September 10, 2025

This remote island located in Hiroshima Bay, is one of Japan's best kept secrets.

Also known as Itsukushima, Miyajima Island is famous for its towering tori gate , a massive wooden shrine and UNESCO World Heritage Site standing 55 feet tall and painted in vibrant vermillion. At high tide, the red gate appears to rise from the water, creating one of Japan's most iconic and magical views. I was lucky enough to arrive at high tide. The right photo is from fellow cruiser yesterday, for scale sense, at low tide. Both are impressive sights! I spent the day on my own trekking all over the island and I kept running into fellow Shipmates, so never feel truly alone. On my ride down the Ropeway & the walk back down into town, I chatted with a lovely newlywed couple, on their honeymoon, who were sightseeing at a quick pace thru Japan. Sadly I never asked their names, but they were currently living & working in Switzerland. They treated me to the lovely maple leaf shaped Momiji Manju Cookie below and I promised them a shout out! Hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip and have a long, loving action packed life together!

While I was there I got to witness a game / contest of young males - who competed to climb up onto swinging rig above the water to retrieve what looked to be a large melon. There was a parade into the water and lots of fan fare and cheering while game was going. Appeared to be partially religious,  as they paraded with monks and it was done from Temple steps? No one appeared clear on details but was fun to watch, regardless.

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.