December 9, 2024
DOMINICA REPUBLIC - La Romana - Catalina Island
Saturday 12/7/24 I just wanted to have some fun in the sun! So, ten of us went on speed boat day trip to nearby Catalina Island. On left is Silja from South Africa, then Whitney & Doug, from Montana, Scott and me across from Scott, and coming back up the right side, is 13-year-old Lucia, Zenzo,17 & Alionia,15 - the girls are Doug & Whitney's and Zenzo, (now dating Alionia), is the son of Silja. Missing from this dingy shot is Holly and Cathy who also came along for day. The back of our dingy was a group of Italians, who started drinking a lot earlier than us!
The ride started a little ways up in our marina, we went right past our ship and out into the Atlantic Ocean. After about a half hour we got to snorkel on what they call the Wall,
a large coral reef that runs parallel to Catalina Island. Dominica Tours provided lots of drinks, rum & cokes and a fresh BBQ lunch, once we got on shore at the island. Several excursion operators use the island, with similar packages and a party vibe runs up and down the whole shoreline. I am working on improving my day drinking skills and this rum was particularly good! The package only $55 USD for the whole day, included loungers and umbrellas on the beach, snorkel equipment and everything else! We spent the whole time in the ocean except when we got out for the BBQ. A fun day relaxing, drinking, talking and laughing.
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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!
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.
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.