September 19, 2025

TAIPEI WATER DANCE FESTIVAL

We were able to catch one of the 5 nightly shows off the Songshan Xiikou Wharf's Rainbow Bridge on our drive into Taipei - rainbow colored lights flash along and water gush off the side of the bridge.

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We went up to the 89th floor observation deck in the Taipei 101 Tower, which was the tallest building in the world when it opened in 12/31/2004 but is now #11. It's the only really tall building in Taipei's skyline and they have a fantastic firework display from it for Chinese New Year! It is also the only building that has their tuned mass  damper, exposed for public viewing on the 88th & 89th floors. A true engineering marvel! Also love the baby dampers who explain it all around the exhibit.

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All around the observation deck they have photo spots set up to entertain the fans! We had some fun with them!

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.