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!!!

PENYALI RESORT, ANAMBAS ISLANDS, INDONESIA

By Pat Patrick • June 25, 2026
Today was just pure relaxation! We arranged with Tourism lady from yesterday, to have Penyali Resort send a boat to Tarempa port to pick 10 of us up and take us to the Resort, for the day. The speed boat ride took about an hour. Some of us just floated about with cocktails, others snorkled but all had a great time. They prepared a yummy lunch for us, with a fresh grouper fish, we literally picked up, on our way there.

SIANTAN ISLAND BOAT TOUR of COAST

By Pat Patrick • June 24, 2026
Today we arranged to see Siantan Island by hiring a local Captain & boat owner to take us, along with 2 lovely young ladies, we met at the Tourism office, who spoke great English. The ladies found the Captain and we negotiated a price of 1,200,000 IDR or $67 USD to take four of us out and about, for 2 hours. Since the forestry on the island and the soil is gigantic hard boulders, almost all the villages are on the water on stilts or the edge of the coast. Excavation cost would be a huge premium and best done with equipment, they don't possess.

TAREMPA, ANAMBAS ISLANDS, INDONESIA

By Pat Patrick • June 23, 2026
The ANAMBAS ISLANDS REGENCY, is a remote Indonesian archipelago in the South China Sea, part of the Riau Islands Province known for its stunning clear waters, pristine reefs and rich biodiversity. It is located between Singapore and Borneo and consist of over 200 islands of which only 26 are inhabited. Tarempa is the administrative center of the Islands and is located on Siantan Island. We are anchored, about a 15 minute tender ride, from the Tarempa Wharf . Our first day here, was all about celebrating our friend Terri's Birthday!