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.

Off the Coast of PATTAYA, THAILAND

By Pat Patrick • October 20, 2026
Off the coast of Pattaya, Thailand a talented and dedicated group of residents, the Odyssey Troubadours , performed A Night of Broadway for the enjoyment of all the other residents and senior staff on board. The group of 20 performed, 15 Broadway songs that had some special Odyssey edits, personalizing them to our journey. We loved it ! Such a clever, talented and fun loving group. I was upfront and focused on getting candid pictures of the talented cast.

NONG NOOCH TROPICAL GARDENS, Pattaya, Thailand

By Pat Patrick • October 20, 2026
We were up for breakfast at 7 and then hired a private small tram to take us around the gardens, for an overview, because it came with a guide. Problem was, guide barely spoke English, so we had a hard time figuring out the history of this crazy place. Even with translate app his answers were questionable. Did it start as gardens? What's with all the statues? Is there a master plan? It seems to be growing with no real connections, that we could make out. Web & Chat GPT seem vague on details too! We had fun with it, finding more and more absurd things, until the heat won out!

PATTAYA , THAILAND ADVENTURE

By Pat Patrick • October 20, 2026
I went on a 24 hour adventure with these fun shipmates into Pattaya, Thailand to explore Nong Nooch Wonder World. Noted on the web as one of the top 10 Botanical Gardens in the World, it is certainly the largest in S. Asia at over 500 to 600 acres. Since the place is so massive; open from 8am to 6pm; the heat is so oppressive and we are at a tender port, we decided to spend the night, so we could be there at the opening, the next day and make a fun night before too!