Mexico to Hawaii

You are probably wondering where I have been for 2 months. Well, I have been having a great time and am totally loving my new life and lifestyle. Which is why I have not stopped and kept you up to date with me. So here goes. The Odyssey is now on our 2nd day at sea after departing Kodiak, Alaska. We have 8 more days at sea before arriving in Japan on August 7. So, I will take the next 8 days and try to catch you up with where I have been and what I have seen and done. And where I am going. So exciting.

Diamondhead Awaits us Cruise Ship Terminal

After leaving Mexico, we sailed 8 days before arriving Honolulu. We visited Honolulu, Kauai, Maui, and Kona over 8 days. Both the Odyssey and I had a busy time there. The Odyssey is an old proud ship and has never visited the United States before. It is an extremely difficult process to pass all the approvals needed to enter the US waters and even more requirements to pull into a port. We actually began the process while we were in Mexico and upon our arrival in Honolulu we were given

provisional approval because of the excellent report we received in Mexico. But, the crew still had lots to do and the US Border Patrol came aboard to check us formally into the USA. For many of our residents this was the 1st time back in the US since October 2024 when Odyssey finally departed Belfast Ireland. It was an exciting day for us all. And we received a passing grade, with some minor issues to be addressed. It was a happy day.

For me, it was a busy day. When I left North Carolina back in November 2024, I confirmed with my phone carrier that I would have cell coverage wherever I went Well, that was true, I just didn't realize what that was going to cost me. So, ever since South America I had been talking with other residents and had decided to switch to T-Mobile but I needed to be in the US to do that. Item #1 on my "To Do List". That process involved a hour walk (because I got lost), 3 Uber rides and about 6 hours of decision making and understanding/confirming what I needed and wanted. But I am now a T-Mobile user and have been happy, so far, with my decision.

Silly me had thought this process would take an hour or so. NOT. But, in the middle of the process, I did have to run out for my routine Dental Cleaning. Lots of folks got theirs done in Mexico but a friend on board raved about her dentist so I went for waiting. I was really impressed with the dentist and the price. Good decision.

I did have a very interesting Chinese Uber driver. It is not often that that the Uber drivers talk much but this one did. I started the conversation with the question of how long had he lived in Hawaii and what made him to decide to live there. He then explained to me that he was born there and that his parents had barely escaped from the Chinese Communist regime and that how he was very thankful to be living in a free America. He proceeded to tell me how he personally knew of many Chinese students sent to US to attend US Universities and were then obligated to provide information back to the CCP. They knew that they weren't required to go to class because the professors would pass them anyway but they got extra pay if they graduated and their parents would then be taken care of. It was a very enlightening conversation.

The rest of my time in Hawaii was devoted to having fun, seeing some sights, and reloading my supplies (snacks) for the long 8 day trip back to stateside USA. I got to eat some Shave Ice (not to be confused with Shaved Ice) and that stuff is really good. Expensive (but what isn't) and only a zillion calories. Mine was shaved ice, condensed milk, and root beer.

Another day I went golfing with my friend Shannon. I didn't play (thank goodness) but I had a great time driving the golf cart and learning Golf etiquette (there is definitely more to this game than I realized). Another day we took a quick driving taxi tour and discovered a feel-good opportunity that I never would have imagined. For only $20 you can Hug a Cow! Yep, no kidding. Stay for up to two hours, pick your cow in the corral, and hug till you are happy. My friend Holly loved it.

Now we are ready to head back to USA. First stop is San Diego. Have not been there since my Dad got out of the Navy. Then Catalina Island, San Francisco, and then Seattle. More fun ahead.

Gorgeous Golf Course

It was a long hot day and the Shave Ice was really good. Do not laugh at that hair.

Anyone else want to Hug a Cow?

This was the entrance to our Buffet Dinner on our last night in Hawaii.