July 28, 2025

JUNEAU, ALASKA, USA

This was sadly my last Port with the Miller's !! We had their rental car today so we were able to cover a lot of the area. Our taxi driver out to rental car agency at the Airport suggested a whole itinerary! It was great to have the opinion of a native who so loves his home! First destination, the Shrine of Saint Therese, the patron saint of Alaska.

This was a full circle moment for me! When I was a kid I had an aunt who had been a former nun and she taught me the prayer, Little Flower, in this hour, show me your power.  I use it all the time, but never really questioned / knew its roots, till today. St. Therese was young girl in Lisieux, France who died at 24 from tuberculosis. In 1888, at the age of 15, she became a Carmelite nun ( I believe my Aunt Mary was a former Carmelite nun) and Saint Therese was known as "the Little Flower"  and is one of the most venerated saints we have, due to her simplicity and practicality of her approach to spiritual life. It turns out that Alaska's first Bishop, Joseph Raphael John Crimont, held a deep personal devotion to St. Therese even before she was canonized. He reportedly knew members of her family in France. He is even buried in her shrine's crypt. It is a stunningly place I will always remember!

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Merciful Love Labyrinth at entry to shrine island.

Next we went to the Brotherhood Bridge another spot known for bear sighting but alas just another lovely view.

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.