June 20, 2024

Euro 2024 - UEFA European Football Championship

When in Germany, one has to join in all the excitement surrounding Euro 2024! This year Germany is hosting the European Nations at 10 different cities throughout Germany. Germany's game #1 against Scotland we watched on TV - they won 5 to 1. Germany's Game #2, versus Hungary, we went down into the heart of town and watched at a sports bar / restaurant with tons of fans. Germany has lots of giant public viewing areas to watch all the games, setup throughout the cities. Fans are decked out in all their gear to support their teams; you see tons of flags, wigs, jerseys. face paint, leas and many cars driving around with flags flying and horns honking. They celebrate every win or even tie! Above are some of the key team members on Germany's squad and the one who made goals in the games thus far. Germany won 2-0 over Hungary. This is first time since 2012, that Germany has won its first two games in the championship. All are excitedly awaiting Game #3, Sunday against Switzerland.

TIOMAN ISLAND, MALAYSIA

By Pat Patrick • July 6, 2026
Fun day in the waters of Tioman Island, Malaysia snorkeling with friends. Life is good! It was nothing fancy, a boat & captain, who spoke minimal English and barely interacted with us, for roughly 7 hours. We started the outing spotting a group of dolphins and was quickly at anchor drop 1 of 6. The distances between the 6 snorkel spots was minimal, which gave us lots of time in the water (at least 45 minutes, at each spot) with an added stop for a lunch break at local restaurants. Even the restaurants were fast and efficient, definitely used to catering to the boat crowd.

HAPPY 4th of JULY from SE ASIA SEA!

By Pat Patrick • July 4, 2026
Wishing everyone a Happy 4th of July! Here on the Odyssey we celebrated in the SE Asia Sea on our way to Tioman Island, Malaysia . We have such a talented and dedicated group of residents here, they put together a fun hour of things to celebrate and embrace a lot of what we collectively love about the USA. Even our residents from other countries - Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany , etc. joined in the fun! ( I lent my flag below for decorations)

BINTAN, INDONESIA - BUDDHIST TEMPLE

By Pat Patrick • July 2, 2026
Vihara Avalokiteshvara Graha or Guan Yin Temple is near 500 Lohan, so we also toured the grounds of this large Temple complex. It's dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and is one the tallest brass statues of her in SE Asia. She is just over 55' tall, coated in 22 carat gold and is surrounded by scenic dragon fruit plantations. The tile work is intricate and textured with great details. The whole place is very tranquil and calming for meditation and prayer.