Put yourself on a Segway for fun, frolic, sights of Fort Lauderdale

 

Enjoying their Segways: Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers
are Segway devotees, thanks to a terrific guide and a beautiful venue.  

CALM YET EXCITING: FUN IN FLORIDA AS COOKIE CONQUERS HER FEAR OF SEGWAY  

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

Confident after her lesson,
Cookie takes off, following
guide Michael on Riverwalk.

I'D BEEN on a Segway once --  22 years ago when they were first coming into vogue. It didn't go well.
I was with a large group of travel writers and we didn't have a proper lesson. Midway through, I lost my balance and careened into a ditch. Fortunately it was a small ditch, and not deep. But both my body and my ego were bruised.
So I took a break from the this unique two-wheeled mode of transportation, and didn't take the sport up again until recently.

Segway fans show how easy it is to find
balance, by proper foot placement.

HAPPILY, I had a wonderful, safe experience thanks to Michael, who taught me how to operate and ride my new friend with a thorough 20-minute lesson. He was patient and encouraging and I had an entirely different experience than that first adventure. Bruce Keller, a natural born athlete, was at ease from the get-go. But I needed Michael's assistance.

Michael is a terrific guide,
here patiently instructing
a nervous Cookie.

His tutoring gave me courage and calmed my frayed nerves. I can't wait to do it again. He made our Segway experience a treat, and soon I had graduated from the parking lot and back roads to the city's winding Riverwalk.  He guided us past glistening yachts, towering skyscrapers, opulent mansions, and celebrity homes in this gorgeous, well manicured corner of south Florida.

Michael is a skilled and patient guide
with knowledge of his home town,
including the rainbow eucalyptus.

THE KEY to my success this second time around on a Segway was good coaching. Michael took time to make sure I understood how important it is to balance my feet properly. He gave careful instructions on starting, stopping and turning. Soon I was confident, no longer the cowardly lion of my first experience.

ONE MAY choose from several tours. We booked the yacht and mansion tour, which gave us close-up looks of some of the spectacular homes in Fort Lauderdale and a nature park. Other tours highlight the beach, comedy clubs, restaurants. One may also customize a private tour to highlight a specific fancy, perhaps food. Both one and two-hour tours are available, and small groups are welcome. Michael insists one does not need to have experience, balance, or coordination. He complimented cowardly me and I felt good on my machine. "Anyone with reasonable co-ordination can learn it in just minutes," he said. When we return, we'll look into Michael's eco/nature tours. He also offers vespa scooter tours lasting 2.5 miles.

Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk
is lovely at dusk on a Segway.

Fort Lauderdale's famed 17th Street
Bridge forms a dramatic backdrop.  

SINCE YOU'RE on wheels, you’re obviously going much faster than you would by walking. You are guaranteed to cover a greater amount of space in a shorter amount of time, thus the Segway rider is able to see more of the sights you've heard about,
If you’re pressed for time, Michael and his fellow Segway tour guides will tailor a tour to the specific places you want to see so you can customize your tour in a shorter period of time.  

Segway riders keep a safe distance from one
another as they transit the pathways.

We can't stress our guide's talents enough. He was simply terrific, and we're tour veterans -- on horses, camels and mules, in helicopters, kayaks and speed boats. Michael knew everyone in Fort Lauderdale, so we were greeted with waves and a friendly "Hi, how are you?" at every stop. 

Fort Lauderdale's famed 17th Street Bridge
opens to allow tall traffic to enter and exit.

THERE ARE a couple stops, for brief rests and a little local lore. We learned about the city's beautiful rainbow eucalyptus trees, gleaned details about the fancy yachts and who owns them, and got permission for a photo shoot on the 17th Street Bridge because Michael knows the bridge operator. He enriched the two hours, making sure we saw the hotels, park and museum we wanted to revisit and photograph. He is a proud native of the city and his stories, history and anecdotes gave us information we'd never find in a guide book.

We're Segway devotees -- and Michael fans!

 www.segwayfortlauderdale.com  (Seven days a week, by reservation.)

