October 31, 2024

Gran Canary, Spain

Up early, to another sun drenched day, to help a friend on ship, with procurement errands, again for his cabin renovations. Who knew I would be putting my experience to use on the Odyssey! This time we rented an Audi Q3, a little taste of home, and were off to IKEA in Telde ( about 20 miles south of port ); a Spanish Home depot and a third and final stop at an IKEA warehouse. The ship's hotel manager also asked us to procure 50 ramekins for the buffet butter & margarine service. Errands took till mid day and then once we had all back on ship, I went to local Hiper Dino ( local supermarket) for odds and ends- baggies, stain stick, nuts and pretzels.

Had to try a new snack - strawberry popcorn - which was surprisingly yummy!!!

DILI, TIMOR LESTE

By Pat Patrick • April 23, 2026
We met up with the Ship in Timor Leste or East Timor, one of the youngest countries in the World . This sovereign state just gained their independence on May 20, 2002 from prior Portuguese rule (1515 until 1975) and Indonesian occupation (1975 until 1999). The Ship was anchored off the coastal town of Dili, the capital city with a population of roughly 1.4 million.

FAREWELL TO YEBEN ISLANDS, RAJA AMPAT, INDONESIA

By Pat Patrick • April 23, 2026
I know people laugh when I say we took a vacation from the Ship , they view this whole amazing voyage as a vacation! But the reality is the Ship is my home now, and almost everybody loves a vacation away from home, to unwind and recharge! So my life on the Odyssey, is not that different. I really appreciated my two weeks away at Eco Cove Resort , on Yeben Island in Raja Ampat, Indonesia !

RAJA AMPAT - FINAL DIVES FOR NOW!

By Pat Patrick • April 19, 2026
I got to do 14 dives and 5 snorkel trips over our two weeks at Eco Cove Resort. I feel much more confident and comfortable diving, practice does truly help! Eco has these t-shirts that list all their Resort excursions - we made a nice dent in all of them and it's hard to pick a favorite!