August 23, 2024

Things still a wee bit upside down!

I am hoping today was the last day I have to visit the Ship in the Belfast, Harland & Wolff Shipyard. I am flying back to Philly tomorrow for one niece's wedding in Ocean City, NJ and the birth of another niece's little one, any day now! The ship continues to work through the certifications and inspections and hopes to be doing the final sea trials next week. Fellow residents are heading off to Amsterdam and Hamburg to explore and will be picked up by the ship, once they set sail as the first ports. Many are also staying in Belfast, because they want to be part of inaugural sail. I have already spent a good amount of time in both Amsterdam and Hamburg, and I would rather soak up some sunshine and family time in one of my happy places, Ocean City, NJ. So bye, bye Belfast!

KOH CHANG, THAILAND

By Pat Patrick • July 26, 2026
We just relaxed on the Island of Koh Chang, Thailand. It's one of the largest Thai Islands in the Gulf of Thailand and it has a dense, steep jungle & National Park covering the interior of the Island, which extends off shore, to coral reefs. The coast line is dotted with beaches and villages. This was a tender port, so we decided to stay on the Island for 3 nights, to be able to experience the nightlife. Turns out, it is low season, so nightlife was pretty sleepy. However, we did find a new favorite night time activity! Any Guesses?!?

On the way to Koh Chang, Thailand

By Pat Patrick • July 25, 2026
Love Sea Days ! I got a much needed haircut and color. Think I'll be going shorter, but giving this a whirl! Can you see the back in the mirror? The bangs and side volume, is what drives me nuts in the heat and humidity!

WAT BANG KUNG & TRAIN MARKET - Bangkok ,Thailand

By Pat Patrick • July 21, 2026
Wat Bang Kung Temple was a quick stop along the way to the Train Markets . What makes this unique is the Temple is completely enclosed by roots of four giant trees (a banyan, bodhi and others). From the outside, it looks like nature has swallowed the building. Inside the chapel is a golden Buddha image, that locals still visit to pray. It was quite active during our short visit there. The Temple dates back over 250 years and survived the Burmese invasion.