    

Have you really had to go and can't find a place?
Tips on finding a toilet while traveling abroad.
First, don't ask for a restroom or bathroom. You
might be directed to a shower. It's WC or toilet
and we'll give you pointers on "Europeein." 

COMING SOON:  We're having fun with bathrooms abroad.  We've photographed them for years and so we're taking a light hearted look at bathroom protocol while traveling abroad. Look for our tips on dealing with the perplexing protocol of "toilets on the road."  Then we commune with the unique art of Salvador Dali, visit Antoni Gaudi's spectacular Guell Park in Barcelona and tour New York City's prettiest places -- Central Park, the High Line and Museum of Modern Art.  Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on nature, performance, travel, family, breaking news and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Fantastic Fort Lauderdale: fun water taxi and new Jungle Queen show

Jungle Queen is an institution in Fort Lauderdale, a beloved icon of the city and a four-generation
enterprise.  She's "reinvented" her evening cruise, dinner and show on a private island. Delightful! 

Bruce Keller and Christene
"Cookie" Meyers transit the
waterways of Fort Lauderdale
on water taxis & Jungle Queen.

JUNGLE QUEEN IS 'REIMAGINED' WITH NEW DINNER SHOW PLUS FUN ON THE TOWN'S WATER TAXI  

Fort Lauderdale's unique water taxi service is a delight,
offering a relaxing, enjoyable way to reach many locales. 

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

WE LOVE Fort Lauderdale, that seductive southern Florida city long beloved by the rich and famous.  Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz had a bungalow there. Superstar Jennifer Lopez and retired  NBA star Shaquille O'Neal both own  luxurious waterfront properties with six bedrooms, eight bathrooms and impressive outdoor pools.  Movie, sports and music stars own lavish homes with opulent dining rooms, Olympic size swimming pools, spas and outdoor kitchens as big as most peoples' homes.  Many stars and sports figures keep yachts here.  Stephen Speilberg's was anchored near our hotel. If you're flush, you can rent it for $1 million a week. 

Fun sights abound along
Fort Lauderdale's waterways.

We enjoy playing tourist, admiring these homes again and again aboard Fort Lauderdale's Water Taxi.  We also enjoy Jungle Queen with its fun entertainment, waterways tour and revamped dinner show at its private island. We booked the "full Monty" including cruise, dinner and show.

JUNGLE QUEEN is one of South Florida’s best-known attractions, and recently debuted its new river cruise 

and island experience.  It's called “Ignite the Night." The moniker derives from fire torches waved artfully about in Jungle Queen's Polynesian show which follows a tasty island inspired dinner.

Bruce Keller and Christene
"Cookie" Meyers aboard
Jungle Queen for a lively
evening on land and water.

WE VISITED with other tourists after boarding near the Bahia-Mar Yachting Center. Libations in hand, we began a lively 90-minute sightseeing cruise along the New River past luxurious homes and the eye-catching downtown of Fort Lauderdale. Thousands have enjoyed Jungle Queen dinner cruises since the family owned company was born in 1935.   The evening's tropical isle visit is a tourist must with its entertaining Polynesian show and time to enjoy the gardens, birds and other wildlife. One may book the sightseeing cruise only if dinner and entertainment seem too much, but the four hours of the combined event offer a good deal for a family gathering or date night.

This pelican is ready for Jungle Queen to depart.

 We like to stay at the well located Hotel Bahia Mar on Seabreeze Blvd., a Hilton Doubletree.  We enjoy it because it's an easy walk to both Jungle Queen and Fort Lauderdale's famed Water Taxi dock, so we don't need to rent a car.  Once on board the spiffy Jungle Queen, we relaxed for a 90-minute sightseeing cruises along the New River past luxurious homes and downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Jungle Queen entertains a mix of people enjoying
lovely homes, a clientele from around world.
 

The interesting commentary of the rich and famous and their homes is followed by arrival on the island.  Then the feast begins.  Drinks are available here and on the boat, from simple house wines to signature concoctions. There's time to wander, admire the trees and flowers, and an area devoted to the place's interesting history.  Don't miss this fascinating display of memorabilia -- pictures and mementos -- when you get to the island.

