September 18, 2025

The Magnet Train, my friends & super packer!

My last comment on China is I traveled with a great group of quirky friends! We had a ton of laughs!


Above is our last leg on the Maglev or Magnet train heading to the airport at 187 mph, they actually had to slow down because people were getting nose bleeds, same with super fast elevators in high rises.


While traveling on such train, I found out that MaryAnn has bought so many Anime toys for her grandkids back in Canada, that her luggage was too full and she was wearing home her 10 tops and had her pajamas stuffed in her waist! I had her cosmetic bag in my luggage and another friend took her adaptors and electronics! Gotta love the dedication to family!


Also note, I also took a pair of shoes for Bosco.in my luggage.  I have become a super packer these days,  with room to spare for others!

2nd YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF SAILING THE WORLD

By Pat Patrick • October 1, 2026
WOW!! I can't believe it has been two years of sailing around the World already for me and my fellow shipmates on the Villa Vie Odyssey! We left Belfast, Ireland back on September 30, 2024 and it has been such a great adventure to date! We have been to 201 different ports, some more than once, during those two years, with much more to come!

APOPO, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

By Pat Patrick • September 29, 2026
Before coming to Cambodia , I sadly have to admit I was unaware of the landmine problems they face. On our first night in Siem Reap, where we hiked up the hill to try and see the sunset views, there was a small band of men playing instruments and our tuk tuk driver explained to me they were victims of landmine explosions who had lost limbs or their sight and were trying to make money via donations to support their families.

Ta Prohm Temple ( AKA Lara Croft: Tomb Raider), CAMBODIA

By Pat Patrick • September 28, 2026
I rallied for our last temple of the morning, because I heard this one was unique and I think it was my favorite. Ta Prohm was built starting in 1186 by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university dedicated to the king's mother. It was left mostly un-restored so that huge banyan and silk cotton trees grow directly over and through the walls. In 2001, the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie was filmed here.