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!!!

By Patricia Patrick December 11, 2025
LEVUKA was our last port in FIJI and it is a town that seems frozen in time back to its whaling history of 1900's. Beach Street is the main drag with boardwalks connecting wooden one & two story structures, that even have the old horse tie post out front,(nowadays - park your car) but still, the place feels very old and stuck. The merchandise in the shops is very basic and limited. We all had Fiji dollars to use up - they are changing their printed money in January - so we can't keep to use next time around. So most of us hit the liquor and grocery stores, but even there, it was challenging to find items. Christmas merchandise is pretty non existence. Candy is from Easter and Halloween!
By Patricia Patrick December 8, 2025
Today was a real treat. We had a whole gorgeous island in Fiji all to ourselves. Leleuvia Island is a tiny coral cay known for its impossibly clear water, white sand beaches and quiet. It is home to fewer than 50 staff and no permanent population - just a sand fringed eco resort surrounded by reef and lagoon. We were suppose to be heading to Wallis & Futuna, but their dock was damaged in a storm and we need a last minute substitution and this island and our next port in Fiji were just added to the itinerary. Also we were in a nasty storm at sea last evening ( luckily only the 2nd I can remember in the 1.5 years to date) and through the night, with large swells, that had our boat rocking. So to wake to sunshine and calm seas was a blessing. Below are some of the fantastic drone shots our fellow passenger is kind enough to share.
By Patricia Patrick December 7, 2025
Any day sailing is a good day, even when the weather doesn't cooperate! Today, a small group of us got a private catamaran experience. We caught wind for part of the trip but also had two small rain squalls too. We still had a lovely adventure, good food and conversation and a nice hour snorkeling at a sand cay off of Sail Rock (shown below) , a landmark and the opening scene for SURVIVOR Australia Seasons 2 thru 5, over the last few years.