavender farm and Ocean Vodka. The changes Garnett is making will increase tourism for his enterprise, he hopes, adding a tasting area and sprucing up the reception space. He combines

An impressive array of
truffles awaits visitors.

 his sharp eye and creative instincts with a love of nature, all of which add appeal. His busy staff is on the go and he supervises. Someone is always planting flowers, tidying up the space. The intention is to pump up the user friendly angle. "I'm people oriented. I think what I would like to see if I were visiting a place for the first time," he says, between wrestling a playful goat into a pen and instructing tourists on the proper way to pick up a young kid." (Use both arms and always support the critter's frame.)
It's a magical place, sure to open your heart and mind to the wonderful world of goats.
Click here for more on the dairy

  

Fireworks on Oahu, a Fourth of July tradition. Waikiki Beach is aglow.

UP NEXT: Fourth of July fun is on tap. Celebrations, parades, barbecues, reunions, shenanigans, fireworks and more are planned next week as our country -- and Americans in other parts of the world -- celebrate the Fourth of July week. Tourists hit the road, families gather and people relax and celebrate our country's official birthday. Pride in the heritage of our great nation can be felt and seen and the USA is not the only place where fireworks celebrate our Fourth of July. Ex-pat enclaves, like the one in Paris, have fireworks celebrations, too. We'll take you to some of them as we live, laugh and learn.  Check us out for a fresh weekly spin on travel, nature, performance and the arts. Please share our links with like minded people:

 Click here for more whereiscookie.com

Big Bus pleasures: wonderful worldwide way to hit a city's high spots

 

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  

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS 

Tokyo's splendid cherry blossoms, on a hop on-hop off
Big Bus Tours expedition. Easy to hop off for photos.

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

Barcelona is a beautiful city served by Big Bus. 

buildings, cruise terminals, stadiums, castles, cathedrals, concert halls. These are determined by careful research of the places tourists frequent.

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,

Radio City from the second story of Big Bus.

Barcelona and London-- favorite familiar cities. Big Bus covers the world-- from Darwin, Dubai and Dublin to Las Vegas, Prague and San Francisco.

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 

Ships sail California's southern shores for education, entertainment

 

Sailing on American Pride is an experience of bonding with the crew and fellow passengers, while
enjoying the splendors of sailing on a classic vessel.  Here captain Jeremy Schmich, right,
gives a hearty thumbs up with sailor and photographer Bruce Keller on a Long Beach sail. 

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

THERE ARE MANY pleasures in stepping aboard the American Pride and her "twin brigantines." Chiefly, these three vessels keep the old-time sailing spirit afloat and are educating youth on the importance of our oceans.

Adrian Cerna is a devoted student of
pirates and shares his knowledge in
 stories about the colorful sea bandits.

The ships have the look and feel of that colorful bygone era when clippers and windjammers sailed the sea, vying for dominance in global trade, defending their turf with warfare. They are classic beauties and those who step aboard become part of a legacy of learning and wonder.
One hears the sounds of the sails as they unfurl, and watches enraptured as the shoreline fades. There's an exciting rush followed by a feeling of serenity as these ships cut cleanly through the waters off Long Beach, California. Being on board is a memorable experience for lovers of the sea and sailing.

AMERICAN PRIDE, the official tall ship of Long Beach, is a 129' three-masted schooner berthed in the city's picturesque Rainbow Harbor. The vessel serves as a marine education platform for youth, a floating classroom providing education and opportunities.

At the moment she is on hiatus, being refurbished. She'll be back. Meanwhile two other ships continue her mission of education and public participation. Twin brigantines - Irving Johnson and Exy Johnson -- were designed and built in San Pedro as educational sailing vessels. At their launch in 2004, they were named the Official Tall Ships of the City of

Los Angeles, an important collaborator.

Lifelong sailor Bruce Keller was invited to the helm where he
 took the wheel for a few special moments, a thrill for him. 

LONG BEACH and San Pedro have long boasted an enthusiastic sailing community. The sailing bug hit the area big time in 2018 when Los Angeles Maritime Institute acquired American Pride, already named the official Tall Ship of the city. Soon, the Children's Maritime Institute was formed as their Long Beach division to educate students on man's crucial connection to the sea.

Shortly before American Pride went in for repair, we were invited aboard with an enthusiastic group of fellow sailors, mainly adults. Young people sail her  on special outings sponsored by the non-profit Institute, which owns and operates the vessel.

The thrill of sailing shows on the faces of
school children, learning the ropes of sailing.
--photo courtesy of Children's Maritime Institute

An excited crew member said she's witnessed impressive growth in children as they immerse themselves in the sailing field trips. "They step aboard as complete novices, and you see the confidence grow as they literally learn the ropes." 

So while they enjoy a fun outing, it is also a serious learning experience as young sailors study marine biology, environmental science, navigation, teamwork, and, naturally, the art of sailing.

On our shoreline sail, everyone on board was passionate -- from the captain to crew to us lucky passengers.  We met a recently engaged couple from Los Angeles, checking the boat out for their wedding reception.

