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!

HAPPY EASTER from BALI, INDONESIA

By Pat Patrick • April 6, 2026
Easter turned out to be a travel day for Bosco and I as we were extremely limited in when we could be seen by the Australian Border Control to disembark from the Ship, for a scuba diving adventure in Raja Ampat that I have had reserved, for over 18 months! We flew from Perth to Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia on Easter afternoon.

FREO ARTS FESTIVAL AND COUSINS!!

By Pat Patrick • April 6, 2026
I have been really excited to get to Fremantle / Perth for my first time. I have had a few friends live here over the years and I have a second cousin, James Murphy, who I have only ever spoken too briefly, over the last 35 years and that I would love to meet in person. Jim is the older brother of Paul who I met up with in Melbourne a few weeks ago.

FREMANTLE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

By Pat Patrick • April 6, 2026
Greetings from FREMANTLE or FREO as the locals call it! Getting here took a long week at Sea, as we hid out and dodged wave surges from two cyclone systems. Our departure from Adelaide was timed to carefully avoid the path of Cyclone Narelle and we hugged the southern coastline of Australia, in the shallow waters of the Great Australian Bight . Later in the week we sheltered near Point Culver, before taking the turn and heading North along the western coastline.