May 3, 2026

PADAR ISLAND, one of the other 3 major islands in Komodo National Park is stunning and unihabited with a walking trail of over 800 steps to the summit, for these amazing views.

I have to admit, I didn't have the energy for the climb! These photo are again courtesy of @BasiaK.blog .  The heat of the day took a big toll on me and I actually opted, with 3 others of our group, to go back to the Odyssey for the night and did not complete our live a board stay. The Odyssey was at anchor right near us,  so after enjoying a swim at the Pink Sand Beach, sadly my exploration of Komodo National Park ended. I needed AC, a refreshing shower and a good night of sleep! It was a blessing that the live a board staff could accommodate this request, and that the Odyssey was so accessible. I felt bad leaving our happy little group, but my body was telling me to go! The Southeast Asia heat can be so draining!

The pink sand gets it's color from broken down red coral, blending with sand and sea.

The next day, back on the ship a fellow shipmate caught these images of upside down rainbows!

So cool Jim Lovell - thanks for sharing!

They are known as CIRCUMZENITHAL ARCS which are quarter circles centered on a point directly above the observer, occurring when the sun is 5 to 32 degrees high.

XI'AN, CHINA - WALLED CITY

By Pat Patrick • September 15, 2026
Xi'An, China has been on my must do list , for awhile. The story of the Terracotta Army has fascinated me, since I first heard it. What I didn't know too much about, was the actual City of Xi'An and the walled inner City that remains today. It was built from 1370 to 1378 during the Ming dynasty on top of the older Tang dynasty foundations. There are 9 miles of City walls, they are 39' high, 45' to 50' wide at the top and 55' to 60' at the base. There are four main gate towers and the only draw bridge restored is at the South Gate. There are 98 ramparts, watchtowers, battlements and a wide surrounding moat. It one of the oldest and best preserved fortifications in China .

MORE CHONGQING & Strange Signs

By Pat Patrick • September 14, 2026
After our Panda watching we went to Erling Park for some good city views. Green space in Chongqing is rare, it is truly a concrete jungle with a few planters and trees smattered in along the sidewalks.

CHONGQING ZOO - PANDAS

By Pat Patrick • September 14, 2026
The 21 Pandas at the Chongqing Zoo is t he largest grouping of them of anywhere we have traveled in China. We were all excited to see them and were up and on the road by 7am. They are super popular and morning is the supposedly the best time to see them active. It was another hot and steamy day, but less brutal than yesterday.