June 23, 2026

The ANAMBAS ISLANDS REGENCY, is a remote Indonesian archipelago in the South China Sea, part of the Riau Islands Province

known for its stunning clear waters, pristine reefs and rich biodiversity. It is located between Singapore and Borneo and consist of over 200 islands of which only 26 are inhabited. Tarempa is the administrative center of the Islands and is located on Siantan Island. We are anchored, about a 15 minute tender ride, from the Tarempa Wharf. Our first day here, was all about celebrating our friend Terri's Birthday!

We looked up the reviews for the best restaurant in town, La Luna was the recommendation and we headed there and doned party head gear i brought for All ( above (L to R) Cody, Gary, Terri, Me and Bosco.) We had a good time and lots of laughs interpreting the Indonesian menu and enjoying the comradery of the busy lunch time crowd. They all joined in singing Happy Birthday to Terri !

The entire bill for the 5 of us was only $18 USD, complete with soft drinks ( mostly Muslim country) and tip!

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We didin't have a dessert menu or Birthday Cake, but a fellow ship resident, gave us each a "super food" a Mangosteen. They look like garlic cloves when you twist fruit open and have a juicy pear taste with a plum consistency, tasty!

Everywhere we walked in town the people are so warm and friendly, big smiles and genuine interest in why we are here. They get a limited number of tourist since the Islands are so remote, mostly private yatchs. We heard we were the first cruise ship they have ever had in harbor! Many stop us and wanted to chat, others slow down on their scooters, smile and wave or say hello! Almost all speak english, the kids are mostly shy, not confident in their english language skills yet!

Turns out they just finished school exams yesterday and the children are now on Holiday from School for a month. The 24th of June is also their Independence Day Celebration and party signs and flags are going up all around town.

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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.