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!

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2nd YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF SAILING THE WORLD

By Pat Patrick • October 1, 2026
WOW!! I can't believe it has been two years of sailing around the World already for me and my fellow shipmates on the Villa Vie Odyssey! We left Belfast, Ireland back on September 30, 2024 and it has been such a great adventure to date! We have been to 201 different ports, some more than once, during those two years, with much more to come!

APOPO, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

By Pat Patrick • September 29, 2026
Before coming to Cambodia , I sadly have to admit I was unaware of the landmine problems they face. On our first night in Siem Reap, where we hiked up the hill to try and see the sunset views, there was a small band of men playing instruments and our tuk tuk driver explained to me they were victims of landmine explosions who had lost limbs or their sight and were trying to make money via donations to support their families.

Ta Prohm Temple ( AKA Lara Croft: Tomb Raider), CAMBODIA

By Pat Patrick • September 28, 2026
I rallied for our last temple of the morning, because I heard this one was unique and I think it was my favorite. Ta Prohm was built starting in 1186 by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university dedicated to the king's mother. It was left mostly un-restored so that huge banyan and silk cotton trees grow directly over and through the walls. In 2001, the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie was filmed here.