April 1, 2025

RIO NEGRO, AMAZON RAINFOREST, BRAZIL

For four days and three nights we explored the various tributaries of the RIO NEGRO. Most were narrow passages like above where we rarely saw another boat. It was so peaceful. We did lots of excursions on the motorized skiff  to get deeper into the Rainforest. At dark we would go out with the first mate and guide, who used a strong flashlight to spot eyeballs of critters. We saw baby owls, a snake, caimans ( their version of alligators), lots of noisy birds and bats.

We went on treks into the forest. We had to stay on small narrow paths, in single file and the second day we even had the owner of the property with us, to lead the way and use his machete to clear various obstacles or give us pathways thru water crossings. Learned that lily pads all start with white flower, then the flower traps a bee inside its petals overnight and the next day releases the bee after it has pollinated the flower and the flower has now turned pink.We were there at the start of the rainy season, you can see on the tree bark how much higher the waters are to get before the season is over.

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We went to an indigenous tribes ceremonial house and got to meet the families. The babies were adorable! Made me instantly homesick for my great nephews and nieces! They performed for us some of their traditional songs and dances.

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TIOMAN ISLAND, MALAYSIA

By Pat Patrick • July 6, 2026
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.

HAPPY 4th of JULY from SE ASIA SEA!

By Pat Patrick • July 4, 2026
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)

BINTAN, INDONESIA - BUDDHIST TEMPLE

By Pat Patrick • July 2, 2026
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.