ARUBA

Aruba is a small island about 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela. It became well known, in the last few years, because of the disappearance of Natalie Holloway. It is only 20 miles long. Getting there was the worst part. We flew for 12 hours (with layovers) and we had to make 2 connections, one in Dallas and one in Miami. We left at about 7 am and didn't get there until 8 pm. My sister lives in the NH, so it only takes her about 6 hours.

There's a constant breeze which makes the temperatures very comfortable, but be careful because the sun is strong. The blue-green water is great for snorkling and the white beaches are beautiful. On vacations in the past we have over scheduled ourselves, but this was very relaxing. I got to finish two good books.



This was the view from our hotel room, at Casa del Mar.





This is my sister, Marykay, and her husband Andy. Their in-laws own a time share on the island. Marykay and Andy go to Aruba every other year and take someone with them. In 2007, we were lucky enough to be able to join them. We only had to pay for our flight there and spending money, since the room was taken care of. My sister and her in-laws are very generous.



This shows you that Casa del Mar is right on the beach. Younger people that want to party usually stay down town, where the night life is better. There is great shopping too, but it is very expensive.



We went out to dinner every night. This was a place called The Flying Fishbone. The tables are right on the beach and your feet are in the water. It was beautiful and the food was delicious.




At night we watched the sunsets and during the day we would lie in the sun, read, snorkel, tour the island and PARASAIL!


























These iguanas are everywhere on the island. They are not very friendly, but they sure are cute. If you get too close, they'll knod their head at you as a warning and then run away. You have to be sure to close the sliding door on the balcony of your room because they can climb the side of the buildings and they'll come in.

This is a Divi Divi tree. They're all over the island. Isn't the color of that water amazing. We had a wonderful time and we would love to go back, but because of how long it takes to get there from New Mexico, I think we'll go west next time.

Hawaii, here we come.....yeh, right...maybe in 2028.