November 1, 2025

SORONG (pronounced so wrong), our Destination Manager add "so right" ! Our last port in Indonesia for a while. On the way there, we celebrated the birthday of two our friends MaryAnn and Doris, with a sailor themed dinner in Thistle.

We were again greeted by much fanfare in the Port! The Mayor and lots of locals came to our arrival with songs, dancing and lots of presentations and thanks for coming. Mayor presented head dresses and plaques to our Captain and Crew. 

A lot of the Residents took planned excursions to near by Raja Ampat, a 2 hour boat ride away for snorkeling and diving. I didn't plan anything, because I thought I would still be in Budaken Island, getting scuba PADI certified. So Sorong just became a 3 day Port for me to relax, work on some projects and enjoy the lovely people.   

One night we went out for a walk through town and had a yummy pizza dinner with Newlyweds Gian and Angie to catch up on their last few months. Sadly they were off the ship for the last 4 months dealing with a family emergency - her sister died suddenly, after the wedding. They are so happy to be back on board now! When we came into Port this local family came up to us and asked if we would take a picture with them. The little boy was adorable, so shy but soo curios about us!


The next day, this young man, Ali approached me in the Port lot with a microphone, while his Dad filmed us. His English was very good, great pronunciation and no accent. He told me he learned while playing a video game! Ali is eleven, in 5th grade and wanted to know all about me and the ship. He told me he loves Math and Science and I told him he should study Engineering. He said he wants to be an Astronaut, and agreed that Aeronautical Engineering would be a good pathway for him. I am curious what he will do with the interview and video!


The last day there, I went to the local grocery store with Bosco and we saw these giant Christmas gift baskets! Mostly snack foods but displayed and wrapped with serving dishes and plates. Gave us pause, but thought photo worthy!

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.