October 20, 2024

GIBRALTAR, THE ROCK, Back in the UK!


Was so nice to be in a familiar port, that speaks English, on a Sunday so I could attend mass with locals. I did a brisk 25 minute walk to The Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned. The noon mass was crowded with lots of young families. Nice to see and they had a social with tea and cookies after in the square. Most of the shops are closed on Sunday but many cafes were open and the pharmacy and duty free shop at the port. This is one of cheapest places to buy liquor and perfume in the Mediterranean. They started the pre port talk program last night before dinner and it was great to get the info in lieu of researching on our own. We have all been requesting this and we are getting close to 200 residents on board - new ones arrive daily - so much needed.


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    Youngest alter server, only 4 or 5 !

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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 .