March 18, 2026

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND was a quick 25 minute ride inland from the Port of Chalmers. We were going to take the bus, when fellow Resident Theresa, offered us a ride, as she had to return her rental car. This allowed us to make a stop along the way at Baldwin Street.

Baldwin Street, Dunedin, NZ claims to be the Steepest Street in the World, per Guinness Book of Records. But the documentation is a bit fuzzy. Regardless, it is an impressive incline. I ended up chatting to one of the most well known residents of Baldwin Street,  Dave Kernahan, pictured below. He told me he has used the hill as his personal training secret since 2000 - he runs up and down the street 30 times almost every day - a total of more than 10 Kilometers. He is now in his 70's and in great shape. 

Next, Theresa dropped us at the Historic Dunedin Railway Station. It was built in from 1904 to 1907, one of NZ's most photographed buildings famous for it's dramatic black and white stone ( sourced locally) fascade and intricate mosaic tile floors inside. The NZ architect was George Troup.

Next we wandered the downtown, leisurely shopping and sight seeing. Sherrie, Holly and I were enjoying the sunshine and camaraderie as we strolled a variety of arts and goods for a couple of hours. We ended at Woolworth's grocery store where we each stocked up, before calling for an uber to take us back to the Ship.

By Pat Patrick September 15, 2026
Xi'An, China has been on my must do list , for awhile. The story of the Terracotta Army has fascinated me, since I first heard it. What I didn't know too much about, was the actual City of Xi'An and the walled inner City that remains today. It was built from 1370 to 1378 during the Ming dynasty on top of the older Tang dynasty foundations. There are 9 miles of City walls, they are 39' high, 45' to 50' wide at the top and 55' to 60' at the base. There are four main gate towers and the only draw bridge restored is at the South Gate. There are 98 ramparts, watchtowers, battlements and a wide surrounding moat. It one of the oldest and best preserved fortifications in China .
By Pat Patrick September 14, 2026
After our Panda watching we went to Erling Park for some good city views. Green space in Chongqing is rare, it is truly a concrete jungle with a few planters and trees smattered in along the sidewalks.
By Pat Patrick September 14, 2026
The 21 Pandas at the Chongqing Zoo is t he largest grouping of them of anywhere we have traveled in China. We were all excited to see them and were up and on the road by 7am. They are super popular and morning is the supposedly the best time to see them active. It was another hot and steamy day, but less brutal than yesterday.