December 7, 2025

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The water was a little murky or cloudy at times with the changing tide but some of the corals and fish colors popped out - these underwater photos are all from friends who had underwater cameras of varying types.

After snorkeling we stopped at KokoMana local chocolate farm and meet with the Chocolatier shown below who is one of 3 ladies who makes all the yummy chocolate creations listed below. They only use 2 ingredients chocolate pods and island sugar cane, no dairy!

Lastly we walked in town and did some browsing and shopping. Caught the lady below enjoying her job with some dance moves to the grocery tunes - three groceries all in same area of town - play loud catchy dance music, and lots of people are hanging around just having a good time while other shop. I asked if it was all the times and they said mainly just now for the Holidays. One cashier told me sales are better as a result! We wondered through open market stalls and 2nd lady was busy making these ribbon creations. She explained they make big mound ones for gravesites and hanging scarf ones to dress up outfits for Christmas and New Years day!

The next couple pictured below didn't mind when we broke into giggles over advertisement for Chicken Manure - they have tons out it with their chicken farm. We bought some fresh pastry to try - a cream bun that bakery said was local favorite - can see why - light and delicious. Some snacks and treats for the crew for the Holidays. And I even found a dress for Christmas. 

SHIP SHENANIGANS - CLUE PARTY

By Pat Patrick • September 16, 2026
It's never a dull Sea Day on the Odyssey! We have such creative residents, that are always coming up with new ideas to entertain ourselves and have a good time. This plot was the calculating of Eddie and Michelle - a Game of Clue! The rules were simple - find the party venue at 8:30 pm, come dressed as a character, weapon or room from the game and solve the mystery of who stole the Ship's bell.

TERRACOTTA ARMY - XI'AN, CHINA

By Pat Patrick • September 16, 2026
In March of 1974, some local farmers outside Xi'An, China are digging a well and accidentally hit one of the great archaeological sites in the World! They were paid one day's wages for the find, roughly 4 USD! The Terracotta Army was dubbed the 8th Wonder of the World by France's President in 1980 when he came to visit and wanted to meet the farmers, the oldest was then, 89 years old.

XI'AN, CHINA - WALLED CITY

By Pat Patrick • September 15, 2026
Xi'An, China has been on my must do list , for awhile. The story of the Terracotta Army has fascinated me, since I first heard it. What I didn't know too much about, was the actual City of Xi'An and the walled inner City that remains today. It was built from 1370 to 1378 during the Ming dynasty on top of the older Tang dynasty foundations. There are 9 miles of City walls, they are 39' high, 45' to 50' wide at the top and 55' to 60' at the base. There are four main gate towers and the only draw bridge restored is at the South Gate. There are 98 ramparts, watchtowers, battlements and a wide surrounding moat. It one of the oldest and best preserved fortifications in China .