April 5, 2025

MANAUS OPERA HOUSE, BRAZIL

When we got back to the Port of Manus from our Amazon Boat excursion, we had arranged for our driver to take us the the Manaus Opera House for a tour of there most famous building, before we headed to the airport. They were preparing for a show opening the next night, and the main stage area was temporally darkened, for them to work out all the spot locations. So my pictures are limited. However, the ballroom on the second floor was spectacular. We did a fairly quick tour and then went on to the airport and grabbed some dinner, trying to make it festive for Sarah's birthday. Our flight to Belem, was delayed an hour. I advised the Hotel we would all need a late checkin after 2:30 a.m.  By the time we all got settled in, our heads hit the pillows at 3 a.m. Thank goodness we could sleep in the next day as the ship was not due into Port until 4 p.m.

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.