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.

By Pat Patrick September 21, 2026
HO CHI MING CITY or SAIGON was our last port in Vietnam . The downtown area was an hour away from the Port , so most of us got Hotel rooms in town, as prices were so reasonable. Sadly, it was a rainy four days, but that kept temperatures moderate and we could still get out and do most things. We stayed in district #1 as most of the City highlights are in this area along with the nightlife. Traffic is very busy in the City, especially motorbikes. Crossing the streets needs to be done with intent and quickly as there are very few traffic lights or stop signs.
By Pat Patrick September 16, 2026
It's never a dull Sea Day on the Odyssey! We have such creative residents, that are always coming up with new ideas to entertain ourselves and have a good time. This plot was the calculating of Eddie and Michelle - a Game of Clue! The rules were simple - find the party venue at 8:30 pm, come dressed as a character, weapon or room from the game and solve the mystery of who stole the Ship's bell.
By Pat Patrick September 16, 2026
In March of 1974, some local farmers outside Xi'An, China are digging a well and accidentally hit one of the great archaeological sites in the World! They were paid one day's wages for the find, roughly 4 USD! The Terracotta Army was dubbed the 8th Wonder of the World by France's President in 1980 when he came to visit and wanted to meet the farmers, the oldest was then, 89 years old.