Archive for the ‘Personal Life’ Category

DAY FOUR IN ARUBA

Saturday, February 4th, 2012

Rose early and had some fresh fruit and cottage cheese for breakfast as well as some toast and butter with hot coffee.

Then off on a tour of the countryside in Aruba.  Saw a lovely little chapel and bought a hand made rosary – two of them actually.

Visted a cemetery where all the deceased are interred above ground and each family has their own crypt.  What made it so interesting is that each family painted their crypt the color of their choice and they had pictures of the deceased and religious statues encased in glass. Some of them had etched the names of their deceased loved ones on the front of the crypt.  They are all made of cement.  It was all so much more personal they it is done.

We saw baby beach and the natural bridge.  We also went through the aloe vera factory and learned how all the cosmetics are made – was pretty interesting actually.  Everyone here will tell you “this is one happy island” and they are so right.  Every person we have encountered has been so friendly and so nice!

Had dinner at El Gaucho tonight. A lovely Argentine steak house with strolling troubadors.  The food was delicious and I liked the restaurant but the noise level was so loud it was just sensory overload for me.

Hard to believe we will be home tomorrow back to the cold and the snow, but after all, there really IS no place like home.

 

DAY THREE IN ARUBA

Saturday, February 4th, 2012

Was another beautiful day in Aruba. Fresh fruits for breakfast, hot coffee. Had my choice of a made to order omelet, scrambled eggs, bacon, smoked sausage, pastries, rolls, bread, yogurt, cereal, etc. but I stuck with the fresh fruits and cottage cheese.

Walked all over the island, browsed some shops, then walked back to the hotel and walked the beach.  Had lunch at the Terrace outdoor restaurant, Cobb salad with a roll and a glass of pinot grigio.

Took another very long walk on the beach and then back to the hotel for a nice hot shower.

Got all dolled up in a sundress and Jim and I had dinner on the beach complete with tikki torches, music, etc.  I had a salad, then filet mignon with a lobster tail, fried plantains, veggies, potatos, etc., all followed by a lovely chocolatey dessert.  Now you know why I ate a healthy breakfast and lunch!

Went back to the hotel and got hijacked in the lobby by the young set and had two glasses of wine at the bar and listened to the more than slightly tipsy young folks – always very, very interesting to say the least.

We repaired to our room at midnight for a short night’s sleep.  Up at six thirty to shower, get dressed and head out on a tour of the countryside.

This vacation is flying by!

DAY TWO IN ARUBA

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

Last night we kicked off Carnivale in Aruba, complete with dancing in the street, masks and elaborate costumes.  A great time was had by all!

I cannot post more pictures (although I have plenty) because I forgot to bring my camera cable and don’t want to rack up a huge cell phone bill for data usage.  I will, however, post my pictures when I return home.

We returned from the Carnivale street festival at ten last night and stayed in the bar talking with friends from New Jersey until 1 a.m.  Haven’t done that in a million years!!

Up early today though and outstide to get some exericse and do some window shopping.  The sun is daunting but thankfully there are wonderful tropical breezes both day and night.  It really  is a tropical paradise.  I could definitely get used to this lifestyle!

Lunch and a glass of pinot grigio is calling me under the palm trees.  More tomorrow!