September 18, 2025
Needed a couple of relaxing days after 10 Days in China!
In Naha port there was not alot to see nearby so just enjoyed some beach time with Sherrie and Delia . We went to Naminoue Beach, but I didn't take a single picture, so I borrowed these from Sherrie! First 1.5 hours at beach was relaxing and we stood in water chatting the whole time. Then a pile driver on nearby bridge construction started back up, lunch break was over! We had a hard time relaxing, so was glad we had arranged a 3 pm pick up with our taxi driver. He was a sweet older man, who couldn't have been more accommodating and so happy for our tip dollars and seemingly shocked! Love the people of Japan!
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.
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)
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.