The Polynesian show is one of the most lively we've seen and we've seen dozens of them in Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa and elsewhere.  This one is first-rate, with  hula and fire dancers, fire eaters and more, expertly presented by Drums of Polynesia. 

IF YOU tried Jungle Queen a few years ago, it's time to revisit the evening because you'll see an entirely new show.

The Jungle Queen's private island is beautifully landscaped
and aglow with lights to highlight elaborate gardens. 

Says third-generation president Michael Faber. “We are excited that we've taken the evening in a new direction." He calls the show, "a new, reimagined Jungle Queen experience. Times and tastes change, and today’s audiences want something new."

SO THE old-fashioned Polynesian island show of yore has a new look, and is now what many consider one of the world's best.

The Polynesian show equals ones we've seen
in the South Pacific, with authentic dancers,
fine musicians and traditional hula garb.

The new adventure starts at 6 p.m. with the hour-long narrated sightseeing cruise. We joined 385 other passengers as we traveled down Fort Lauderdale’s New River and the Intracoastal Waterway, nicknamed “The Venice of America” The four-hour dinner and show ticket includes a tropical isle visit, a satisfying meal including chicken, ribs and all the fixings, and high quality island entertainment. We've seen dozens of shows in Fiji, the Hawaiian and Cook Islands.  We were surprisingly pleased with the high quality of this show.  It is respectful and lively, an authentic homage to the Pacific Islanders and their colorful songs, dances and religion.

FOR YEARS, we've enjoyed  

Fort Lauderdale's Water Taxi
can take you many places.

Beautiful waterfront homes are part of the
allure of a water taxi ride. Jungle Queen
also offers a waterways tour with options.

Fort Lauderdale's unique Water Taxi system which offers 20 stops ranging from high-end shopping areas to seafood  restaurants, a lovely state park and a variety of bars, museums, galleries and historic sites. It's a lovely way to transit a beautiful city whether you're looking for a beverage at  Margaritaville, a souvenir to take home or a stroll along the gorgeous winding Riverwalk.  We always enjoy this easy going and relaxed mode of revisiting the highlights of the city.

Aboard both water taxi and Jungle Queen, one may contemplate the city's history, beauty and attractions while watching its vibrant water life pass by.

junglequeen.com

watertaxi.com

 ************************************************************************* 

Bruce Keller is "no hands" but Cookie Meyers isn't quite ready for that.
Join the couple next week for a Segway adventure in Fort Lauderdale.

NEXT UP:  Now that we've journeyed around Fort Lauderdale by water, we explore this inviting Florida city by land.  Not just any land transport, but a Segway tour! If you've been afraid to try a Segway, you're not alone. But our chief writer and editor, Christene "Cookie" Meyers, is a reformed Segway coward and born again Segway enthusiast, thanks to a wonderful guide and a beautiful venue. Enjoy Fort Lauderdale's pleasures on land next time, remembering to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, art, family, nature and more:

www.whereiscookie.com 

Curtain going up on theater bonanza! Support your local playhouses!

FABULOUS FARE ON THE BOARDS IN SAN DIEGO AREA AND IN YOUR COMMUNITY

SPRING BONANZA IN SAN DIEGO 

Waiting for the house lights to dim, top and above,
are Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers
For them, theater is a necessary thrill to feed their
souls. Support live theater, wherever you are. There
is nothing like the connection live performance offers.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

IF YOU LOVE theater as much as we do, you consider it not a frill or extra, but a necessity.

Please consider supporting yours -- wherever you are in the U.S., or the world.  Volunteers are always needed, especially as ushers. And there's a perk. You'll receive tickets to shows if you contribute  time and talent.

We visit many San Diego and Los Angeles area theaters on a regular basis, proud that Southern California is blessed to have an abundance of  enchanting theater venues. As grateful members of the audience we give thanks for talented actors, directors, designers, technicians, marketing pros and volunteers whose talents feed our artistic appetite. Each year we happily offer a spring roundup of "the best on the boards" in theater loving San Diego.  We urge our friends around the U.S. and world, to support local theater. For us, it's a lifeline, not an extra.

