October 31, 2024

Gran Canary, Spain

Up early, to another sun drenched day, to help a friend on ship, with procurement errands, again for his cabin renovations. Who knew I would be putting my experience to use on the Odyssey! This time we rented an Audi Q3, a little taste of home, and were off to IKEA in Telde ( about 20 miles south of port ); a Spanish Home depot and a third and final stop at an IKEA warehouse. The ship's hotel manager also asked us to procure 50 ramekins for the buffet butter & margarine service. Errands took till mid day and then once we had all back on ship, I went to local Hiper Dino ( local supermarket) for odds and ends- baggies, stain stick, nuts and pretzels.

Had to try a new snack - strawberry popcorn - which was surprisingly yummy!!!

BLUE MOUNTAINS - AUSTRALIA

By Patricia Patrick • March 1, 2026
I had always heard the Blue Mountains of Australia are like the Grand Canyon , not to be missed. Well, not sure I agree, but they are pretty, especially when you can see through the fog. I did an early morning tour with Terri and Angela and we just burst out laughing at first scenic overlook, after almost 2 hours of driving. White fog is all we saw, our guide offered to show us a picture he had on his camera!

GATSBY AT SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE - AUSTRALIA

By Patricia Patrick • March 1, 2026
Once we had our dates secured for Sydney , a bunch of residents scanned the offering at the Opera House to find what might be available to us. We lucked out that they had brought back their sellout show from last year of the Gatsby at The Green Light . Kind of a Cirque du Soleil meets sexy nightclub with Gatsby characters. Over 80 of us bought tickets to Gatsy, with another 30 buying tickets to Hansel & Gretal. A big night out for us Ship Folks!

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE TOUR, AUSTRALIA

By Patricia Patrick • February 23, 2026
I love a good architectural tour and even though I did this one last time I was here, the story is so interesting, I decided to do again. Plus they are always updates and changes in operations at the Sydney Opera House . This tour didn't disappoint - I saw new theater spaces and gained new insights to the story of it's construction from concept in 1958, to it's opening in 1973. The drama that played out for Danish architect Jorn Utzon , who won the commission out of 300 submissions and never got to seen the final building.He was fired by local politician, in election year, when project was grossly over budget and schedule. The building is an engineering marvel and I love so many of the details!