July 30, 2025

BERING STRAIT CROSSING, ALASKA,USA to JAPAN

I am so happy to be caught up on my blog now. We are on our way to Japan now, from Alaska, across the Bering Strait and I am so looking forward to these 10 days to get several items accomplished. I just noticed several edits did not come through on my prior post in Alaska, I have had some wifi issues - so please revisit those post for updates!


Also I came up with a work around idea to get a chance to hear from you after you read my blog post. I am going to link them to Facebook and you can check them from there going forward and be able to comment, which I would truly welcome. I hate posting and then hearing nothing but crickets in return!


Also, please note we are all very safe here in the open sea despite the Tsunami Warnings you may be hearing for this part of the world. Being on a ship in the open waters is one of the safest places to be. I pray the areas affected are ok - we hear the second port we are headed to in Japan, Hachinohe,  is on the news now.

TIOMAN ISLAND, MALAYSIA

By Pat Patrick • July 6, 2026
Fun day in the waters of Tioman Island, Malaysia snorkeling with friends. Life is good! It was nothing fancy, a boat & captain, who spoke minimal English and barely interacted with us, for roughly 7 hours. We started the outing spotting a group of dolphins and was quickly at anchor drop 1 of 6. The distances between the 6 snorkel spots was minimal, which gave us lots of time in the water (at least 45 minutes, at each spot) with an added stop for a lunch break at local restaurants. Even the restaurants were fast and efficient, definitely used to catering to the boat crowd.

HAPPY 4th of JULY from SE ASIA SEA!

By Pat Patrick • July 4, 2026
Wishing everyone a Happy 4th of July! Here on the Odyssey we celebrated in the SE Asia Sea on our way to Tioman Island, Malaysia . We have such a talented and dedicated group of residents here, they put together a fun hour of things to celebrate and embrace a lot of what we collectively love about the USA. Even our residents from other countries - Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany , etc. joined in the fun! ( I lent my flag below for decorations)

BINTAN, INDONESIA - BUDDHIST TEMPLE

By Pat Patrick • July 2, 2026
Vihara Avalokiteshvara Graha or Guan Yin Temple is near 500 Lohan, so we also toured the grounds of this large Temple complex. It's dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and is one the tallest brass statues of her in SE Asia. She is just over 55' tall, coated in 22 carat gold and is surrounded by scenic dragon fruit plantations. The tile work is intricate and textured with great details. The whole place is very tranquil and calming for meditation and prayer.