April 30, 2025

BONAIRE

View from one of high spot in the center of island looking out toward port. Island very dry and arid with lots of divi trees bent over in the winds and two types of cactus - one edible and the other poisonous ( used to build fencing).  The Miller's and I did a private van tour around the island and then we ended tour at a beach for a couple hours R&R. Our fabulous driver/ guide came back and picked us up and concluded tour back to port and gave us each a gift ( Bonaire magnet). She was super! Below are slat fields - a big industry for Bonaire - harvested every March. Salt shimmers in sun as the water evaporates in the pools.

Tons of Flamingos make this island home. They eat lots of crustaceans out of sand - giving them their pink color.

Wild donkeys live along south end of island, near the open stretch around the Light House.Our guide brought us oranges to feed the donkeys.

Above is drift wood debris that has been transformed into art along the south end of island.

Below are slave homes that were used as propaganda to show off how well they were treating them. In reality working in salt mines was horrific jobs for them, many went blind from harshness of working with salt.

We spent the afternoon relaxing in the sun at Jibe City / Sebastian's Beach on the SE side of the island in the Lac Bay Area.There were tons of wind surfers, a lot learning and others quite talented. Had a yummy sushi lunch and soaked up the sunshine!

View more

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.