July 6, 2025

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DAY 2, PART 2

Scott prepared such a thorough itinerary for us, I had to spit into another post. Above is view of Golden Gate Bridge,  from the Marin side. Then we went back over Bridge to the Academy of Sciences , Music Concourse, Calder Sculpture, Buffalo enclosure, the de Young Museum and Sutro Baths.

Then we went to Alamo Square Park for views of the Painted Ladies ( Victorian Homes) and the City skyline. Next was billionaire row and the Lyons Steps for the harbor views and Nancy Pelosi's house at the bottom right of steps. Jasmine bushes made the walkway so fragrant.

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We did a drive through the famous neighborhood of Haight & Asbury Sts.and had a late lunch at Gordo Taqueria.

Our last stop was at the newer high-rises at Sales Force Park.  They have an elevated walkway and park area above the transportation hub that comes into this busy center. They hold community events in the green spaces. We saw a KPOP class going on while we were there. Scott then dropped us at pier with 5 minutes to spare till ALL ON BOARD. Thanks Scottie for a great day and tour!! We miss you and looking forward to your return in Japan!

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COLONIA, YAP STATE, MICRONESIA

By Patricia Patrick • October 16, 2025
Got to love a place that sells shirts saying " Where the heck is Yap? " Colonia ( population 3,100 ) is the Capital and Harbor town of Yap State ( population 11,600 ) one of four states in the Federated States of Micronesia. We are in the Pacific Ocean or Philippine Sea just north of the equator, Papua New Guinea and Australia.

TERNATE, INDONESIA

By Patricia Patrick • October 13, 2025
Ternate, Indonesia, which is both the name of the city and island, and is part of the Maluku Islands in eastern Indonesia. It is a port that sees maybe 3 Cruise ships a year. However, they really made an effort to show us the best of what they can offer. It's mainly a Muslim country, and we knew we had to dress discretely, but we knew little else. We didn't have our typical port talk prior, due to a technical issue with the AV equipment. Ben a fellow resident, organized an island tour, with about 8 stops, for 90 of us residents.

CEBU, PHILIPPINES

By Patricia Patrick • October 10, 2025
Cebu greeted our Ship with a big warm welcome, despite having just been rocked by a major Earthquake, days before our arrival. The Minister of Tourism arrived with a motorcade and she proceeded to chat with the residents and thank us, for all our support.