October 10, 2024

Our first port we can actually visit! Getxo, Spain

Went for a stretch of the legs into Portugalete & Getxo, the towns closest to the port, with fellow resident Stephen Clarke. Next thing I knew, we had walked 20,000 steps!  Below is Puente de Vizcaya, the world's oldest transporter bridge. Six million people use it to cross the estuary every year. A UNESCO World Heritage site, designed by Alberto de Palacio and opened in 1893. It was a revolutionary work of engineering allowing boats to cross under gondola at the same time on the river Nervion between the towns of Getxo and Portugalete. Very cool! Takes longer to buy a ticket and walk on, then it does to cross.

The town of Portugalete is one steep hill after another. We found they even have an outdoor escalator built into the sidewalk of one of the longest hills, sadly after we had already hoofed our way up! I was feeling all 20,000 steps that night and into the next day! 

SHIP SHENANIGANS - CLUE PARTY

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.

TERRACOTTA ARMY - XI'AN, CHINA

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.

XI'AN, CHINA - WALLED CITY

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 .