May 7, 2025

COLON, PANAMA

This is a repeat Port - we were here right before Christmas last year. A couple significant things happened this time in Colon. First my travel buddy for the last 6 months left, Yes Scottie went home to San Francisco. Not sure when and if he will return! Ok a little dramatic - he has a reservation to come back August 28th, but he has a lot to sort through at home. Make haste buddy!

Second, Angel had a Birthday and his partner Eddie got permission to do a private small silent disco night and I was luck to be amongst the 30 invited guest!! These guys live across the hall from me and are two of my favorite people! Angel a retired hair dresser is one of the kindest gentlest soul I know. Eddie has so much energy for life it's contagious!

Third, these two neighbors and also on my top people on board ship list, got Married in a civil service in Canada. Congratulations Ron ( taller one) and Pete! They are having another fancy family and friend wedding in New York State next month. Anxious for their return and to hear all about it. Ron is an interior designer and we share a passion for architecture.

PORT DEARAU, FIJI - Naidiri Village

By Patricia Patrick • December 4, 2025
Today we went to see the coastal Naidiri Village that has recently won the Top Prize in global restoration, for their ocean reef project. The reef restoration was borne out of necessity to solve their dwindling food/ main protein source for the village, of fish. It was started by 2 of the villages rugby players and today is run by the local teenagers (mostly boys) in the village. It was great seeing how empowered and proud they were of their amazing efforts.

LAUTOKA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
The port agent offered several trips to areas around Lautoka . We chose the trip to Serenity Island Resort which included van and boat transfers and lunch. It was a really nice day enjoying the sun, reef, pool, turtles and amenities!

RIVER TUBING DOWN THE NAVUA, SUVA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
I organized a group tour for a fun day experience. We had a great day despite the rain that decided to join in. We started with a 45 minute van ride out through the city, into the countryside. Then we got in long boats and went up river to a waterfall, some swam or cheered on the guides to cliff dive. Then back in the boats to visit Sabata Village where 50 family members live as a community existing totally off the land, along the river. Next was a quick boat ride to our BBQ lunch spot. After lunch we got to tube down the river, through light rapids, for just about an hour. We ganged our tubes together with the guide - we had a chain of 14 in my group and the guides totally blew us away singing hymns for a good chunk of the journey. It was truly moving in that place with the rain drizzling and all of us linked together. Loved it!