June 20, 2024

The Woods

Today we had to do some exercise to work off the bakery treats, so we soaked up the sunshine, while biking into the Hamburg Woods. Tom hooked me up with a bike, complete with a basket and off we peddled. Hamburg has very well designated, wide bike lanes all over. Biking is a major method of transport, all around the city. Today's trek was truly something out of Hansel & Gretel. We rode through this neighborhood filled with A frame cottages and perfect little gardens. I need to go back, just to get pictures. But today we were all about the cycling. It wasn't until we got deep into the Woods, that we dismounted and strolled some. It looks like they kind of groom the forest floor, by gathering up the underbrush and placing it in dug out, random pits placed throughout. Guessing it would help contain any fires?

By Pat Patrick • October 1, 2026
WOW!! I can't believe it has been two years of sailing around the World already for me and my fellow shipmates on the Villa Vie Odyssey! We left Belfast, Ireland back on September 30, 2024 and it has been such a great adventure to date! We have been to 201 different ports, some more than once, during those two years, with much more to come!
By Pat Patrick • September 29, 2026
Before coming to Cambodia , I sadly have to admit I was unaware of the landmine problems they face. On our first night in Siem Reap, where we hiked up the hill to try and see the sunset views, there was a small band of men playing instruments and our tuk tuk driver explained to me they were victims of landmine explosions who had lost limbs or their sight and were trying to make money via donations to support their families.
By Pat Patrick • September 28, 2026
I rallied for our last temple of the morning, because I heard this one was unique and I think it was my favorite. Ta Prohm was built starting in 1186 by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university dedicated to the king's mother. It was left mostly un-restored so that huge banyan and silk cotton trees grow directly over and through the walls. In 2001, the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie was filmed here.