North Coast Repertory Theatre never fails to
entertain, provoke, amuse, in Solana Beach. 

NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE: With imaginative sell-out performances, "What the Constitution Means to Me" is the latest offering, through March 23. The Pulitzer Prize finalist promises  "an emotionally charged, thought provoking theatrical experience" exploring the U.S. Constitution's significance in contemporary America with wit and political insight. The intimate house has no bad seats for feasting on an ambitious mix of musicals, world premier dramas, comedies and classics.  The dedication, energy and creative spin of visionary artistic director David Ellenstein satisfy older patrons while drawing enthusiasm from new, more demanding younger crowds. In spring, watch for "Peril in the Alps" a world premier mystery romp; "Birthday Candles" celebrating one woman's birthdays through the decades in June, and "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder in July-August.  Ellenstein and company give imagination a whirl with a satisfying blend of both fresh and familiar work, always enjoyable. northcoastrep.org   

Ground-breaking at Cygnet's new digs in Liberty
Station. Three fine productions cap Cygnet's
tenure in Old Town, before the summer move.

 CYGNET THEATRE.  Capping last year's successes, Cygnet Theatre presents its final season in Old Town before moving to its new home at the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center at Liberty Station.  Under the guiding force of artistic director Sean Murray, "The Joan" will launch its 21st season in September in a new, contemporary 289-seat proscenium theater and a 150-seat flexible studio space. Murray, also a versatile actor (from "My Fair Lady" to "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and as an endearing Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol") caps the 2024-25 season in Old Town directing a first-rate piece of writing flawlessly acted. "Other Desert Cities" is up through March 2, a searingly complex family story with both humor and pathos. Then a fresh, fierce comedy, "The Hot Wing King," April 9-May 2 (sounds delicious, as a group of friends prepare their entry for a culinary contest.) Finally, that classic musical theater war horse "Oklahoma" offers venerable musical comedy, June 11-July 20.

www.cygnettheatre.com

  

''Once" celebrates the music of Ireland
with a spirited band, engaging story and top
singers --just in time for St. Patrick's Day!

LAMB'S PLAYERS THEATRE:   Lamb's Players can be relied upon for polish and spirit in spades with top actors, singers and musicians. "Once" reinforces Lamb's reputation for excellence in a return engagement of an award winner, in time for St. Patrick's Day. It began as a 2007 movie, then the lively musical was a Tony winner on Broadway before winning raves in San Diego 7 years ago. The show is artfully staged by Lamb's artistic director Robert Smyth with a returning crack cast of fabulous musicians and singers who move 

"Once" is on tap at
Lamb's Players. 

gracefully about the pub setting. This first-rate production boasts terrific leads and support, including Smyth's wife, Deborah Gilmour Smyth, who sets the high energy and polished tone. Watch for her in Horton Foote's Tony winning "The Trip to Bountiful" April 15-June 1, followed by a musical celebrating the '70s this, and G.B. Shaw's classic "Arms and the Man," next fall.  It's a lovely drive to Coronado, across the bridge from downtown San Diego.  Plenty of restaurant choices, too, to extend the fun.  lambsplayers.org

Leigh Scarritt, Rachel
 VanWormer captivated us
in "The Half-Life of Marie
Curie," at New Village Arts.

New Village Arts also produces unique cabaret
shows, including "Love, Linda" which told the
story of Mrs. Cole Porter in a pitch-perfect and
delightful performance by Sandra Ochoa Rice.
The show features many of Porter's masterpieces
dazzlingly delivered with a three-piece band.

NEW VILLAGE ARTS.  This cozy 99-seat theater in Carlsbad opened its spring season with a bang. Theater lovers raved about the captivating production of "The Half-Life of Marie Curie" which just ended a brilliant run. Two accomplished actors cast a spell: Rachael VanWormer and Leigh Scarritt as Madame Curie and fellow brilliant scientist, Hertha Ayrton. Typical of New Village productions, it featured artful lighting, an eye-catching set design and mesmerizing talent.  The ambitious Carlsbad venue produces year-round musical events, cabaret and concert readings of Broadway musicals. Up next is "La Havana Madrid," March 21-April 27,  about Chicago’s legendary nightclub where newly arrived Latino immigrants dine, dance and find community.   newvillagearts.org

Diversionary Theatre is always a 
treat, even in the rain. Its productions
appeal and are inclusive, original.

