Tag: sunsets in Aruba

Travels in Aruba 2016 – part ten

~ Spence's Girl ~ 7 Comments

As mentioned, this visit to Aruba was planned in large part to celebrate my 60th birthday.  Heading down that morning for breakfast, I told Spence I’d like to start my day with a mimosa.  Martin, who greeted and seated us each day said he’d take care of that request.

We proceeded to fill our plates from the phenomenal buffet (see part six of this series for more about our daily breakfasts at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort).  I’d just finished my first plate of goodies when I saw Martin approaching with my mimosa, followed by Oriana and Sali, singing “Happy Birthday” and bringing me this delicious surprise:

I learned from Sali that Nakarid, who we saw most mornings, had the day off but had asked Sali to prepare this for me in her absence. It was so thoughtful and I got a number of heartfelt hugs as well.

Later that day…

We think Bucuti’s own Elements Restaurant is the best in Aruba so when Spence asked where I’d like to have my birthday dinner, it was my first choice!

Yolanda, our server, was so accomodating and our meals were perfection. She took the picture of us below.

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OMG – I can’t even describe this soup. I’d wanted to try it since our last trip here. Amazing!

On to the entrees:

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My choice, the duck!
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Cooked to perfection.
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Spence had Gnocchi with Roasted Vegetables – yum!

As we toasted and enjoyed a leisurely dinner, the sunset was spectacular.

What a way to celebrate my birthday, from beginning to end.

59 Candles, 59 Things – part thirty

~ Spence's Girl ~ 8 Comments

Thirty eighth thing –  I can’t believe it took this long to get to sunsets but then this series is not written in any order, rather it is about 59 things that make me happy.

And sunsets make me happy, especially if I am near water. Or while drinking a glass of wine. Or both.

I could wax poetic about sunsets but when I saw this quote on Pinterest, I realized I couldn’t say it better. I hope you’ll enjoy my love of sunsets in photos I’ve taken in my travels.

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This series, “59 Candles, 59 Things” is my tribute to my 59th birthday in May 2015. I’m sharing 59 Things that make me happy.  If you’d like to see more of this series, just click on “59 Things” under categories and thanks for visiting!

 

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.