June 21, 2026

This visit to Singapore we explored more of the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) complex, starting with the Lotus or the ArtScience Museum. MBS developed, owns and operates the Museum, which is unique for a gaming corporation. They developed the whole area around their iconic hotel and casino to control the look and amenities offered, to make this a special destination and major landmark within Singapore.

The Lotus inspired structure, which is actually a 10 section or finger, deconstructed sphere, was designed by Israeli - Canadian- American Architect Moshe Safdie. He also designed the MBS Hotel  (55 stories and 3 towers), topped with the massive Ship Shaped (2.5 acre), Sands Sky Park and the Jewel Changi Airport which is a lush nature themed entertainment and retail complex centered around a Rain Vortex, which is the world's tallest indoor waterfall. The Lotus also has a center rainwater oculus waterfall, which re- circulates rainwater and uses it for toilet water. The Lotus's design and construction was award the rare LEED ( Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Plantinum Certification.


The 10 finger design of the Lotus has also given the building the nickname of the handshake or greeting hand of Singapore.

The building features 21 gallery spaces hosting immersive, interactive and world class touring exhibits. We plan to go back in October to see the new installation underway at the Team Lab's gallery.



We took a tour with one of the education staff to get the highlights of the design history and the interactive galleries presently underway.

2nd YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF SAILING THE WORLD

By Pat Patrick • October 1, 2026
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!

APOPO, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

By Pat Patrick • September 29, 2026
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.

Ta Prohm Temple ( AKA Lara Croft: Tomb Raider), CAMBODIA

By Pat Patrick • September 28, 2026
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.