November 2, 2024

Got to see a whole different Tenerife, from last time I was here in 2006!

I don't remember exploring the harbor town of Santa Cruz when I was here 18 years ago. I did a walking tour with Karen and Cynthia using the GPS my City App. It was a good mix of history, contemporary city, shopping and best of all, we moved at our own pace, modifying our route as we saw things we were interested in.

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Below is architect, Santiago Calatrava, Tenerife Auditorium (Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín) which towers over the Santa Cruz Harbor. It is used as a congress and concert hall and is home to Tenerife’s symphony orchestra. The poured in place concrete structure changes in shape at every angle you look at it. It was originally covered in blue mosaic tile and has a length litigation history over roof leaks. Regardless it is an impressive image in the coastline. 

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On the surrounding harbor rock walls at the Auditorium, Artist have freehanded tributes to their favorites entertainers.

Farewell Tenerife! View as we sail away, while finishing dinner on the back deck of ship.

TIOMAN ISLAND, MALAYSIA

By Pat Patrick • July 6, 2026
Fun day in the waters of Tioman Island, Malaysia snorkeling with friends. Life is good! It was nothing fancy, a boat & captain, who spoke minimal English and barely interacted with us, for roughly 7 hours. We started the outing spotting a group of dolphins and was quickly at anchor drop 1 of 6. The distances between the 6 snorkel spots was minimal, which gave us lots of time in the water (at least 45 minutes, at each spot) with an added stop for a lunch break at local restaurants. Even the restaurants were fast and efficient, definitely used to catering to the boat crowd.

HAPPY 4th of JULY from SE ASIA SEA!

By Pat Patrick • July 4, 2026
Wishing everyone a Happy 4th of July! Here on the Odyssey we celebrated in the SE Asia Sea on our way to Tioman Island, Malaysia . We have such a talented and dedicated group of residents here, they put together a fun hour of things to celebrate and embrace a lot of what we collectively love about the USA. Even our residents from other countries - Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany , etc. joined in the fun! ( I lent my flag below for decorations)

BINTAN, INDONESIA - BUDDHIST TEMPLE

By Pat Patrick • July 2, 2026
Vihara Avalokiteshvara Graha or Guan Yin Temple is near 500 Lohan, so we also toured the grounds of this large Temple complex. It's dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and is one the tallest brass statues of her in SE Asia. She is just over 55' tall, coated in 22 carat gold and is surrounded by scenic dragon fruit plantations. The tile work is intricate and textured with great details. The whole place is very tranquil and calming for meditation and prayer.