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Retired & Traveling
Early roll call this morning, as we are finally in a port! We docked in Aruba at 7:00 am and had to disembark right away to meet our tour group. We had signed up for a tour of the island and that's what we got! At first, we drove through what can only be described as poverty level housing. However, the further away from the port we got, the better the housing became. Everything is stucco with red tile or tin roofs and man, it was HOT! Rich's phone said it was 86 but felt like 102 and we all agreed. Our bus was air conditioned and was a real life saver. Our first stop was a park that was full of enormous boulders and cactus--all different types. Turns out that Aruba is full of them (cactus) and they grow wild everywhere. One type we saw at the park had wood in it and we were able to touch it--so weird! Our guide told us that a home had been constructed using these cacti entirely and was still standing. We reboarded our bus and continued on to the north side of the island where a natural bridge occurs. There wasn't much to be seen for miles except cactus and tour buses. A jeep tour came in as we were leaving and our guide called them the "shake and bake" group. How true! No a/c for them!! Next was a stop on the west side where all the resorts are located . This is what one would expect to see when you hear 'Aruba.' We made our way to a dock and boarded a vessel much like a ferry for people. It took us out to meet another boat which looked plain on the top (above water), but was actually like a submarine below. We climbed down a steep flight of stairs and there were about 30 small foldout seats facing large portholes, with 15 seats on each side. We were able to see a sunken German ship from WWII as well as numerous fish and people snorkeling. There were also scuba divers near the shipwreck and we could watch them. I got a little "anxious" (claustrophobic) but fortunately, I had a strong a/c vent blowing right in my face and that helped drastically. Last on the list was a stop at a lighthouse where we could see most of the city. The water is a gorgeous hue of turquoise and blues, and it was so beautiful. By the time we got back to the ship, we were all hungry and decided to go to Sabatini's for pizza. Pam and I had the veggie one and the guys got pepperoni. I don't know if it was because we were so ravenous or what, but we devoured that pizza and it was delicious! Rich and I took a nap after lunch and then Pam and I went to a talk about Cartagena, which is our port tomorrow. We met up with the guys afterwards for another round of bingo. We won two out of the four games played and came close the other two times!! Our total winnings for the day were $125! It would've been double that but another table won both times too and we had to share the pot. So much fun!! By this time, we needed to get ready for dinner. We decided we wanted to make the early show, the comedian from the other night was performing again. We enjoyed a quick dinner and got to the theater just about 5 minutes before it began. He was hilarious! Scott Wyler is his name. Not much going on now--back in our room watching tv and relaxing.
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Kathi Hybart I've been to Aruba and have pics on that natural bridge. It is covered in salt because the splash from the waves is caught and then it evaporates and the salt layer is thick! The Divi Divi trees that grow sideways due to the trade winds point toward the resort side of the island so you can never be lost! Wild goats go with all those cacti! So cool hearing your take!