ONE LONG married couple from Long Beach were out for a regular Sunday sail.  The wife said, "We come to celebrate being alive on these ships."  They held hands, smiled and relaxed, enjoying time together on a lovely afternoon. 

Twin brigantines, Irving Johnson & Exy Johnson
 were built in San Pedro as educational sailing
vessels. They are official tall ships of Los Angeles.
                        --photo courtesy of Children's Maritime Institute

Each year, hundreds of school kids come aboard. Says Liz Reinhardt, director of development and a devoted backer, "As a non-profit, we are dependent upon our wonderful community support." Grants and corporate support help the Institute and the older Los Angeles Maritime Institute insure that no child be turned away because of lack of funding. 

Captain Jeremy Schmich observed, "These popular sailing field trips are important. We teach young sailors marine biology, environmental science, navigation, teamwork, and how to sail. So many benefits..."

THERE IS still time to register for or inquire about this summer's activities. On tap are a day camp out of Rainbow Harbor, and both five and 12-day sleepaway camps departing from downtown San Pedro.

On a breezy day, deckhands and passengers collaborate on
hoisting the sails. It's good to bring layers on any sail.

Monthly Sunset Sails continue, too, inviting the community to "come aboard our tall ships, sit back and relax or take part in helping the crew set the sails," says Reinhardt. 

Tickets must be purchased in advance for two  upcoming sails: Father's Day Sunset Sail on Sunday, June 15, 6-8:30 p.m., ($60 and $30 for children 12 and under) and a special July Fireworks Sail on Saturday, July 5,  7-10 p.m. ($75 and $30.) 

 Private charters may also be booked, offering a relaxing venue for team building, Reinhardt says. "We happily book  corporate events, family celebrations, photo and video shoots and more."

American Pride in her glory at full sail. She can hold 100
passengers and six crew;59 passengers can overnight on her.

Volunteers are welcome and can be trained as deckhands and earn sea time, she explained.   

FOR LIFELONG sailor Bruce Keller, an afternoon on American Pride provided "a satisfying and peaceful sailing experience that promotes love of the sea. What a thrill to help set the sails. A top notch time." 

Public weekend sailings help fund and promote the youth education arm. The program's focus is to foster a love of sailing and personal confidence building in young sailors.  "For me, as a kid, sailing changed my life and gave me confidence both on land and sea," said Keller.

Free deck tours, hands on activities and more shoreline sails are planned. The Long Beach and Los Angeles ports and institutes collaborate on myriad events. Their unique sailing programs are enjoyed by tourists and residents from all over southern California and beyond. The people we met emphasized twin pleasures: relaxation for sailors and the opening of doors for youth. Reinhardt is proud that under-resourced schools and communities in the Los Angeles area benefit from the generosity of donors who support the program.
"Some of these kids have never been on the sea, so it's

Lovely sunset view from American Pride.

 mind opening," said a woman who sponsors her grandkids for summer programs. "It teaches them so much: not just sailing but self reliance, co-operation, learning about the environment and doing their bit to save our precious oceans."

A CAPSULE OF the colorful history of American Pride: She was built as a two-masted "schooner-dragger" -- an eastern rigged trawler known as Virginia -- and spent 40 years as a commercial fishing vessel. She was completely restored in 1986, when she acquired her third mast, renamed Natalie Todd and operated as a charter boat out of Bar Harbor, Maine. In October 1996, the American Heritage Maritime Institute purchased her. She transited the Panama Canal to her new home in California. She operates under Children's Maritime Institute, the Long Beach division of Los Angeles Maritime Institute. The mission: sailing training, maritime education and living history sharing.

More information on scheduling , tours, rental options, summer camps, and the two upcoming weekend sails June 15 and July 5:

https://lamitopsail.org

www.childrensmaritime.org

Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers on a stop with
Big Bus Tours in Sydney, Australia, a recent trek for the two.

UP NEXT: Big Bus beckons.  We take Big Bus Tours on our worldwide jaunts. The time honored agency operates out of many major U.S. and other famous cities.  We enjoy lively narratives, friendly drivers, easy "hop on and hop off" options, free WiFi and more in both a new city or cities we know and love and are revisiting.  Come along to explore in Sydney, Singapore, San Francisco, Tokyo, New York and more, hopping on and off in as we explore, learn and live. Join us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, family, performance and more:

www.whereiscookie.com

More on Big Bus Tours, click below

City Cruises offers smooth sailing, tasty fare, elegance, beautiful sights

"Endless Dreams" offers endless pleasures, when one enjoys a City Cruises/Hornblower occasion.
A variety of options are available to celebrate a birthday, holiday or just a lovely time on the water in many locations.  Pictured is a popular yacht about to leave for a festive Sunday brunch in Newport.

STEP ABOARD CITY CRUISES, FORGET YOUR TROUBLES, DINE, DRINK, BE HAPPY ON A SPECIAL DAY OR JUST BECAUSE

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

Lifelong sailor Bruce Keller and Christene
"Cookie" Meyers on Endless Dreams.