 
 

DIVERSIONARY THEATRE. The current season at our nation's third oldest LGBTQ theater includes "We Are Continuous," through March 9, a lyrical work about love and the ability to change by acclaimed playwright Harrison David Rivers.  Diversionary is a small, mind-challenging venue with a lovely, welcoming theater and impressive education outreach.  It opened season 39 in its recently renovated space, including a cozy cabaret with drinks and live queer-themed entertainment. An inclusive, enterprising playbill espouses love, honesty, humor and hope with a mission to inspire and celebrate diverse LGBTQIA stories. Always an enriching visit.  diversionary.org

MOXIE THEATRE: Watch this ground-breaking company,  known for its generosity to students, and for its diverse repertoire of female focused work. Some of the region's best actors have graced Moxie's stage where each season presents surprises and delights. "Man and Moon" is typical fare, featuring the story of a transitioning man, Aaron, and Luna, a young girl with a passion for outer space. Depend on Moxie for imaginative breaking of stereotypes. moxietheatre.com

A series of tributes headline at The Welk, where
people may also enjoy the attractive grounds.

THEATRE AT THE WELK. The beautifully designed theater, at 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive in Escondido, presents an uplifting mix of concerts, musicals and tributes. "Gypsy Dreams" is a tribute to Fleetwood Mac Feb. 19, followed by "A Rockin' Tribute to the King," Wednesdays March 5-26, with a band on stage backing award winning singer-actor Scot Bruce as a convincing Elvis. "Fortunate Son," a Creedence Clearwater tribute, follows on Wednesdays in April. "FABBA" is an Abba tribute in May and June, and popular performer Jason Lohrke returns with his acclaimed Neil Diamond tribute in July. welkresorts.com

David McBean, front,
and Jason Maddy as
"True West" brothers. 

ROUSTABOUTS THEATRE CO.: This talented, daring company  features some of San Diego's finest actors in a range of funny, touching and acerbic pieces.   Actor Phil Johnson is at the helm as company co-founder. He was brilliant in a rousing one-man show, "A Jewish Joke," which went on to play New York.  His enterprise engineers comedy nights and other delights, with talented local casts. Sam Shepard’s searing "True West" is up next, a story of sibling rivalry between estranged brothers Austin and Lee, who have reconnected. It is set in in the foothills of California's San Gabriel Valley at their mother's home.  The production runs at Diversionary Theatre March 27-April 13. Rely on Johnson and company for originality, always pushing the entertainment envelope. theroustabouts.org

SCRIPPS RANCH THEATRE. Creative use of space on the campus of Alliant International University provides a welcoming, intimate forum for another challenging season. "White" is next up, billed as "a comedic story that explores privilege in the art world." The production promises twists and surprises, subverting expectations as it illuminates contemporary culture. The run extends through March 9. Scripps celebrates the unusual, with an always ambitious season.  scrippsranchtheatre.org

                                                                         

La JOLLA

 PLAYHOUSE. Continuing this venerable, top drawer theater's dedication to the unique, La Jolla Playhouse would make founder Gregory Peck proud with its 2025-26 season including an intriguing world premier, "Three Summers of Lincoln." 

Award winning La Jolla Playhouse offers another world premier.
"Three Summers of Lincoln" features gospel, R&B and more. 

