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 

Whale watching bonanza as grays head south in record numbers

Seeing a whale's fluke, as we've done off the coast of San Diego, is a thrill to remember.

EPIC WHALE WATCHING SEASON CONTINUES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller
about to board City Cruises' Hornblower
Adventure for a thrilling whale watching time.

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

ONCE YOU'VE thrilled to the sight of a whale's fluke, or heard the whoosh of air from his blow hole, you're hooked. Seeing a mom and calf, even better!

You wait, you watch -- for a breach, a family, a fluke, the dive back into the ocean. Wow.  What a thrill. It brings tears, cheers and applause.

Welcome to the club. You're now a proud lifelong whale watcher. If you've always wanted to see whales, you have a fine opportunity now as 20,000 gray whales and hundreds of other species are passing by, delighting whale watchers from Ventura,  Oceanside and San Diego -- all along the coast as they head to the lagoons of the Baja. 

Seeing the "blow" remains a
thrill even after dozens of
sightings worldwide. 

This year is a banner year for watching these magnificent creatures. Besides bountiful numbers of grays, blues, humpbacks and minkes are also being spotted, along with thousands of playful
dolphins.

I was initiated years ago when as a newlywed, we watched whales off San Diego. It was a marvel and left an indelible imprint. 

A  grey whale "spy hops" off the coast of San Diego near
 La Jolla, bringing his body above water level, a sight
to behold. It's prime whale viewing season here now. 

TEN MINUTES from our home, we're in good company as more than 20,000 gray whales pass by enroute to warmer waters south.

Channel Islands prime whale viewing

 They make an impressive 10,000 mile round-trip journey from Alaska to the lagoons of Baja

San Diego Whale Watch has been tracking
whales for nearly 10 years, year round. Grays
are being seen now, and blues in the summer.

 California, where the females give birth to their calves. We lucky San Diegans may watch the journey close-up, so this time of year, look for us on the water -- on all of the several boats that offer a chance to commune with these magnificent creatures. City Cruises' Hornblower vessels offer longer tours, leaving from San Diego Bay with interesting commentary on the city's fascinating waterfront and
sea life before we hit the ocean. Naturalists from Balboa Park's famed Natural History Museum share whale lore and commentary illustrated with props. 

San Diego Whale Watch offers shorter, equally engaging trips from Mission Bay, closer to the water for a shorter trip. Check out the websites to determine the best fit for you and your group.
We've been binging on whales the past few weeks, letting the ocean calm, delight and encourage us. It's good therapy as we recover from our state's recent fires. 

 

Whales, dolphins delight in Channel Islands

Baleen is made from keratin, the same
material in our human fingernails.
For baleen whales it filters food.
 

Everyone wants to see "the blow," and we've been lucky this year to many times see what looks like mist. It's actually expelling warm air from its lungs into the cold atmosphere. The temperature change causes water vapor in the whale's breath to condense into water droplets, creating the misty spout that can be seen for miles. if you're quiet, you can really hear the sound of his blowhole -- a mighty whoosh of air expulsion. Thus the expression, "thar she blows."

Aboard San Diego's varied and equally engaging whale watching enterprises, one learns about the symbiotic relationship between the whales and their "hitchhikers" -- barnacles and lice, which use the whale for free transport while they hunt for food, picking off pieces of dead skin and flesh.

To see the rainbow like spray of air from the blow and hear them breathing is an absolute thrill.  With the help of knowledgeable volunteers, we admire samples of the baleen which acts as a food filter. Whales suck in water and scoop its contents, straining the protein rich fish and shrimp for nutrition.

We were enraptured to photograph a mother
and calf, a rare occurrence and happy moment.

WE'VE WATCHED whales cavort in the waters of Hawaii, Norway, Iceland and Mexico. I can honestly say our best whale watching is in southern California. 

To book City Experience Hornblower

To book San Diego Whale Watch 

Leigh Scarritt, left, and Rachael VanWormer play Hertha
Ayrton and Marie Curie, two brilliant scientists in the
male dominated early 20th Century.

BEST BET: Two gifted actors, a poetic script, beautiful lighting and talented direction make "The Half-Life of Marie Curie" a must-see.  This engaging performance is at New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad, north of San Diego. It's a play for people who love theater and the connection with character it offers.  This work charms and captivates.  The Lauren Gunderson play features two fine actors, Rachael VanWormer and Leigh Scarritt, playing physicist Marie Curie and electrical engineer Hertha Ayrton.   Theirs is is an inspired story, directed with imagination by Kym Pappas. As female scientists in the male dominated world of the early 20th Century, the two create a spellbinding chemistry. A deep bond develops as they deal with both personal problems and the sexism of the times.  Subtle lighting and dramatic scenic design are compelling and the two actors weave magic as the story unfolds with pathos, humor and searing detail. New Village Arts is a small, intimate venue. Don't miss it, through Feb. 23:  newvillagearts.org

Bo, the head of San Diego Zoo Safari Park's
lion pride, enjoys the company of three females.
 Here, he posed for us after a satisfying lunch.

COMING SOON: We're exploring beauty around us -- both elegant man made art and the exquisite work of nature. Next week, we feature Bo, the handsome head of the lion pride at San Diego Zoo's world renowned Safari Park. Then we cavort on the waters of Fort Lauderdale, commune with Salvador Dali's spirit in Spain and giving tips on how to find and use a bathroom abroad.  We look at a San Diego's family run enterprise which introduced whale watching to the world.  All that and more, as Flagship Cruises celebrates its 110th birthday with record breaking whale sightings up the southern California coast. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on performance, nature, travel, family and the arts: www.whereiscookie.com