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.

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!
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.
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.