 It features an original score blending gospel, R&B, and more with Christopher Ashley at the helm as artistic director. Under his guidance, the award winning playhouse took home a Tony for "Far From Away," another world premier which debuted in La Jolla and went on to Broadway. He is proud of the 2025 Without Walls ("WOW") Festival set for April 24-27, promising immersive and site-inspired work. Presented in partnership with the UC San Diego, the WOW Festival features four action-packed days of theater, dance, music, puppetry, spectacle events and more.   lajollaplayhouse.org

SAN DIEGO MUSICAL THEATRE:  Musicals reign at this venue. "Hello, Dolly!" is on the boards through March 9. We've seen spirited shows here, including "Forever Plaid" and "Little Shop of Horrors" -- an admirable mix of musicals, including "In the Heights," which introduced Lin-Manuel Miranda to the world.  SDMT's lively  popular grassroots enterprise made its name with romantic comedy and trusted musical theater works, thanks to musical-loving founders Gary and Erin Lewis who launched the endeavor in 2006. It has a loyal following for its varied repertoire. sdmt.org 

TRINITY THEATRE CO:  This company's goal is "to unify friends, family, and community." TTC believes all people wishing to participate in the performing arts should have a venue in which to inspire and be inspired. Shows blend the talents of seasoned performers and spirited newcomers, in both performance and technical aspects of theater.  "The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet!" just wrapped, a lively adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet told in a whimsical, Seussian style. (Spoiler alert: no one died.) Like Trinity's mission, it mixed rhyme and rhythm with playful characters, and vibrant storytelling, aimed at involving young people. Trinity works with schools to encourage theater arts education and foster community involvement, celebrating the arts for performers and patrons alike. trinityttc.org 

WITH THIS BOUNTY,  spring theater is in full flower in southern California with March celebrations and discounts during San Diego Theater Month with discounted tickets at more than 30 venues. Check for similar festivals in your town and consider supporting your local theater, symphony, chorale and band. Be generous with buskers. And remember: a pair of tickets to a play, musical or concert makes an excellent gift.

www.sandiegotheatremonth.com

Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller on
 the trail of waterborne fun, from water taxis to
cruising. We visit Fort Lauderdale on land and
water, admire artists in Spain, explore Central Park
in New York and pay our respects to both
man made beauty and the art of nature.
 

FUN ON THE RUN: 

In the next few weeks, we offer a

lively mix of fun pieces, from the waters of Fort Lauderdale to the art museums of northern Spain and Barcelona. We offer practical pointers on finding a bathroom in Europe and elsewhere abroad, and we visit  spectacular attractions in New York City, including Central Park, the High Line and the world renowned Museum of Modern Art.  Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on nature, performance, travel, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com

World's first whale watching enterprise celebrates with dinner cruises, harbor tours, jet boat and a classic ferry

 Flagship Cruises introduced whale watching to the world.  Here, naturalist Sophie, helps passengers
look for two whales she and the captain have just spotted.

FLAGSHIP'S PROUD HERITAGE INCLUDES INTRODUCING THE WHALE WATCH              TO THE WORLD

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers bundle up for
a cool and satisfying February whale watch on Flagship.

                                                          FLAGSHIP CRUISES has the honor of launching the world's first water-based whale watching tours.

That's one of many feathers in the cap of this waterfront institution in  San Diego. But that's just part of Flagship's history.  In the city's formative days,  Flagship was on the scene.
The line's story traces back as far as modern San Diego, considered by most historians to be the last years of the 19th Century and the first part of the 20th Century. The company claims this heritage because it began service in 1915, now celebrating 110 years of serving a worldwide clientele.

A grey whale's breech brought gasps and cheers aboard
Flagship's Marietta in San Diego. The family owned company
 offers a rewarding whale watching experience, with lively
commentary and a theme of environmental protection.

Dinner cruise offers fun night out 

LIKE SAN DIEGO, Flagship has been shaped by many innovations and transformations over the past century. It grew and expanded to meet needs of a growing city's residents and tourists and conventioneers from all over the world. Most visitors spend at least a part of a day on the water.

Flagship's whale watching vessel, the Marietta, is clean and
airy, offering plenty of room to move about for viewing.

