Travels in Aruba

Scenes from Aruba, part four

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And of course, I’d have to do an Aruba food post…not every meal but here’s a few faves!

Grilled Grouper – nothing like fresh seafood

Dushi’s Mac Attack Burger – yes that’s right a perfect burger topped with Mac and Cheese – and bacon. I mean seriously, how can you see that and not order it? Yum!

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Superfood is an exceptional grocery store with an amazing bakery

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Dessert for breakfast, it’s a vacation, right?

A tradition from every trip to Aruba, Toasty Cheese at the Old Dutch Bar at the airport with a glass of wine before flying home.  Loaded with creamy, gooey Gouda, grilled Panini style.  It’s an end of vacation treat.  Until my next trip…..

Scenes from Aruba, part three

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Aruba is vibrant and filled with fun in the evenings with balmy temps, trade winds, great restaurants and happy people.

And yes, one night after a large glass of Pinot Noir (liquid courage) I sang karaoke, belting out my standby – I Love Rock and Roll (thank you Joan Jett). I don’t think a recording contract is in my future but it was a blast!

Scenes from Aruba, part one

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Immediately after losing Spence I remember thinking of those beloved places we’d vacationed and that I’d never go back; it would be too sad.

It’s been almost two years and the many happy memories have helped me remember our enjoyment of traveling together. I know for sure, he’d be sad if I wasn’t traveling.

Late last August my friends, Jeanne, Frank and I discussed a trip to Aruba. Soon we’d settled on a date, found a gorgeous condo on the northern part of the island and plans were finalized.

Leaving Michigan the day before the polar vortex (a brilliant stroke of luck) we arrived for a week in Aruba, a place that held special memories for me, with new ones to be made. Today as I await my return flight, I feel a sense of calm, a renewed love of this amazing place and a certainty that Spence would applaud my return.

Here is the first post of several to follow.

Travels in Aruba 2016 – part nine

~ Spence's Girl ~ 4 Comments

FullSizeRender 314At Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort in Aruba, the immaculate sugar-sand beach is expansive.  While taking in the beauty of the ocean, walking on the beach is a source of exercise and discovery. Here are a few of my discoveries:

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Barriers are set up along beaches everywhere in Aruba, protecting sea turtle nests
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Though we weren’t there for any hatchings, we were fascinated and impressed by the commitment that Aruba has for protecting sea turtles.
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This tiny crab didn’t make it but I wasn’t sure until I got very close to him. 
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A little blossom, right along the water line had traveled some distance courtesy of the tradewinds.

I’m always looking for what I call “hearts in nature” and this trip, found this piece of coral that was shaped like a heart, a lovely discovery.

I hope you’re enjoying “Travels in Aruba 2016” – there’s much more to come.  If you’re even thinking about a trip to Aruba, check out my earlier series, under Categories, called “Travels in Aruba”.

 

Travels in Aruba – part fifteen or Top Ten Things I Love about Aruba

~ Spence's Girl ~ 4 Comments

Here are my Top Ten Things I love about Aruba:

  1. US Currency is accepted in addition to the Aruba Florin.  Prices are posted in both currencies, even slot machines and bill breakers in casinos use US Currency.  It’s easy!
  2. They drive on the proper side of the road – this is great if you’re renting a car as we did.  And for once, I did all the driving (usually Spence drives) and it was very easy to get around.  Even with the round-abouts.
  3. The people are friendly! Known as One Happy Island, Aruba has the most delightful people. We didn’t encounter one person who wasn’t smiling. I suppose if you live in paradise there’s a reason to be happy every day.
  4. The sunsets are stunning. (as are the sunrises) Don’t take my word for it, here’s proof:

5. The water is safe to drink  – and tastes good.  Considering that Aruba is a small island, surrounded by salt water, that’s an accomplishment. It’s great not to worry about safety and the resulting dysentery that can come from visiting places where the water is questionable.

6. The beaches are pristine – white sugar sand and at least where we stayed, that sand extended into the water which was easy on the feet!

7. The color of the water is beyond description. Dependent upon the time of day, depth and cloud cover, it spans every shade of teal, turquoise, cobalt and everything in between.

8. Upon leaving Aruba, Customs and Immigration for both Aruba and the US are handled at their airport.  Though it’s slightly confusing, we got through it with time to spare.

9. There’s so much to do. Whether you are into water sports, beach time, casinos, tours, hiking or dining, Aruba has it. And speaking of dining, fresh seafood is plentiful.

10. The weather. With an average rainfall of less than 20 inches a year, an average daytime temperature of 82° Fahrenheit (27° Celsius), a location completely outside the hurricane belt, and the constant cooling influence of the trade winds, Aruba is one of the most temperate islands in the Caribbean. The difference between median day and night temperatures, and between summer and winter temperatures, is just 3.6°. The rainfall occurs mainly in short showers during November and December.