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!!!

THE ART OF COCONUT CREAM - AMERICAN SAMOA

By Patricia Patrick • December 18, 2025
Making coconut cream is such a big part of the Samoan culture I feel compelled to share the 4 step process we were so nicely shown. Every Samoan young and old takes part in this tradition, it is an intrigue part of their everyday lives.

PAGO PAGO, TUTUILA ISLAND, AMERICAN SAMOA

By Patricia Patrick • December 17, 2025
The tour today was focused on the National Park but we also got a lot of insight into American Samoa's history and current day life. Our guide was Nini and she is a college student studying accounting and finance and works as a part-time guide.

NATIONAL PARK OF AMERICA SAMOA, TUTUILA ISLAND

By Patricia Patrick • December 17, 2025
Today we took the National Park of American Samoa Tour. It's a unique park - the only one south of the equator and where the U.S. Government doesn't own the land. Efforts to establish the Park go back to mid 1980 over concern about the decline of fruit bats and wanting to protect the tropical rainforests. On October 31, 1988 Congress established the NP of American Samoa. In 1993, a complex arrangement for a 50 year land lease years with seven villages and the Samoa government was signed. We got lucky with our tour - we were expecting an open air bus, but because we were a small group, we got a plush air conditioned van!