The fleet expanded to meet that need, and the vessels include yachts as well as ferries. Flagship makes the only regular daily service to Coronado, a tradition dating back to long before the bridge was built to connect the city to the famous resort town.
"We always strive to better serve the needs of our guests, humbled by the millions of passengers who chose to make memories on our yachts and ferries," says as recent press release.
FLAGSHIP HONORS the environment and the city of San Diego, in all its excursions, from harbor tours to brunch cruises, dinner cruises, whale watch excursions and private charters.
We've been on Flagship a dozen times through the years and have never failed to be entertained and satisfied. Knowing the family still has a hand in the business enhances the experience and is a serious reason for our loyalty.
The company began as the Star & Crescent Boat Company, after the
family-owned Star Boat Company,
operators of San Diego's first harbor excursions, merged with its competitor, Ralph Chandler's Crescent Boat Company. Long before freeways and bridges, the new 16-boat fleet provided transportation between Roseville, Fort Rosecrans, Imperial Beach, Tijuana and the Coronado Islands. It also offered deluxe

Well informed guides point out other sea life
along the way, here this sunbathing sea lion. 

 harbor tours. The fare was 50 cents.

Resident whales up the coast

 THE PROUD history of Flagship includes helping the U.S. win World War II. In 1942, the company donated its harbor excursion boat Estrella to the government to ferry defense workers and members of the armed forces.
Whale watching is a proud part of the enterprise. Six years after commercial hunting of gray whales was banned, the world's first water-based whale watching tours began in San Diego, launching a global industry. For $1, passengers could take a boat trip to experience an up-close view of the beautiful migrating creatures. The price is a bit higher now, but the thrill of whale watching with a skilled captain and great commentary from a good guide remains the same.

A delightful 15-minute ferry ride awaits nearby
to take you to or from Coronado Ferry Building
from Broadway Pier or the Convention Center.

IF YOU are visiting San Diego, you will be treated with a variety of Flagship offerings. Consider booking a fun, fact-filled harbor tour or an elegant dining cruise. Flagship also offers private charters, and a thrilling jet boat that had me quivering as we bounced along. Plus the historic Coronado Ferry still operates daily, as it has for decades. It's a delightful way to get from the city to "the island," which is really a peninsula, a very different, more laid back village-like environment.  Coronado is a lovely and historic resort city across the bay with great restaurants, fun shopping, theaters, art galleries and the world famous Hotel Del Coronado where Marilyn Monroe splashed in the sea during the filming of "Some Like It Hot."

More information: 619-234-4111 

Click here to book your adventure

Theater lovers are flocking to "Once," and a bounty of other plays
and musicals in southern California. Please support your local theaters.

FUN ON TAP: Theater is thriving all over the world, with a pre-spring bounty of plays and musicals opening across the nation. Here in southern California, we feature some of our favorite venues and productions, with encouragement to friends and readers to support local theater wherever you are. We'll preview a host of openings, including "Once," a Tony award winning musical featuring Irish music -- as a preview to St. Patrick's Day. There are also dramas, comedy and introspective works, with something for every theatrical taste. Next week's piece will give you reasons to support theater wherever you live -- or to make a quick trip to San Diego to satisfy your play-going palate. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on performance, nature, art, family, travel and more:

www.whereiscookie.com

Lions, tigers, rhinos, kangaroos, giraffes roam, pose, preen for public

Meet Bo, who posed for us this week, a handsome nearly 9-year old male lion, the head of his pride
which includes three females.  The African lion is listed as a "vulnerable species" because of
declining numbers due to poaching, habitat loss and trafficking. He had just eaten and was relaxing.

AWARD WINNING SAFARI PARK IS PERFECT EARLY SPRING OUTING

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers
enjoy a day of touring, watching, learning
 at the world famous Safari Park.

                                                                

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

THE SAN DIEGO Zoo Safari Park is an international treasure, visited by thousands each year and home to a carefully supervised grouping of 3,000 animals sharing 1,800 beautifully landscaped yet "wild looking" acres.

The highly acclaimed park has some of the world's most successful breeding programs, particularly the rhino, who has been brought

A female kangaroo wakes from an afternoon nap.

back from near extinction thanks to parks such as San Diego's. The city's rare white rhinos (the same color as grey) are the only two left on the planet. That makes seeing these wondrous creatures even more special. 

WE SPENT a full, happy day at this enchanting place,  hopping aboard the Africa Tram to get a bird's eye view of the park's  beautifully arranged habitat.  

A view of the grounds from a lookout near the elevator.