WE LOVE City Cruises. What a delight to step aboard an immaculate vessel, be greeted with a glass of champagne, enjoy a leisurely meal, live music and fabulous scenery.

If you're a devotee of all things ocean related, you know that the venerable Hornblower Cruises was rebranded a few years ago as City Cruises/City Experiences.

Rest assured, Hornblower's superb service and time honored classiness still exist. We recently verified that, celebrating an anniversary with friends in Newport.

As we boarded Endless Dreams, the sun was shining and spirits were high. More than 100 fellow revelers booked an entire deck of this classy ship for their private birthday party. We checked in -- next to John Wayne's famous Wild Goose -- enjoying the festive decor of gifts, flowers and balloons. Everyone was dressed to the nines as we hopped upstairs to find our table.  Live music greeted us as we surveyed the picturesque harbor with lively company. The gifted guitarist took requests, keeping the party mood going. 

The Newport shoreline is a wonderland of yachts,
lovely homes, condos, people enjoying the water.

CHAMPAGNE and mimosas in hand, we lingered over our appetizers -- tasty shrimp cocktail for me, perfect, rare ahi with aioli for Keller. We strolled the deck to admire the yachts and homes on the shore before sampling an elegant buffet, a bountiful selection of hot and cold entrees. Highlights were lovely rare beef, succulent salmon, artful salads, appealing side dishes. After another stroll, we approached a lavish dessert table of truffles, mousse and more delightful decadence. Friendly waiters kept everything pristine and fresh. The operation showcases quality produce, seafood, meats and desserts, with special regional touches by each city's chef.

One may leave the pretty table at any time to view
 scenery on the open decks, then return at leisure.

Setting the scene for the repast is important, too. The operation is equally proud of its beautifully kept, state-of-the-art luxury yachts, each with its own features and emphasis on pampering. 

HORNBLOWER Cruises is a familiar name to lovers of the yachting experience for dinner and harbor tours. We've been Hornblower fans for decades and the operation's rebranding to City Cruises/City Experiences encompasses many of the same cities with loyal Hornblower loyalists: San Francisco, New York, and other cities where dining cruises and ferry services exist and operated long before the 2021 rebranding. 

Whale watching delights on City Cruises

San Francisco on a perfect City Cruises evening, lights aglow.

Hornblower/City Experiences has grown to provide a sea loving variety of  services in 18 cities with over 100 sophisticated vessels. "City Experiences by Hornblower" offers myriad water and land based experiences, even overnight cruise opportunities, and ferry services including a delightful history-based trip to Battery Park and Liberty Island in New York. We've done that twice.

The view topside is a splendid one, with pillows
and libations, a pleasant breeze and conversation.

WE CHOSE our latest journey in Newport from many offerings and several ports near us, deciding on the festive brunch. We can highly recommend the operation's offerings in New York, San Francisco, Sacramento, Chicago and southern California cities including our San Diego base. We joined Illinois friends for a lovely evening cruise along the Chicago River, and in the Bay Area, we've cruised past Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge, dancing to a jazz trio. Highlights of our New York forays include a dinner cruise with the Statue of Liberty and Tower One as our backdrop. In Washington, D.C., we chose a river outing as the perfect way to view the iconic monuments.

LUNCH AND dinner cruises are typically three hours. We've enjoyed them in New York and San Francisco, as well as in southern California ports. With each experience, we're made to feel special, served with courtesy, enthusiasm and impeccable manners.  Staff are carefully chosen for professionalism and personality. When I accidentally left my new prescription glasses on a deck table, our waitress and the booking manager tracked them down.  A crew member had thoughtfully rescued them.

ALL PARTY sizes and a range of budgets are available. Guests may book a section of tables, a full deck or a private charter, as our birthday celebrants did in Newport. Father's Day specials are available in several cities to treat a special dad,  grandpa, husband, brother or friend.

To book click here: https://www.cityexperiences.com/city-cruises/

cityexperiences.com

CLICK HERE FOR MORE


 

Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce
Keller enjoy a shoreline sail on American Pride,
the official tall ship of Long Beach, Calif.

CCOMING UP: Ahoy from Long Beach and San Pedro, where three stately tall ships are keeping old-fashioned sailing alive and well, sharing the wonders of sailing with children of all ages. Both pleasure crafts and sailing classrooms, two twin brigantines in San Pedro and a three-masted schooner in Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California, serve as a marine education platform for the youth of southern California and offer special "sunset sails" for the public. You can book a Father's Day sail June 15, and a July Fireworks Sail Saturday, July 5. Find out more about these classic vessels and see how they keep afloat and provide children with unforgettable learning time at sea.

Twin Brigantines are continuing educational
sailings and public events, including two for
Father's Day and the July Fourth holiday.

Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature and more. Please share this column with like minded people. Below is a link for more on Los Angeles Maritime Institute's work in schools and the public: 

 

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