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.

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.