May 17, 2025

PUERTO QUETZAL, GUATEMALA - Sunday 5/4/25

Sunday Morning I went to Mass with fellow residents ( MariAnne, Amanda, Phil, Kim and Fran - left to right ) at Parroquia San Jose Esposode la Virgen Maria Church in San Jose, Guatemala. This was an extremely friendly and family oriented parish. The priest made special efforts to include all the children as often as he could through out the Mass. They went up to hug him on the altar during the sign of peace. I used my google translate much more effectively, feeling like I got 90% of the readings and the homily.

After Mass I had planned to go to the beach, but it was so warm I opted to go back to the Ship with Fran, Phil & Kim. Phil flagged down 2 tuk tuks to take us back to the port. It was a nice way to cool off and also take in the Sunday market shoppers.

CORON, PHILIPPINES - Island Escapade Tour w /great friends!

By Pat Patrick • June 6, 2026
I am so blessed and lucky to have found such a great group of friends and to be do this amazing adventure! Today was fabulous, because of the quality time I got to spend with these individuals. We had no rain and some rare sunshine! Wave swells slowed our journey and some of our snorkeling energies, but I think everyone was happy at days end! Psalms Tours was again super flexible and provided outstanding services!

CORON, PHILIPPINES - Pearl class

By Pat Patrick • June 6, 2026
We decided to do something different and unique today, perfect for a rainy afternoon, we took a pearl class to make some jewelry! Delia, Terri, Suen and I all went to Pick a Pearl Jewelry Store on the main street of Coron . We each picked a frozen giant clam shell, that had been put in a fresh water farm to develop cultured pearls. The bounty of each shell was random, we averaged 28 to 30 varying size pearls and the colors were also random. I got a mix of white, pink, lavender and pale gold pearls. Terri went first and below is the step by step process.

CORON, PHILIPPINES - FUN!

By Pat Patrick • June 6, 2026
Due to stormy weather, we got an additional four days in Coron, Philippines since our intended destination at Boracay Island was an anchorage where our tenders would not be able to operate safely in the projected wave swells. No worries, we had been to Boracay before and there was lots to do in Coron . Many residents had good reviews of a local restaurant called The Lobster King, so we went with good friends to celebrate my buddy Stacy's Birthday!