September 11, 2025

Another HOT one! Our friends are getting very resourceful to try and stay cool.

Jimbo and Anna modeling their new puffy fan ventilated jackets! Several people have bought these after seeing a lot of local outdoor workers wearing throughout Japan. They cost between 120 to 180 USD, so it's an investment.  I am just using an umbrella on bright sunny days and always walk with a wash cloth in my bag, to wipe away my sweat. I also just bought a portable fan in China to try out. Mainly I try to go out early in the morning and take a break in the afternoon and drink lots of water.


Below is afternoon stroll around the port area of Nagasaki, Japan, and a second trip out at night for dinner downtown.

On my second day here I joined about 50 residents in our Global Harmony Initiative going to The Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park. Nagasaki had a population of 240,000 at the time of the bombing, August 9, 1945. On our prior sea days, volunteers folded 2500 paper origami Cranes, a symbol of peace, to present at both Peace Parks in remembrance for all killed. In Nagasaki 73,884 were initial killed (and another 74,909 were injured and later died from the radiation effects).  Nagasaki was bombed 3 days after Hiroshima.  Oddly there were 4 people, who were actually at both bombing sites! One gentlemen survived both and hearing his story was captivating. The Museum is extremely well done and a creative architectural space. It was funded 100% by the people, as a Peace Memorial. At the 80th anniversary, the Mayor said it best "that they don't care that Nagasaki is remembered as the second site - it is more important it be the LAST site."

We all pray we never have another Nuclear Bomb!

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.
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)
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.