December 29, 2025

We have 3 days on this lovely island of Moorea. Day 1 we just went to the beach for the afternoon and this Piggy Momma held court! She was eating baguettes and then needed to cool down in water. Walked right through sunbathers, across their blanket and then plopped right down unfazed.

Day 1, we just went to the beach at the Parc public de Tahiamanu  at the  for the afternoon and this Piggy Momma held court! She was eating baguettes at one end of the beach and then needed to cool down in water. She walked right through sunbathers, across their blanket and then plopped right down at the water's edge unfazed.


Two items in the taste category - whenever I go in a new grocery store I check out their drink selections because I get so bored with water and unsweetened ice tea - my 2 staples in life. I have been noticing this Fanta flavor called Raisin and thought I would give it a try because there Pineapple one was so yummy. I asked the clerk at checkout if he had tried and he said "oh it's a classic been around for years" turns out it is grape soda! I gave it to Aliona ( the 16 year old teenager on my floor) to enjoy !! In contrast, our chef hit a home run for dinner tonight with fresh tuna steaks on the grill and Poke salad bowls! So good!!

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.