December 28, 2025
RAIATEA, FRENCH POLYNESIA was our Port for Christmas & Boxing Days. Our ship pulled right into the town center. We love these kind of Ports, where we can walk right off into the center of things. I have to admit I only went out on my balcony on the 25th, as we were quite busy and it was a bit rainy. But I went for a nice walk through the town center and outlying area today.
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The buzz around town was that the Mayor got married this morning in town under a big white tent, I only saw a black police SUV decorated with white tulle and flowers. The windows were tinted, so not sure if bride and groom were inside. I was just admiring the art murals, tropical flowers, rooster crowing and general peace and serenity along my walk. I had to check out the local catholic church of St. Andrew ( Sadly, we got into Port too late for there one Christmas mass at 8am yesterday).
WOW!! I can't believe it has been two years of sailing around the World already for me and my fellow shipmates on the Villa Vie Odyssey! We left Belfast, Ireland back on September 30, 2024 and it has been such a great adventure to date! We have been to 201 different ports, some more than once, during those two years, with much more to come!
Before coming to Cambodia , I sadly have to admit I was unaware of the landmine problems they face. On our first night in Siem Reap, where we hiked up the hill to try and see the sunset views, there was a small band of men playing instruments and our tuk tuk driver explained to me they were victims of landmine explosions who had lost limbs or their sight and were trying to make money via donations to support their families.
I rallied for our last temple of the morning, because I heard this one was unique and I think it was my favorite. Ta Prohm was built starting in 1186 by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university dedicated to the king's mother. It was left mostly un-restored so that huge banyan and silk cotton trees grow directly over and through the walls. In 2001, the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie was filmed here.