February 9, 2025

CAPE HORN, CHILE

February 1st 2025 we sailed by Cape Horn. The Cape is the along the bottom edge of the South American continent and marks the start of the Drake Passage. Infamous for churning seas and wicked winds, it's believed that more than 10,000 seamen have perished "rounding the horn". Our Captain, sounded our horn in honor of all the fallen seamen as we passed! It was rainy and super windy, but not to big of swells as we sailed by. On the island there is a lighthouse maned by a family, a husband wife and 2 teenagers a boy and girl. The posting is usually for just one year but this family has lived here for 3 years. Below are photo'd from internet showing their lighthouse home and small chapel. They get provisions shipped in every couple of months. Some boats stop here on the island - there is a memorial statue for all the fallen seamen, but nothing else on the island. Very remote!

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE TOUR, AUSTRALIA

By Patricia Patrick • February 23, 2026
I love a good architectural tour and even though I did this one last time I was here, the story is so interesting, I decided to do again. Plus they are always updates and changes in operations at the Sydney Opera House . This tour didn't disappoint - I saw new theater spaces and gained new insights to the story of it's construction from concept in 1958, to it's opening in 1973. The drama that played out for Danish architect Jorn Utzon , who won the commission out of 300 submissions and never got to seen the final building.He was fired by local politician, in election year, when project was grossly over budget and schedule. The building is an engineering marvel and I love so many of the details!

NEWTON SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Street Art & Food Tour

By Patricia Patrick • February 23, 2026
I love to get to know an interesting neighborhood when visiting a big city. Newtown is a creative, fun and slightly edgy area in Sydney known for its' preserved Victorian architecture, street art and it's lively, friendly food and bar scene. There is lots of live music, quirky bars (they call hotels) and the population there is the largest LGBTQ community in Sydney. It's young and vibrant with the University of Sydney right there. Great if you want a place with personality over polish!

SYDNEY HARBOR, AUSTRALIA - ICONIC MOMENTS

By Patricia Patrick • February 21, 2026
Sailing into Sydney Harbor is one of those iconic moments that will stand out in my memories for this adventure! Sydney is one of a few natural harbors, worldwide, like San Francisco , known for its sparkling waters, landmark sights, spectacular events and hundreds of miles of shoreline.