We had a terrific guide who stopped so we could get close-up views of giraffes, rhinos, antelope and gazelles. We also saw mule deer, "freeloaders," who visit the park as unofficial guests, enjoying the grounds and a nibble.

THE CRITTERS we saw are free to roam happily on the savannah grounds within artfully designed areas to separate but not "fence".  The grounds were landscaped to resemble the foliage, shelter and open spaces the animals enjoy in their native habitats. The dozens we saw appeared happy with the arrangement.

Besides beautifully tended grounds for the critters, the zoo boasts a fascinating botanical garden with over a million plants, carefully marked.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park has
two platypuses. The semiaquatic,
egg-laying mammal is endemic
to eastern Australia. We were
lucky to catch a glimpse.
 

OUR TERRIFIC 20-minute tram ride gave us an idea of what we'd like to see more of and return to.  We knew that would include the Australia walkabout since we have many times visited that continent and observed its unique critters. Speaking of walking, prepare to get your exercise.  It's a large expanse and we logged over 4 miles on our recent visit. Motorized carts are available for rental and a variety of tours can be organized for those who don't want total independence.  More than 1.6 million visitors joined in the exploration and learning experience at the park last year.

Among the pleasures is watching a tiger nap -- feet and legs in the air, almost comically relaxed.  

Christene "Cookie" Meyers
watches a sleeping tiger close-up.

Besides observing napping critters, you'll see lots of lively ones including a variety of monkeys. We watched lesser spot-nosed monkeys, a lively troop of capuchin monkeys, colobus monkeys and northern black-crested mangabeys sharing a habitat. Spot-nosed monkeys are about too, and and wolf's monkeys hang around with their pygmy hippo pals. If you time it right, you'll see them swing through the trees. Our favorite interlude was watching a lion chow down on a beef shank, as nearby vultures await the scraps. Then watch them peck on the bones.

Special tours are available as additions to the
regular ticket.  You can join a small group
like this one to get up close and personal.

As part of the ticket which begins at $76, you can access the cheetah run to witness the lightning speed of these big, beautiful cats. You can feed the lovely lorikeets by hand as they swoop down, and various upgrades are available for more money. You can book a wildlife safari, for instance, to travel in the back of a covered open-air safari truck -- like  

Top scientists and dedicated researchers are using their
skills to breed endangered and nearly extinct rhinos and
other species. This rare white rhino is nearly gone from Earth.  

the ones I've ridden in during African safari. The truck travels through the park's expansive savanna habitats with an expert guide providing information on each animal. 

The entrance hall at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
welcomed over 1.6 million visitors last year.

ANOTHER terrific aspect of a visit is learning. It's wonderful to see groups of school kids taking photos, soaking it all up.  And the knowledgeable volunteers who are always within easy reach enrich the experience, answering questions, giving pointers on best viewing spots.  We found the docents helpful in tracking down the platypus exhibit. We had to adjust our eyes as we entered the dark world of this shy creature to catch a glimpse of the female swimming around, resting on a log and generally enjoying the attention (or so it seemed to us delighted tourists.)  

THE WEATHER is perfect in San Diego this time of year -- in fact, it averages 72 degrees 12 months a
year. So enjoy this special place and support wildlife. 

With the various upgrades available, you can spend a bit more than the ticket.

There are money-saving ticket packages including one that combines the Safari Park entrance with the Zoo and SeaWorld.  Various coupons and discounts can also be found with a little shopping around on the internet. You'll also pay a parking fee of $20.

 

sdzwa.org; zoo.sandiegozoo.org

A Flagship trip promises fun, learning, comfort and colorful commentary.

                                                UPCOMING FUN: We didn't know -- did you -- that San Diego invented the whale watch? A family run enterprise, Flagship Cruises, began the first whale watching adventure after the commercial hunting of whales was banned in the 1970s. We're off with Flagship on a fabulous whale watching adventure (that's Cookie in the purple hat, front row, looking at photos just taken of the frolicking dolphins.) We're exploring the art of Salvador Dali, the fun of a Fort Lauderdale visit, and a look at highlights of New York City. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on  travel, nature, performance, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com