February 9, 2025

USHUAIA, CHILE 

They call this port town the End of the World because it is where most of the ships that depart for Antarctica embark and it is the southern most tip of South America. We were here for four days instead of originally scheduled two days because the winds were to rough for our planned departure to the Falkland Islands. l used the time to try and find a deal on one of the cruises heading to Antarctica that may have had a cancelation or last minute opening to fill their ship while in port. Each day I walked the port and spoke to the 5 or 6 boats that were there to depart the next day to see what if anything they had available. I had my bag packed and ready to go on a moments notice. I thought I finally secured one the last day, but sadly it fell through right before our Ship was due to depart. Several others from our Ship did secure spaces and I have had FOMO watching their post and FUN. Next time !! The last minute deals are way to go - a typical booking on Quark - one of the nicest ships - goes for 30 to 33K typically - our friends got in at 5 to 6 K. I could have gone later in February - there were openings for 2/5 and 2/8 - but I would have had to stay in Ushuaia another week at a hotel and it is expensive there with not a ton to do. Also my travel partners keep varying based on deal and none wanted to hang that long.So it wasn't meant to be but I will have other chances and now have insight how to best do that elusive 7th Continent!

By Pat Patrick July 14, 2026
I really enjoyed my first trip to Thailand! On our final morning here we went to try breakfast at this spot, down the road, we had been hearing rave reviews on, King Of Bread . The hype was correct, the breakfast was delicious and they had some unique choices. I had eggs benedict on a croissant, in lieu of the standard english muffin and Bosco had it on Milk Bread, which was equally tasty.
By Pat Patrick July 14, 2026
We love having authentic experiences with locals to really get a chance to see how they live and thrive in the Ports we visit. So when I found a cooking class, by a local woman offered in her home, we were excited to book. Um ( our teacher) picked us and brought us back to our hotel along with the family of 4 from Sydney, Australia, that had also signed up for this afternoon class. Um's house, which has a lovely open air kitchen, garden and dining area, was about a 30 minute drive and turned out to be on the beach, right next to the Grandparent Rocks.
By Pat Patrick July 14, 2026
The nightlife scene doesn't really get going till after 11pm and goes till 5 am in the Chaweng section of Koh Samui . We made our way over to the club district, and one of the hot spots called the ArkBar a little past 10pm to have some dinner, while watching the beach fire shows.