May 11, 2026

SEMERANG is the capital of Central Java, the world's 13th largest island and the 5th largest in Indonesia. Despite it's size, it is the world's most populous island, holding over 150 Million people (over 55% of Indonsesia's population). Today, I did a 50 person bus tour of some of the Semerang's history,  so I could cover a lot in one day.

First stop,Lewang Sewu meaning "thousand doors" in Javanese is a dutch colonial building built from 1904 to 1907 for the Dutch East Indies Railway Co. as it's headquarters, then became a japanese prison during WWII and is now a popular haunted iconic museum.

Turns out there is only 928 doors, but I like the way they all line up and open to balcony surrounding the building.

View more

Next was Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah a sprawling modern complex inaugurated in 2006 and has a capacity of up to 15,000 worshippers. The 2 photos below from their website shows the massive site. The spacious courtyard has giant hydraulic umbrellas, that they only use twice a year to accommodate the large crowds that come for Ramadan.

Next we had a lunch buffet stop at Alam Indah Resto which was perched high up in the hills overlooking downtown Semerang.

Then on to the PAGODA AVALOKITESVARA, the tallest pagoda in Indonesia. It's a prominent Buddhist site representing love.

IN THE AIR - literally and for real

By Pat Patrick • November 4, 2026
October has been a bit of a blur! My last post from Thailand , was about medical treatment and I'm happy to report all good; pathology negative and I'm healing nicely. What I haven't posted about, is what has been going on in the background of my fantastic voyage around the world . You have probably already seen a lot of news coverage and social media post and sorry I have done none. I have been busy weighing options, the logistics ( visas ugh! ) and gathering my things: organizing, weighing, purging, repacking, weighing again and flying. Below is my attempt of the short version, from my point of view and a map of area (and my quick stops) for reference.

Pattaya, Thailand - My healthcare

By Pat Patrick • October 23, 2026
This Blog is more than a journal of my travels around the world, it's a major memory tool for me in documenting all the events along the way. You often ask me how we take care of medical things, as we travel non stop and today is a perfect example. A fellow resident had posted on one of our WhatsApp groups ( this is the main way we all- residents, crew and stateside support all communicate ) that she had an excellent contact for anyone looking to get medical appointments in the Pattaya / Bangkok area.

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.